Thonet Rocking Chair Nr. 6
By Michael Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Rocking Chair Nr 6 for restauration.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Michael Thonet Furniture
Austrian, German, 1796-1871
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.
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Creator: Michael Thonet
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.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Contemporary Bistro Armchair No. 30 by TON, Dark 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech
Thonet Chair No.1
$3,054
Thonet Chair No.1
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet dining chair no.1 in very good original condition.
Category
Early 1900s Slovak Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Rare Early Flower Table J & J Kohn Nr.2
By Michael Thonet, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
A museum piece in its original state, the only one we know (the oldest possible variant of the product). Only perfectly cleaned, treated against woodworm by injecting chemistry, and ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech, 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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Naugahyde, Wood
Newspaper Stand Thonet Nr.1, since 1895
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Good condition, minor repairs have been made, pleasant patine of age. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Rare Thonet Display Case, Dressoir Thonet N ° 20793 Model from Catalog, 1904
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare Thonet display case, Dressoir Thonet n ° 20793 Model from catalog 1904.
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech
Pair of Michael Thonet Beech & Leather Easy Chairs C. 1930s
By Michael Thonet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This charming pair of lounge chairs were designed by Michael Thonet and produced for Thonet in the early half of the 20th century. The chairs feature elegantly curved frames, most no...
Category
1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Leather, Beech
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 18 by TON, Light Beech
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Chair No. 18 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 Seat:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech
Original 19th Century Thonet Associates Vienna Secession Side Table
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Original Antique Thonet Associates Hand-Crafted 19th Century Vienna Secession Side Table With An Attractive Turned Tripod Base With An Irregular Table ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Elm
Vintage Thonet Bentwood Oak Chair With Original Label, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
$485Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Thonet Bentwood Oak Chair With Original Label, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
This elegant vintage chair, crafted by the renowned Thonet company, is a distinguished example of bentwood design. Featuring the original manufacturer’s label, the piece showcases Th...
Category
1920s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Art Nouveau Wing Chair Thonet Nr.6541, since 1904
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
A rare Wing chair was manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company. Completely newly restored. All using the original technology of the time. Wood polished using shellac po...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Rare Chair Thonet Nr.31 with Shoe Remover
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish. Minor repairs made.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Thonet - Michael Thonet - No. 511 - Armchair - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet Armchair, Model No. 511 — Black Lacquered Wood and Red Upholstery This elegant armchair, Model No. 511, was manufactured by the iconic Viennese firm Thonet, a name synonymous...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Magazine rack - No. 1 - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
The Thonet Magazine Rack No. 1, documented in the 1904 Thonet Catalogue (p. 87), is an elegant and early example of bentwood craftsmanship. Produced by the renowned Thonet factory in...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by TON, Light Beech and Cane Seat
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
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: natural light ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by TON, Light Beech
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
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: natural light ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech
Set of three chairs by Michael Thonet and Art Deco Table
By Michael Thonet
Located in Milano, IT
The chairs in this Thonet set are true masterpieces of craftsmanship, testaments to a time that seems to slip further away with each passing day. These pieces, now almost impossible ...
Category
1890s French Art Deco Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Wood
Thonet dining char no.1
$2,936
Thonet dining char no.1
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet dining char no.1. Professionally stained and repolished with new handmade rattan seat.
Category
Late 19th Century Slovak Jugendstil Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Mid-Century Bentwood Rocking Armchair in Blond Oak by Ton, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
$773Sale Price|55% Off
Mid-Century Bentwood Rocking Armchair in Blond Oak by Ton, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful, iconic armchair designed by Thonet, produced in 1960s by TON company in Czechoslovakia. The armchair has been completely restored and looks amazing. The construction made ...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
Armchait Thonet Nr.14, circa 1870
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
The oldest version of chair No. 14 in almost perfect original condition. Only one armrest has repaired cracks and the string also has a few defects. Otherwise, the chair is remarkabl...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Chair Thonet Nr.12, 1881-1887
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish. New seat string.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Very rare Thonet easy chair nr.6331
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Very rare Thonet easy chair nr.6331 in very good oirignal condition with signs of use.
Category
1890s Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Very rare folding easy chair no.1 by Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Very rare folding easy chair no.1 by Thonet professionally stained and repolished with new handmade rattan seat.
Category
1890s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Rare pair of original Thonet Armchair
$5,286 / set
Rare pair of original Thonet Armchair
By Michael Thonet
Located in PARIS, FR
This elegant Thonet armchair, dating from the early 1900s, is a rare example of Art Nouveau design produced in Thonet’s New York workshop. While most Thonet pieces were made in Europ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cane
Original vintage Thonet design bistro chair with matte seat
By Michael Thonet
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing vintage Thonet design chair fits easily into almost any interior. This timeless chair looks great at both classic and modern dining tables. It is made of wood, has a rat...
Category
20th Century Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Wood
Thonet Rocking Chair, Model Number 71, Vienna, 1910, Signed Thonet Bellow
By Michael Thonet
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Thonet rocking chair, model number 71. Vienna, 1910. Signed Thonet Bellow.
Category
1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech, Bentwood, Rattan
Viennese Footrest Josef Jaworek Nr. 2, circa 1875
By Michael Thonet, Josef Jaworek
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Josef Jaworek Company, which was one of the first competitor of the Gebrüder Thonet Company. Marked with early paper label, which is used before the ye...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Furniture
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Michael Thonet furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Michael Thonet furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Michael Thonet furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 84 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Michael Thonet were created in the Art Nouveau style in europe during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Otto Wagner, Fischel, and Marcel Kammerer. Prices for Michael Thonet furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $140 and can go as high as $13,141, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,034.
Creators Similar to Michael Thonet
Questions About Michael Thonet Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024To tell if a Thonet chair is real, you can use Thonet's authenticity verification service. To take advantage of it, you will need to take many photographs of the chair from different angles and close-up images of markings and paper labels. You can learn more about the authentication process on the Thonet website. Shop a diverse assortment of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
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Michael Thonet Stools
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Michael Thonet Side Tables
Michael Thonet Side Chairs
Michael Thonet Sofas
Michael Thonet Chaise Longues
Michael Thonet Lounge Chairs