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.
1930s Josef Frank Restored Beech Armcahir by Thonet Model A403/F, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Frank Josef
Located in Praha, CZ
- brushed and oiled surface - Sturdy and stable - Stamped by Thonet - heigh of seat 33 cm
Beech
20th Century Art Nouveau Dining/ Salon Suite with Round Table by Thonet, AT 1910
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute exceptional, early 20th century dining suite/ salon suite by Thonet from the Art Nouveau period in Austria around 1910. Attributed to the famous Austrian architect and desig...
Leather, Beech
Rare Pair of Vienna Modernist "Café Capua" Chairs, Model No. 519 by Adolf Loos
By Thonet, Adolf Loos
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible pair of Austrian modernist bentwood side chairs, Model No. 519, famously known as the "Café Capua" chair. Designed in 1913 by the pioneer...
Beech, Bentwood
$2,088Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Coat rack - Nr. 1 - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This elegant Thonet Coat Rack Nr. 1, crafted in the early 1900s, exemplifies the iconic bentwood craftsmanship of the renowned Thonet brand. Standing at an impressive 203 cm in heigh...
Beech
$651Sale Price|44% Off
Vintage Mid Century Thonet Bentwood Armchairs - a Pair
By Thonet
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Rare vintage set of mid century Thonet bentwood armchairs. Bright, striking orange. Can't find these chairs anywhere. The seat back actually reclines a little. The tag says blended c...
Upholstery, Wood
Bauhaus Tubular Steel End Table With Drawer, Chromed Metal, Veneered Wood, 1930
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus chrome plated tubular steel end table with one drawer. This table model T9 was designed and manufactured by Thonet, circa 1930 This item is restored on request and available...
Metal, Chrome
Michael Thonet No. 24 Bentwood Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1950s
By Thonet, TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautifully restored vintage bentwood armchair No. 24 designed by Michael Thonet and produced by TON in Czechoslovakia during the 1950s. This elegant piece features Thonet’s iconic c...
Velvet, Bentwood
Thonet S 39 L Cognac Vegetal Leather Bar Stool Chair Mart Stam Set of 3
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These rare Cantilever vintage Bar Stools chairs are Bauhaus classics and were designed 1926 by Mart Stam and produced by Thonet with the Model name S39 L. They were produced in the 7...
Steel, Chrome
Vienna Secession Canape No. 6214 by Otto Wagner for Thonet, 1904
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant and rare bentwood canapé, model no. 6214, designed Otto Wagner and produced by Thonet in the early 20th century. This refined settee exemplif...
Fabric, Bentwood
An Early MODERN NEO-CLASSICAL FREE-FORM ROCKING-CHAIR by THONET, France 1900
By Thonet
Located in PARIS, FR
An important, very spectacular and charming free-form rocking-chair, Art-Nouveau, Art-Deco, Neo-Classical, Shabby-Chic, Free-Form, bamboo structures and cane seat, by Thonet, France ...
Bamboo, Cane
20th Century Thonet Art Nouveau Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1905
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding pair of white lacquered Art Nouveau Thonet armchairs from the period around 1905 in Austria. The timeless design of this iconic Vienesse secession armchairs comes from th...
Fabric, Bentwood
Antique Armchair No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1920s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
This antique armchair, model no. 752, was designed in the 1920s by Josef Frank for Thonet and originates from Austria. It is made from beech and features an upholstery seat. This pie...
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
$405Sale Price|40% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Footstool by Jacob and Josef Kohn for Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian bent oak & cane ottoman by Jacob and Josef Kohn for Thonet Featuring an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and strai...
Oak
1900s Marcel Kammerer Chair No.6517 for Thonet, Austria
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered in Backhausen fabric - carefully refurbished and finished with ebony shellac - Height of seat 47 cm.
Fabric, Wood
Thonet Chrome Lounge Chairs designed by Anton Lorenz
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Anton Lorenz for Thonet Furniture Chrome Barrel Chairs. Newly reupholstered and ready to go! Nice size and scale!
Chrome
Thonet Sider Chairs Attributed to Marcel Kammerer
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Vienna, AT
Katalog No, A 335 beech bentwood with plywood seat and backrest attributed to Marcel Kammerer. Professionaly restored. Signed Thonet on the frame.
Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
$1,065Sale Price|40% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Caine Children's High Chair by Gebrüder Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vienna Secession children's or doll's high chair by Thonet, crafted from beautifully bent oak with a hand-woven cane seat. Featuring elegant flowing lines, a curved ladder-back, inte...
Oak
Early 20th Century Bentwood Thonet Dining Chairs, Set of 8, Upholstered in Dedar
By Thonet
Located in Portland, ME
New York, circa 1940s A set of eight bentwood original Thonet Industries dining chairs and made in the style of Jacob and Joseph Kohn. The chairs feature curved bentwood frames with...
