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Thonet Chairs

Austrian, German

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.

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Color:  Brown
Creator: Thonet
Mart Stam Cognac Leather and Chrome Dining Chairs for Thonet
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of four Cantilevered Cognac leather and chrome dining chairs, designed by Mart Stam for Thonet, circa 1970s. They retain their war...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Metal

Thonet Chair with Bent Wood Legs
By Thonet
Located in St. Louis, MO
Slipper chair by Thonet with bentwood oak legs in dark brown finish.
Category

1950s American Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Thonet Bentwood Cane Bistro or Side Chair, 1920's
By Thonet
Located in Doylestown, PA
Thonet bentwood cane cafe or side chair, 1920's This iconic design chair has a sturdy yet lightweight beechwood frame. An original classic great for a varie...
Category

1920s European Bauhaus Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Cane, Beech

TON Bentwood Armchair in Light Upholstery
By Thonet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
TON, armchair, bentwood, fabric, Czech Republic, 1930s. Elegant dining chair made in bentwood. The lines and shapes are dynamic but in a soft sense, the light color of the backrest ...
Category

1950s Czech Art Deco Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Set of 8 Bentwood Caning Chairs by Thonet, Austria 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 bentwood caning chairs by Thonet - Austria 1930s.
Category

1930s Austrian Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Vintage 4-Seat Cinema Bench from Thonet , 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This four-seat cinema bench was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Vintage 3-Seat Cinema Bench from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This three-seat cinema bench was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Four Chairs Thonet Nr.651, Since 1907
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patina of age, perfectly cleaned and repolished with shellac. One backrest has a crack (fixed with injected glue). Despite the crack, the backrest is f...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Thonet Chairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Two Chairs Thonet 811, Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished.
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Mid century dining chairs by Radomír Hofman, 1960´s, set of 2
By Thonet, Radomír Hofman
Located in Prague 8, CZ
An interesting model of mid century upholstered bentwood dining chairs designed by Radomír Hofman for TON Bystrice pod Hostýnem (Thonet successor in Cze...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Vintage Two-Seat Cinema Bench from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This two-seat cinema bench was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (pa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Midcentury Thonet Bentwood Upholstered Chair
By Thonet
Located in Doylestown, PA
Midcentury Thonet bentwood upholstered chair. Single chair with Classic midcentury design with bentwood base. Neutral cream Naugah...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Wood, Bentwood

Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
By Thonet, August Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession desk chair no. 25 by Thonet with new handmade rattan seat professionally stained and repolished.
Category

Early 1900s Czech Vienna Secession Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Bentwood

Five Original circa 1920 Dinette Josef Hoffmann Thonet 811 Bergere Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning suite of five original circa 1920’s, hand made in Poland, Dinette chairs, designed by Josef Frank and J...
Category

1920s Polish Art Deco Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Sturdy Original Thonet Chairs from the 1960 in Bent Beech, Vienna Straw Seat
By Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Sturdy original Thonet chairs from the 1960s in bent beech with Vienna straw seat. Romantic and precious for your kitchen.
Category

1940s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Beech

Le Corbusier for Thonet Mid Century Bentwood Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Le Corbusier, Thonet
Located in Countryside, IL
Le Corbusier for Thonet mid century bentwood dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 21 wide x 22 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 19 i...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bentwood

Art Deco Thonet Chair in Style of Josef Frank
By Thonet, Frank Josef
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art Deco Thonet chair in style of Josef Frank in very good original condition.
Category

1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Beech

Thonet Chair HO. 41, 1905s
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet chair HO 41, restored in good condition. Designed by Michael Thonet.
Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Plywood

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...
Category

Early 1900s Spanish Art Nouveau Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Braid

Fledermaus Armchairs No.423 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus armchairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann in very good original condition with signs of usage.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Set of 4 Fledermaus Chairs Executed by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Set of 4 Fledermaus chairs executed by Thonet in 1999. Original vintage condition with signs of usage.
Category

1990s Slovak Vienna Secession Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Art-Deco Thonet Bentwood Leather Dining Chairs with Walnut Finish - Set of Six
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite set of six Thonet bentwood dining chairs, featuring two armchairs and four ...
Category

1960s American Art Nouveau Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Lacquer, Wood, Polyester, Foam, Leather, Bentwood

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Cowhide

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe "MR10" by Thonet Set 3 Chair
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...
Category

1960s German Bauhaus Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Secession Armchairs No.17 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Pair of secession armchairs no.17 by Thonet in very good condition.
Category

1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Rattan, Bentwood

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...
Category

1940s Czech Art Deco Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Silk, Oak, Bentwood

