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 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
Austrian modern black wooden chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian modern black wooden chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s Set of five chairs with armrests in black lacquered wood with a matt finish. The seat is padded and covered ...
Metal
2er Set KS 46 Midcentury Sessel Thonet Anton Lorenz Leder schwarz
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Vintage Freischwinger von Thonet zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Anton Lorenz aus dem Jahr 1932 und gilt dank seiner zeitlosen Formgebung als wahr...
Chrome, Steel
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
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Nordic 02 in White Oak and Burnt Walnut Leather
By Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Nordic in oak and Leather. New, current production. With the JS . THONET signature collection, she has taken the most famous t...
Steel
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
Set of Four Thonet Prague Bentwood Armchairs by Josef Hoffman
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined set of four Thonet bentwood labeled and stamped armchairs designed by Josef Hoffman, known as the "Model 811 Prague" chair. The chairs are constructed in bent beechwood and...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Michael Thonet No. 24 Bentwood Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1950s
By TON a.s., Thonet
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, a Bentwood Chaise Lounge with Wonderful Scroll Work Details & Cane Work
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
Thonet. A bentwood chaise lounge with an adjustable back with a flowing scrollwork frame with a cane work bed. Stamped to the base with serial number and ??? - Paris retailer. Dimen...
Cane, Bentwood
$4,745 / item
Targa Petit Light blue velvet Armchair
By Thonet
Located in Milan, IT
Targa Petit blue velvet armchair designed by GamFratesi offers a compact yet elegant seating option inspired by the iconic Targa Lounge. Its refined proportions and the distinctive V...
Wood
Thonet Piano Stool 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Piano Stool 1900s
Wood
Art Nouveau Style Sofa By Thonet, 20th Century
By Thonet
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Nouveau Style Sofa By Thonet, 20th Century Art Nouveau Style Sofa by Thonet Magnificent Art Nouveau period sofa, designed by the famous house of Thonet. This unique piece is dis...
Textile, Wood
Dining Room Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, Austria 1930s
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Wien, AT
This refined chair, part of a rare set of six attributed to Josef Hoffmann and dating to circa 1935, stands as a compelling expression of the architect’s mature design language, in w...
Wicker, Beech
$3,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Thonet White and Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
An early design of tubular chromed steel cantilevered frames, updated in this 1970s version. Single piece of tubular chromed bent steel, wood framed seat and back covered in white le...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Style S3002 Tub Sofa by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Bauhaus style S3002 sofa. Design by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet. Striking German design from the 2000s. Original plywood and tubular steel frame, reupholstered ...
Chrome
20th Century Thonet Armchair - White Leather, Design by M.Kammerer, AT ca. 1980
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exclusive 20th century re-edition of the famous Thonet armchair originally designed by Marcel Kammerer in the famous Vienesse secession era at the beginning of the 20th century aorun...
Leather, Beech
Pair Mid Century Modern Armchairs by Joe Atkinson for Thonet, 1950
By Joe Atkinson, Thonet
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of two vintage mid century modern bent plywood armchairs designed by Joe Atkinson for Thonet are circa 1950. This unique set of chairs features distinctive wooden frames cra...
Fabric, Wool, Wood, Plywood
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Michael Thonet Sofa Bench NR22
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
Michael Thonet Sofa Bench Kanapee Sittee NR22 First original form, produced 1889-1890 Cane replaced with mohair Seat Height: 20.5"
Mohair, Beech
$2,585 / set
4x chair J&J Kohn Nr.415, Gustav Siegel, 1906
By Thonet, Gustav Siegel
Located in Praha, CZ
"Viennese Art Nouveau, variant of chair no. 415, designed by Gustav Siegl in 1906, manufactured by J&J Kohn. In beautiful original condition. Solid, ready to be upholstered. Minor ...
Bentwood
$395Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet Bentwood Bistro Chair, Czechoslovakia 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage chair designed by Thonet. Bentwood details and construction makes this piece a timeless item. Plywood seat and backrest. Strong oak wood. The chair was partially re...