Cotton, Linen, Bentwood
$1,100Sale Price|50% Off
Bent Plywood Chair, Model 18 by Bruno Weir for Thonet, c. 1950
By Thonet
Located in New York City, NY
Bent Plywood Chair, Model 18, by Bruno Weir, Thonet, Austria, c. 1950
Plywood
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet Anton Lorenz Cantilevered Chrome Armchair
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
Located in Pasadena, TX
(1 ) Thonet Lorenz arm chair The Lorenz arm chair was designed by Anton Lorenz in 1929 and manufactured by Thonet. In 1929 Anton Lorenz founded the firm Desta (Deutsche Stahlmöbel)...
Chrome
Model No. 3 Desk or Writing Chair by Thonet, 1900's
By Thonet
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A very nice desk or writing chair by Thonet. It is fabricated in the Czech Republic around 1900. This chair was originally designed at the second half of the 19th century and can be...
Wood
Pair of Thonet Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional pair of Art Nouveau chairs by Thonet, produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s. Executed in solid beech wood and molded beech plywood, showcasing classic bentwood construc...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Vintage Two-Seat Cinema Bench from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This two-seat cinema bench was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1940s - 1950s. The bench is stable and can be placed anywhere. It is made of beech wood, bentwoo...
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Thonet Bent Chairs made by ZPM Radomsko
By Thonet, ZPM Radomsko
Located in Prato, IT
This no.18 chair was designed by Gebrüder Thonet around 1875 and was one of the most popular chairs of Thonet. This set of 4 chairs was manufactured by ZPM Radomsko in the 1960s. The...
Rattan, Oak
Bentwood dining chair no.20 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood dining chair no.20 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
20th Century Art Nouveau Thonet Flower Tub / Plant Stand, Bentwood, AT ca 1915
By Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful, timeless bentwood plant stand or flower tub made by the famous company of Thonet Vienna. A unique shaped piece from the renowed company in Austria around 1915. Superbly de...
Metal
$1,821Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet armchair with original period leather, label.
By Thonet
Located in Milano, IT
Bentwood, molded plywood and original period leather – labeled Rare and refined armchair produced by Thonet between the 1920s and 1930s, a period marking the full maturity of the Au...
Metal
$585Sale Price|40% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Scrolling Children Sized Rocking Chair, Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the century Vienna Secession oak child size rocking chair features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and elegant swirls...
Rattan, Oak
Thonet Model 81 Three-Legged Armchair
By Thonet
Located in Highland, IN
This elegant three-legged chair by Thonet is made of stained beech with a seat upholstered in suede leather. 31.5"h X 25"w X 23"d
Beech
Art nouveau wingchair no.6542 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau wingchair no.6542 by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Weißenhof Mr 10 / Mr 533 Chairs Manufactured by Thonet
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of original Weißenhof MR 10 / MR 533 tubular steel chairs, designed in 1927 by Mies van der Rohe and manufactured by Thonet in the 1930s. Chrome-plated tubular steel and black...
Steel
1990s Marcel Breuer for Thonet Laccio Side Table in Black 6x Available
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Laccio Side Table, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925. These particular examples were produced by Thonet in the United States and date to the 1990s. The tables fe...
Steel
Rare Thonet 811 Prague Rawhide Cane Armchair by Josef Hoffmann, 6 Available
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1920's, Joseph Hoffman takes modern and meshes it with organic materials. While other designers of the era were playing around with steel and more refined techniques,...
Wood, Animal Skin
$1,502Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet (1900s) This exquisite armchair, Model No. A 811/F, designed by the renowned architect and designer Josef Hoffmann for Thonet ...
Reed, Beech
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
Adolf Schneck, rare A 64 F Bentwood armhair for Thonet, 1929
By Gustav Adolf Schneck, Thonet
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
Rare armchair by Adolf Schneck (sometimes wrongly attributed to Josef Hoffmann) designed in 1929 and made by Thonet. This model was exhibited at the Viennese Art and Industry show du...
Beech, Bentwood
Original 4er Set Thonet S320 Stapelstuhl Böhme Schneider blau
By Thonet, Ulrich Bohme, Wulf Schneider
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt drei wunderschönen 4er Set Thonet Freischwingern zum Verkauf an. Bei den Stühlen handelt es sich um das Modell S320, das stapelbar ist und von Ulrich Bö...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Wicker and Chrome THONET MR20 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe MR20 armchairs
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A pair of vintage natural cane, Wicker and chrome MR20 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe MR20 armchairs for Thonet. The MR20 (the armchair version of the MR10) is a hallmark of Bauhaus and M...
Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Thonet, Chrome Plated Metal, Lacquered Wood, 1930
By R. C. Coquery, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk B 282 designed by R. C. Coquery and manufactured by Thonet, c. 1930 Delivery time c. 8 weeks
Steel, Chrome
$405Sale Price|40% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Wash Shaving Stand by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian bentwood wash/shaving stand by Thonet. Crafted with the companies signature steam-bent bentwood frame. The stand features a center circle for holding a wash bowl and 2...
Oak
Large Secession Armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Large secession armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet professionally stained and repolished. Marked on the bottom.
Bentwood
1960s 1970s Wooden Armchair by Thonet Mid Century Design
By Thonet
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s/70s Wooden Armchair by Thonet, Mid-Century Design Item: Armchair Manufacturer: Unknown Condition: Good - Vintage Age: Circa 1960-1970 Dimensions: 57cm x 50cm x 79cm Seat ...
Fabric, Wood
Armchair for Thonet, Sweden, First half of the 20th century, Josef Frank fabric
By Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
An armchair with a bentwood frame, marked Thonet on the underside and upholstered in Josef Frank’s textile “Poison” for Firma Svenskt Tenn. The chair has a rounded back, curved armre...
Fabric, Bentwood
Thonet S 33 Vintage brown saddle leather chair Mart Stam Cantilever, Set of 4
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Thonet Mart Stam S33 chair made by Thonet. The Classic Bauhaus chair. Frame chrome-plated tubular steel, thick saddle maroon brown leather. Beautiful Vintage Condition. The saddle l...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Restored Bauhaus Bedside Tables, by M. Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1920s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Model: MM3 This exceptional pair of nightstands (model MM3) is a masterpiece of modern architecture and design. Designed by one of the most prominent figures of the Bauhaus school, ...
Steel, Chrome
$7,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6, Mid Century Cow Hide Upholstered Bentwood Chairs by Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Basel, BS
These make an incredible opportunity for a complete rare hard to find set of beautiful early American Made, Mid Century Thonet chairs after Eames. Stunning, very cool authentic Bruno Weil...
Bentwood, Cowhide
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
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
$2,264Sale Price / set|31% Off
Set of 2 Thonet Armchairs, Model B246, 1930s, Restored & Reupholstered
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This set of 2 armchairs was produced by Thonet (original paper labels are still under the seats as you may see in the attached picture) and most probably designed by Josef Frank. Thi...
Linen, Bentwood
$714Sale Price / item|20% Off
Thonet Design Bentwood Bar Stool No. 73 By Ton, 1950s
By TON a.s., Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Elegant mid-century bar stools, model No. 73, produced by TON in the tradition of classic Thonet design. Beautifully crafted from bentwood, showcasing graceful curves, lightness, and...
Fabric, Bentwood
Thonet S 33 Vintage Black Saddle Leather Chair Mart Stam Cantilever, Set of 4
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Thonet Mart Stam S33 chair in made by Thonet. The Classic Bauhaus chair. Frame chrome-plated tubular steel, saddle leather black Beautiful Vintage Condit...
Steel, Chrome
Very rare walnut art deco bar cabinet by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Very rare walnut art deco bar cabinet by Thonet. Signed Thonet Fabrique en Tchecoslovaque. Professionally stained and repolished with fench polish.
Walnut
$570Sale Price|40% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Bar Stool w/ Backrest by Gebrüder Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian style cane and bent oak bar stool features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and curved back rest. The seat features ...
Cane, Oak
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Super Slick Pair of Thonet Chairs
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Thonet tub chairs in great original condition. We believe they are upholstered in leather, however it's possible the upholstery is actually vi...
Upholstery
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Thonet Industries, Inc., American, circa 1970
By Thonet
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking set of six armchairs by Thonet Industries, the American arm of the legendary Thonet firm, executed in polished tubular chrome steel with newly upholstered seats and curved...
Chrome
Thonet Beechwood Standing Coat Rack, Art Nouveau Style, Romania, 1968
By Thonet
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice standing coat rack and umbrella stand .Solid Beechwood . Steam bended . Very good condition, comes in four parts, easy to send . Please...
Beech
Rare Set of Two Bauhaus Armchairs B 246 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare Bauhaus armchairs B 246 designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by Thonet in 1930s. Historically, this model was among those installed in the iconic Villa Rezek in Vienna, buil...
Bentwood
Bentwood "Angel Back" armchair nr.19 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Up for sale is a beautiful and highly collectible antique bentwood armchair, manufactured by the legendary company Thonet (circa 1900–1920). This model is famously known as the "Ange...
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Bentwood Coat and Hat Stand, Art Deco Style, Croatia, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Bentwood Coat&Hat Hanger 1930s Great vintage find in great condition. Fully functional hanger with patina.
Bentwood
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Nordic 01 in White Oak and Caramel 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