Secession Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession bentwood Thonet dining chairs. Professionally stained and repolished with new handmade rattan seats.
Category

1910s Slovak Vienna Secession Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Bentwood

Art Nouveau Side Chair Designed by Thonet, Austria, 1910
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic collectible chair by famous German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet. Bentwood frame with hooped legs. The seat is embossed with a decorative floral motif.  
Category

1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Secession Dining Chair No.335
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession dining chair no.335 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Category

1920s Slovak Vienna Secession Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

August Thonet Chairs, Set of 6, Czech Republic, 50s Signed Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
this description has been automatically translated and may not be completely accurate. H77 x W37 x D44 They are in very good condition, very solid.
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Other Thonet Chairs

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

1900s Marcel Kammerer Chair No.6517 for Thonet, Austria
By Marcel Kammerer, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered in Backhausen fabric - carefully refurbished and finished with ebony shellac - Height of seat 47 cm.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Five Chairs by Thonet, Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of five Thonet chairs. The chairs was made by Thonet in 1984 of dark lacquered wood and grey seat and back with silver upholstery nails. A new cover is necessary, otherwise ...
Category

1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Folding Chair, Thonet, 1920's
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood - good, original condition.
Category

1920s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood

Fully Restored Thonet Office Chair, 1930s, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This chair was made by Thonet in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1930´s. THONET brand embossed on the underside of the seat. The chair was renovated and is in excellent condition. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of 404 F chairs by Stefan Diez for Thonet
By Thonet, Stefan Diez
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 404 F chairs by Stefan Diez for Thonet. Original labels. Stefan Diez, born in 1971 in Freising (Germany). After taking courses in architecture and training to be a carpent...
Category

20th Century German Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Cocktail Chair, Thonet, Vienna, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The relatively small cocktail chair covered with a firm vinyl cover, the seams of which are stabilised by a piping strip. The backrest is not only decorated with upholstery nails in the lower arch, but also reinforced. The chairs stand sturdily on light beechwood legs. Original condition. Please note that upholstered chairs from the 1950s like to have a lower seat height of 41 to...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

80s Chair Freischwiner Thonet 96 Chrome Armrest Chair Mesh Design
By Thonet
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
80s chair Freischwiner Thonet 96 chrome armrest chair mesh design Object: armchair Manufacturer: Thonet Condition: good - vintage Age: around 19...
Category

1980s European Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Rare and Original Antique Bentwood Thonet Child's Chair 19th Century Furniture
By Thonet
Located in Lisse, NL
Marked and original children's chair, the 'Kindersessel nr 1.' This 19th century Thonet chair for a child dates from circa 1860-1880 and the name Thonet needs no further introduction. This rare piece is in excellent and original condition. It is as stable as the day it was hand-crafted and the undamaged upholstery is almost certainly original too. The stunning seat with its beautiful pattern and colors is either filled with straw or with horse's hair. This small and rare Thonet chair...
Category

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

19th Century, Thonet Original Theatre Seats, '1717.2'
By Thonet
Located in Hook, Hampshire
19th Century Thonet original theatre seats (1717.2) 19th Century Thonet original theatre seats. Founded in the early 19th Century by Michael Thonet, Thon...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Rare Chair Thonet Nr.21
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Museum piece. A very rare model that has been in production only for a few years and only very small quantities were produced. The surface treatment is also in the best possible vari...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Pair of Chairs by Mart Stam for Mücke-Melder 'Under License from Thonet', 1930s
By Mücke & Melder, Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1930s cantilever chairs, designed by Mart Stam and manufactured by Mücke-Melder in Czech Republic under license from Thonet.
Category

1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Chair Thonet Nr.223, since 1901
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish. New upholstery surface on the original core.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Thonet Chairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Early Nr 5 Chair Thonet Made for First International Exposition in London in 185
By Thonet
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Early model of chair created by thonet in 1851 for first international exposition of London. This example shows some differences with the 2 chairs on catalogue and is a mixed betwee...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Nutwood, Plywood

Pair of Bentwood High Back Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Pair of beech bentwood high back dining chairs. Signed by Thonet, 1987. Style Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau. New upholstery, same fabric, differe...
Category

1980s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Thonet Bent Beech Rattan Chairs in Pair, ca. 1910 '2 Pieces'
By Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Bent and steamed beechwood chairs with rattan seat. Manufactured by Thonet around 1910 in Vienna, Austria.  
Category

1910s Austrian Belle Époque Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Beech, Bentwood

Dining Chairs No.81 by Thonet Debrecsen
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Dining chairs no.81 by Thonet Debrecsen executed in 1980s. Excellent original condition.
Category

1980s Hungarian Jugendstil Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
By Thonet
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small ar...
Category

1860s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Art Nouveau Bentwood Salonfauteuil Easy Chair / Armchair Thonet No. 1 circa 1890
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in Lucenec, SK
Very rare antique Thonet easy chair no 1 produced by Gebruder Thonet from the late 19th century in a very good condition. New upholstery. Last picture is from Gebruder Thonet catalogue...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Upholstery

1930s Marcel Breuer B34 Chair, Czechoslovakia
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly Chromed - New canvas - Originally painted wooden armrests with some signs of use - Manufacturer: Thonet (TON).
Category

1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1960s Ton/Thonet Beech Armchair, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 39cm
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech

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...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Metal

Thonet Pair of Chairs in Cherry and Burgundy Upholstery
By Thonet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Thonet, pair of chairs, cherry, fabric, Germany, 1930s This unique pair of chairs has a splendid construction that epitomizes a simplistic, natural and timeless aesthetics. The desi...
Category

1930s German Art Deco Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Midcentury Set of 5 Thonet High Back Bentwood Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Set of 5 !!!!! Thonet high back bentwood beech chairs. Solid and stabile. Signed. Fabric can be changed easily.
Category

1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Chair Kohn Nr.321, since 1906, Thonet
By Thonet, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shelack finish. New upholstery surface on the original core.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Empire Thonet Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th century Faux Bamboo Parlor Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Munich, DE
19th Century bentwood parlor chairs by Thonet. Beautiful gold patina & faded fabric. Both chairs show heavy signs of their age, flaking gold patina, washed out seat fabric & yet the ...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

Chair Thonet Nr.402, Jan Kotěra in 1907
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Designed by Jan Kotera for the National association house in Prostejov. Slightly modified - reduced backrest height, as an adjustment to the salon chair). P...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Thonet Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stacking Chairs by Karl Schwanzer, Thonet, Austria, 1950s
By Karl Schwanzer, Thonet
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare set of two Viennese stacking chairs made of brown stained wood designed by Austrian architect Prof. Karl Schwanzer and manufactured by Thonet in the 1950s. This chair was des...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Beech

Thonet Folding Seat
By Thonet
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Thonet Chairs

Materials

Brass

Thonet chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Thonet chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Thonet chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Thonet were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Michael Thonet, Karl Fostel Sen’s Erben, and Anna-Lülja Praun. Prices for Thonet chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $149 and can go as high as $24,318, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,765.
Questions About Thonet Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Thonet is a well known furniture company that was started by Michael Thonet in 1830 as he experimented with bentwood furniture. The brand is known for producing high-quality products with exquisite craftsmanship. Shop a collection of Thonet furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    A Thonet chair can be any chair developed by the furniture maker Thonet, which has been manufacturing furniture for more than 180 years. However, most people are referring to one designed by founder Gebrüder Thonet. It features a bentwood frame produced with a patent steam method that Thonet patented and a curved seat. Find a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Perhaps the most significant thing about the Thonet chair was that it was the first chair to ever be shipped in parts with instructions that allowed the purchaser to assemble it themselves. As a result, the beech wood and rattan chairs could be mass produced and sold all over the world more easily. Shop a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An authentic Thonet chair will have the company’s name with a solid line underneath carved somewhere on the chair. The brand can also confirm the authenticity and age of a Thonet chair via its website. Shop a variety of authentic Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    A Thonet-style chair is a wooden chair that has a curvy, bent backrest, a round seat and subtly flared legs. The chairs get their name from the original manufacturer, Thonet, which produced chairs in the mid-century modern style in Europe during the 20th century. Shop a range of Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Michael Thonet is a German-Austrian furniture maker who designed the famed bentwood chair in 1830. His last name, Thonet, is pronounced “TOE-net,” but it’s commonly mispronounced “tho-NAY.” Shop a collection of vintage and modern Michael Thonet pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Thonet chairs are marked. You will usually find the brand's label on a tag or burned into the wood under the seat. On 1stDibs, you can shop a variety of expertly vetted Thonet furniture from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not Thonet chairs are stackable depends on their design. The bentwood chairs produced by the company do easily stack, but others like cantilever chairs do not. Find a range of Thonet chairs forms some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To identify a Thonet rocking chair, look for the company name. You will normally find it stamped directly onto the underside of the seat, arms or legs. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Thonet rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    To tell if a Thonet chair is real, you can use Thonet's authenticity verification service. To take advantage of it, you will need to take many photographs of the chair from different angles and close-up images of markings and paper labels. You can learn more about the authentication process on the Thonet website. Shop a diverse assortment of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.

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