Wood that has been specially treated, steamed, or bent to create curved furniture or structural pieces.
Compound word from bent plus wood. The term became prominent in the 19th century, especially associated with the Thonet furniture company that pioneered steam-bending techniques in Austria.
Michael Thonet's bentwood chairs were industrial design revolution—using just steam, molds, and screws, he created light, strong, beautiful furniture that was cheap enough for regular people and so well-designed that the same Café chair is still manufactured today!
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