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.
$3,184Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Blue Cantilever Chairs B43 by Mart Stam for Thonet, Germany, 1930s
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four blue cantilever chairs, two with armrests and two without. Model B43, designed in 1930s by Mart Stam and manufactured by Thonet in G...
Steel
Early rare chrome Bauhaus Marcel Breuer B 35 Armchairs, Thonet - 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Thonet - 1930, earliest model - good condition,original screws, one missing - suitable for new upholstery
Steel, Chrome
Austrian post-modern purple fabric Chairs by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s
By Marcel Kammerer, Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern purple fabric and black wood chairs by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s Pair of chairs with square seat and oval backrest, padded and covered in bright purple ...
Fabric, Wood
Rare Beautiful Thonet High Back Armchair No 6351 , Black, Cane
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Original cane and black finish, stamped Thonet. Beautiful lines.
Cane, 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
Piano Stool Thonet Nr.1, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Height-adjustable swivel stool. The seat height is adjustable from 44 to 60 cm. Solidly constructed base, decorative lower legs. Good original condition with signs of use, patina.
Metal
Restored Art Deco Piano Swivel Stool, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Highest height: 51 cm (20.1 in) Lowest height: 42 cm (16.5 in) Seat diameter: 42 cm (16.5 in) This piano stool is an elegant and functional accessory from the Czechoslovak Art Deco ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Parisian Cafe Dining Chairs by Thonet from Musee d'Orsay
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Four stackable French cafe dining chairs manufactured by Thonet from and designed for the Musee D'Orsay Restaurant in Paris, France. These we...
Beech, Fabric
Original 430 Chair by Verner Panton for Thonet, 1960s
By Alexander Girard, Thonet
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and rare original 430 Chair designed by Verner Panton for Thonet, produced for only a very short period in the 1960s. This piece represents a unique collaboration betw...
Steel, Chrome
$2,500Sale Price|34% Off
Vienna Secession Otto Prutscher Thonet Austria Morris Chair #6392 Adjustable
By Thonet, Otto Prutscher
Located in Miami, FL
Vienna Secession Otto Prutscher Thonet Austria Morris Chair #6392 Adjustable Offered for sale is an original Vienna Secession Otto Prutscher for Thonet Austria Morris adjustable ch...
Brass
Pair of Thonet White and Black Bentwood & Bakelite Stacking Stools, 1930s
By Thonet, Alvar Aalto
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
Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Oswald Haerdtl for Thonet / TON, 1950s Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Oswald Haerdtl for Thonet / TON, 1950s Czechoslovakia This elegant set of four dining chairs was designed by Austrian architect Oswald Haerdtl and produced...
Beech
ST 664 Shell Chairs, Designed by Eddie Harlis, Orange
By Thonet, Eddie Harlis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ST 664 chair designed by Eddie Harlis in 1954. Thonet manufactured the chairs in Germany. These chairs are no longer produced. The chair has an orange painted finish and are made...
Steel, Chrome
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Retro Thonet Lounge Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Bronx, NY
The pair has the original vinyl, and the original finish. Sold as a pair only.Price is for the pair.
Wood, PVC
$4,437 / set
Dining Chairs No.81 by Thonet Debrecsen
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Dining chairs no.81 by Thonet Debrecsen executed in 1980s. Excellent original condition.
Fabric, Bentwood
6er Set Thonet Freischwinger S32 V Breuer neues Wiener Geflecht
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten sechs wunderschöne S32 V Freischwinger von Thonet zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Marcel Breuer und gilt als wahrer Design Klassiker. Gemäß Branding auf der Untersei...
