The development of bentwood for use in furniture is one of history’s most significant innovations in design. A range of renowned mid-century modern designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Charles and Ray Eames drew heavily on this technological advancement, and the success of their enduring works owes to the efforts of pioneering German-Austrian industrialist and designer Michael Thonet — founder of Thonet and widely considered the father of bentwood furniture.
Bentwood furniture dates as far back as the Middle Ages, but it is the 19th-century cabinetmaker and master of parquetry Michael Thonet who is most often associated with this now-classic technique. Thonet in 1856 patented a method for bending solid wood through the use of steam, and from there, the bentwood look skyrocketed to furniture fame. He experimented with bending birch rods into rounded shapes — forming delicately seductive, curving Art Nouveau creations that were a daring departure from the heavy, hand-carved designs attributed to his contemporaries.
The Boppard-born Thonet honed his carpentry skills in his father’s workshop, where he carried out experiments with plywood and modified the Biedermeier chairs that populated the studio. He received an invitation from Austrian Chancellor Prince Metternich to contribute Neo-Rococo interiors to the Liechtenstein City Palace in Vienna. From there, the cabinetmaker gained international recognition, including at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, which featured works created by members of the Arts and Crafts movement as well as industrial products. Thonet showed a range of furniture at the fair and won the bronze medal for his bentwood chairs. He incorporated his family’s company, the Thonet Brothers — or Gebrüder Thonet — with his sons in 1853.
Considered the world’s oldest mass-produced chair, Michael Thonet’s ubiquitous Chair No. 14 demonstrated that his patented bentwood technology made it possible to efficiently produce furniture on an industrial scale.
Often called the Coffee House chair — the company’s first substantial order was for a Viennese coffeehouse — the No. 14 remains an icon. Thonet originally designed the chair in 1859, and it is considered the starting point for modern furniture. Composed of just six parts, the chair, with its simple, lightweight design, belies its durability. The No. 14 was followed by the No. 18, or the Bistro chair, in 1867, and the 209, or the Architect’s chair, of which Le Corbusier was a fan. (The influential Swiss-French architect and designer used Thonet furniture in his Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau at the 1925 International Exposition of Decorative Arts in Paris.)
The business began mass-producing furniture. By the end of the 1850s, there were additional Thonet workshops in Eastern Europe and hundreds of employees. Michael Thonet’s reputation attracted the attention of notable architects including Otto Wagner, Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Thonet’s patented bentwood technology also yielded an improvement to rocking chairs for his company — in the middle of the 19th century, Michael produced a series of rockers in which the different curved parts were integrated into fluid, sinuous wholes. Thanks to Thonet, the humble rocker acquired something unexpected: style. And bentwood furniture was embraced by a series of design greats — the innovation can be found in the seating that Josef Hoffman designed for Thonet, in the elegant Superleggera chair created by Gio Ponti and Alvar Aalto’s expressive Paimio armchair.
The No. 14 chair earned a gold medal at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair and reportedly sold 50 million copies prior to World War I. Today it’s a staple furnishing in countless movies, television shows, restaurants, bars and homes.
On 1stDibs, find an array of antique Michael Thonet seating, tables and more.
Michael Thonet, bentwood 19th century side table No. 1, Austria
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your living space with the exquisite charm of Michael Thonet’s 19th century side table No. 1, seamlessly blending Austrian craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Its intricate...
Bentwood
Set of 5 Thonet #214 Vienna Bentwood Chairs
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Bern, CH
Set of 5 Thonet #214 Vienna Bentwood Coffee House Chairs with cane work seat. 1978 production in walnut. All chairs are completely sturdy with nice patina to the bentwood frames. The...
Wood, Cane
$394Sale Price / item|30% Off
Thonet Chair N. 15, 1960s, 1 of 2
By Michael Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
1 of 2 Thonet No. 15 chairs was manufactured 1960. The chair was designed by Michael Thonet in 1859. It features a beech bentwood frame with cane. Clear wood finish. Wood and ca...
Cane, Hardwood, Bentwood
Michael Thonet for Thonet Wood Vienna Straw Dining Room Chairs 1930s
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of six vintage dining chairs ‘Model No. 233’ designed by Michael Thonet for Thonet Czechoslovakia, with bentwood back frame and armrests, Vienna straw seat, some bearing the orig...
Straw, Wood
Exceptional Rocking Chair by Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This old authentic rocking chair was designed Michael Thonet and manufactured by Thonet. It was in the catalogue of 1904. It is a design classic. This dark brown rocking chair is in very good vintage condition with normal signs of age and use. The chair is stamped. Take your chance to get this Thonet collector’s item. Michael Thonet (1796-1871) was a German-Austrian cabinet maker, known for the invention of bentwood furniture, which ment the beginning of Modern Design. Le Corbusier used Thonet chairs...
