bentwood n : wood that is steamed until it becomes pliable and then is shaped for use in making furniture; "bentwood chairs"

English

Noun

1. Lengths of wood that have been made pliable by heating with steam and then bent into the appropriate shape (to make furniture, ship's hulls etc)

Bentwood is a term used to describe furniture made by steaming wood, bending it, and letting it harden into curved shapes and patterns, and is most often used in the production of rocking chairs, cafe chairs, and other light furniture. The process was developed by Michael Thonet, a German who received a patent in 1856. Many other furniture manufacturers have used the process since the expiry of the patent in 1889.

The process is still in widespread use for making casual and informal furniture of all types, particularly seating and table forms. It is also a popular technique in the worldwide production of furniture with frames made of heavy cane, which is commonly imported into European and Western shops for today's consumers.

See also

• Ercol
• Lucian Ercolani
• Twig work