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.
Thonet, rare pair of chairs, early 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Uppsala, SE
Rare pair of bentwood chairs manufactured by Thonet in the early 20th century. Both chairs have a nice faux painted wood finish that is early but most likely not original to the chai...
Bentwood
Austrian Bentwood Child Desk
By Thonet
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Bentwood small child's desk with attached chair with double hoop back design. (THONET label and brand)
Bentwood
20th Century Czech Pair of Vintage Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage pair of Czech Art Deco lounge chairs made of hand crafted polished bent Beechwood and Walnut, produced by Thonet in good condition. The detailed low club chairs...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech, Walnut, Bentwood
1970's Vintage Retro 6 Gert de Lange for Thornet ''The Flex'' Chairs
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in amstelveen, NL
Set of 8 chairs designed by Gert De Lange and made by Thornet, the chair was call ''The Flex'' chair and was awarded the 'Gute Form' price in 1969, black...
Plastic
Thonet Settee designed by Otto Prutscher for Cafe Heinrichshof, Austria 1880s
By Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare antique settee designed by Otto Prutscher for Cafe Heinrichshof, and manufactured by Thonet Brothers in 1908. It is done in beech bentwood, ...
Fabric, Bentwood
1950s Le Corbusier Jeanneret Perriand LC1 Basculant Lounge Chair Stendig Label
By Pierre Jeanneret, Thonet, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original 1950s LC1 Basculant Sling Lounge Chair, initially designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1929. This example is marked with a Stendig...
Steel
Office chairs no.6048 and no.6148 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Office chairs no.6048 and no.6148 by Otto Wagner for Thonet. Two tipes of seats. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Set of 8 Thonet chairs from the first half of the 1900s
By Thonet
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Interesting set of No. 8 chairs marked Thonet Vienna and dating from the first half of the 1900s in Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau style. The chairs are made of beech wood and are brand...
Beech
Thonet Vienna Art Deco Bentwood Clothing Valet / Dressing Stand, Austria, 1920s
By Thonet, Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant Art Deco gentleman’s valet or dressing stand from the 1920s, designed and crafted by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna in Austria. This piece is made of bentwood beech in a beautiful...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Secession dining chairs no.413 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession dining chairs no.413 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Debrecen in very nice original condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet MCM bent plywood leather chair , circa 1960
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Thonet bent plywood mod 1294 leather chair circa 1960
Leather, Plywood
Pair Thonet Side Chairs Scalloped and Ribbed Open Back and Bronze Nail Heads
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning pair of Thonet Chairs. A departure from the traditional bentwood framework, this frame features a bentwood leg, however the draw is an open scallop back with ribbed Chann...
Wrought Iron
19TH Century Entrance Coat-Rack Hanger with Mirror by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Completely original entrance coat-rack hanger with mirror by Thonet, period 1800s. Measure cm: H 195, W 85, D 30.
Mirror, Beech
Thonet Austrian Curved Wood Armrests Chair, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Thonet Austrian arm chair, c. 1900/1920, In curved beech wood, the upholstery has been redone in ivory velvet and the wooden parts have been polished wi...
Velvet, Beech
1984 Thonet S320 Armchairs by Schneider & Böhme, Gray Upholstery, Pair
By Thonet, Ulrich Bohme, Wulf Schneider
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wulf Schneider and Ulrich Böhme designed the S320 for Thonet in 1984, creating a chair that balances form with function through its distinctive cantilever construction. The tubular s...
Chrome
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Thonet Bentwood Wall Hall Tree
By Thonet
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an antique hanging wall hall tree by Thonet. It's made of beechwood and has 3 bentwood hangers for hats and coats.
Ultrasuede, Bentwood
$2,600 / item
Thonet Armchairs by Otto Wagner
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Design attributed to Otto Wagner. Wood finish and upholstery according to customer requirements. Price for already restored ones. Up to eight pieces available, more on request. Deli...
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Original Thonet 209 Dining Chair
By Thonet
Located in Medina, OH
The Thonet chair does need reupholstery work and refinishing work but has good bones to be a great addition to a dining room or use as a side chair. Please message us if you'd like ...
