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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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Creator: Thonet
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 ...
Category

1990s Austrian Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

Metal

Thonet No. 14 Antique Children's Chair
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Dronten, NL
Thonet no. 14 children's chair, in original un-restored condition. Very elegant unique piece! Thonet is a name synonymous with innovative furniture design and craftsmanship. Founded...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Vintage Cinema Chair from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This folding cinema chair was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chair is stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (partl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Bentwood 'Chair of the Rings' Chair by Martino Gamper for Thonet / Conran
By Martino Gamper, Thonet
Located in Surbiton, GB
Sculptural bentwood 'Chair of the Rings' chair designed by Martin Gamper and produced by Thonet in 2008. Gamper was invited by Polly Dickens, creative director of the Conran Shop, ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian 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

Beechwood Chair Thonet, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This wood bistro chair Thonet was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1930´s. It´s made of beechwood. It´s no longer marked, probably the label ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood, Beech

Two Chairs Thonet 811, Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
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

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

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

4x Chairs Thonet Nr.717, Gustav Siegel
By Gustav Siegel, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Perfect original condition, really exceptionally well preserved. Only the upholstery is new, with woven decor inspired by Gustav Klimt paintings. The wooden bases were perfectly clea...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Thonet Chairs

Materials

Textile, Bentwood

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 Cool, simple bent plywood chairs by Bruno Weir for Thonet
Category

20th Century Austrian Modern Thonet Chairs

Materials

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

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 (...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Maple

1980s Set of Four Dining Chairs by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare model - carefully refurbished - newly upholstered - heigh of seat 45 cm
Category

1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

4 Sedie Thonet originali anni '50
By Thonet
Located in Manzano, IT
4 Sedie Thonet originali anni '50 sono presenti lievi macchie sul tessuto della seduta (come in foto)
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Chair Thonet Nr.32, since 1883
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Firm and compact, perfectly cleaned and polished with shellac. The seat, originally woven with pedig, was replaced by a more durable plywood with art nouveau decor. This chair appear...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Revival Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Austrian Midcentury Beech Stacking Chairs by Karl Schwanzer for Thonet
By Thonet, Karl Schwanzer
Located in Vienna, AT
This set of two Austrian Midcentury stackable plywood chairs have been designed by one of the most important Austrian Midcentury Modern Architects Karl Schwanzer and manufactured by ...
Category

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

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Antique Child’s Chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique child’s chair of Thonet. Elegant bent wood frame with hooped legs. The caning on the seat and back is in great condition for it’s age. Di...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Cane

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

Four Chairs Thonet 811, Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Perfect original condition, museum pieces. It is rare to find 4 chairs in this condition, including the original upholstery. Also interesting is the unique and very well-preserved su...
Category

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

Materials

Bentwood, Textile

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

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

Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
By August Thonet, 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

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

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

Thonet Austrian Curved Wood Armrests Chair, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Thonet Austrian arm chair, c. 1900/1920, In curved beech wood, the upholstery has been redone in ivory velvet and the wooden parts have been polished wi...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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.
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Thonet S 33 Vintage Brown Leather Chairs Mart Stam Cantilever Set of 10
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 brown leather that has ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Bauhaus Thonet Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Marcel Breuer's S 64 Tubular Steel Chair for Thonet
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Neuss, NW
Legendary tubular steel chair, model S 64, designed by Marcel Breuer for Thonet (1928). Solid frame made of chromed tubular steel. The seat and backrest are covered with the original...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Thonet Cane and Black Ebonized Bentwood Chair After Thonet 209
By Thonet
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
The chair after Thonet is from the years between 1950s This is Le Corbusier's favourite chair and one of the favourite designs of architects and designers. Unfortunately it has no...
Category

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

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

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

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

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 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...
Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

1960s German Bauhaus Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

After Thonet Wood Chair
By Thonet
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
After Thonet chair, manufactured by unknown manufactured, circa 1920. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservi...
Category

1890s German Other Antique Thonet Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

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

Four Armhairs Thonet, circa 1920
By Thonet, D. G. Fischell
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patina of age, perfectly cleaned and repolished with french polish.
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Thonet Chairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

1980s Beech Dining or Side Chair by Ton, Up to 20 Pieces
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - the chairs are stackable - material used : beech bentwood and plywood - height of seat 45 cm.
Category

1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Beech, Plywood

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

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...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric

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

Set of Two '2' Minimalist Thonet Floating Walnut Armless Chairs, c. 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Deland, FL
A limited production by Thonet from the early 1960s. This minimal set draws influences from period designs by the likes of American Designers like Jens Risom and also from Danish Mod...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Design Chair No.515 by Oswald Haerdtl for Thonet
By Oswald Haerdtl, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century design chair no.515 by Oswald Haerdtl for Thonet.
Category

1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Set of Four '4' Slipper Chairs in Original Yellow Plaid Wool Fabric by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Deland, FL
Comfort. Vintage fabric. Captivating bentwood legs. These four slipper chairs are the perfect addition to any space needing a pop of color or a min...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Dining Chairs by Verner Panton for Reupholstering Set of 4
By Verner Panton, Thonet
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Very rare set of (4) four Mid-Century high-back chairs designed by Verner Panton. Tubular metal frame with original upholstery (also deigned by Verner Panton). Produced for a short p...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Thonet Chairs

Materials

Metal

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

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

Set of Two Bentwood Chairs, Ton 1989
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood, fabric - the fabric has some signs of use - good, original condition. - seat height 47 cm.
Category

1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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

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

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

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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