For more than 180 years, Thonet — or Gebrüder Thonet — has produced elegant and durable tables and cabinets as well as chairs, stools and other seating that wholly blur the lines between art and design. Widely known as a trailblazer in the use of bentwood in furniture, the European manufacturer has reimagined the places in which we gather.
Noted for his skill in parquetry, German-Austrian company founder Michael Thonet received an invitation from Austrian Chancellor Prince Metternich to contribute Neo-Rococo interiors to the Liechtenstein City Palace in Vienna. The Boppard-born Thonet had 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.
Thonet’s work for the chancellor raised his profile, and 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 of the day. 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, with his sons in 1853.
Bentwood furniture dates as far back as the Middle Ages, but it is the 19th-century cabinetmaker 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. The works of renowned mid-century modern designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Charles and Ray Eames that put this technological advancement to use would not be as extensive or celebrated were it not for the efforts of the pioneering Thonet.
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. Now known as the 214, it won the German Sustainability Award Design for 2021, a recognition of the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible production.
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.
The bentwood process opened doors — there were investments in machinery and new industrial processes, and 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.
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.)
Thonet’s chair designs also appeared in artwork by Toulouse-Lautrec, John Sloan and Henri Matisse in his Interior with a Violin Case. The noteworthy Thonet rocking chair remains a marvel of construction — 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. It was captured in the paintings of Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and James Tissot.
Thonet is currently split into global divisions. Thonet Industries U.S.A. was acquired in 1987 by Shelby Williams and joined the CF Group in 1999, while the Thonet brand in Germany is owned by Thonet GmbH.
Find a collection of antique Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 01 in Lacquered Wood an Black Leather
By Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 01 in Lacquered Wood an Black Leather. New, current production. With the JS . THONET signature collection, she has tak...
Steel
Armchair number 6151 by Adolf Loos for Thonet, 1900s, France
By Thonet, Adolf Loos
Located in Brussels, BE
Armchair number 6151 by Adolf Loos for Thonet, 1900s, France Adolf Franz Karl Viktor Maria Loos( 10 December 1870 – 23 August 1933) was an Austrian and Czechoslovak architect, influ...
Beech
Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1953
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic small midcentury modern writing desk was designed by Pierre Paulin 1953 and produced by Thonet, Model CM141. It features a Base in black lacquered steel surmounted by a...
Steel
Mute servant Thonet no.101
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
A rare and elegant piece of furniture history, this antique towel rail (or valet stand) is a classic example of Michael Thonet’s world-famous bentwood technique. Produced between 188...
Beech, Bentwood
1 of 20 Postmodern Memphis Era Thonet Vienna Stackable Signed Dining Chairs, 90s
By Thonet
Located in Zagreb, HR
Exceptionally rare and collectible, postmodern Memphis design original Thonet dining chairs. Sculptural and geometrically shaped. Sold per piece. Twenty pieces available. Produced...
Metal
$1,946Sale Price / set|30% Off
Thonet Chrome Armchairs, 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet chrome armchairs, 1960s
Chrome
Walter Gropius, Armchairs, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1970s
By Walter Gropius, Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and purple velvet armchairs designed by Walter Gropius in 1951, produced by Thonet, Statesville, North Carolina, USA, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 29.5” H x 24” W x 19” D Se...
Velvet, Oak
1 of 20 Postmodern Memphis Era Thonet Vienna Stackable Signed Dining Chairs, 90s
By Thonet
Located in Zagreb, HR
Exceptionally rare and collectible, postmodern Memphis design original Thonet dining chairs. Sculptural and geometrically shaped. Sold per piece. Twenty pieces available. Produced...
Metal
1960s Pierre Paulin for Thonet CM 172 Desk in Refinished Wood and Black Metal
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
A refined 1960s desk designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, model CM 172. The desk consists of a warm wood top and drawer cabinet with a contrasting black metal support frame. The thr...
Metal
$1,897 / set
Thonet Shelves
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet bentwood sheves professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
libreria etagere art nouveau originale thonet anni 20
By Thonet
Located in taranto, IT
splendida e rara etagere originale degli anni 20 di Thonet, realizzata in legno nella migliore tradizione della famosa casa austriaca, composta da tre mensole poste su livelli divers...
Wood
Michael Thonet Solid Beechwood and Cane no. 210 Armchair
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Chair nr 210 designed by Gebrüder Thonet in 1900, (as well as nr 209) of renown designer Le Corbusier. This chair is made in Czechoslovakia (pre WW2 factory of Thonet). New cane c...
Wicker, Cane, Bentwood
First Edition Side Tables by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Nesting tables B9 by Marcel Breuer, a hallmark of Bauhaus design produced by Thonet. Crafted from chrome-plated tubular steel and sleek wooden panels, these tables exemplify Breuer's...
Aluminum
Pair of ‘A 60 F’ armchairs for Thonet Mundus, Austria 1929
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
With their Bauhaus form this pair of ‘A 60 F’ armchairs by Thonet Mundus epitomise avant-garde design. Their arms and legs connect round to form a soft rectangular form, giving the c...
