![](http://www.designcollectors.com/modules/jscomposer/uploads/new-header-thonet-2.jpg)
Bend it or break it!
"Bend it or break it" was the motto of Michael Thonet during his lifetime. The Boppard native is regarded as a pioneer in furniture production; his bentwood technique revolutionized furniture design because bending solid wood was revolutionary in the 19th century and has not lost any of its fascination to this day.
![](http://www.designcollectors.com/modules/jscomposer/uploads/thonet-handwerkskunst-1.jpg)
![](http://www.designcollectors.com/modules/jscomposer/uploads/thonet-handwerkskunst-2.jpg)
Though the chair consists of just six parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, a total of 124 steps are required to transform it into the elegant final product of the classic Viennese coffeehouse chair. The film demonstrates this process, a wood mechanic, showcasing the creation of the iconic coffeehouse chair No. 214.
Footnotes:
Text and photos: thonet.de
Shop the look
![209 Chaise, Natural beech varnished - Thonet - Thonet Design Team - Furniture by Designcollectors 209 Chaise, Natural beech varnished - Thonet - Thonet Design Team - Furniture by Designcollectors](https://www.designcollectors.com/17859-large_default/thonet-209-natural.jpg)