Bentwood
Thonet Vienna Art Deco Bentwood Clothing Valet / Dressing Stand, Austria, 1920s
By Michael Thonet, Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant Art Deco gentleman’s valet or dressing stand from the 1920s, designed and crafted by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna in Austria. This piece is made of bentwood beech in a beautiful...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Art Nouveau Settee No. 2 in bent wood and cane by Thonet Brothers, Austria 1870s
By Michael Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find the only Thonet Settee No. 2 available at the moment on the market! A true museum piece, this is one of the most beautiful Thonet pieces ever made. It i...
Cane, Beech
Chairs Thonet Nr.10, circa 1870
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company or at a similar company. Newly restored in the recent past. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with french polish.
Bentwood
$1,322 / set
Two Chairs Thonet Nr.11, circa 1870
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company. Newly restored in the recent past. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with french polish.
Bentwood
Michael Thonet Sofa Bench NR22
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
Michael Thonet Sofa Bench Kanapee Sittee NR22 First original form, produced 1889-1890 Cane replaced with mohair Seat Height: 20.5"
Mohair, Beech
Rare Pair of Thonet Rattan Chairs, Made in 1890, Stable and Good Condition
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
This rare pair of Thonet rattan chairs, crafted in 1890, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. Produced by the renowned Thonet company, these chairs feature a sturdy rattan frame with intricate woven detailing that adds both elegance and comfort. This particular model is a rare find, making it a unique addition for collectors or enthusiasts of vintage Thonet furniture...
Rattan, Bentwood
Art Deco Original Bentwood Stool , Rattan Cane Top, designed by Michael Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A original art deco Bentwood Stool or Table with Rattan Cane Top designed by Michael Thonet, with 4 spherical feet. Wax polished The seat is still with its original rattan cane st...
Beech
19th century bentwood Thonet table
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
19th century bentwood Thonet table professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Antique Thonet Bentwood Coat & Hat Rack, Circa 1920
By Michael Thonet
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique bentwood coat rack made by the Thonet FMG factory in Poland, circa 1920. Maker's label on reverse. This fine rack retains the beautiful original patina and has three...
Bentwood
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet - by Michael Thonet - Side table - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Side Table - Beech Austria, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) - Circa 1900-1910 This beautiful side table, designed by the renowned Michael Thonet, exemplifies the ...
Beech
Scarce early set (6) Bentwood Bistro/Cafe' Chairs. by Michael Thonet
By Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Scarce early set of (6) Bentwood Bistro/Cafe' Chairs. by Michael Thonet .. I believe these to date around 1860's -70's ? Most unusual design,, Cant find this form on the internet??R...
Fabric, Mahogany, Bentwood
Contemporary Bistro Armchair No. 30 by TON, Light Beech
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Armchair No. 30 Iconic bistro chair conceived by Michael Thonet in 1869, now produced in the same manufacture in Czech Republic by TON. Wood: solid beech Finish: natural light Se...
Beech
Art Deco Wood, Iron and Caning Adjustable Stool by Thonet, Austria, 1930s
By Michael Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Signed elegant and sturdy four legged adjsutable stool by Thonet. The base structure is made of wooden legs inserted into a cast iron structure. The seat itself can be adjusted for heitgh thanks to a screw mecanism. Minimum height is 58cm. In good vintage condition. This stool will ship from France and can be returned to either France or to an upstate NY...
Iron
Fischel armchair No.102
By Michael Thonet, D. G. Fischell
Located in Praha, CZ
Original condition. Solid and compact, perfectly cleaned and polished with shellac.
Beech, Bentwood
Unique Kids Sofa Jacob & Josef Kohn, circa 1875
By Michael Thonet, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
Absolutely unique piece. According to the construction probably from company Jacob & Josef Kohn. Probably it was intended only for exhibitions and fairs. The sofa is compared to the general production extremely precise. This kid’s sofa...
Beech, Bentwood
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Thonet Cafe Daum Style Bentwood Armchairs
By Michael Thonet, Salvatore Leone
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of Michael Thonet Cafe Daum style bentwood armchairs produced by Salvatore Leone. Originally designed for the Cafe Daum in Vienna. These chairs fea...
Cane, Lacquer, Bentwood
$1,384Sale Price / set|41% Off
Thonet 210R & 214RF beech bentwood webbing chairs, set of 2
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This set of 2 Thonet classics contains two classics: The Thonet 210R and the Thonet 214RF. The Thonet 210R was the favorite chair of le Corbusier and many other architects and desig...
