Shaped by steam, proven by time: Chairs № 14 and № 811
At Ton, tradition is not merely a concept, but a living practice. Chairs № 14 and № 811 are more than just furniture. Created more than a century ago, they are emblems of enduring craftsmanship, continuity and design clarity, and are still produced today with the same respect for material, form and tradition. These two iconic pieces of bentwood furniture have come to define the look of cafés, restaurants, hotels and homes around the world.
Introduced in 1859, Chair № 14 is often referred to as“ the chair of chairs”. Its pioneering use of steam-bent wood redefined furniture production, making construction efficient and the form elegantly minimal. Just six pieces of bentwood, ten screws and two bolts create a structure that is strong and functional yet visually light and beautifully proportioned. It’ s quiet confidence and universal appeal have made it a global standard, particularly in café culture, where it remains an iconic presence to this day. yet subtle chair, with a handwoven seat and backrest that add lightness and tactility, and a frame with refined lines. Hoffmann’ s design has proved to be timeless, being equally suited to heritage settings and contemporary interiors.
These models are special not just for their form, but also for the way they are made. Both chairs are still crafted in a factory in Bystřice pod Hostýnem, where wood has been shaped by hand using steam since 1861. In this historic Czech town, generations of artisans have passed down their skills not through instruction manuals but through gestures, rhythm and the deep intuition that comes only with experience. vibrant greens and yellows drawn from the surrounding nature. These grounded colours bring a subtle modernity to the classic silhouettes of the chairs, enabling them to express a new visual language while honouring their origins.
Their spirit also lives on in modern reinterpretations. Chair № 314, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, offers a softer take on No. 14, with a more sculptural design featuring rounded geometry and refined minimalism. Meanwhile, Chair № 822, the contemporary counterpart to № 811, updates Hoffmann’ s legacy for the 21st century with improved ergonomics and a wider range of materials.
The story of Chair № 811 began in 1930 when the architect and designer Josef Hoffmann conceived the idea of combining the precision of bentwood with the softness of cane. The result is a striking
Bending solid wood into precise, durable curves takes patience and respect for the material. It’ s a method that cannot be rushed— and the finished chair shows it. Every arc, every joint and every silhouette tells the story of time, care and mastery.
Yet these icons are far from relics of the past. Today, Chairs № 14 and № 811 are available in a carefully curated range of finishes inspired by Ton’ s surroundings, including a deep blue reminiscent of workers’ uniforms, a warm brick red reminiscent of the historic factory buildings and
Some pieces are timeless because they never change. Others are timeless because they adapt. These two chairs are both. Still made. Still relevant. Still inspiring.