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
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
$392Sale 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
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
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
$1,315 / 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
$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
$717Sale Price|20% Off
Set of Two Thonet No. 18 Bentwood Chairs by ZPM Radomsko, Poland, 1960s
By Michael Thonet, ZPM Radomsko
Located in Rødekro, DK
This elegant set of two bentwood chairs is based on the iconic Model No. 18, originally designed circa 1875 by the renowned Thonet workshop founded by Michael Thonet. Model No. 18 b...
Beech, Bentwood
Mid-Century, Micheal Thonet No. 37 Chair, Vienna 1880s
By Michael Thonet
Located in Kampen, NL
Thonet No. 37 armchair, designed by Michael Thonet in Austria circa 1880s, is a masterful example of early industrial furniture. Crafted from steam bent beechwood with a cane seat an...
Cane, Bentwood
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
Rare Childs Morris Adjustable Chair Otto Prutscher for Thonet Austria
By Michael Thonet, Otto Prutscher
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare Childs size Morris adjustable chair no.6392 by Otto Prutscher for Thonet Austria in nice original condition with signs of usage.Retains its original finish patina..
Metal
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
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
Art Nouveau Bentwood Chair by Thonet, Austria, 1900s
By Michael Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Produced by Thonet in early 20th century Austria, this bentwood chair illustrates the company’s mastery of steam-bent wood and its contribution to the evolution of modern furniture. ...
Wood
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
Thonet Chair HO. 41, 1905s
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet chair HO 41, restored in good condition. Designed by Michael Thonet.
Plywood
$735Sale Price|25% 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...
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
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.
Beech, Bentwood, Rattan
$1,196 / set
H 36.23 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Pair of 1960s Mid-Century Thonet B 751 Wood Folding Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Carimate, Como
Pair of folding chairs model B751 designed at the beginning of the 20th century by Thonet, manufactured in the early 1960s at the Thonet factory in Radomsko (central Poland). Chairs ...
Wood
$1,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36 in W 24 in D 21 in
French Pair of Armchair Carcasses, Montespan Style, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French pair of armchair carcasses, Montespan style, 19th century Very beautiful model and lovely wood finish, to be upholstered to your taste.
Wood
$2,153
H 36.23 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Early Nr 5 Chair Thonet Made for First International Exposition in London in 185
By Thonet
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Early model of chair created by thonet in 1851 for first international exposition of London. This example shows some differences with the 2 chairs on catalogue and is a mixed betwee...
Nutwood, Plywood
Bentwood chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
$3,588 / set
H 32.68 in W 17.72 in D 16.54 in
Set of Five Blue Velvet Thonet Wood Rattan Chairs, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A set of 5 rattan and wood chairs. The furniture was designed by Helena and Jerzy Kurmanowicz. They were produced in Thonet Woodworking Factory and we thoroughly renovated them. The ...
Velvet, Beech
$3,600 / set
H 35.5 in W 17 in D 18.5 in
Set of Six Vienna Scessionist Bentwood Dining Chairs Made in Austria by Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and rare set of six cafe, bistro style dining chairs, marked "Thonet Austria", design attributed to Michael Thonet, circa 1890/1920's. The set consists of four side, and...
Cane, Beech
$401Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.08 in W 15.75 in D 16.54 in
Thonet Bentwood Bistro Chair, Czechoslovakia 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage chair designed by Thonet. Bentwood details and construction makes this piece a timeless item. Plywood seat and backrest. Strong oak wood. The chair was partially re...
Oak, Bentwood, Plywood
Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn, Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Kohn catalog no 423 on the 1st picture chair which is already sold. The chair is still in original condition (pic.2,3) so you have the possibility to choose the color of the wood and fabric or leather. The price incl. shellack polish and traditionally upholstery with "Backhausen" fabric or leather. Delivery time about 4-6 weeks Lit. Giovanni Renzi, Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Milano 2008, S. 226; Julio Vives Chillida, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Catalogo (estratto) dei mobili in legno curvato, ca. 1912, o. O. 2008, S. 2, Nr. 423 F u. C.; Ausst. Kat. Josef Hoffmann und sein Kreis, Galerie Alt Wien...