Fabric, Wood
Curved Wooden Bench No. 5 Signed De Thonet 19th Century
By Thonet
Located in Charmes, FR
curved wooden and cane bench no. 5, signed thonet, appears in the 1904 catalog in very good condition
Wood
$1,689Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Chair "B 791" by Thonet, Designed by Thonet Brothers, 1915
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Introducing the iconic "B 791" sculptural chair, a groundbreaking design by the Thonet Brothers in 1915, produced by Thonet. This extraordinary piece stands as a pure and primordial ...
Leather, Walnut
Eberhard Krauss, Rare Armchair Model A 821 F for Thonet, 1930
By Thonet
Located in Uppsala, SE
Rare armchair / lounge chair designed by Eberhard Krauss for Thonet in 1930 for the exhibition "Thonet Werkbund" in Vienna. This model is sometimes also wrongly attributed to Adolf S...
Rattan, Birch
Mid Century Thonet Armchairs with Sheepskin Upholstery, a Pair
By Thonet
Located in Raleigh, NC
Experience timeless elegance with this rare high-back pair of Thonet bentwood lounge chairs, circa 1950. These stunning pieces showcase the masterful craftsmanship of bentwood const...
Sheepskin, Birch
$25,800 / set
Eight Dining Chairs by Anton Lorenz for Thonet
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 8 armchairs designed by Anton Lorenz for Thonet. Each chair has tan upholstered backrest and seat with polished chrome tubular frames. Mid-Century Modern S-37 chairs were ori...
Chrome
$4,707 / set
Secession armchairs no.6513 by Otto Wagner
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession armchairs no.6513 by Otto Wagner for Thonet in original vintage condition.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
$3,900 / set
Rare Set of Six Thonet Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Set of Six Beautiful Original Thonet Dining Chairs. Ready for a new home.
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
20th Century Thonet Austrian Bentwood Hatrack
By Thonet
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Bentwood hatrack / coat tree with replaced finial top (original THONET paper label).
Wood, Bentwood
1940s Midcentury Thonet Stool, Europe
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
In good original condition with sign of use
Wood
1960s Beech Armchair by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished - Newly reupholstered - high of seat 48 cm
Beech, Fabric
Set of Four Mid Century Stacking Side Tables by Thonet after Aalto
By Thonet, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of four stacking side tables by Thonet, in the manner of Alvar Aalto. The tables feature black disk form tops, on three blonde finish bent plywood legs. All ...
Wood, Plywood
TON Bentwood Armchair in Light Upholstery
By Thonet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
TON, armchair, bentwood, fabric, Czech Republic, 1950s. Elegant dining chair made in bentwood. The lines and shapes are dynamic but in a soft sense, the light color of the backrest ...
Fabric, Bentwood
Thonet chairs no.567 by Otto Prutscher for Café Heinrichshof
By Otto Prutscher, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet chairs no.567 by Otto Prutscher for Café Heinrichshof in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Early Thonet S533 RF Cane Weißenhof Armchair Chair Mies van der Rohe Set of 2
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These Cantilever vintage armchairs are Bauhaus classics and were designed by Mies van der Rohe and knowned by the name Weißenhof Chair.This pair were produced by Thonet with the Model name S533 RF. 3 license holders are producing this chair today. As well as Knoll International MR10. Tecta B42 and this 2 Thonet S533...
Steel, Chrome
Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Bauhaus "B21" desk / side table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet in Germany, 1930s. In good original cond...
Steel
Pair of Restored Bauhaus Bedside Tables, by M. Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1920s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Model: T29 This exceptional pair of nightstands (model T29) is a masterpiece of modern architecture and design. Designed by one of the most prominent figures of the Bauhaus school, ...
Steel, Chrome
Black Leatherette & Steel CM127 Stool by Thonet - 1960s
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Iconic CM127 bar stool by Thonet. Black lacquered steel feet and black faux leather original upholstery. Second stool available. This stool will ship from France and can be returned ...
Steel
Set of 6 chairs mod. "MR10" designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Thonet
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Firenze, FI
Set of six chairs model "MR10" designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Thonet in the 1960s. La his frame is made of chrome-plated tubular steel, the seats are made of r...