Beech, Rattan
Thonet Vienna Art Deco Bentwood Clothing Valet / Dressing Stand, Austria, 1920s
By Thonet, Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant Art Deco gentleman’s valet or dressing stand from the 1920s, designed and crafted by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna in Austria. This piece is made of bentwood beech in a beautiful...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by Ton, Black Beech and Cane Seat
By TON a.s., Michael Thonet
Located in Paris, IDF
Chair No. 14 Iconic bistro chair conceived by Michael Thonet in 1869, now produced in the same manufacture in Czech Republic by TON. Wood: solid beech Finish: black stain Sea...
Beech
$1,270
Thonet Coat Stands, 1905
By Michael Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Michael Thonet Coar rack Wiena 1905.
Bentwood
$1,154Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Nesting tables - No. 10 - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet by Michael Thonet - Nesting Tables No. 10 - Beech Austria, Jugendstil - 1900-1910 Designed by the legendary Michael Thonet, these Nesting Tables No. 10 embody the innovation ...
Beech
Extremely Rare Bentwood /cane Stools #18.5 by Michael Thonet, , Vienna 1920s
By Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
This exceptional set of four bentwood beech stools, produced by the renowned manufacturer Thonet, features the seldom seen Model 18.5, Designed by Michael Thonet himself in the 19th...
Cane, Bentwood
$944Sale Price / item|20% Off
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH N.14 Chair in Black with Upholstered Seat
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The great classic. The item that is absolutely the most famous and most sold in the history of furniture. Designed by Michael Thonet in 1860, the No. 14 chair immediately became know...
Wood
Antique Michael Thonet #4 Bentwood & Cane Cafe Daum Bistro Dining Chair - a Pair
By Michael Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Michael Thonet #4 Bentwood & Cane Cafe Daum Bistro Dining Chair - a Pair. Circa early 20th century. Measurements: 36" H x 17" W x 22" D x 18" Seat height.
Cane, Wood
Rare Beautiful Thonet High Back Armchair No 6351 , Black, Cane
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Original cane and black finish, stamped Thonet. Beautiful lines.
Cane, Wood
$2,644
Console table Thonet
By Michael Thonet, Fischel
Located in Praha, CZ
Recently completely renovated
Beech, Bentwood
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Thonet Rocking Chair in Steam Bent Beechwood
By Michael Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FM07 Art Nouveau chair, original from the early '900 , with curved wood frame, new upholstered seat in leather of Siena's earth color. Frame In bent beechwood steam, with th...
Leather, Beech
Toilet Seat by Fischel, circa 1900
By Michael Thonet, D. G. Fischell
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish.
Beech, Bentwood
$1,500 / set
Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Model: Fireside chair model 1 (Kaminsessel) designed in 1866 The chairs need restoration, only the wood, the wicker cane webbing is in good condition on both pieces. MOMA New York ha...
Cane, Bentwood
Poland modern beech and straw 209 chairs by Michael Thonet for Radomsko, 1970s
By Michael Thonet, ZPM Radomsko
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of eight model 209 chairs, with a black painted curved beech structure, with a curved wooden ring placed under the round seat to reinforce the structure, acting as a connector be...
Straw, Wood, Beech
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by TON, Black Beech
By TON a.s., Michael Thonet
Located in Paris, IDF
Chair No. 14 Iconic bistro chair conceived by Michael Thonet in 1869, now produced in the same manufacture in Czech Republic by TON. Wood: solid beech Finish: black stain Sea...
Beech
$11,541Sale Price|20% Off
Rocking Chair by Anton Fix and Micheal Thonet, 1850s
By Portois & Fix, Michael Thonet
Located in Milano, IT
Very rare rocking chair made and designed by Micheal Thonet and Anton Fix , circa 1860. The beautiful rocking chair was made with curved woodworking, a techn...
Velvet, Wood
Late 19th Century Pair of Bentwood B-9 Armchairs by Jacob and Josef Kohn
By Michael Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
An Austrian (Vienna) pair of bentwood B-9 armchairs by Jacob and Josef Kohn circa 1870. An original iconic chair. This is the favourite chair of architects especially from "Le Corbus...
Bentwood
$3,005 / set
Thonet - Plant Stand (2) - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair of Art Nouveau Thonet Plant Stands – Circa 1900 A striking pair of original Art Nouveau plant stands attributed to Thonet, crafted around 1900...
Beech
Viennese Sofa Jacob & Josef Kohn Nr.4, circa 1875
By Michael Thonet, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Jacob & Josef Kohn company. Marked with very old type of paper label. Newly restored.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Bookcase - No. 11651 - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This elegant rotating bookcase, model number 11651, was designed before 1904 by the renowned furniture manufacturer Gebrüder Thonet in Vienna. The rack is crafted from high-quality b...
