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.
$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
$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
Set of Mid-Century Mies van der Rohe Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of four flat chrome Brno dining chairs feature the exquisite vintage cantilever design that so adeptly mixes comfort and style. Heavy chrome, unique style, and vintage fabri...
Chrome
Set of Two Rare 1970s Czechoslovakian Bentwood Armchairs by TON in Colorful Patt
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
An exceptionally rare and architecturally compelling set of two modernist armchairs manufactured by the renowned TON furniture works in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. Utilizing the...
Fabric, Wood, Textile, Bentwood
$1,103 / 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
Art nouveau wingchair no.6542 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau wingchair no.6542 by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
Vintage Beech Bentwood Stool by Thonet Industries with Label
By Thonet
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage beech bentwood stool by Thonet Industries with original label, circa 1940s. The stool is in good vaintage condition showing appropriate wear and patina. It measures 14.5"D ...
Bentwood, Beech
Design Icon – Verner Panton White S-Chair Model 275 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Dronten, NL
Iconic “S Chair” model 275 designed by Verner Panton for Thonet, Germany, circa 1965. One of Panton’s earliest and most sculptural chair designs, the Model 275 beautifully captures t...
Plywood
$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
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Vintage Thonet No 17 Armchair 1970s
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet No 17 Armchair 1970s
Bentwood
$3,829Sale Price / set|40% Off
Josef Hoffmann for Stendig Bentwood Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Refined and sculptural, this set of six Stendig cane armchairs is attributed to Josef Hoffmann and crafted in Czechoslovakia. Each chair features a gracefully bent beechwood frame wi...
Cane, Beech
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
$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
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 01 in Lacquered Wood an Black Leather
By Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 01 in Lacquered Wood an Black Leather. New, current production. With the JS . THONET signature collection, she has tak...
Steel
Michael Thonet Solid Beechwood and Cane no. 210 Armchair
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Chair nr 210 designed by Gebrüder Thonet in 1900, (as well as nr 209) of renown designer Le Corbusier. This chair is made in Czechoslovakia (pre WW2 factory of Thonet). New cane c...
Wicker, Cane, Bentwood
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Josef Frank for Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
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
Thonet Bentwood Red and Black Lacquered Modernist Desk Chair
By Thonet
Located in Westport, CT
Thonet bentwood vintage red and black lacquered plywood inspired by Eames DCW desk/dining chair, great form and comfort.
Bentwood
Set of Four B 952/F Armchairs by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Adolf Loos, Thonet
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed in 1903 by the pioneering Austrian architect and designer Adolf Loos, the B 952 F armchair represents a rare convergence of utilitarian form and refined craftsmanship. Execu...
Beech
SUiTE OF FOUR THONET CIRCA 1930'S AUSTRIAN BISTRO DINING BAR BENTWOOD CHAIRS
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of four original Austrian Thonet Bentwood cafe bistro dining chairs Circa 1930's Please n...
Bentwood
Pair of Red Bauhaus Armchairs Made in 30s Germany, Designed by Anton Lorenz
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
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
Pair of Secession Armchairs Atr. Adolf Loos Ex. by Thonet
By Adolf Loos, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Pair of secession armchairs atr. Adolf Loos ex. by Thonet in original condition.
Bentwood
$1,277 / set
Secession Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession bentwood Thonet dining chairs. Professionally stained and repolished with new handmade rattan seats.
Rattan, Bentwood
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
Set of 4 German Bentwood Armchairs - Thonet Model 215 Series - Beech & Velvet
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: With armrests: approx. 54 × 57 × 84 × 46 cm (21.3 × 22.4 × 33.1 × 18.1 in) Without armrests: approx. 45 × 53 × 84 × 46 cm (17.7 × 20.9 × 33.1 × 18.1 in) Original set of ...
Velvet, Beech
Modernist Maple Josef Frank Fabric Eight Dining Chairs Karl Schwanzer, 1950s
By Thonet, Karl Schwanzer
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist Mid-Century Modern vintage eight ( 8 ) dining chairs or chairs from maple wood in honey brown color tone by Karl Schwanzer for Thonet 1953 Vienna. A gorgeous set of eight (...
Fabric, Upholstery, Maple
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
1970s Pair of Beech Armchairs and Coffee Table by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Upholstery, Wood
Modernist Thonet Sculpted 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...
Brass
2010s Lepper Schmidt Sommerlade for Thonet S 845 DRWE Desk Chair in Leather
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Large Executive Desk Chair, Model S 845 DRWE, designed by the design trio Lepper Schmidt Sommerlade for Thonet in 2006. The listed price includes one chair, and we have sev...
Aluminum, Steel
Design Classic - Verner Panton, S Chair Model 276 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Renens, CH
Model 276 S chair, designed by Verner Panton for Thonet in 1965. Unlike his more well-known plastic and metal designs, this early model is crafted entirely from molded wood, showca...
