About the Chairs

This set of four Model 150 dining chairs was manufactured by TON in Bystřice pod Hostýnem, Czechoslovakia, in 1965. The design is attributed to Czech furniture designer Antonín Šuman and represents the lighter, more organic direction taken by Czechoslovak furniture during the post-war period.

Each chair has a solid beech frame with gently tapered cylindrical legs, supporting stretchers and angled rear uprights. A curved plywood backrest follows the body while keeping the overall silhouette visually light. The warm honey-brown finish is complemented by the original burgundy-red textured upholstery.

The combination of geometric construction and softly shaped components reflects the influence of Scandinavian modernism while retaining a distinctly Central European character. The chairs also relate to the Czechoslovak Brussels style that emerged around Expo 58, characterised by optimistic forms, angled lines and a new sense of visual lightness.

A surviving period TON catalogue, reproduced among the photographs, documents the Model 150 form and provides an important historical reference for the identification.

The chairs are sold as a complete set of four.

Origin: Czechoslovakia
Date: 1965
Model: 150
Manufacturer: TON, Bystřice pod Hostýnem
Designer: Attributed to Antonín Šuman
Materials: Solid beech, shaped plywood and textile upholstery
Style: Czechoslovak Mid-Century Modern / Brussels style

Condition & Restoration

All four chairs are in good original vintage condition and have been carefully checked, cleaned and prepared for use in our Brno workshop.

The beech frames retain their warm original finish and have developed a gentle patina. Light signs of age and previous use are visible, particularly around the backrests and seat edges, but they do not detract from the overall appearance.

The original burgundy-red upholstery is remarkably well preserved, with only minor signs of age. Retaining this fabric is an important part of preserving the chairs’ authentic period character.

All four constructions are stable and the chairs are ready for everyday use.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they provide a detailed record of the condition. We are also happy to supply additional photographs or information before purchase.

Dimensions

Dimensions of each chair:

Width: 44 cm
Depth: 53 cm
Height: 80 cm
Seat height: 46 cm

Delivery & Returns

This stool will be carefully packed and shipped from our studio in Brno, Czech Republic.

EU shipping: €80, confirmed at checkout
Estimated EU delivery: 3–7 working days

We also ship worldwide using trusted international couriers. Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote outside the EU.

Choosing vintage furniture already helps extend the life of a well-made object. To further reduce the environmental impact of delivery, we support reforestation projects through Tree-Nation by funding the planting of trees for our shipments.

EU customers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

If you would like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help throughout the process and after your piece has arrived.

Why Buy from Barnabas

Original vintage furniture sourced in former Czechoslovakia

Each piece carefully checked and restored where required

Manufacturer and designer attributions researched and stated conservatively

Original labels, materials and markings documented wherever possible

Based in Brno, Czech Republic

Worldwide shipping

Established in 2016

Design Note

TON was established under its present name in 1953 in Bystřice pod Hostýnem, continuing the local bentwood-manufacturing tradition introduced by Thonet during the 19th century. In the post-war decades, the company combined this inherited manufacturing expertise with new approaches to modern furniture design.

The Model 150 reflects this transition. Its tapered legs, curved plywood backrest and restrained construction move away from heavier traditional dining furniture towards the lighter forms associated with 1960s interiors.

The design is attributed to Antonín Šuman, an important figure in post-war Czechoslovak furniture. We have retained the attribution rather than presenting the designer as conclusively documented, unless further period evidence becomes available.

Complete sets retaining their original upholstery are increasingly difficult to find. Preserved together, these four chairs provide an appealing and practical example of everyday Czechoslovak Modernist design.