Beech, Bentwood
$1,378Sale Price / set|41% Off
H 30.71 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Thonet 210R & 214RF beech bentwood webbing chairs, set of 2
By Thonet, Michael 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
Vintage Bentwood Rocking Chair Att. to Thonet
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Unusual bentwood and cane rocking chair, in the Vienna Secessionist style, probably mid 20th C vintage, Thonet - made in USA, unsigned. The chair is slightly smaller in scale, a vari...
Cane, Bentwood
Light White Boucle Thonet Wood Rattan Chair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful rattan, boucle and wood chair. They were produced in Thonet woodworking factory and we thoroughly renovated them. The construction is m...
Velvet, Beech
Bentwood Chair in the Style of Thonet – Austria, Circa 1930
By Thonet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bentwood Chair in the Style of Thonet – Austria, Circa 1930 This timeless bentwood chair, crafted in Austria circa 1930, showcases the classic design that has become synonymous with...
Rattan
Sold
H 35.04 in W 17.33 in D 19.3 in
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 N.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 V...
Straw, Beech
60s Thonet Chair No. 15, Bentwood
By Michael Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Add timeless European charm to your space with this authentic Thonet No. 15 bentwood chair, dating to the 1960s. Designed in the tradition of Michael Thonet, this iconic piece showca...
Beech, Bentwood
Chair Thonet Nr.2
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Chair No. 2 from the Thonet catalog is one of the oldest and rarest models. It began to be produced around 1850! This particular one was made after 1918 and is unconventionally with ...
Bentwood
Bentwood Thonet No.14 Chair In Vintage Style, Czechoslovakia 1940s
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Elegant bentwood dining chair produced by TON, originally part of the iconic Thonet legacy, known as Chair No. 14. This particular piece dates to the 1940s and features a rare molded...
Bentwood, Plywood
Model No. 4 Daum café chair by Thonet, Austria 1880s
By Michael Thonet
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Chaise modèle n° 4 par Michael Thonet et datant des années 1870-1880. Cette chaise fut produite pour le café Daum à Vienne. La structure est en hêtre courbé noircit. Le cannage es...
Iron
Chair Thonet Nr.4, circa 1880
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
Two Chairs Thonet Nr.3, circa 1870
By Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company. Very sensitively restored, using original technologies (shellac, natural pedig).
Bentwood
Set of 2 Original Thonet Bentwood Chairs No. 14, Late 19th
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Collector's items: Set of 2original bentwood chairs from the Thonet company - Vienna, model no. 14 - designed by Michael Thonet. These chairs were the company's best seller for decades and were often copied. This chair comes from Vienna after 1881 and before 1922. The chairs are made of beech wood, screwed together and provided with a bentwood ring for stability, the seat is made of hand-woven Viennese cane. The backrest is also connected to the side of the seat with two curved round timbers for stability. At that time, you could book these stabilizations as an option when you bought them. This means that chair no...
Rattan, Bentwood
Original Thonet Bentwood Chair No. 14, Late 19th - Early 20th Century
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Collector's items: original bentwood chair from the Thonet company - Vienna, model no. 14 - designed by Michael Thonet. These chairs were the company's best seller for decades and we...
Bentwood, Rattan
Michael Thonet, Noble Chairs "Adel Stühle", 1881
By Michael Thonet
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Extremely rare Thonet set from the end of the 19th century, entirely original in all its parts. (there isn't a screw that doesn't belong to him). Chairs made not in series but on c...
Brass
Chair Thonet Nr.25
By Josef Jaworek, Michael Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Newly restored. New cannung in seat.
Beech, Bentwood
1960s Ligna Bentwood Armchair by Thonet
By Michael Thonet
Located in London, Lambeth
Chair designed by Ligna in the style of Thonet, circa 1960 Manufactured in Czechoslovakia. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beaut...
Bentwood