Chair 118: Developing Thonet’s design icons
For over 200 years, the chairs of the furniture manufacturer Thonet have been admired. All over the world. They are so iconic that they can even be found in paintings by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Henri Matisse. But even with well-known design classics in its range, the company does not rest on its laurels. Time and again, it works with designers and architects on new interpretations and designs. And in doing so, it builds on its rich history. The Chair 118, for example, with its bentwood frame and handcrafted wickerwork seat
references one of the most famous Thonet bentwood chairs: the legendary chair no. 14 (today 214). Just like the latter, it follows the principle of reducing a chair to as few components as possible. And thus remains true to the philosophy of the company’s founder, Michael Thonet. Nevertheless, designer Sebastian Herkner brings his own elegance to the design. He adds refined details that make the design less dominant but all the more distinguished. For example, the special shape of the chair legs: They are rounded on the outside and straight on the inside. Visually, they take up the horseshoe-shaped base of the seat. In this way, the Chair 118 is a further development that reflects the company’s heritage and goes one step further. Minimalist and honest, elegant and filigree, the 118 by Thonet is a no-frills all-rounder that adds subtle elegance to any dining table, in any restaurant. And has the potential to become a new classic.
The best way to convince yourself that Thonet chairs – such as the 118 – are not only elegant but also comfortable is to try them out. Therefore, come to Lucerne and discover the beautiful Thonet furniture in our Wohnidee showrooms.
