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.
1930s Josef Frank Restored Beech Armcahir by Thonet Model A403/F, Czechoslovakia
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- brushed and oiled surface - Sturdy and stable - Stamped by Thonet - heigh of seat 33 cm
Beech
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
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
Set of Two '2' Bentwood Slipper Chairs in Original Fabric by Thonet, USA, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Deland, FL
Comfort. Vintage fabric. Captivating bentwood legs. These two slipper chairs are the perfect addition to any space needing a pop of color and/or a minimal footprint. The original yel...
Fabric
$2,955Sale Price|35% Off
Bentwood Cane Salonfauteuil Easy Chair 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 with new cane on seat, cane ...
Cane, Bentwood
Thonet S 33 Vintage Black Saddle Leather Chair Mart Stam Cantilever, Set of 4
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Thonet Mart Stam S33 chair in made by Thonet. The Classic Bauhaus chair. Frame chrome-plated tubular steel, saddle leather black Beautiful Vintage Condit...
Steel, Chrome
$3,039 / set
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 ...
Wood, Leather
Austrian postmodern white wood tub chairs by Joseph Hoffmann for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian postmodern white wood tub chairs by Joseph Hoffmann for Thonet, 1990s Set of four tub chairs. The structure is in white painted wood, has a rhomboid decoration on the sides ...
Fabric, Wood
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
Pair of August Thonet Bentwood Chairs by Thonet Bros
By August Thonet, Thonet
Located in Madrid, ES
Bentwood chairs with new silk-blend seat upholstery. Chairs designed by August Thonet, the son of original bentwood furniture designer Michael Thonet. August took over his father's b...
Silk, Bentwood
$4,091Sale Price / set|30% Off
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe "MR10" by Thonet Set 3 Chair
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Firenze, FI
MR10 chairs, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Thonet in Germany in the 1960s. The structure is made of chromed tubular steel, bent with exceptional technical pre...
Steel
1930s Thonet Chair, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- partly refurbished - some signs of use - sturdy and stable - Heigh of seat 48 cm
Wood
$354Sale Price|40% Off
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
Thonet S 33 Vintage Cognac Vegetal Leather Chair Mart Stam Cantilever 1 of 2
By Thonet, Mart Stam
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. Original Thonet Chairs. The chairs usually h...
Steel, Chrome
Bentwood chair by Thonet no.54
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood chair by Thonet no.54. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
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
1970s Beech Bentwood Chair by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered - The height of armrests is 70cm
Wood, Bentwood, Beech
1980s Chair by Ton, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Made in Czechoslovakia. - Wood cleaned and then treated with revitalizing oil. - Shows signs of use (scratches, scuffs, etc.). - Stable and sturdy. - Ma...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
1970s Antonin Suman Chair by TON in Kirkby Fabric
By Antonín Šuman, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered in Zinc luxury fabric :SOL silver grey
Fabric, Wood
1940s Thonet Beech Chair no. 57, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- partly refurbished - some signs of use - sturdy and stable - Height of seat 47
Wood, Beech
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
$261Sale 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
$1,285
Thonet chair
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Professionally stained and repolished Thonet chair with new handmade rattan seat.
Fabric, Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
$960Sale Price|20% Off
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
$268Sale 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
Bentwood dining chair no.228 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood dining chair no.228 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Cafe Capua Chair no.519 by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Thonet, Adolf Loos
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
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
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson for Thonet
By Walter Gropius, Ben Thompson, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six W199 dining armchairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson for Thonet, c.1950's, Austria. The chairs showcase a bent birch wood frame and legs. The seats have been newly uph...
Upholstery, Birch
Art Deco Thonet Chair in Style of Josef Frank
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art Deco Thonet chair in style of Josef Frank in very good original condition.
Rattan, Beech
$2,571 / set
4x chair J&J Kohn Nr.415, Gustav Siegel, 1906
By Thonet, Gustav Siegel
Located in Praha, CZ
"Viennese Art Nouveau, variant of chair no. 415, designed by Gustav Siegl in 1906, manufactured by J&J Kohn. In beautiful original condition. Solid, ready to be upholstered. Minor ...
Bentwood
19th Century Art Nouveau Thonet Chairs by J. Hoffmann, 1st edition - CZ ca. 1906
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Very rare pair of the first edition(!) Art Nouveau chairs Mod. 643 from the early 20th century, produced by Thonet in Bohemia around 1906. Designed by none other than the world famou...
Leather, Bentwood
Thonet S320 green Chair Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider
By Ulrich Bohme, Wulf Schneider, Thonet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Thonet Chair Model S320 in green version. Rare Colour. Designed by Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider.
Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
1950s Classic Elegant Bentwood Painted Dining Chair by Thon - Set Of 4
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
Italian wood and Vienna straw Praga chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Ligna, 1970s
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet, Ligna
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian wood and Vienna straw Praga chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Ligna, 1970s. Set of ten chairs with armrests known as the Praga or 811 model, with a wooden structure with a matt bl...
Straw, Wood
Early Thonet S533 RF Cane Weißenhof Armchair Chair Mies van der Rohe Set of 2
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These Cantilever vintage armchairs are Bauhaus classics and were designed by Mies van der Rohe and knowned by the name Weißenhof Chair.This pair were produced by Thonet with the Model name S533 RF. 3 license holders are producing this chair today. As well as Knoll International MR10. Tecta B42 and this 2 Thonet S533...
Steel, Chrome
$647 / set
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.
Fabric, Wood
$2,805 / set
Four Thonet bent beech and perforated wood
By Thonet
Located in Milano, IT
Four bent beech and perforated wood chairs with cane seats. Thonet manufacture, Austria, circa 1920s.
Bentwood
Office chairs no.6048 and no.6148 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Office chairs no.6048 and no.6148 by Otto Wagner for Thonet. Two tipes of seats. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
4 Dining Chairs, with original labels (Restoration at the client's choice)
By Thonet
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
4 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 custo...
Wood
Restored Art Deco Chair, by Thonet, Beech, Revived Polish, Czech, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco chair comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century. It is made of solid beech wood and is marked Thonet. The chair has undergone careful r...
Beech, Wood, Lacquer
Set of Mid-Century Mies van der Rohe Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
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
Austrian post-modern chairs 411 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern chairs 411 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s Set of three chairs model 414 with square seat and oval backrest, padded and covered in bright purple silk fabric...
Fabric, Wood
$1,285 / 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
$1,110 / 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
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
Five Original circa 1920 Dinette Josef Hoffmann Thonet 811 Bergere Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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...
Bentwood
S 64 PV Cantilever Armrest Bauhaus Chair by Thonet Frankenberg
By Thonet
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This elegant vintage armchair S 64 PV by Thonet is a refined example of classic European tubular steel furniture. The chair features a beautifully curved chrome-plated tubular steel ...
Metal
MCM Danish Bentwood Dining Chair, One Chair, 1960s (2 Available)
By Thonet, Charles Eames
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning very cool Thonet black and Walnut bentwood dining chair. Two available. These are very sturdy, iconic, comfortable dining chairs. They are also excellent options for use a...
Bentwood
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Late Victorian Hand Sculpted Walnut Commode Chamber Pot w/ Lid by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian sculpted walnut chamber pot with original lid and enameled metal bowl by Thonet featuring an sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned wood with tapered legs. A great d...
Oak
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Serious 04 in Lacquered Wood an Blue 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
$2,780 / set
Set of Chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four chairs by Gerd Lange for Thonet.
Metal
Vintage Thonet Dining Chair, Oak & Plywood, Bauhaus Style
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage dining chair produced by Thonet, retaining its original burned factory stamps and paper label on the underside. Crafted from solid oak with an original molded plywo...
Oak, Bentwood, Plywood
Bentwood Armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s Europe.
Bentwood
Thonet dining chair no.103
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet dining chair no.103. Professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
$4,582 / set
Austrian chairs in wood by Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian chairs in wood by Thonet, 1930s Set of eight bentwood chairs with a vertical slat backrest, a contoured seat, and a sinuous reinforcement under the seat. Produced by Thonet ...
Wood
$3,927 / set
Austrian chairs in wood by Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian chairs in wood by Thonet, 1930s Set of six chairs made entirely of wood. Features a contoured wooden seat, a backrest with a double horizontal crosspiece, and slightly arch...
Wood
Vienna Secession Light Stain Bent Oak Chair No. 7 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Victorian Thonet number 7 side chair features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking, fluid curves and a graceful, round arched backrest. The...
Oak
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
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.
Plywood
Bentwood Chair By Thonet, Czechoslovakia 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful and fully restored vintage bentwood chair produced in Czechoslovakia by Thonet company in 1940s. The chair is made of oak wood construction with molded plywood used for sea...
Bentwood, Plywood