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.
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
Pair of Contemporary S 35 Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Thonet
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This pair of iconic S 35 lounge chairs features heavy-duty black leather seats slung over tubular polished chrome frames, with black stained beechwood armres...
Chrome
Set of 6 Mies van der Rohe MR10 white cantilever dining chairs for Thonet, 1980s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
Located in amstelveen, NL
An iconic set of 6 MR10 (256CS/MR533) cantilever dining chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe and manufactured by Thonet. Chrome-plated tubular steel frames with white saddle leather ...
Chrome
Jugendstil Otto Wagner Chair Beech 1902 Postal Saving Bank Vienna Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil Otto Wagner One ( 1 ) Chair Side Chair Chocolate Brown Beech Österreichische Postsparkasse 1902 for Thonet 1904/1906 Vienna. An iconic chair or side chair by the famed Aus...
Beech
Oval table by arch. Marcel Kammerer for Thonet
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Oval table by arch. Marcel Kammerer for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
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
Art deco desk chair A64F by Adolf Gustav Schneck for Thonet Mundus
By Thonet, Gustav Adolf Schneck
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art deco desk chair A64F by Adolf Gustav Schneck for Thonet Mundus. Professionally stained and repolished with french polish and new leather seat.
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
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
Set Of Eight Thonet Chairs, Model No. 4, Known As "daum Café", 1880
By Thonet
Located in Charmes, FR
Set of eight chairs, model no. 4, by Thonet, in Paris in 1880/1890. This model was made for the Café Daum in Vienna in 1849. The frame is made of blackened bent beechwood. The chair ...
Wood
Bentwood Plant Stand by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood plant stand by Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$2,268 / 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
Thonet dining chair no.103
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet dining chair no.103. Professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
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
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Shelf - No. 42 - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
RENOVATION AVAILABLE: THIS PIECE CAN BE PROFESSIONALLY RENOVATED TO MEET YOUR PREFERENCES. OPTIONS INCLUDE CUSTOM FINISHES, UPHOLSTERY, AND SURFACE RESTORATION. PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT ...
Beech
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
$268Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage HajduThonet barstools 1970s Hungary
By Thonet
Located in Debrecen, HU
Discover this elegant and sturdy bar stool from the early 1970s, crafted by Hajdúthonet in Debrecen, Hungary, specifically for the American market. This unique piece is made of bent ...
Wood
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
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
Art deco armchairs A752F by Josef Frank for Thonet Mundus
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art deco armchairs A752F by Josef Frank for Thonet Mundus. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Secession flower stand Thonet no.37 by Otto Wagner
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession flower stand Thonet no.37 by Otto Wagner. 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
$16,800 / set
Set of 7 Thonet Bentwood Caned Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 7 Antique Bentwood dining chairs with steam bent ebonized wooden frames with caned seats and backs, resting on four gently curved...
Wood, Ash
Early Thonet S533 RF Cane Weißenhof Armchair Chair Mies van der Rohe Set of 2
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
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
Bentwood Thonet Cradle No.1
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
This French bentwood cradle made by Thonet circa late 1900s. The cradle is in very good working order.
Bentwood
$500Sale Price / item|20% Off
S 32 Cantilever Thonet Side Chair
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Pasadena, TX
S 32 Cantilever Thonet side chair S 32 Cantilever chair combines the tubular steel frame with leather upholstered seat and backrest for comfort. Price for 1 6 available.
Chrome
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
1990s Marcel Breuer for Thonet Laccio Side Table in Black 11x 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
1960s Oswald Haerdtl Chair by TON Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of stained beech wood and beech plywood - The wooden parts have been repolished - Height of armrests: 64 cm
Beech, Plywood, Wood
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet Golf Dining Chairs, Germany, 1970
By Thonet, Francesco Zaccone
Located in Almelo, NL
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet golf dining chairs, Germany, 1970 Presenting this stunning set of 12 ‘Golf’ chairs by Francesco Zaccone for Thonet. Beautifu...
Aluminum, Chrome
Secession desk chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession desk chair by Thonet, professionally stained and repolished.
Abalone, Beech, Bentwood
$3,000 / set
Thonet - Plant Stand (2) - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Pair of Art Nouveau Thonet Plant Stands – Circa 1900 A striking pair of original Art Nouveau plant stands attributed to Thonet, crafted around 1900...
Beech
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Josef Frank for Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
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
$6,601 / set
Fledermaus Armchairs No.423 by Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus armchairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann in very good original condition with signs of usage.
Fabric, Beech
$4,020 / item
Jugendstil Thonet wardrobe
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil Thonet wardrobe in very good original condition with slight signs of use.
Beech
$5,401 / 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
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
Extremely rare armchairs no.6521 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Extremely rare armchairs no.6521 Thonet Otto Wagner in very good original contidion with signs of use.
Beech
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
1970s Antonin Suman Set of Four Dining Chair by TON
By Antonín Šuman, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered grey boucle fabric - high of seat 46 cm
Wood, Bouclé
Art Deco Thonet Chair in Style of Josef Frank
By Thonet, Frank Josef
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art Deco Thonet chair in style of Josef Frank in very good original condition.
Rattan, Beech
1960s Oswald Haerdtl, Set of 4 Dining Chairs by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Oswald Haerdtl, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - original upholstery with minor sings of use
Fabric, Wood
1960s Pair of Beech Armchairs by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered. - Wooden parts have been refurbished. - Height of seat 45 cm.
Fabric, Beech
Armchair "B35 moderniste," Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Germany 1930
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Torino, IT
Armchair "B35 moderniste," Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Germany 1930
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs, by Thonet, by Marcel Breuer, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs Made By Thonet. Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Material: Chrome-plated Steel Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Made by in...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
Early rare chrome Bauhaus Marcel Breuer B 35 Armchairs, Thonet - 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Praha, CZ
- Thonet - 1930, earliest model - good condition,original screws, one missing - suitable for new upholstery
Steel, Chrome
$948 / set
Set of Four Chairs, 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Maker Ton, Bystrice pod Hostýnem - Retro style, Expo 58, Brusel - Made in Czechoslovakia - Very good, original condition.
Fabric, Wood
$2,000 / set
Thonet Bentwood Armchairs
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century modern lounge chairs with sculpted flat bentwood arms. Single "floating" seat and back with tufted buttons. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Bentwood
Vintage Modern Oak Bentwood & Chrome Two-Seat Settee or Bench Attr to Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage modern two-seat settee or bench of oak bentwood, chrome, and upholstery attributed to Thonet. It is in wonderful vintage condition. The wood, chrome, and fabric are ...
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Bookcase - No. 11651 - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This elegant rotating bookcase, model number 11651, was designed before 1904 by the renowned furniture manufacturer Gebrüder Thonet in Vienna. The rack is crafted from high-quality b...
Beech
First Edition Side Tables by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Nesting tables B9 by Marcel Breuer, a hallmark of Bauhaus design produced by Thonet. Crafted from chrome-plated tubular steel and sleek wooden panels, these tables exemplify Breuer's...
Aluminum
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
Bentwood dining room chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood dining room chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Austrian Wiener Werkstätte Bookcase/ Shelf /Bakers Rack/ Display Stand
By Thonet
Located in New York City, NY
A three shelf Jugendstil bookcase / etagere / bakers rack, two tone in stained and polished beechwood with decorative openwork side panels extendin...
Beech
Josef Maria Olbrich, Pair of armchairs for Thonet, Austria, 1910
By Joseph Maria Olbrich, Thonet
Located in Argelato, BO
Josef Maria Olbrich, Pair of armchairs for Thonet, Austria, 1910 Rare and extraordinary set of 2 bent beech chairs by the architect and designer Olbrich for Thonet from an important office in Trieste...
Bentwood
set 3 Chair Ludwig Mies van der Rohe "MR10" by Thonet
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
Located in Firenze, FI
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe "MR10" by Thonet set 3 chair. - Chromed tubular steel frame - Original rattan or cane seat - Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Thonet...
Steel
Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
By Thonet
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small area...
Cane, Bentwood
$660 / set
Set of Two Bentwood Chairs, Ton 1989
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood, fabric - the fabric has some signs of use - good, original condition. - seat height 47 cm.
Fabric, Wood
$1,320
Thonet Sofa No.56
By Thonet, August Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet sofa no.56 professionally stained and repolished.
Fabric, Bentwood
$9,002 / set
Jindrich Halabala H-269 Armchairs
By Thonet, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Jindrich Halabala H-269 Armchairs the wood has a very nice patina, the fabric needs to be redone
Beech
$2,400 / set
Bentwood dining room chairs by Thonet Austria
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood dining room chairs by Thonet Austria in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood