What defines an ebonised bentwood settee?

An ebonised bentwood settee features beech wood steam-bent into fluid curves and finished with a dark ebonised stain, a technique popularised by Michael Thonet in the nineteenth century.

What materials are traditionally used in bentwood settees?

Traditional bentwood construction utilises solid beech wood shaped with steam under pressure, often paired with woven cane or upholstered seat panels.

How can you identify authentic Thonet bentwood furniture?

Authentic Thonet pieces typically feature paper makers labels or impressed stamps underneath the seat frame, alongside characteristic steam-bent joinery.

How do you style a bentwood settee in a modern interior?

A bentwood settee functions as a compact seating option in an entryway, hallway, or bedroom, pairing well with neutral tones and textured textiles.

How should ebonised bentwood furniture be maintained?

Keep bentwood furniture away from direct heat sources to prevent timber from drying, and dust regularly with a soft cloth while avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

for sale €1,521 $1,651

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Id #SA1232448

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Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa

Name: Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1232448
Price: 1300 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Spinka & Co

Description

P0208 A Rare Turn-of-the-Century Ebonised and Gilded Sofa by Thonet, c.1900

An exceptional ebonised sofa by the world renowned manufacturer Thonet, dating to circa 1900. This model features an elegantly shaped top rail above a distinctive kidney shaped backrest, a generous, comfortable seat, and sweeping open scroll arms. The entire frame is beautifully elevated by sophisticated gilded decoration throughout, all standing on stylishly outswept legs.

This piece is stamped by the maker and is a documented design featured in original Thonet factory catalogues. It has undergone a sympathetic restoration where all joints were checked and tightened to ensure structural integrity. The original ebonised finish has been meticulously cleaned, revived, and traditionally waxed to preserve its historic patina.

Upholstery State: The sofa has been professionally stripped and currently finished in a high-quality calico base. To give you complete design freedom, the back has been left unstuffed and unpadded, leaving the piece entirely ready to be covered in a top fabric of your choice. Two brand new feather cushions are included.

Condition: Superbly looked after over the decades, this rare collector's piece is offered in home ready structural condition.

H18"-seat H37" W46" D27"-max

H1ft 6" H3ft 1" W3ft 10" D2ft 3"

H46cm-seat H94cm, W117cm, D69cm-max

Michael Thonet (2 July 1796 – 3 March 1871) was a German-Austrian cabinet maker, known for the invention of bentwood furniture.

He received a bronze medal at The Great exhibition of London in 1851 and at the next World's Fair, Exposition Universelle in Paris 1855, he was awarded the silver medal.

In 1856 Thonet Brothers expanded with a furniture factory in Korycany and in the next years, five more Central European production sites were established in Bystrice pod Hostýnem, Velké Uherce, Vsetín, Halenkov and Radomsko in 1880.

Physical Dimensions

Height

94cm (37.01")

Width

117cm (46.06")

Depth

69cm (27.17")

Declaration

Spinka & Co has dated this Thonet Ebonised Bentwood Settee to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1232448

Dealers Internal Reference

p0208

Dealers Notes

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FREE shipping within mainland UK – England, Wales and some parts of Scotland

For areas outside of mainland UK please contact us for a shipping quote.

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All our furniture has been restored in our workshop and is ready to use at home.

If you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@spinka.co or 07517940350 (00447517940350 what’s app).

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We aim to deliver within 14 days (UK mainland), and we only use professional courier services.

We also offer global air and sea freight with our trusted shipper.

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If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase, please inform us by email within 48 hours of receiving your item.

We will then arrange a collection and issue a full refund.

The cost of return will be equal to the original delivery cost even when the cost is included (usually between £70-£185) and will be deducted from your refund.

We do not refund the original delivery cost.

The furniture must arrive back to us in the same condition that it left us.

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Viewing by appointment only.

Description

P0208 A Rare Turn-of-the-Century Ebonised and Gilded Sofa by Thonet, c.1900

An exceptional ebonised sofa by the world renowned manufacturer Thonet, dating to circa 1900.

“

This model features an elegantly shaped top rail above a distinctive kidney shaped backrest, a generous, comfortable seat, and sweeping open scroll arms.

Spinka & Co

The entire frame is beautifully elevated by sophisticated gilded decoration throughout, all standing on stylishly outswept legs.

fig 1. An ebonised steam-bent wood settee with a cream upholstered backrest and seat cushion. — fig 1. Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa

This piece is stamped by the maker and is a documented design featured in original Thonet factory catalogues. It has undergone a sympathetic restoration where all joints were checked and tightened to ensure structural integrity. The original ebonised finish has been meticulously cleaned, revived, and traditionally waxed to preserve its historic patina.

fig 2. An ebonised steam-bent wood settee with a cream upholstered backrest and seat cushion. — fig 2. Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa

Upholstery State: The sofa has been professionally stripped and currently finished in a high-quality calico base. To give you complete design freedom, the back has been left unstuffed and unpadded, leaving the piece entirely ready to be covered in a top fabric of your choice. Two brand new feather cushions are included.

fig 3. An ebonised steam-bent wood settee with a cream upholstered backrest and seat cushion. — fig 3. Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa

Condition: Superbly looked after over the decades, this rare collector's piece is offered in home ready structural condition.

H18"-seat H37" W46" D27"-max

H1ft 6" H3ft 1" W3ft 10" D2ft 3"

H46cm-seat H94cm, W117cm, D69cm-max

fig 4. An ebonised steam-bent wood settee with a cream upholstered backrest and seat cushion. — fig 4. Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa

Michael Thonet (2 July 1796 – 3 March 1871) was a German-Austrian cabinet maker, known for the invention of bentwood furniture.

He received a bronze medal at The Great exhibition of London in 1851 and at the next World's Fair, Exposition Universelle in Paris 1855, he was awarded the silver medal.

fig 5. An ebonised steam-bent wood settee with a cream upholstered backrest and seat cushion. — fig 5. Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa

In 1856 Thonet Brothers expanded with a furniture factory in Korycany and in the next years, five more Central European production sites were established in Bystrice pod Hostýnem, Velké Uherce, Vsetín, Halenkov and Radomsko in 1880.