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.
Set of 5 Thonet #214 Vienna Bentwood Chairs
By Thonet, Michael 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
$395Sale 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 Michael Thonet, 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 Michael Thonet, 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
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
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
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
$1,325 / 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
Rare Pair of Thonet Rattan Chairs, Made in 1890, Stable and Good Condition
By Thonet, Michael 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
Contemporary Bistro Armchair No. 30 by TON, Light Beech
By TON a.s., Michael Thonet
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
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
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
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Thonet Cafe Daum Style Bentwood Armchairs
By Salvatore Leone, Michael Thonet
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
$1,388Sale 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
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by Ton, Black 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: black stain Sea...
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 Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
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
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
$1,500 / set
Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
By Michael Thonet, 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
Rare Beautiful Thonet High Back Armchair No 6351 , Black, Cane
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Original cane and black finish, stamped Thonet. Beautiful lines.
Cane, Wood
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
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by TON, Black 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: black stain Sea...
Beech
$11,572Sale 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
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
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
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
Toilet Seat by Fischel, circa 1900
By D. G. Fischell, Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish.
Beech, Bentwood
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
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
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
$1,398Sale 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
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
Chair No. 1 by Michael Thonet produced by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna in 1849
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
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
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
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
$210Sale Price|50% Off
Michael Thonet No. 24 Bentwood Chair By Ton In Pink, Czechoslovakia 1950s
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
An iconic No. 24 bentwood armchair designed by Michael Thonet and produced by TON in Czechoslovakia during the 1950s. This elegant piece showcases Thonet's signature craftsmanship wi...
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
$494Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Thonet Bentwood Oak Chair With Original Label, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
By Michael Thonet, 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...
Bentwood
Contemporary Bistro Armchair No. 30 by TON, Dark Beech
By TON a.s., Michael Thonet
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
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 18 by TON, Light Beech
By TON a.s., Michael Thonet
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:...
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...
Leather, Beech
Thonet - Michael Thonet - No. 511 - Armchair - Beech
By Michael Thonet, 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...
Upholstery, Beech
Rare wery old Chair Thonet Nr.4, 1860
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Very rare chair, the oldest industrially produced version of chair no.4. (Without the circle under the seat, which was invented later, as a strengthening of the structure) Very sens...
Beech, 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...
Bentwood
$3,134
Thonet Chair No.1
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet dining chair no.1 in very good original condition.
Bentwood
$3,013
Thonet dining char no.1
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet dining char no.1. Professionally stained and repolished with new handmade rattan seat.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Contemporary Bistro Chair No. 14 by TON, Light 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: natural light ...
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 ...
Beech
$786Sale 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 ...
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
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 ...
Wood
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...
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.
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.
Bentwood
Very rare Thonet easy chair nr.6331
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Very rare Thonet easy chair nr.6331 in very good oirignal condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood