C Magazine #2 - No.14

Magazine C is a quarterly documentary magazine that highlights an iconic chair in each issue, exploring its design significance and the lifestyles surrounding it.

From celebrated designs that influence the furniture industry to everyday seating in public spaces, Magazine C examines chairs of all kinds.

The magazine features insights from designers, brands, manufacturers, collectors, and everyday users, offering a comprehensive view of their impact on contemporary culture. Issue 1 showcased Jean Prouvé’s Standard Chair, Issue 2 focused on Michael Thonet’s No. 14 Chair.

Issue 2 No.14:

The No. 14 chair, which Michael Thonet introduced in 1859, is widely known as the “coffeehouse chair.”

In fact, since the 19th century, the chair has transcended time and borders, and is found wherever people gather, be it cafés, restaurants, or bars. Through the No. 14 chair, Thonet embodied technological innovation, efficiency, and accessibility as he pioneered new mass production manufacturing techniques to steam-bend wood, create easy-to-assemble products, and introduce flat-pack shipping for efficient international distribution. He also promoted his products in catalogs.

Today, everyone can purchase and use a reasonably priced chair and expect consistent quality, and with its classic design and elegant beauty, the No.14 chair stands at the starting point of this phenomenon.