Oak, Bentwood, Plywood
1970s Antonin Suman Chair by TON in Kirkby Fabric
By Antonín Šuman, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered in Zinc luxury fabric :SOL silver grey
Fabric, Wood
$4,701 / set
Secession armchairs no.6513 by Otto Wagner
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession armchairs no.6513 by Otto Wagner for Thonet in original vintage condition.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Bentwood Armchair with Purple Seat
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This elegant 1950s lounge chair by Thonet features undulating blond bentwood arms and continues seat. The chair has been professionally recovered in period Purple.
Wood
Bentwood dining room chair no.14 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood dining room chair no.14 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, 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
$3,392Sale Price / set|24% Off
Thonet, Set of 6 Rare Design Black Wood Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of 6 design black wood chairs is stamped Thonet-Vienna-1993 and has the gold Thonet incrusted label. They have a nice design, are large and...
Wood
Bentwood dining chair no.19 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood dining chair no.19 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
$880Sale Price / item|20% Off
'1' Thonet Anton Lorenz Cantilevered Chrome Armchair
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
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) in Berlin making Anton Lorenz the first to manufacture tubular-steel furniture on a commercial scale...
Chrome
1940s Thonet Cinema Double Seat, Beech Wood Theater Bench
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare two-seat cinema bench from the 1940s, produced by Thonet. This authentic theater seating piece is crafted from solid beech wood and bent plywood, featuring original folding seat...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Art Deco Original Bentwood Stool , Rattan Cane Top, designed by Michael Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A original art deco Bentwood Stool or Table with Rattan Cane Top designed by Michael Thonet, with 4 spherical feet. Wax polished The seat is still with its original rattan cane st...
Beech
Set of Armchairs Designed by Thonet and Manufactured by Ligna in the 1950s
By Ligna, Thonet
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Remarkable set of armchairs, designed by Thonet and expertly manufactured by Ligna in the 1950s. Combining Thonet's visionary design aesthetic with Ligna's craftsmanship, these armch...
Rattan, Bentwood
Set of Antique Viennese Secession Thonet Bentwood Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Elevate your dining space with this beautiful set of authentic Viennese Secession dining chairs manufactured by Thonet Austria. Dating back to the 1900-1910 period, these chairs perf...
Beech, Bentwood
Jugendstil swivel desk chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil swivel desk chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
1960s Desk or Side Bentwood Chair by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered - beech wood - armrests Dimension: 44 cm
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Set of Four Thonet Model 17 Dining Chairs, Bentwood & Cane, 1904
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four model 17 'Cardinal' bentwood dining chairs by Gebrüder Thonet showcase the revolutionary steam-bent construction that made the Austrian company legendary. Manufactured in...
Cane, Bentwood
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
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Frank Armchair, Model No. 403/F, 1928
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
Josef Frank Armchair, Model No. 403/F, 1928 This Armchair, designed by Josef Frank in 1928, features a stained bent beech frame and stained beech plywood. It was manufactured by Gebr...
Bouclé, Beech
$2,120 / set
Set of 4 dining chairs by Thonet Debrecen
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Set of 4 dining chairs by Thonet Debrecen in very nice original condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Anton Lorenz for Thonet Mid Century Chrome Tub Chairs - Pair
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Anton Lorenz for Thonet Mid Century Chrome Tub Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 28.5 wide x 27 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a seat height of 17 ...
Chrome
1950s Le Corbusier Jeanneret Perriand LC1 Basculant Lounge Chair Stendig Label
By Thonet, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, 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
Set of four dining chairs produced by Thonet in Czechoslovakia during the 1940s.
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of four dining chairs produced by Thonet in Czechoslovakia during the 1940s. These chairs are crafted from solid beech wood and feature elegant curved backrests with refined prop...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Arm Chair by Thonet att. to Josef Hoffman c. 1920's
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Early Vienna Secessionist Movement bentwood arm chair, marked Thonet, design attributed to Jose Hofmann, circa 1920's. Exceptional period piece in very good, ready to use condition, ...
