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.
Rare triangle card table by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare triangle card table by Thonet in very good original condition.
Beech, Bentwood
SUPER RARE ORIGINAL ANTiQUE 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 super rare, antique original, circa 1880, extra large, Thonet Bentwood solid Beech wood eight prong coa...
Beech, Bentwood
20th Century Thonet White Shabby Coat Rack
By Thonet
Located in IT
Thonet coat stand with an early 20th century design, made using the technique of steam bent wood. The shape of these wooden elements is absolutely timeless, practical for jackets, ...
Wood
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
Magazine holder no.11803 by Otto Prutscher for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Prutscher
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Magazine holder no.11803 by Otto Prutscher for Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood Plant Stands by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood plant stands by Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Secession plant stand by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant stand by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Austrian post-modern chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s Set of three chairs with square seat, padded and covered in black fabric with silver geometric pattern. Structure in...
Fabric, Wood
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
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Bentwood Red and Black Lacquered Modernist Desk Chair
By Thonet
Located in Westport, CT
Thonet bentwood vintage red and black lacquered plywood inspired by Eames DCW desk/dining chair, great form and comfort.
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
1950s Classic Elegant Bentwood Painted Dining Chair by Thon- set Of 6
By Thonet
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950s Classic elegant bentwood dining chair by Thon, set of six, other quantities available. These chairs were produced in volume by the famous Czech firm Ton, still trading today an...
Bentwood
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
1950's Classic Elegant Bentwood Painted Dining Chair By Ton & Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950's Classic Elegant Bentwood Painted Dining Chair By Ton & Thonet. The chair was produced in volume by the famous Czech firm Ton, still trading today and producing beautiful c...
Bentwood, Beech, Walnut
1950s Pair of Caned Prague Dining Chairs, Model 811, by Josef Frank for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pair of Caned 811 Dining Chairs, initially designed by Josef Frank for Michael Thonet in 1920. This pair of chairs dates to the 1950s. The chairs have a pressed Vienna Brai...
Bentwood, Cane, Braid
Modern Viennese Set Thonet B 246 Chairs & T 142 Table by Josef Frank, 1930s
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
This rare Thonet ensemble — comprising two B 246 armchairs and a T 142 coffee table — offers a vivid glimpse into the expressive edge of early modernist furniture design. Attributed ...
Cane, Beech
Set of Four B 952/F Armchairs by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Thonet, Adolf Loos
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed in 1903 by the pioneering Austrian architect and designer Adolf Loos, the B 952 F armchair represents a rare convergence of utilitarian form and refined craftsmanship. Execu...
Beech
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
1970s Pair of Beech Armchairs and Coffee Table by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Upholstery, 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
Design Classic - Verner Panton, S Chair Model 276 for Thonet, 1965
By Verner Panton, Thonet
Located in Renens, CH
Model 276 S chair, designed by Verner Panton for Thonet in 1965. Unlike his more well-known plastic and metal designs, this early model is crafted entirely from molded wood, showca...
Plywood
Design Classic - Verner Panton, S Chair Model 275 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Renens, CH
Model 275 S chair, designed by Verner Panton for Thonet in 1965. Unlike his more well-known plastic and metal designs, this early model is crafted entirely from molded wood, showca...
Plywood
1980s Thonet Chrome Cantilever Sled Base Dining Arm Chairs in Grey Fabric
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cantilever Sled Base Dining Armchairs, produced by Thonet in the 1980s. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several identical chairs available for purchase. Th...
Steel, Chrome
$828Sale 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
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
$1,176Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 19th century Faux Bamboo Parlor Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Munich, DE
19th Century bentwood parlor chairs by Thonet. Beautiful gold patina & faded fabric. Both chairs show heavy signs of their age, flaking gold patina, washed out seat fabric & yet the ...
Fabric, Faux Bamboo
$1,200 / set
1980s Pair of Thonet Leather Side Chairs in Grey
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Thonet Side Chairs, featuring grey Naugahyde upholstery and black enameled steel frames. They are lightweight enough to easily move around as occasional chairs, yet...
Steel, Enamel
Midcentury Footstool / Thonet, 1970s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, fabric - Original upholstery - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Wood
1951 Set of Four W199 Dining Arm Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson
By Thonet, Ben Thompson, Walter Gropius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an outstanding set of 4 W199 Birch Armchairs, designed by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson for Gebruder Thonet in 1951. They were produced in Austria in the early 1950s and th...
Steel
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
1960s Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen for Thonet Tuxedo Two Seat Loveseat Sofa
By Thonet, Davis Allen, Gordon Bunshaft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an armless two-seater tuxedo settee / sofa, designed by Davis Allen and Gordon Bunshaft of SOM Architects. This example appears to be a Thonet production, one of the manufact...
Steel
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
Bentwood Bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s.
Fabric, Wood
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
$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
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
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
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
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
Thonet Frères, Games Table, 1940
By Thonet
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Maison Thonet, Games table in curved and blackened beech, 1940. The square top is dressed in red felt, 4 token-holder drawers are arranged on the sides. Thonet label under the tray.
Beech