Furniture

During the 1960s and 1970s, American furniture design saw a strong rise in modular systems. Manufacturers such as Lane Furniture, Drexel Heritage, Bassett Furniture, and Broyhill focused on adaptability, durability, and timeless aesthetics to meet the needs of modern living. Furniture of this type was aimed at middle to upper-class households and was often designed to last for generations. The solid construction, quality veneers, and metal hardware reflect these values. Based on construction details, proportions, and stylistic features, this wall unit can most likely be attributed to one of the aforementioned manufacturers, although exact authorship cannot be definitively confirmed.

Boat-shaped coffee tables are a memorable expression of nautical design heritage in interior decor. They reinterpret functional watercraft into artistic and functional furniture, often sought after in both vintage and contemporary design circles. 

This armchair originates from a pivotal moment in European design history, when interior design shifted away from ornamental Art Nouveau toward functional and rational forms. Known as reform furniture, this movement emphasized craftsmanship, structural honesty, and socially conscious design. Such pieces were commonly produced in Central Europe, particularly within the cultural sphere of Vienna and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, often as part of architect-designed interiors.

A beautiful set of four dining chairs from the iconic TON 514 model, designed by Radomír Hofman for TON n.p. in Bystřice pod Hostýnem in the 1960s. A perfect example of Czechoslovak mid-century modernism and functionalist furniture design. Crafted from bent beechwood with a sculptural veneered backrest and signature cut-out detail, these chairs are both elegant and sturdy.  The seats have been  reupholstered in a high-quality textured fabric in a dark cool-toned shade (blue-grey, as shown in the photos). This tone creates a sophisticated contrast with the warm grain of the dark-stained wood, enhancing the chairs’ graphic silhouette and giving them a calm, gallery-like presence—ideal for both contemporary and classic interiors. Model: TON 514 Designer: Radomír Hofman Manufacturer: TON n.p., Bystřice pod Hostýnem Period: 1960s Materials: bentwood, veneer, new upholstery Dimensions: H 82 cm × W 46 cm × D 52 cm, seat height 44 cm Condition: excellent, fully restored Set includes: 4 chairs A true icon of Czechoslovak mid-century furniture – stylish, durable, and timeless.

Oswald Haerdtl was a central figure in Austrian modernism. His furniture designs reflect an architectural approach—clear structure, subtle curves, and strong attention to ergonomics. His chairs were often created for refined interiors, cafés, and public spaces, combining durability with visual restraint.

The Fischel company was among the leading European producers of bentwood furniture, recognized for its innovative techniques, refined design, and outstanding craftsmanship. This elegant set is a wonderful example of timeless furniture that perfectly blends functionality, aesthetic balance, and artisanal quality.

At the turn of the 20th century, a new artistic movement emerged in Vienna – the Vienna Secession, aiming to unite fine arts, architecture, and applied design into one coherent aesthetic vision. The movement’s leading figures, Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, co-founded the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903 – a design workshop dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and a modern, geometrically pure style. Their creations are characterized by refined proportions, minimalist forms, and attention to every decorative detail. This design philosophy profoundly influenced Central European interior culture and paved the way for later modernist tendencies in design and architecture. Chairs of this type were typically produced between 1900 and 1910 for bourgeois interiors, salons, and writing desks, blending elegant aesthetics with everyday practicality.

The bentwood technique revolutionized furniture making in the late 19th century. J. & J. Kohn (Jacob & Josef Kohn, Vienna) became one of the most prominent producers and Thonet’s main rival. After merging with Mundus in 1914 and later with Thonet in 1921, they formed the largest furniture manufacturer of their time. Models featuring the distinctive double-loop backrest and caned seats became icons of the Viennese Secession style and café culture across Europe.

Functionalist furniture in Czechoslovakia was strongly influenced by Bauhaus and the German modernist scene. Besides major enterprises such as UP závody,Thonet important manufacturers like Vichr & Spol., Mücke & Melder and Slezák helped shape the progressive aesthetic of interwar modern living. Chromed steel became a hallmark of technological progress and modern lifestyle.

The WAVE chair was introduced after 2010 as part of TON’s contemporary design line. Michal Riabič, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, is a leading figure in modern Slovak design. TON, based in Bystřice pod Hostýnem, continues the heritage of Thonet, maintaining high-quality bentwood furniture production since 1861 and collaborating with progressive designers worldwide.