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.
Antique Original Late Victorian circa 1880 Thonet Bentwood Coat Rack Stand
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this Antique original, circa 1880, extra large, Thonet Bentwood solid Beech wood eight prong coat stand / rack. This is in my opinion the finest hat, coat and...
Beech, Bentwood
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
7er Set Thonet Stühle 210 P Bugholz 1960er gelb Designklassiker
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 7er Set äußerst seltener Thonet 210 P Bugholzstühle der frühen Generationen aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Holz wurd...
Fabric, Bentwood
Bentwood swivel chair no.9 by J.J.Kohn
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood swivel chair no.9 by J.J.Kohn new handmade rattan seat.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Austrian wooden foldable Thonet armchair with Vienna straw, late 1800s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian wooden Thonet armchair with Vienna straw, late 1800s Armchair in wood and Vienna straw. The wooden structure has a round section and has rounded lines that form the elements...
Straw, Wood
Pair of Contemporary S 35 Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Thonet
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
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
Magazine holder no.11803 by Otto Prutscher for Thonet
By Otto Prutscher, Thonet
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
HUGE CIRCA 1900's THONET REVOLVING BENTWOOD HAT COAT & SCARF FLOOR STANDING RACK
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique circa 1880-1900 Austrian Thonet bentwood extra large coat rack Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. A very good looking well made and collectable Thonet bentwood coat stand...
Bentwood
$1,320Sale Price|41% Off
Post-Modern 1980s Cream Chrome Thonet Lounge Chair
By Thonet
Located in Madison, WI
For sale here is a stunning lounge / side / accent chair made by THONET. This is a very unique model from the 1980s, with a very postmodern Space age vibe. RARE. This sculptural chai...
Chrome
1951 Set of 4 Bauhaus W199 Arm Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson
By Walter Gropius, Ben Thompson, Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an outstanding set of 4 W199 Birch Armchairs, designed by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson for Thonet in 1951. They were produced in Austria in the early 1950s and the listed ...
Birch
Peter Danko for Thonet Bentwood Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Peter Danko, Thonet
Located in Hamburg, PA
Set of six Peter Danko bentwood dining chairs for Thonet: four side chairs and two armchairs. Molded plywood frames with a warm stained finish, vertically slotted backs, and gently c...
Leather, Plywood
1950s Thonet Bent Birch Wood and Wood Grain Square Laminate Side / End Table
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1950s Thonet bentwood side table with legs designed in a similar manner to that of Alvar Aalto. These tables are iconic...
Wood
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
Grey Bauhaus Sofa Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Designed by Thonet
By Thonet, Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered with high qualit...
Chrome
FiNE VICTORIAN BENTWOOD THONET STAMPED DRESSING TABLE & HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE STOOL
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime 19th century Victorian Thonet bentwood dressing table and height adjustable stool Please note...
Mirror, Bentwood
$8,666 / set
Jindrich Halabala H-269 Armchairs
By Jindřich Halabala, Thonet
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Jindrich Halabala H-269 Armchairs the wood has a very nice patina, the fabric needs to be redone
Beech
Children Size Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Bistro Armchair by Thonet No.016
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Childrens size Thonet number 16 oak armchair features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and elegant round arched back rest. The...
Wicker, Oak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Leather Bentwood Swivel Armchairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, bent maple, swivel armchairs by Thonet with newly upholstered seats, backs and armrests in cream leather. Measure: The arm height is 26 inches.
Leather, Maple
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
Small Art Deco Table, Made by Thonet, Walnut, Czechia, 1930s, Fully Restored
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Small Art Deco table, Made by Thonet. Fully restored. Revived original varnish. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material: Walnut.
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Austrian post-modern chairs 411 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern chairs 411 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s Set of three chairs model 414 with square seat and oval backrest, padded and covered in bright purple silk fabric...
Fabric, Wood
$1,097 / 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
Pair of Thonet Bentwood and Bakelite Stacking Stools, Mid Century Modern
By Thonet, Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Thonet Bentwood and Bakelite Stacking Stools. The white bakelite tops are 14" in diameter. Ready for a new home.
Bakelite, Bentwood
$636Sale Price|20% Off
ZPM Radomsko for Thonet Bentwood Cafe Armchair
By ZPM Radomsko, Thonet
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Bentwood furniture came to prominence in the early 1900s, and was a staple in cafes and restaurants in Europe. This is a bentwood armchair, designed by ZPM Radomsko in Poland and pro...
Wood
$1,242Sale Price|30% 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
1951 Set of Four W199 Dining Arm Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson
By Walter Gropius, Ben Thompson, Thonet
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
Bentwood Armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s Europe.
Bentwood
Antique Bentwood Umbrella / Stick Stand by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
A stylish and rare antique bentwood umbrella / stick stand by Thonet. This was made in Austria, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is beautifully made and is a very useful item, perfect for an entry way storage...
Bentwood
$840Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Mute Servant Valet by Thonet No.101
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare No.101 "Mute Servant" by Thonet is a classic example of the famous bentwood technique developed by designer and founder Michael Thonet. This bentwood towel/valet rack showcases...
Oak
$626Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Sculpted Oak Side Chair w/ Carved Backrest, Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian sculpted oak side chair with a carved Backrest by Jacob & Josef Kohn featuring an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and ...
