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Michael Thonet Armchairs

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
1980's version of B9 chair by TON
By Michael Thonet
Located in Brno, CZ
This is a dining/lounge chair produced in the 1980’s by TON furniture manufacturer in former Czechoslovakia. As a result of Europe splitting into the West and East after the war, TO...
Category

1980s Czech Belle Époque Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

No. 209 Armchairs in Beech by Michael Thonet for Thonet, 1890s, Set of 4
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This elegant armchair, designed by the legendary Michael Thonet, exemplifies the innovative spirit of the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movement in Austria. Produced between 1900 and 1910...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Reed, Beech

Thonet - Michael Thonet - Armchair (2) - No. 81 - Beech
By Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
The Thonet No. 81 Chair is a beautifully crafted piece of design history, originally conceived by the renowned Michael Thonet in the early 1900s. Constructed from high-quality Beech ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Thonet armchair Nr.18
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Solid and compact with a beautiful age patina. Perfectly cleaned and polished with shellac
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

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 Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Thonet Armchair Nr.8, circa 1870
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Very old armchair from the beginnings of the production of bentwood furniture. These were always very subtle and simple. The bayonet fastening of the armrests to the backrest also in...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

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...
Category

19th Century Italian Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Lacquer, Bentwood

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.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

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 ...
Category

1970s Austrian Aesthetic Movement Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

Armchair Thonet Nr.12, circa 1870
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company. Newly restored, new backrest string, new shellack polish.
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Erly Armchair Thonet Nr.8, 1A Label
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
The first industrially produced form of armchair Nr.8 is very rare and little seen. Thanks to the subtle construction, it looks very elegant. Original state with a pleasant patine of...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Related Items
Thonet Armchairs by Otto Wagner
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Otto Wagner
Located in Vienna, AT
Beach bentwood design by Otto Wagner about 1900 The fabric on the chairs is obsolete but I can offer you huge range Vienna Secession fabrics instad of. Delivery time 5-6 weeks  
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

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Beech, Bentwood

Thonet Armchairs by Otto Wagner
Thonet Armchairs by Otto Wagner
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 18.51 in
Vintage Bentwood Armchair by Thonet - Circa 1950s - Chartreuse Boucle
By Thonet
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage midcentury modern bentwood armchair by Thonet. Laminated bent birch wood frame has been fully restored. All new foam, strapping and nubby soft yellow green boucle. Clean and ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Birch

Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood frame, wool fabric upholstery. Designed circa 1900-1910 by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna. Made by Thonet. Set of two.
Category

1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Vienna
Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Vienna
H 30.32 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Period Thonet Style Bentwood Armchair
By Michael Thonet
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Attributed to Thonet, this French Art Nouveau period bentwood armchair features a pressed wood seat detailed with a classic central rosette and scrolling leaves. The curved seat back...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Marcel Breuer, Thonet, Beech, Chrome, Germany, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored brown Bauhaus armchair. Period: 1930-1939 Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Source: Germany Material: Beech, chrome-plated steel, Rattan strings.    
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Thonet Armchair Catalog Number 1798
By Thonet-Mundus
Located in Vienna, AT
Thonet Armchair Catalog Number 1798 The surface is already walnut stained and shellack polished. The cover will be made on customer request and is already in price included. More...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Thonet Armchair Catalog Number 1798
Thonet Armchair Catalog Number 1798
H 30.32 in W 21.66 in D 22.05 in
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 ...
Category

1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

1960s Ton/Thonet Beech Armchair, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 39cm
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech

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...
Category

19th Century Italian Vienna Secession Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Lacquer, Bentwood

Anton Lorenz for Thonet "Ss33" Set of 4 chrome Armchairs in blue fabric , 1970s
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Seat Height 48 chrome polished solid construction good condition
Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Secession armchairs no.6093 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession bentwood armchairs no.6093 by Otto Wagner for Thonet. Armchairs were restored in the past, needs to be need firming up, they are a bit...
Category

1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Thonet Cane and Black Ebonized Bentwood Chair After Thonet 209
By Thonet
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
The chair after Thonet is from the years between 1950s This is Le Corbusier's favourite chair and one of the favourite designs of architects and designers. Unfortunately it has no...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Previously Available Items
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Armchair (2) - No. 81 - Beech
By Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
The Thonet No. 81 Chair is a beautifully crafted piece of design history, originally conceived by the renowned Michael Thonet in the early 1900s. Constructed from high-quality Beech ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Vintage Boomerang Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1960s
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Iconic Boomerang armchair produced by TON company in 1960s in Czechoslovakia. The name comes from the curved armrests. The chair is produced as elegant and airy design with light, bu...
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Oak

Boomerang Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1960s
By Michael Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Iconic Boomerang armchair produced by TON company in 1960s in Czechoslovakia. The name comes from the curved armrests. The chairs are produced as elegant and airy design with light, ...
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Oak

Boomerang Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Boomerang Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1960s
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in
Easy armchair Thonet Nr.401, since 1901
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Very rare model. Nice condition with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with weak solution of shelack finish.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Easy armchair Thonet Nr.401, since 1901
Easy armchair Thonet Nr.401, since 1901
H 41.34 in W 24.41 in D 33.08 in
Armchair Fischel Nr.44 - THONET
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. Newer string of the seat and backrest.  
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Beech, Bentwood

Armchair Fischel Nr.44 - THONET
Armchair Fischel Nr.44 - THONET
H 37.8 in W 25.2 in D 22.84 in
Rare Thonet Nr. 1 Writing Desk Chair
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Rare model featured in 1904 Thonet catalogue. Bent solid beech with perforated plywood seat and back. Labeled and imprinted with Thonet factory trad...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Thonet Children Chair, Late 19th Century
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
High-quality collector's item: Antique bentwood children chair Nr. 1 from the late 19th century. The chair is made of beech wood, screwed together and this chair has the optional re...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood, Braid

Thonet Children Chair, Late 19th Century
Thonet Children Chair, Late 19th Century
H 30.32 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in
Original Thonet Children Highchair, 1904
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
High-quality collector's item: Antique bentwood children chair, Thonet - Vienna, early 20th century. "Hoher Kinder Fauteuil Nr. 1 mit Rohrlehne" as mentioned in the cataloque from 19...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood, Braid

Original Thonet Children Highchair, 1904
Original Thonet Children Highchair, 1904
H 36.62 in W 17.33 in D 18.9 in
Thonet Model 17 Tall Back Caned Bentwood Armchairs Set of 4
By Michael Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 Thonet tall back armchairs with caned seats and backs. Curly twist arms with flared turned legs. Caning is pressed on style and perfect. Sold and priced as a set o...
Category

1960s Czech Beaux Arts Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Beech

1910. armchair Thonet 210.R
By Michael Thonet
Located in Perpignan, FR
Very beautiful orignal conditions piece Thonet from 1910 . It is the model called 210 R. It is original edition from 1910. very elegant piece and in good cond...
Category

1910s French Belle Époque Vintage Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood, Plywood

1910. armchair Thonet 210.R
1910. armchair Thonet 210.R
H 31.5 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Original Thonet Bentwood Fauteuil, 19th Century
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
High-quality collector's item: Antique bentwood armchair with attached snail-shaped armrests, between 1862 and 1870. Thonet - Vienna, armchai...
Category

1860s Austrian Rococo Revival Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Original Thonet Bentwood Fauteuil, 19th Century
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
High-quality collector's item: Antique bentwood armchair with attached armrests, between 1862 and 1870. Thonet - Vienna, Fauteuil No. 14 - De...
Category

1860s Austrian Organic Modern Antique Michael Thonet Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Michael Thonet armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Michael Thonet armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Otto Wagner, Woka Lamps, and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Prices for Michael Thonet armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $637 and can go as high as $8,743, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,301.

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