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.
Restored Bauhaus Floor Lamp, by Thonet, Chrome, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant floor lamp is a premier example of functionalist design, produced by the renowned Thonet company in 1930s Czechoslovakia. The lamp seamlessly combines modern aesthetics ...
Steel, Chrome
Art Nouveau Wing Chair No.6542 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau wing chair no.6542 by Thonet in excellent condition, backhausen fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Original Bauhaus Armchair, by Thonet, Beech, Chrome, Germany, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus armchair comes from Germany from the first half of the 20th century. It is manufactured by Thonet and impresses with its combination of tubular chromed steel and...
Steel, Chrome
Secession dining room chair atr. Otto Prutscher for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Prutscher
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession dining room chair atr. Otto Prutscher for Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
$1,568
Thonet Music Stand No.3
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet music stand no.3. Professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$1,975Sale Price / set|69% Off
4 Thonet Arm chairs in red pleather
By Thonet
Located in Bronx, NY
A set of 4 Arm chairs. Bentwood and upholstered back and seat in red pleather.
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Easy armchair no.1 with rattan seat by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare easy armchair no.1 with rattan seat by Thonet in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Secession Nesting Tables by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession nesting tables by Thonet professionally stained and repolished. Measures: 1. table 31 x 45 x 69cm 2. table 34,5 x 53 x 70cm 3. table 39 x 60,5 x 72cm.
Wood
Modernist Thonet Carved and Bentwood Sofa
By Thonet
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning bentwood three-seat sofa manufactured by Thonet, circa 1950s. Features a super stylish organic curved line bentwood arm frame, brass accent details on the back and upholster...
Upholstery, Wood
EXQUISITE ViCTORIAN THONET ROCKING CHAIR WITH CHERUB CARVED BACK & SEAT PANELS
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely full sized Antique Victorian Thonet circa 1880 rocking chair with hand carved back and seat pane...
Bentwood
ANTIQUE PERIOD STAMPED LATE VICTORIAN CiRCA 1880 THONET BENTWOOD COAT RACK STAND
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Antique original, Fully stamped to the base circa 1880, large, Thonet Bentwood solid Beech wood eight p...
Bentwood
C. 1977 Italian Cantilever Side Chair in Chromed Steel with Caned Seat and Back
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tubular Chromed-Steel Cantilever Z Chair, designed in the 1970s. This chair dates to ca. 1977 and was produced by Thonet. It has a Vienna Braid caned seat and back, and it ...
Chrome, Steel
Bentwoon plant stand attr. Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood plant stand attributed to Otto Wagner for Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
Set of Eight Art Nouveau Chairs Model 639 by Thonet, Cotton - Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Girona, Girona
Set of eight bistro chairs, completely restored, French polish, mottled greige cotton upholstery. Model 639. Attributed to Josef Hoffmann. Thonet Fabrique' en Tchecoslovaquie (lab...
Cotton, Wood
Rare Armchair A 403/F by Adolf Schneck for Thonet
By Thonet, Gustav Adolf Schneck
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare armchair A 403/F by Adolf Schneck for Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$816Sale Price|20% Off
Nobiliary Dining Chair of Thonet from Wiener Werkstaette
By Thonet
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Rare chair of the Wiener Werkstaette considered the prototype of the successive variants on Design by the architect. Gustav Sigel. The rectangular sections and geometric motifs of th...
Bentwood
Bentwood Mirror by Thonet, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood Mirror by Thonet, 1900s
Wood
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
Austrian post modern black chaise longue S 828 by Torben Skov for Thonet, 1980s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post modern black chaise longue S 828 by Torben Skov for Thonet, 1980s Chaise longue mod. S 828 convertible into a rocking armchair. The body is made of black plastic with a...
Metal
Pair of Thonet Bar Stools with Red Wooden Base and Black Seats, circa 1930s
By Thonet, Thonet
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
An authentic pair of Thonet stools from the 1930s, marked on the underside with Thonet Logo and certificate. Red painted wooden base with chrome foot support and black faux leather ...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Thonet, Marcel Breuer, Czechia, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair Designed by Marcel Breuer and made by Thonet. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Thonet Designer: Marcel Breuer Material: Chrome-Pla...
