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.
Easy armchair no.1 with rattan seat by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare easy armchair no.1 with rattan seat by Thonet in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
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
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
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil dining chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
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
Rare Armchair A 403/F by Adolf Schneck for Thonet
By Thonet, Gustav Adolf Schneck
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare armchair A 403/F by Adolf Schneck for Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Pair of Cantilever leather Lounge Chairs Manufactured by Thonet in 1980
By Thonet
Located in Beirut, LB
Pair of night blue Bauhaus style lounge chairs on a chromed tubular steel cantilever base, manufactured by Thonet in 1980. Re-upholstered in a night blue leather for the seats and th...
Steel
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
Armchair attributed to Thonet, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Armchair attributed to Thonet, 1940s Vintage Design Armchair restored and painted in black. Armchair damaged at the level of the back. Additional information: Material: Wood Color:...
Wood
Stackable Thonet Chrome and Beechwood Curved Diner Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Voorburg, NL
Sculptural set of six beautiful curved Thonet diner chairs. The chair is not a classic Thonet chair but a more modern version of their quality chairs. It ...
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
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Retro Thonet Lounge Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Bronx, NY
The pair has the original vinyl, and the original finish. Sold as a pair only.Price is for the pair.
Wood, PVC
Armchair N ° 7601B, Edition Thonet circa 1880
By Thonet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchair n ° 7601B, Edition Thonet circa 1880 Patina and fabric to redo.
Bentwood
Austrian Chairs with Straw and Wood by Thonet, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian mid-century chairs with straw and wood, 1950s Set of 3 chairs with square seat, with rounded corners in straw. The structure is in dark wood...
Straw, Wood
Modernist Thonet Carved and 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...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,600 / set
Pair Vintage Leather Lounge Chairs by Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of chrome base leather lounge chairs by Thonet offer exquisite Mid-Century style suitable for almost any seating situation. Sturdy stretchers and vintage leather ...
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
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Illustrated Thonet Chair
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Thonet armchair with a printed illustration. The seat and backrest are weaved in rattan. The rest of the frame is covered in a print that could have influenced by the great Fornase...
Wood
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
$837Sale Price|20% Off
Nobiliary Dining Chair of Thonet from Wiener Werkstaette
By Thonet
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Rare chair of the Wiener Werkstaette considered the prototype of the successive variants on Design by the architect. Gustav Sigel. The rectangular sections and geometric motifs of th...
Bentwood
Set of 3 Thonet Stackable Chairs – Vintage Conference or Dining Chairs, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Hannover, DE
Set of 3 Thonet Stackable Chairs – Conference or Dining Chairs, 2000s Set of three Thonet stackable chairs, perfect for use in dining areas, of...
Metal
Original, Early Vintage Tubular Easy Chair with Original Fabric, circa 1930
By Paul Schuitema, 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...
Metal
$7,800Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Streamline Lounge Chairs and Sofa by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Pair of streamline lounge chairs and streamline sofa by Thonet in sage cotton velvet and maple stained legs. Dimensions for chairs: 33 H x...
Cotton, Velvet
Bentwood Bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood bench by Thonet, Austria, 1900s.
Fabric, Wood
1990 Set of Three Mart Stam for Thonet Bauhaus Dining Chairs in Oak
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of three cantilever dining chairs with arms, produced by Thonet and presumed to be designed by Mart Stam. Thonet is a historically important furniture compan...
Chrome, Steel
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
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
Restored Art Deco Piano Swivel Stool, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Highest height: 51 cm (20.1 in) Lowest height: 42 cm (16.5 in) Seat diameter: 42 cm (16.5 in) This piano stool is an elegant and functional accessory from the Czechoslovak Art Deco ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Thonet Bent Beech Rattan Chairs in Pair, ca. 1910 '2 Pieces'
By Thonet
Located in Nagykovácsi, Central Hungary
Bent and steamed beechwood chairs with rattan seat. Manufactured by Thonet around 1910 in Vienna, Austria.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
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
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Model B35 This armchair is an absolute icon of world design and one of the most important models of the Bauhaus school. It is the famous B35 type, designed in the 1930s by the visio...
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Restored Art Deco Chair, by Thonet, Beech, Revived Polish, Czech, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco chair comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century. It is made of solid beech wood and is marked Thonet. The chair has undergone careful r...
Beech, Wood, Lacquer
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
Set of Four Bauhaus Armchair, by Bauhaus, Thonet, Leather, Austria, 1920s
By Thonet, Bauhaus
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
According to the original process, our professional refurbishing team in Czechia has restored and reupholstered the item. The chrome parts have been cleaned and professionally rest...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs, by Thonet, by Marcel Breuer, Czech, 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, 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
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Thonet, Marcel Breuer, Czechia, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair Designed by Marcel Breuer and made by Thonet. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Thonet Designer: Marcel Breuer Material: Chrome-Pla...
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
Red High-Quality Leather Bauhaus Sofa by Thonet, Chrome, Fully Restored, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Red high-quality leather Bauhaus sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Period : 1930-1939. Source : Czechia (Czechoslovakia). Maker : Thonet Material : Beech, high-quality leat...
Chrome
Art Deco Reclining Chair Made in 1930s Germany by Thonet, Restored Matte Finish
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco Reclining chair made in 1930s Germany by Thonet. Restored matte finish.
Walnut
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
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
Pair of Czech Bauhaus Armchairs, Marcel Breuer and Thonet, Chrome, Fabric, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
License Thonet according to the design of Marcel Breuer Fully restored. Armchairs, 2 pcs Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939. Material: Fabric and chrome-plated steel Source: C...
Chrome
Red Tubular Thonet Armchair by Anton Lorenz, New Leather Upholstery, 1930s
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus Art Deco armchair Completely restored, new upholstery and leather Material: Chrome-plated steel Source: Germany, Thonet Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome