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.
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
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
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
Secession Plant Stand No.9537 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant stand no.9537 by Otto Wagner for Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Beech
$2,845 / set
Flower Stands by Thonet No.908
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Flower stands by Thonet no.908 professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Set of Eight Art Nouveau Chairs Model 639 by Thonet, Cotton - Czechoslovakia
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
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
Refurbished Thonet Chairs 320 by Wulf Schneider and Ulrich Bohme, Austria 1984
By Wulf Schneider, Thonet, Ulrich Bohme
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a set of 4 Thonet Dining Chairs Model S320, designed by by Wulf Schneider and Ulrich Bohme. Chairs are stackable. ...
Steel
Set of Four '4' Slipper Chairs in Original Yellow Plaid Wool Fabric by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Deland, FL
Comfort. Vintage fabric. Captivating bentwood legs. These four slipper chairs are the perfect addition to any space needing a pop of color or a min...
Fabric
Austrian post-modern purple fabric Chairs by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
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
$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
$1,081 / set
Mid-Century Design Black Armchairs
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Black mid-century design armchairs by TON Bystrice pod Hostýnem 1950s. Professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
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
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet Newspaper Stand, Bent and Stained Beechwood, Austria, circa 1900
By Thonet
Located in Regensburg, DE
Jugendstil ( Art Nouveau) Newspaper stand with four compartments by Thonet (old stamp underneath) from Vienna around 1900. Bentwood in beech, stained in dark brown. Good original con...
Beech
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
20th Century Austrian Bar Stool in Black Wood by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Sofia, BG
Bar stool by Thonet in very elegant typical shape and in great condition. Austria, circa 1910.
Wood
$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
Restored Art Deco Adjustable Armchair, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This reclining armchair is a rare example of the Czech version of the Art Deco style from the early 20th century. The world famous company Thonet manufactured this piece. During this...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
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
Modernist Thonet Sculpted 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...
Brass
$1,907Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Set of 8 Thonet Armchairs Model Nr. 15, Black Wood and Cane, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 Thonet armchairs Model Nr. 15, Black Wood and Cane, 1900s.
Cane, 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
Two-Tier Bauhaus Coffee Table by Marcel Breuer for Thonet
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Torino, IT
Iconic two-tiered coffee table attributable to Marcel Breuer, central figure of the Bauhaus movement and pioneer of 20th-century modernist design. Breuer redefined the relationship b...
Metal
2010s Lepper Schmidt Sommerlade for Thonet S 845 DRWE Desk Chair in Leather
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Large Executive Desk Chair, Model S 845 DRWE, designed by the design trio Lepper Schmidt Sommerlade for Thonet in 2006. The listed price includes one chair, and we have sev...
Aluminum, Steel
Midcentury Footstool / Thonet, 1970s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood, fabric - Original upholstery - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Modern Viennese Set Thonet B 246 Chairs & T 142 Table by Josef Frank, 1930s
By Thonet, Frank Josef
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
Bentwood Bench by Thonet, Art Nouveau, Wood & Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s.
Fabric, 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
1960s Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen for Thonet Tuxedo Two Seat Loveseat Sofa
By Davis Allen, Gordon Bunshaft, Thonet
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
A Rare Triangular Thonet Bentwood Card Table, Circa 1900
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
A Rare Triangular Thonet Bentwood Card Table, Circa 1900 A beautiful bentwood design featuring a triangular playing surface covered in green woollen baize. The table stands on elega...
Beech
Pair of Secession Armchairs Atr. Adolf Loos Ex. by Thonet
By Adolf Loos, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Pair of secession armchairs atr. Adolf Loos ex. by Thonet in original condition.
Bentwood
$1,884Sale 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 & ...
Fabric, Faux Bamboo
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
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Josef Frank for Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and was manufactured by the renowned Thonet company according to the design of the si...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Pierre Paulin 442 Fauteuils
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Washington, DC
Pierre Paulin very rare pair of 442 fauteuils with two loose cushions. Beautiful and unusual flare with color scheme.
Fabric