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
Art Deco Reclining Chair Made in 1930s Germany by Thonet, Restored Matte Finish
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco Reclining chair made in 1930s Germany by Thonet. Restored matte finish.
Walnut
$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
Pair of Cantilever leather Lounge Chairs Manufactured by Thonet in 1980
By Thonet
Located in Beirut, LB
Pair of night blue Bauhaus style lounge chairs on a chromed tubular steel cantilever base, manufactured by Thonet in 1980. Re-upholstered in a night blue leather for the seats and th...
Steel
6er Set Thonet S 61V Stuhl S60 Konferenzstuhl Freischwinger
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 6er Set Freischwinger/ Konferenzstühle der Serie S60 vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Thonet zum Verkauf an. Bei den Stühlen handelt es sich um das Mod...
Steel, Chrome
Armchair N ° 7601B, Edition Thonet circa 1880
By Thonet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchair n ° 7601B, Edition Thonet circa 1880 Patina and fabric to redo.
Bentwood
Pair of Restored Art Deco Armchairs, by Josef Frank, Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant pair of Art Deco armchairs comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and was manufactured by the renowned Thonet company according to the design ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Austrian Chairs with Straw and Wood by Thonet, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian mid-century chairs with straw and wood, 1950s Set of 3 chairs with square seat, with rounded corners in straw. The structure is in dark wood...
Straw, Wood
2x Armchairs Thonet Nr.562 by Gustav Siegel, table Thonet Nr.178
By Thonet, Gustav Siegel
Located in Praha, CZ
Wery good original condition with a pleasant patine of age. Museum-quality condition! Solid, can be used normally. The seating was designed by Arch. Gustav Siegel between 1926 and 19...
Bentwood
Original 4er Set Thonet Stuhl S32N Netz Mesh Design Freischwinger
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 4er Set Freischwinger Stühle mit Netzbespannung von Thonet aus dem Jahr 2000 zum Verkauf an. Es stehen insgesamt 15 Stühle zum Verkauf an. ***Der Preis ...
Aluminum
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Illustrated Thonet Chair
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Thonet armchair with a printed illustration. The seat and backrest are weaved in rattan. The rest of the frame is covered in a print that could have influenced by the great Fornase...
Wood
1970s Mobile Conference Table, Manufacturer, TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made from wood - Original state - Manufacturer TON - The top plate shows signs of use.
Wood
1970s Modular Three Seater Sofa by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly reupholstered - The beech wooden frames has been refurbished - Hight of seat 36cm.
Fabric, Beech
$334Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Footstool / Thonet, 1970s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, fabric - Original upholstery - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Original Magazine Rack Designed Thonet, Model No 1
By Thonet
Located in Lejre, DK
Magazine rack in beechwood. Designed by Thonet, 1900s. Made in Austria. Great original condition.
Beech
Set of 3 Thonet Stackable Chairs – Vintage Conference or Dining Chairs, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Hannover, DE
Set of 3 Thonet Stackable Chairs – Conference or Dining Chairs, 2000s Set of three Thonet stackable chairs, perfect for use in dining areas, of...
Metal
1950's Pair of Upholstered Side Chairs, Oswald Haerdtl Model 515
By Thonet
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s pair of upholstered side chairs – Oswald Haerdtl Model 515 1950’s pair of upholstered side chairs – Oswald Haerdtl Model 515. T...
Upholstery
1931, Mart Stam for Thonet, Black Wooden S43F
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
Bentwood Bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s.
Fabric, Wood
1990 Set of Three Mart Stam for Thonet Bauhaus Dining Chairs in Oak
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of three cantilever dining chairs with arms, produced by Thonet and presumed to be designed by Mart Stam. Thonet is a historically important furniture compan...
Chrome, Steel
Original, Early Vintage Tubular Easy Chair with Original Fabric, circa 1930
By Thonet, Paul Schuitema
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
1931, Mart Stam for Thonet, Set of Light Yellow Wooden S43
By Mart Stam, Thonet
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, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Set of two tubular chairs with light yellow wooden...
Metal, Chrome
Austrian modern white wooden pedestal with two tops by Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian modern white wooden pedestal with two tops by Thonet, 1990s Pedestal or display stand with round base. The structure is entirely made of white lacquered wood with a matt fin...
Metal