Steel
$2,200 / set
Upholstered Swivel Stools by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Upholstered in red fabric with chrome base. Tagged
Chrome
$392Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Beech Bentwood Chair by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered - The height of armrests is 70cm
Wood, Bentwood, Beech
$541Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Ton/Thonet Beech Armchair, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 39cm
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech
Original 19th Century Thonet Associates Vienna Secession Side Table
By Thonet, Michael 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
$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
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Thonet Lounge Slipper Chairs - a Pair
By Thonet
Located in Waxahachie, TX
D.O.B. October 8th 1964 Pair of Thonet lounge slipper chairs. Stunning chrome trim around the back. Ebonized wood base. Nailhead trim on back. Dark eggplant tinted grey tweed fabric ...
Upholstery
$1,541Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Dining Chairs or Thonet, 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of beechwood - Presented on the exhibition Expo 58 in Brussel - Good, original condition.
Beech
Set of Four White Thonet nr. 14 Armchairs with Wicker Seats, Vienna, 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Den Haag, NL
Set of four early edition White Thonet nr.14 (later produced as number 214) armchairs with wicker seats, Vienna, 1960s. These chairs have old labels instead of the later produced stamps Thonet used...
Wicker, Wood
Antique Thonet Wood Chair, German Design, 36\" Diameter, Circa 1920
By Thonet
Located in Barcelona, ES
After Thonet chair, manufactured by unknown manufactured, circa 1920. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Thonet...
Wood
Mid Century "B12" Side Console Table by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early example of the "B12" mid century side console table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet, 1930s. In good orig...
Chrome
Set of Six Thonet Vienna Bentwood Armchairs, Austria, 1991
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Classic bentwood armchair produced under the Thonet Vienna lineage in Austria, dated 1991. Featuring a gracefully curved wooden frame, bentwood arms and original upholstered seat and...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood, Fabric
Vintage Thonet Armchair, Steel Frame, Herringbone Pattern, Germany
By Thonet
Located in Hamburg, DE
Big Thonet steel pipe armrest chair with a special cover in the herringbone pattern.Elegant chair or armchair. The continuous … Read more Big Thonet steel pipe armrest chair with a s...
Metal
$5,512Sale Price / set|20% Off
1930 Pair of Armchairs + Spider Table, by Halabala for Thonet, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Table: 65 x 65 x 65 cm.
Fabric, Wood
1930s Pair of Restored Thonet Side Tables No. 206, Austria
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished and finished in shellac - Label is on one table and on other is missing
Wood
$2,952Sale Price|35% Off
Bentwood Cane Salonfauteuil Easy Chair Thonet No. 1, circa 1890
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in Lucenec, SK
Very rare antique Thonet easy chair no 1 produced by Gebruder Thonet from the late 19th century in a very good condition with new cane on seat, cane ...
Cane, 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
Marcel Breuer for Thonet B35 Mid Century Chrome and Rattan Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Marcel Breuer for Thonet B35 Mid Century Chrome and Rattan Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 25.5 wide x 31.5 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height/ch...
Chrome
$1,494Sale Price / set|20% Off
4 Sedie Thonet originali anni '50
By Thonet
Located in Manzano, IT
4 Sedie Thonet originali anni '50 sono presenti lievi macchie sul tessuto della seduta (come in foto)
Fabric, Wood
$374Sale Price|33% Off
Bauhaus Thonet Folding Chair, B 751
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoslovakia - Original (well-) preserved - Marked by maker - Straight and simple design - Publicated in books and catalogues.
Beech, Bentwood
$640Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 Mid Century Thonet Bentwood Dining Chair 12 available
By Thonet
Located in Pasadena, TX
One Thonet Bentwood Dining Chairs 1970s Rare oak bentwood dining chairs in a colorful upholstery. We have 12 available See similar chair in ...
Oak
Early Pair of Bauhaus Chrome Armchairs KF-406 by Walter Knoll for Thonet, 1930s
By Walter Knoll, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930 - extremely rare - maker: Thonet (marked) - design:L Walter Knoll - publicated (see the pictures) - original condition suitable for new upholstery - chrome with patina.
Chrome
$831Sale Price|20% Off
Big Old Thonet Furniture Poster, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1926 - Original poster - Beautiful decoration - for the conditions see the photos jr.