Beech
Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet
By Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
This model 17, bentwood side chair with a cane seat and back was designed by Michael Thonet for his own company in the 1860s. This example was produced in the 1970s and is in a very ...
Cane, Wood
Italian beech and Vienna straw Thonet N.18 chairs, Thonet for Herbatschek, 1960s
By Michael Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian beech and Vienna straw Thonet No.18 chairs, Thonet for Herbatschek, 1960s. Set of six chairs known as model N.18, with a bent beech structure with black varnish and handmade ...
Straw, Beech
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Coat rack - Nr. 1 - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This elegant Thonet Coat Rack Nr. 1, crafted in the early 1900s, exemplifies the iconic bentwood craftsmanship of the renowned Thonet brand. Standing at an impressive 203 cm in heigh...
Beech
Austrian Bentwood Scroll Leather Rocking Chair
By Michael Thonet
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Bentwood (19th Cent) scroll design rocking chair with embossed leather upholstery. (THONET, Wien)
Bentwood, Leather
Thonet Bentwood Standing Coat Rack Nr. 1, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Michael Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant bentwood standing coat rack by Thonet, showcasing the firm’s mastery of steam-bent beechwood construction. The sculptural crown features a rhythmic arrangement of graceful...
Oak
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Shelf - No. 42 - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
RENOVATION AVAILABLE: THIS PIECE CAN BE PROFESSIONALLY RENOVATED TO MEET YOUR PREFERENCES. OPTIONS INCLUDE CUSTOM FINISHES, UPHOLSTERY, AND SURFACE RESTORATION. PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT ...
Beech
Bentwood daybed no.2 by Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood daybed no.2 by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Bentwood
214K chair by Micheale Thonet for Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Ravenna, IT
The famous coffee chair designed by Michael Thonet in 1859 is still considered the world's most successful industrial product. It marks the beginning of the history of modern furnitu...
Reed, Hardwood
$1,336Sale Price|33% Off
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Shelf - No. 42 - Beech, Brass
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Shelf - No. 42 - Beech, Brass Austria Jugendstil - 1900-1910 This exquisite Thonet No. 42 Shelf is a masterful example of the Jugend...
Brass
Set of 2 original vintage Thonet design bistro chairs with matte seats
By Michael Thonet
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This set of 2 amazing vintage Thonet design chairs can easily fit into nearly any interior. These timeless chairs look great at both classic and modern dining tables. Made of wood, t...
Rattan, Wood
$1,356Sale Price|54% Off
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Side table - No. 11651 - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This elegant rotating newspaper rack, model number 11651, was designed before 1904 by the renowned furniture manufacturer Gebrüder Thonet in Vienna. The rack is crafted from high-qua...
Beech
$1,394Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Beech Art Nouveau High Back Chairs Model 17 by Michael Thonet, 1890s
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare pair of Art Nouveau Model 17 side chairs. Design by Michael Thonet for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Striking Austrian design from the 1890s. Original beech and ...
Beech, Bentwood
Chair No. 1 by Michael Thonet produced by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna in 1849
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Ravenna, IT
Chair No. 1 designed by Michael Thonet in 1849 and manufactured by the Gebrüder Thonet company of the same name in Vienna. With its light, elegant and sinuous shape, the No. 1 is the...
Wicker, Rattan, Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Set of 2 original vintage Thonet bistro design chairs
By Michael Thonet
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic set of chairs features a curved wooden frame with a woven seat and backrest. Thonet is the designer and manufacturer of these chairs, as indicated by the stamp underne...
Wicker, Wood
Thonet Chair HO. 41, 1905s
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet chair HO 41, restored in good condition. Designed by Michael Thonet.
Plywood
Vienna Secession Bentwood Nesting Tables by Michael Thonet for Thonet, 1900s
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare set of four Vienna Secession nesting tables.Design by Michael Thonet for Gebrüder Thonet.Striking Austrian design from the 1900s.Original bentwood and beech fram...
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Rocking Chair Nr. 6
By Michael Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Rocking Chair Nr 6 for restauration.
Bentwood
Michaël Thonet Gebrüder Thonet Austria Bentwood Sofa
By Michael Thonet
Located in Grenoble, FR
Michael Thonet, Austrian bentwood chaise is composed of beech with an adjustable back with two arms, a scrolling base, and cane paneled seat. New cane and perfect condition.
Cane, Bentwood
Set of Five Barstools by Michael Thonet for Thonet Furniture, USA 1960's
By Michael Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and timeless set of four vintage bar stools by Thonet, featuring curved bentwood frames in a rich, dark finish and round seats upholstered in deep red vinyl with brass nai...
Naugahyde, Wood