Plywood
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
Set of Four Restored Art Deco Chairs, by Thonet, Beech, Walnut, Czech, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of 4 chairs is a magnificent and highly aesthetic showcase of furniture design from the transitional period between Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern (1940s). Manufactured in ...
Wood, Beech, Walnut, Lacquer
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This cantilever armchair represents the absolute pinnacle of interwar world design and the avant-garde Bauhaus aesthetic from the 1930s. This revolutionary concept of a resilient, sp...
Steel, Chrome
$2,780 / set
Set of Chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet.
Metal
Modern Viennese Set Thonet B 246 Chairs & T 142 Table by Josef Frank, 1930s
By Thonet, Frank Josef
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
This rare Thonet ensemble — comprising two B 246 armchairs and a T 142 coffee table — offers a vivid glimpse into the expressive edge of early modernist furniture design. Attributed ...
Cane, Beech
Set of Four Bauhaus Armchair, by Bauhaus, Thonet, Leather, Austria, 1920s
By Bauhaus, Thonet
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
$1,200 / set
1980s Pair of Thonet Leather Side Chairs in Grey
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Thonet Side Chairs, featuring grey Naugahyde upholstery and black enameled steel frames. They are lightweight enough to easily move around as occasional chairs, yet...
Steel, Enamel
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
Vintage Czech Art Deco Lounge Chairs by Thonet, Circa 1930-1940
By Thonet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage pair of Czech Art Deco lounge chairs made of hand crafted polished bent Beechwood and Walnut, produced by Thonet in good condition. The detailed low club chairs...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech, Walnut, Bentwood
$1,189Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
1950s Classic Elegant Bentwood Painted Dining Chair by Thon
By Thonet
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950s Classic elegant bentwood dining chair by Thon, set of six, other quantities available. These chairs were produced in volume by the famous Czech firm Ton, still trading today an...
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
1951 Set of 4 Bauhaus W199 Arm Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson
By Thonet, Walter Gropius, Ben Thompson
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
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
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
$3,987Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Frank A 63/F Armchairs for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Pair of rare modernist armchairs first showcased at the Vienna Werkbund exhibition in 1928. Crafted from solid beech (bentwood) and plywood, adorned with a brown lacquer coating, th...
Beech
1951 Set of Four W199 Dining Arm Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson
By Ben Thompson, Walter Gropius, 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
Pair of ‘A 60 F’ armchairs for Thonet Mundus, Austria 1929
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
With their Bauhaus form this pair of ‘A 60 F’ armchairs by Thonet Mundus epitomise avant-garde design. Their arms and legs connect round to form a soft rectangular form, giving the c...
Cotton, Bentwood
Thonet Chair HO. 41, 1905s
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet chair HO 41, restored in good condition. Designed by Michael Thonet.
Plywood
Design Classic - Verner Panton, S Chair Model 275 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Renens, CH
Model 275 S chair, designed by Verner Panton for Thonet in 1965. Unlike his more well-known plastic and metal designs, this early model is crafted entirely from molded wood, showca...
Plywood
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
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
Set of 4 Postmodern Memphis Era Thonet Vienna Stackable Dining Chairs, 90s
By Thonet
Located in Zagreb, HR
Set of four exceptionally rare and collectible, postmodern Memphis design original Thonet dining chairs. Sculptural and geometrically shaped. Produced by Thonet Vienna in 1996. Qual...
Metal
Rare Thonet A 403/F bentwood armchair by Josef Frank, 1930s
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
This piece is a design classic created by Josef Frank around 1928 for the esteemed manufacturer Gebrüder Thonet. Crafted from mahogany-stained bent beech and beech plywood, it exempl...
Beech
Thonet Chrome Tubular Steel Armchairs, Leather Upholstery, Customisable, c. 1935
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Thonet S 411 tubular steel cantilever armchairs in leather upholstery, designed and manufactured by Thonet, c. 1935. This original tubular steel cantil...
Steel, Chrome
Thonet Bentwood Swivel Piano Stool, Czechoslovakia 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original swivel piano stool manufactured by Thonet in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. Crafted from beech wood and beech plywood, this piece showcases the timeless elegance of bentwo...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Extremely rare armchair no.6521 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
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
$3,903Sale Price|20% Off
Siesta Medizinal N. 44 by Hans and Wassili Luckhardt for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Design Classic “Siesta Medizinal” by Hans and Wassili Luckhardt for Thonet Frankenberg with a height adjustable leather neck support as well as an adj...
Hardwood, Bentwood
$750Sale Price|40% Off
Art Deco Thonet Bentwood Dining Chair w/ Bakelite Seat
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This original Thonet bentwood armchair features a Bakelite seat and backrest. The chair's bentwood beech frame is elegantly curved, showcasing the transition between Art Deco and the...
Bakelite, Wood