Some people mistakenly think that Bentwood is the name of a chair manufacturer, yet it is actually a type of chair that is made by bending the wood to the correct shape to make a chair. The very first Bentwood chair was said to be made by an Austrian cabinet maker by the name of Michael Thonet in Vienna in the 1850s.
How are Bentwood chairs made?
After selecting and preparing the wood, it is steam-treated and bent into shape, then when the right shape is achieved, the wood is cooled and it remains in that shape. Thonet experimented many times using various forms of heat before eventually stumbling on steam, which made the wood pliable without splintering. Thonet tried many different ways including veneer and glue and while he saw some benefits, steam-heating the wood turned out to be perfect.
Keeping it in the family
Thonet enlisted the help of his sons who carried on developing this amazing process and like most things, you more you do it, the better you become. They were very industrious and within a few years, Bentwood factories emerged across Europe and new designs were created, including chairs made with slats that had flowing lines. It wasn’t only aesthetically pleasing, Bentwood chairs were very comfortable and most importantly, large pieces of wood were not required to create curved shapes. The iconic No 14 chair was designed by Michael Thonet in 1859, which quickly became the first mass-produced chair, as it was relatively easy to make.
Popular bar furniture
Bentwood chairs became very popular in bars and restaurants, mainly due to the added comfort and the elegant look. Customers were very impressed with this style of seating and that made Bentwood furniture very popular in homes all over Europe. Here in Australia, homeowners prefer rattan Bentwood chairs because they are very durable and can withstand the harsh Aussie climate. If you would like to view a wide range of rattan Bentwood furniture, start with a Google search and you will find leading Australian suppliers that offer the best quality items.
Mass production
The Thonet family constructed a new factory in the Moravian Forest and separated the construction process into different parts; men did the steaming and bending while women handled the artistic side and finished off the chairs with sanding and applying varnish. Click here for top-rated designs for outdoor spaces.
Kit form manufacturing
One of the Thonet sons was a very clever chap and he worked out a way to ship the chairs in kit form and the retailer could assemble the chairs when the kits arrived. In 1857, the factory produced 10,000 units per year, which grew to an amazing 1.8 million in 1913.
The Thonet family set their sights high and together, they created a global network of retailers to market their furniture, publishing catalogues in several languages. The business was so successful, they created a global marketplace and struggled to keep up with demand, opening new factories as they were needed. Bentwood furniture far exceeds Australian standards, which is why they are so popular for garden furniture.
Whether it’s a wedding, a fundraising dinner, or even just a party with friends and family at home, along with the guest list, food, drinks, and entertainment, you will need to think about the decorations. For any type of celebration, flowers are a popular choice and it is easy to see why. They look and smell great. The right flower arrangement can really elevate the whole occasion.
However, there are so many different types of flowers to choose from. Some options are more traditional while others will look fresh and modern, then of course you have to consider things such as whether they are seasonal. This can get confusing, but this guide is here to walk you through the process of picking the right arrangement for your party.
Common Events Which Use Flowers
Flowers add a touch of elegance and beauty to any event, but there are a few celebrations for which they are especially popular. These include:
- Weddings: Flowers are a staple of wedding decoration at both the ceremony venue and the reception. There’s the bridal bouquet, guests’ corsages and boutonnieres, and table centrepieces to think about, and many other decorative uses for flowers besides those. Roses, lilies, and daisies tend to be the most popular wedding flowers, but of course, there is a lot of freedom for the couple to choose their own.
- Anniversaries: Roses and orchids are popular anniversary party decorations and gifts. Similar to a wedding, you might find flowers serving as table centerpieces at an anniversary party. They can also be a great way to decorate a photo area at one or at a wedding.
- Baby showers: Flower bouquets or centerpieces are popular at baby showers, especially ones that are themed around the baby’s gender, such as using blue flowers for boys and pink ones for girls. Neutral colors such as purple and yellow can also look great for those who prefer not to know.
Wherever in the world you are, whether you’re looking for flower delivery in Burwood, NSW or in Tokyo, Japan, it is easy to find florists who will cater for these occasions. But they are by no means the only events that you can use flowers for. A good florist will be able to cater for different and unique events too. There are more tips on how to hire a great florist below.
How to find a great florist
A good florist will help you get the party ready by taking care of the flower arrangements.
- Experience and reputation: Check how long they’ve been around and check out any online reviews. It’s even better if you can speak to somebody who has direct experience with them.
- Ask how often they restock: Florists who hold onto flowers too long might not deliver the freshest blooms.
- Make sure they will deliver to your event location.
Make sure you know where your flowers are really coming from: If you are trying to support small, local businesses, then be extra sure that that is who you are buying from. Some unscrupulous large corporations in Australia have been caught pretending to be local businesses.