Beech
Extremely rare armchairs no.6521 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Magnificent and highly sought-after piece of design history: an original Otto Wagner Armchair, Model No. 6521, manufactured by the world-renowned Thonet around 1900-1905. This icon...
Beech, Bentwood
Set of Two '2' Bentwood Slipper Chairs in Original Fabric by Thonet, USA, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Deland, FL
Comfort. Vintage fabric. Captivating bentwood legs. These two slipper chairs are the perfect addition to any space needing a pop of color and/or a minimal footprint. The original yel...
Fabric
Modernist Thonet A 745/F Armchair manufactured by Tatra, Stained Wood, c. 1930
By Tatra, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist armchair modell A 745/F in stained bentwood designed by Thonet and manufactured under Thonet licence by Tatra, Slovakia, c. 1930.
Bentwood
$940Sale Price|33% Off
Thonet Black Swivel Austrian Art Nouveau Chair, 1890
By Thonet
Located in Roma, Lazio
Thonet swivel chair for piano from the end of the 1800s. The chair in bent wood, is all in wood polished in black shellac. The seat, round in shape, is still covered with its origin...
Wood
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Original "Thonet" Office Chair
By Thonet
Located in Medina, OH
"Thonet" office arm chair in its original fabric. "Thonet" stamped under chair. It is in great condition and perfect to be added to an office!
Upholstery, Oak, Bentwood
1930s Josef Frank Restored Beech Armcahir by Thonet Model A403/F, Czechoslovakia
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- brushed and oiled surface - Sturdy and stable - Stamped by Thonet - heigh of seat 33 cm
Beech
Set of 6 Birch Bentwood Stacking Chairs by Thonet, Made in Germany
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six stackable chairs, made of birch bentwood, will make a unique and comfortable set of dining chairs. German engineering meets design. Rare to have such a large set in...
Plastic, Birch, Bentwood
Marcel Breuer for Thonet B35 Mid Century Chrome and Rattan Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Marcel Breuer for Thonet B35 Mid Century Chrome and Rattan Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 25.5 wide x 31.5 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height/ch...
Chrome
$3,056 / set
Set of 4 dining room chairs by Thonet Mundus
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Set of 4 dining room chairs by Thonet Mundus. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
$825Sale Price / set|44% Off
Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
By Michael Thonet, 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
1980s Rare Dining/Side Chair by TON in Grey Bouclé Fabric
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Newly upholstered - Wooden parts with minor signs of use - Height of seat 42 cm.
Bouclé, Wood
$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
Vintage Dining Chairs by Thonet, Beech Saddle Seat
By Thonet
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vintage Dining Chairs by Thonet, Beech Saddle Seat Dining Chairs, Bentwood, C. 1940s, Kitchen, Mid Century Modern, MCM Measurements: 15ʺW × 18ʺD × 33.5ʺH Some minor imperfections o...
Beech
Italian mid-century big beech wood and Vienna straw Thonet chairs, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century big beech wood and Vienna straw Thonet chairs, 1950s. Large chairs or armchairs with armrests in Thonet style, with Vienna straw seat and curved armrests and with...
Straw, Beech
G80 Deck Chair - Thonet, 1930s by Hans Luckhardt
By Hans & Wassili Luckhardt, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good condition. - wooden parts refreshed - new textile - marked by manufacturer
Wood, Textile
Rare Bauhaus Mart Stam tubular chair by Thonet / original green colour!!
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Praha, CZ
- Thonet - Before 1930, earliest model, practically unseen - Original red eisengarn, iron fabric, perfect condition, original screws - Lacquered in original green seen in Thonet col...
Steel
Thonet Rocking Chair No. 4, Beech Wood, Art Nouveau, Austria, 1920
By Thonet
Located in LYON, FR
Thonet rocking chair model no. 4. Circa 1920. Curved beech wood rocking chair from the 1920s by Thonet. Model number 4. Beautiful Art Nouveau lines. Recent cane work, well stretche...
Wood
$263Sale Price / item|20% Off
Hajdúthonet Bar Stool, Bent Beechwood, Modern Design, Hungary, 1970s
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