Glass, Paper
$922 / 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
Very rare folding easy chair no.1 by Thonet
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Very rare folding easy chair no.1 by Thonet professionally stained and repolished with new handmade rattan seat.
Rattan, Beech, 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
Midcentury Set of 5 Thonet High Back Bentwood Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Set of 5 !!!!! Thonet high back bentwood beech chairs. Solid and stabile. Signed. Fabric can be changed easily.
Bentwood
Thonet Side Chair
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood frame with upholsterd seat. Manufactured by Thonet in Austria about 1880.
Beech, Bentwood
Set Of 8 Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs By Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of eight mid-century modern, customized maple and leather dining chairs by Thonet feature a classic profile that epitomizes a timeless aesthetic. The design is characterized...
Leather, Maple
Pair of Bentwood High Back Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Pair of beech bentwood high back dining chairs. Signed by Thonet, 1987. Style Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau. New upholstery, same fabric, differe...
Bentwood
$924Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Set of Four Dining Chairs by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare model - carefully refurbished - newly upholstered - heigh of seat 45 cm
Fabric, Wood
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Model B35 This armchair is an absolute icon of world design and one of the most important models of the Bauhaus school. It is the famous B35 type, designed in the 1930s by the visio...
Steel, Chrome
Secession dining chair no.437 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession dining chair no.437 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
$1,121Sale Price|20% Off
1930s Marcel Breuer B34 Chair, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly Chromed - New canvas - Originally painted wooden armrests with some signs of use - Manufacturer: Thonet (TON).
Chrome
$3,750 / set
Pair of 404 F chairs by Stefan Diez for Thonet
By Stefan Diez, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 404 F chairs by Stefan Diez for Thonet. Original labels. Stefan Diez, born in 1971 in Freising (Germany). After taking courses in architecture and training to be a carpent...
Bentwood
Original S1047 Thonet Esstisch ausziehbar 1980 Design Tisch
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr seltenen ausziehbaren Design Esstisch von Thonet aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Tisch verfügt über eine wunderschöne Maserung der Buchenholzplatte un...
Steel, Chrome
Thonet wall rack no.2
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet wall rack no.2 professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Birch Bentwood Side Or Coffee Table By Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern side or coffee table by Thonet was manufactured by the Austrian bentwood furniture company during the 1950s. It features a 1.25" thick ebonized maple top with...
Birch, Bentwood, Maple
$3,750 / set
Pair of 404 F chairs by Stefan Diez for Thonet
By Thonet, Stefan Diez
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 404 F chairs by Stefan Diez for Thonet. Original labels. Stefan Diez, born in 1971 in Freising (Germany). After taking courses in architecture and training to be a carpent...
Bentwood
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Thonet Bentwood Armchair Lounge Chair, 1970s
By Thonet
Located in Madison, WI
1970's accent bentwood chair made by Thonet. Condition: Great vintage condition throughout. Additional information: Materials: Bentwood, Upholstery Color: Red Period: 1970s Brand: ...
Bentwood, Upholstery
Set of two Stools Plywood designed by Gerd Lange for Thonet, 1970s
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of 2 stools designed by Gerd Lange. Gerd Lange is one of the most influential German furniture designers of the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his extremely down-to-earth, fun...
Metal
Set of Four Restored Art Deco Chairs, by Thonet, Beech, Walnut, Czech, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of 4 chairs is a magnificent and highly aesthetic showcase of furniture design from the transitional period between Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern (1940s). Manufactured in ...
Wood, Beech, Walnut, Lacquer
Beech bentwood dining chair by Thonet Uzhhorod Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Beech bentwood dining chair by Thonet Uzhhorod Czechoslovakia. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Midcentury Thonet Luggage Racks (2 Pairs Available)
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
These luggage racks were hand made in the 1960s. Made from oak in the Thonet factory, retaining the original maker's plaque on the base - please take a look at the relevant photogr...
Wood