Steel
$5,296 / set
Set Of 6 Thonet Chairs No. 2 Napoleon III
By Thonet
Located in Charmes, FR
Beautiful set of 6 chairs, model no. 2, by Thonet. This model is visible in the 1899 catalog, but these chairs were produced much earlier. Between 1870 and 1880. Late Napoleon III pe...
Wood
$1,883 / set
Dining chairs no.18 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Dining chairs no.18 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished with new seats.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Mid Century Modern Bentwood Legs Rectangular Laminate Top Side End Table
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Thonet Mid Century Modern Bentwood Legs Rectangular Laminate Top Side End Table. Item features shaped bentwood legs, laminate top, very nice ...
Laminate
$1,500 / set
Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Model: Fireside chair model 1 (Kaminsessel) designed in 1866 The chairs need restoration, only the wood, the wicker cane webbing is in good condition on both pieces. MOMA New York ha...
Cane, Bentwood
Bentwood chair by Thonet no.54
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood chair by Thonet no.54. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood dining chair no.20 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood dining chair no.20 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Set of Twelve Armchairs with Red Lacquered Frame and Rush Seats
By Thonet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Thonet, set of twelve armchairs, model 526 F, lacquered beech, rush, Germany, 1960s Conceived by Thonet, the overall design of these dining chairs are simple yet elegant, with smoot...
Beech, Lacquer, Rush
Art Deco Thonet H269 Armchair by Jindřich Halabala
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood walnut stained armchair made by Thonet in the 1930s. Excellent restored with new seat springs upholstered with Lelievre wool fabric. Another fabric and wood finish o...
Beech, Bentwood
1970s Set of Two Rare Armchairs by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Wooden parts have been repolished - Measures: height of seat 46 cm.
Fabric, Wood
1930s Thonet Restored Armchair, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished and finished in shellac - Newly upholstered - Labeled - Heigh of seat 49 cm
Fabric, Wood
Set of 4 Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set of 4 Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973. This is a set of highly sculptural and avant garde chairs by designer G...
Plastic, Beech
$2,224 / set
1980s Set of 6 Rare Dining/Side Chairs by TON
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - newly upholstered - wooden parts has been refurbished - height of seat 42 cm.
Wood, Fabric
$6,473 / set
Fledermaus Armchairs No.423 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus armchairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann in very good original condition with signs of usage.
Fabric, Beech
$1,700 / item
ST 664 Shell Chairs, Designed by Eddie Harlis
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 a yellow stained finish and are made ...
Steel, Chrome
Gerd Lange Thonet Molded Plastic and Birch Wood Mid Century Modern Arm Chair
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Gerd Lange for Thonet Molded Plastic and Birch Wood Mid Century Modern Arm Ch...
Plastic, Birch
Set of Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and Table for Thonet 1973
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and table in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973. This is a set of highly sculptural and avant garde quality by designer Gerd Lange for Thonet...
Plastic, Beech
Thonet S 411 Tubular Steel Cantilever Armchair, Germany, circa 1935
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Thonet S 411 tubular steel cantilever armchair with fabric upholstery, designed by the Thonet Company in 1932. This original tubular steel cantilever armch...
Steel, Chrome
Beech Standing coat rack Thonet 1960s
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
$377Sale 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
Restored Art Deco Piano Swivel Stool, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Highest height: 55 cm (21.7 in) Lowest height: 43 cm (16.9 in) Diameter: 52 cm (20.5 in) This piano stool is an elegant and functional accessory from the Czechoslovak Art Deco perio...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
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
Mid Century Modern Desk Chair by Thonet Circa American 1950’s
By Thonet
Located in Bernville, PA
Beautiful and simple Mid Century Modern desk chair manufactured by Thonet Industries. With very clean lines, this chair blends well with Mid Century modern design as well as the Stre...
Suede, Maple
Pair of Model SS33 Chrome Bauhaus Style Arm Chairs by Anton Lorenz for Thonet
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of vintage Model SS33 chrome Bauhaus style arm chairs by Anton Lorenz for Thonet, circa 1970s. The pair are in very good vintage condition and measure 23"W x 22"D x 29"H with a ...
Chrome
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