Cotton, Bentwood
1931, Mart Stam for Thonet, Turquoise Wooden S43
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal, Chrome
MCM Danish Bentwood Dining Chair, One Chair, 1960s (2 Available)
By Charles Eames, Thonet
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning very cool Thonet black and Walnut bentwood dining chair. Two available. These are very sturdy, iconic, comfortable dining chairs. They are also excellent options for use a...
Bentwood
$480Sale Price / item|20% Off
7 Thonet Bar Stools / Sold Singly/3 Remaining
By Thonet
Located in Sheffield, MA
An authentic collection of 3 of 7 still remaining iconic Thonet stools from the 1930s, marked on the underside with Thonet Logo and certificate. ...
Chrome
$2,780 / set
Set of Chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet.
Metal
Gustav Siegel Attributed, Made by Thonet, a Bentwood & Cane Rocking Chair
By Thonet, Gustav Siegel
Located in London, GB
Gustav Siegel attributed, made by Thonet. A bentwood and cane rocking chair.
Cane, Bentwood
19th century bentwood Thonet table
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
19th century bentwood Thonet table professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
1990s Thonet Bentwood Lounge Chairs in Ebony Wood with Red Fabric
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (listing price is for each chair, though four are available) bentwood lounge chair by Thonet. The chairs have ebonized wood frames with red fabric upholst...
Fabric, Wood
Art Nouveau Side Chair Designed by Thonet, Austria, 1910
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic collectible chair by famous German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet. Bentwood frame with hooped legs. The seat is embossed with a decorative floral motif.
Bentwood
Early Mid-Century Modern Thonet Armchair Attributed To Russel Wright
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This early Mid-Century Modern lounge armchair was manufactured by Thonet circa late 40s - early 50s. This chair design has been attributed to the noted American Modern designer Russe...
Maple, Fabric
Vintage Czech Art Deco Lounge Chairs by Thonet, Circa 1930-1940
By Thonet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage pair of Czech Art Deco lounge chairs made of hand crafted polished bent Beechwood and Walnut, produced by Thonet in good condition. The detailed low club chairs...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech, Walnut, Bentwood
Thonet Bentwood Magazine Rack, Beechwood, Art Nouveau, c. 1880
By Thonet
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Bentwood Magazine Rack by Thonet Gebrüder (Vienna), Austria, ca. 1880 — Beechwood. This exceptional 19th-century bentwood magazine rack by Thonet Gebrüder (Vienna), crafted circa 18...
Beech
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
Rocking chair for children no.2 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rocking chair for children no.2 by Thonet with rattan seat in excellent condition.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
1970S Chairs Designed by Gerd Lange Arm Chairs for Thonet, 1970s
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage set of two Desk- Dining Chairs chairs designed by Gerd Lange for Thonet, 1970s. Very rare arm chairs featured in grey plywood and steel rubber armrests height 66 cm. Chairs a...
Metal
Set of Two 1960s Czechoslovakian Armchairs by Ton
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
A distinguished pair of mid-century armchairs produced by Ton in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. Carrying the legacy of Thonet’s expert woodworking, these chairs feature a dynamic a...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Set of 4 German Bentwood Armchairs - Thonet Model 215 Series - Beech & Velvet
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: With armrests: approx. 54 × 57 × 84 × 46 cm (21.3 × 22.4 × 33.1 × 18.1 in) Without armrests: approx. 45 × 53 × 84 × 46 cm (17.7 × 20.9 × 33.1 × 18.1 in) Original set of ...
Velvet, Beech
Gerd Lange Iconic 'Flex 2000' Table for Thonet 1973
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Table for Thonet, 1973. This is a truly wonderful and very timeless designed table by Gerd Lange for high-end manufacturer Thonet. Avant garde and very modern...
Plastic, Beech
Extremely rare armchair no.6521 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Magnificent and highly sought-after piece of design history: an original Otto Wagner Armchair, Model No. 6521, manufactured by the world-renowned Thonet around 1900-1905. This icon...
Beech, Bentwood
Set of Iconic Gerd Lange Table and 4 Lacquered Thonet Style Stools
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set of Iconic Gerd Lange Table and 4 Lacquered Thonet Stools. Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Table for Thonet, 1973 & a wonderful set of Thonet style stools in lacquered wood and webbing. ...
Plastic, Beech, Bentwood
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 05 in Lacquered Wood an Webbing
By Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious in Lacquered Wood and Leather. New, current production. With the JS . THONET signature collection, she has taken the m...
Steel
Unique Thonet Desk Chair, Museum Piece
By Thonet
Located in Delft, NL
Unique Thonet desk chair, Museum piece One of our unique Thonet desk chair It's from a collection of a Museum, The Haque, Netherlands The chair ...
Wood
Chair of the Rings by Martino Gamper for the Conran Shop/Thonet, 2008
By Thonet
Located in Uppsala, SE
This chair, along with two other models, was commissioned by The Conran Shop in 2008 to the designer Martino Gamper for The London Design Festival and for ...
Bentwood
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 04 in Lacquered Wood an Blue Leather
By Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious in Lacquered Wood and Leather. New, current production. With the JS . THONET signature collection, she has taken the m...
Steel
$936 / set
Set of Four Chairs, 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Maker Ton, Bystrice pod Hostýnem - Retro style, Expo 58, Brusel - Made in Czechoslovakia - Very good, original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Set of Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and Table for Thonet 1973
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and table in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973. This is a set of highly sculptural and avant garde quality by designer Gerd Lange for Thonet...
Plastic, Beech
Bauhaus Plant Stand by Emile Guyot for Thonet, Circa 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Gloucester, GB
Bauhaus plant stand by Emile Guyot for Thonet, Circa 1930s - Chromed tubular steel - Cantilever design - Toughened black glass shelves - Desi...
Glass
Art Deco Thonet Bentwood Dining Chair w/ Bakelite Seat
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This original Thonet bentwood armchair features a Bakelite seat and backrest. The chair's bentwood beech frame is elegantly curved, showcasing the transition between Art Deco and the...
Bakelite, Wood
Thonet Chair in Birch and Plastic by Gerd Lange, West-Germany, 1973
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Designer: Gerd Lange Manufacturer: THONET Model: Flex chair Material: Birch / Plastic Design period: 1973 Size in cm: 49 x 49 x 79 seat height 46cm. Condition: Good...
Plastic, Birch
Black Leatherette & Steel CM127 Stool by Thonet - 1960s
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Iconic CM127 bar stool by Thonet. Black lacquered steel feet and black faux leather original upholstery. Second stool available. This stool will ship from France and can be returned ...
Steel
Set of 4 Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set of 4 Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973. This is a set of highly sculptural and avant garde chairs by designer G...
Plastic, Beech
Back of the Chairs by Martino Gamper for the Conran Shop/Thonet, 2008
By Thonet
Located in Uppsala, SE
This chair, along with two other models, was commissioned by The Conran Shop in 2008 to the designer Martino Gamper for The London Design Festival and for ...
Bentwood
1960s Oswald Haerdtl, Set of 4 Dining Chairs by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - original upholstery with minor sings of use
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Antique Armchairs Model B28 by Thonet, bentwood and cane, Austria 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant pair of Thonet B28 armchairs, estimated to date from the 1920s. These chairs beautifully demonstrate Thonet’s mastery of bentwood constructio...
Cane, Bentwood
Thonet Bentwood Nesting Tables Set of Four, Beech Wood, 1900
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Rare and elegant original Thonet bentwood nesting tables dating to approximately 1900–1910. This exceptional four-piece set exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and innovative steam...
Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood mute servant by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood mute servant by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
$3,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Thonet White and Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
An early design of tubular chromed steel cantilevered frames, updated in this 1970s version. Single piece of tubular chromed bent steel, wood framed seat and back covered in white le...
Steel, Chrome
$2,466Sale Price|42% Off
Siesta Medizinal by Hans and Wassili Luckhardt for Thonet, 1930s
By Hans & Wassili Luckhardt, Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Design classic “Siesta Medizinal” by Hans and Wassili Luckhardt for Thonet Frankenberg with a height adjustable leather neck support as well...
Leather, Wood
$3,985Sale Price|20% Off
Siesta Medizinal N. 44 by Hans and Wassili Luckhardt for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Design Classic “Siesta Medizinal” by Hans and Wassili Luckhardt for Thonet Frankenberg with a height adjustable leather neck support as well as an adj...
Hardwood, Bentwood
Walter Gropius, Armchairs, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1970s
By Walter Gropius, Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and purple velvet armchairs designed by Walter Gropius in 1951, produced by Thonet, Statesville, North Carolina, USA, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 29.5” H x 24” W x 19” D Se...
Velvet, Oak
Pair of Thonet White and Black Bentwood & Bakelite Stacking Stools, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Thonet
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early pair of Black and White Thonet Nesting Tables, Stacking Stools. Featuring circular White Bakelite 14D seats atop Black, ebonized, bentwood legs. Attributed to Alvar Aalto. St...
Bakelite, Wood
$4,743Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Bauhaus Mart Stam tubular chair by Thonet / original green colour!!
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Praha, CZ
- Thonet - Before 1930, earliest model, practically unseen - Original red eisengarn, iron fabric, perfect condition, original screws - Lacquered in original green seen in Thonet col...
Steel
$2,549 / item
Slatted Arm Chair Art Nouveau designed by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare set of two slatted art nouveau arm chairs in used original condition. Designed by Thonet Austria.
Bentwood
1980s Chair by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Made in Czechoslovakia. - Wood cleaned and then treated with revitalizing oil. - Shows signs of use (scratches, scuffs, etc.). - Stable and sturdy. - Ma...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
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 ...
Elm
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
Walter Gropius, Armchairs, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1970s
By Walter Gropius, Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and purple velvet armchairs designed by Walter Gropius in 1951, produced by Thonet, Statesville, North Carolina, USA, c. 1970s. Seats reupholstered in brand new velvet...
Velvet, Oak