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 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
$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
1930s Josef Frank Restored Beech Armcahir by Thonet Model A403/F, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Frank Josef
Located in Praha, CZ
- brushed and oiled surface - Sturdy and stable - Stamped by Thonet - heigh of seat 33 cm
Beech
Thonet Bentwood and Rattan Rocking Chaise Model 7500
By Thonet
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare Thonet bentwood rocking chaise lounge chair with cane seat. The design of the rocking chaise model no. 7500 is attributed to August Thonet. Initially it was made without armrest...
Rattan, Bentwood, Cane
Original Thonet Piano Stool No. 1, Late 19th Century
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Collector's item: Original Thonet piano stool No. 1 with beautiful patina and hand-woven Viennese cane from the late 19th century. A swivel stool from the traditional company Gebrüde...
Wood, Braid
R.C. Coquery Art Deco Tubular Chrome Armchair, Black Leather, 1929
By Thonet, R. C. Coquery
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Deco tubular chrome arm chair with black leather upholstered seat and back cushion (designed by R.C. COQUERY for THONET, Model #B 256 lounge chair, 1929).
Chrome
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
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Arm Chair by Thonet att. to Josef Hoffman c. 1920's
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
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
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
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
$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
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
$3,066 / 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
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
Secession desk chair no.6095 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession desk chair no.6095 by Otto Wagner for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Cafe Capua Chair no.519 by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Adolf Loos, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Iconic Design: The No. 519 Café Capua Chair Experience a piece of architectural history with the No. 519 Café Capua chair. Designed in 1913 by the pioneering modernist architect Adol...
Beech, Bentwood
Arts and Craft Art Nouveau Set of 8 Bentwood Chairs Signed Thonet, 1900
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Set of 8 Thonet chairs, bentwood with viennese braid. all signed. As found condition. All chairs a solid and stable. 4 of the braids are perf...
Bentwood, Braid
$660Sale Price / item|20% Off
Thonet armchair model EMT 0030 designed by Rudolf Glatzel 1961
By Thonet
Located in Debrecen, HU
Rudolf B. Glatzel for Thonet, lounge chair, model 'EMT0030' designed in 1961, Germany. The chair features a beech frame, upholstered seat, and backrest, covered in swiss fabric. t...
Fabric, Beech
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
Modernist Thonet A 745/F Armchair manufactured by Tatra, Stained Wood, c. 1930
By Thonet, Tatra
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
1960s Set of 4 Oswald Haerdtl Dining Chairs for Ton/Thonet, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s - Made of wood, fabric. - Good, original condition. - Seat height 47 cm - The wood shows signs of use - Fabric suitable for exchange.
Fabric, Wood
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
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
$943Sale 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
$3,056Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern 1980s Flex 2000 6 pcs Stacking Chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet, Black
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Basel, BS
Excellent set of 6 Flex 2000 Stacking Chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet, with Solid Black wooden frames and black seats. No longer produced, Rare items. VERY hard to find in solid black. Very Chic! Designed by Gerd Lange in 1983, manufactured in Western-Germany. The legs are made of solid ashwood, stained black. The seat and back consists of original black PVC material. Incredible space savers-- stackable! Dimensions 18.3ʺW × 16ʺD × 31.1ʺH International Shipping details...
Beech, Birch
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
$264Sale 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
$3,136Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
$2,122 / 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
Thonet Vienna Wooden Childrens Chair, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely wooden chair for children by Thonet Vienna, dated around 1900. In good, original condition with nice patina. Labelled and stamped.
Wood
Pair of Antique Armchairs Model B28 by Thonet, bentwood and cane, Austria 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant pair of Thonet B28 armchairs, estimated to date from the 1920s. These chairs beautifully demonstrate Thonet’s mastery of bentwood constructio...
Cane, Bentwood
Adolf Schneck, rare A 64 F Bentwood armhair for Thonet, 1929
By Thonet, Gustav Adolf Schneck
Located in Uppsala, SE
Rare armchair by Adolf Schneck (sometimes wrongly attributed to Josef Hoffmann) designed in 1929 and made by Thonet. This model was exhibited at the Viennese Art and Industry show du...
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet S 33 Vintage Cognac Vegetal Leather Chair Mart Stam Cantilever 1 of 2
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These Cantilever vintage chairs are Bauhaus classics and were designed 1926 by Mart Stam and produced by Thonet with the Model name S33. It is a thick saddle vegetal tanned leather t...
Steel, Chrome
Gerd Lange Set of Two Stools designed for Thonet, 1970s
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare set of two stools designed by GERD LANGE for Thonet. also available set of four chairs.
Wood
$1,297
Thonet Sofa No.56
By August Thonet, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet sofa no.56 professionally stained and repolished.
Fabric, Bentwood
1960s MCM Curved Back Green Thonet Bentwood Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Thonet
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid century bentwood dining chairs by Thonet, the renowned maker of bent beechwood furniture. Featuring Thonet's signature curved frames handcrafte...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,306 / item
Very rare art deco armchairs Thonet A 60F
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Very rare Art Deco armchairs Thonet model A 60F, designed around 1929 at the beginning of the Bauhaus era. This model evokes the idea that it was originally designed using bent tubul...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood daybed no.2 by Thonet
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood daybed no.2 by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Bentwood
Marcel Breuer for Thonet B35 Mid Century Chrome and Rattan Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
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
Large Secession Armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Large secession armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet professionally stained and repolished. Marked on the bottom.
Bentwood
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
$271Sale Price / item|50% Off
Dining Chair by Thonet in Original Vintage Silk & Oak, Czechoslovakia, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Elegant dining chair produced by Thonet company in an original condition. The chair is made of strong oak wood with upholstered seat and backrest. The fabric is vintage silk. Some patina is visible on the wooden parts which adds to the vintage look...
Silk, Oak, Bentwood
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet Golf Chairs in New Bouclé Upholstery, Germany 1970
By Francesco Zaccone, Thonet
Located in Almelo, NL
Presenting this stunning set of ‘Golf’ chairs by Francesco Zaccone for Thonet. Beautifully shaped chrome bases creating an incredibly sturdy and stately pre...
Aluminum, Chrome
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
Childs Chair by David Rowland for Thonet
By David Rowland, Thonet
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Presenting a truly rare and exceptional piece of design history - the Child's Softech Chair, designed by the renowned David Rowland for Thonet...
Metal
1930s Pair of Restored Thonet Armchairs, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished and finished in shellac - Newly upholstered - Labeled by Thonet
Fabric, Wood
Antique Bentwood Piano Stool by J.J. Kohn, Austria 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an antique black lacquer piano stool manufactured by J.J. Kohn. The stool is done in beech bentwood, with the plywood seat. It is fully refinished. The ...
Beech
Thonet Black Bentwood Stool, Cane & Wood, Art Deco Style, Europe, 1920
By Thonet
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Thonet black bentwood stool - 20th Thonet - Side Stool - Mid-Century Measures : Ø 42cm H:47cm Materials : Wood - Cane Manufacturer’s mark stamped under th...
Cane, Bentwood
1960s Cinema 5-Seats Bench by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The wooden parts has been re-polished - Height of seat 45 cm.
Wood
Set of Four Mid Century Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of four dining chairs, made in the USA, circa 1950's , manufactured by Thonet. The chairs are constructed of bent plywood, vinyl and aluminum, they are currently in a lat...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,119Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern armchair for sale. Manufactured in the 1950's by Thonet, and still has the original tag nicely intact. It has the original naugahyde vinyl upholste...
Naugahyde, Walnut
Pair of Thonet Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional pair of Art Nouveau chairs by Thonet, produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s. Executed in solid beech wood and molded beech plywood, showcasing classic bentwood construc...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Bentwood "Angel Back" armchair nr.19 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Up for sale is a beautiful and highly collectible antique bentwood armchair, manufactured by the legendary company Thonet (circa 1900–1920). This model is famously known as the "Ange...
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
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
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
1960s Beech Armchair by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished - Newly reupholstered - high of seat 48 cm
Beech, Fabric
$2,600 / item
Thonet Armchairs by Otto Wagner
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
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
4er Set Mid Century Stühle Thonet Modell 811 Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 4er Set Bugholzstühle (Modell: 811) von Thonet zum Verkauf an. Das seltene Modell wurde von Josef Hoffmann entworfen und besticht durch seine funktionale...
Wicker, Beech
Jugendstil Thonet Brown Beech Shoe Stool by Josef Hoffmann attr. c 1907, Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil Thonet brown beech shoe stool was designed circa 1907 and executed by Gebr. Thonet Vienna attributed to Josef Hoffmann. A gorgeous Jugendstil sho...
Beech
12 Dining Chairs, Manufactured for export in Argentina, with original labels
By Thonet
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
12 Chairs Made for Argentina by Thonet. It is verified on the label that it has the word Manufacturing in Spanish (Fabricacion Checo-Eslovaca) / Thonet Delivered restored at the cust...
Wood