Wicker, Oak
Late 19th Century Thonet #21 Bentwood and Cane Seat Arm Rocking Chair
By Thonet
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Thonet #21 Bentwood and Cane Seat and back Arm Rocking Chair with blue cushion seat. Measures 18" in width, 28" in depth and 28" in height. Seat height is 18" and s...
Cane, Bentwood
Office chair by Gebrüder Thonet no.23
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Acquire a remarkable piece of design history with these authentic antique office armchairs, model No. 23, manufactured by Thonet Austria. Dating back to the 1885–1920 period, these c...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
$388Sale Price|20% Off
Piano Stool Thonet Nr.1, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Height-adjustable swivel stool. The seat height is adjustable from 44 to 60 cm. Solidly constructed base, decorative lower legs. Good original condition with signs of use, patina.
Metal
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Late Victorian Hand Sculpted Walnut Commode Chamber Pot w/ Lid by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian sculpted walnut chamber pot with original lid and enameled metal bowl by Thonet featuring an sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned wood with tapered legs. A great d...
Oak
Thonet Bentwood Magazine Rack, Beechwood, Art Nouveau, c. 1880
By Thonet
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Bentwood Magazine Rack by Thonet Gebrüder (Vienna), Austria, ca. 1880 — Beechwood. This exceptional 19th-century bentwood magazine rack by Thonet Gebrüder (Vienna), crafted circa 18...
Beech
Mute servant Thonet no.101
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
A rare and elegant piece of furniture history, this antique towel rail (or valet stand) is a classic example of Michael Thonet’s world-famous bentwo...
Beech, Bentwood
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Marcel Breuer, Thonet, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair Designed By Marcel Breuer and Made By Thonet. Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Material: Chrome-plated Steel, Iron-garn Fabric Source: Czechia (Czecho...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
Restored Black ArtDeco Beech Armchair, Thonet Company, Austria, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored ArtDeco Beech Armchair made by influential Austrian furniture manufacturer Thonet. Maker: Thonet Source: Austria Period: 1920-1929 Material: Beech This item features cl...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Pair of Red Bauhaus Armchairs Made in 30s Germany, Designed by Anton Lorenz
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Pair of red Bauhaus armchairs made out of high quality leather and Chrome plated steel. Made in´30s Germany by Thonet and Designed by Anton Lorenz. Full...
Steel, Chrome
Office chair Gebrüder Thonet no.23
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Acquire a remarkable piece of design history with these authentic antique office armchairs, model No. 23, manufactured by Thonet Austria. Dating back to the 1885–1920 period, these c...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Rare Beautiful Thonet High Back Armchair No 6351 , Black, Cane
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Original cane and black finish, stamped Thonet. Beautiful lines.
Cane, Wood
$388Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet Style Adjustable Bentwood Piano Stool, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
An elegant adjustable bentwood piano stool from Czechoslovakia, dating to the 1930s, featuring a sculptural black-finished beech frame and original-style metal screw adjustment mecha...
Metal, Other
$549Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Children's Chair No. 14 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian child size Thonet number 14 side chair features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and elegant round arched back rest....
Oak
$1,120Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Foling Chair No. 01 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian child-size Thonet number 01 folding chair with woven cane seat and backrest. It features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid c...
Cane, Oak
$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
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Pedestal Mid size Side Nesting Table by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the century Thonet mid-sized Nestng side table features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and straight lines with a sol...
Oak
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
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs, Thonet, M. Breuer, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
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
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 03 in Lacquered Wood an Green 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
Bentwood nesting tables by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood nesting tables by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
$1,925Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Swivel Desk Chair No 11 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian bent oak & cane number 11 oak swivel desk chair by Thonet features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and elegant roun...
Iron
$1,746Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Children's High Chair w/ Cane Seat by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian children's high chair by Thonet, crafted from beautifully bent oak with a hand-woven cane seat. Featuring elegant flowing lines, a curved ladder-back, integrated feedi...
Wicker, Oak
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Folding Chair No. 01 in Dark Stain by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian child-size Thonet number 01 folding chair with woven cane seat and backrest. It features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid c...
Wicker, Oak
$556Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Rocking Foot w/ Bolt Stool by Thonet No.7001
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian Thonet No.7001 rocking chair foot stool featuring an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and elegant round arched back res...
Rattan, Oak
ST 664 Shell Chairs, Designed by Eddie Harlis, Orange
By Eddie Harlis, Thonet
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
Bentwood Wall Mirror by Thonet, Wood Construction, Antique, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood Mirror by Thonet, 1900s
Wood
Pair of Bauhaus Armchairs, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This exceptional pair of armchairs in the spirit of Bauhaus functionalism dates from the 1930s in Czechoslovakia and bears the unmistakable signature of prominent designer Marcel Bre...
Chrome, Steel
$1,120Sale Price|30% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Pedestal Tall Side Table Plant Stand by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the century Thonet tall side table and plant stand features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and straight lines with a...
Oak
1 of 20 Postmodern Memphis Era Thonet Vienna Stackable Signed Dining Chairs, 90s
By Thonet
Located in Zagreb, HR
Exceptionally rare and collectible, postmodern Memphis design original Thonet dining chairs. Sculptural and geometrically shaped. Sold per piece. Twenty pieces available. Produced...
Metal
Restored Art Deco Side Table, Marcel Breuer, Thonet Chrome Steel, Germany, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Art Deco side table Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Period: 1930-1939 Source: Germany Material: Chrome-Plated Steel Designed by world-renowned German designe...
Steel, Chrome