For more than 180 years, Thonet — or Gebrüder Thonet — has produced elegant and durable tables and cabinets as well as chairs, stools and other seating that wholly blur the lines between art and design. Widely known as a trailblazer in the use of bentwood in furniture, the European manufacturer has reimagined the places in which we gather.
Noted for his skill in parquetry, German-Austrian company founder Michael Thonet received an invitation from Austrian Chancellor Prince Metternich to contribute Neo-Rococo interiors to the Liechtenstein City Palace in Vienna. The Boppard-born Thonet had honed his carpentry skills in his father’s workshop, where he carried out experiments with plywood and modified the Biedermeier chairs that populated the studio.
Thonet’s work for the chancellor raised his profile, and the cabinetmaker gained international recognition, including at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, which featured works created by members of the Arts and Crafts movement as well as industrial products of the day. Thonet showed a range of furniture at the fair and won the bronze medal for his bentwood chairs. He incorporated his family’s company, the Thonet Brothers, with his sons in 1853.
Bentwood furniture dates as far back as the Middle Ages, but it is the 19th-century cabinetmaker Thonet who is most often associated with this now-classic technique. Thonet in 1856 patented a method for bending solid wood through the use of steam, and from there, the bentwood look skyrocketed to furniture fame. The works of renowned mid-century modern designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Charles and Ray Eames that put this technological advancement to use would not be as extensive or celebrated were it not for the efforts of the pioneering Thonet.
Considered the world’s oldest mass-produced chair, Michael Thonet’s ubiquitous Chair No. 14 demonstrated that his patented bentwood technology made it possible to efficiently produce furniture on an industrial scale. Now known as the 214, it won the German Sustainability Award Design for 2021, a recognition of the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible production.
Often called the Coffee House chair — the company’s first substantial order was for a Viennese coffeehouse — the No. 14 remains an icon. Thonet originally designed the chair in 1859, and it is considered the starting point for modern furniture.
The bentwood process opened doors — there were investments in machinery and new industrial processes, and the business began mass-producing furniture. By the end of the 1850s, there were additional Thonet workshops in Eastern Europe and hundreds of employees. Michael Thonet’s reputation attracted the attention of notable architects including Otto Wagner, Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The No. 14 was followed by the No. 18, or the Bistro chair, in 1867, and the 209, or the Architect’s chair, of which Le Corbusier was a fan. (The influential Swiss-French architect and designer used Thonet furniture in his Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau at the 1925 International Exposition of Decorative Arts in Paris.)
Thonet’s chair designs also appeared in artwork by Toulouse-Lautrec, John Sloan and Henri Matisse in his Interior with a Violin Case. The noteworthy Thonet rocking chair remains a marvel of construction — in the middle of the 19th century, Michael produced a series of rockers in which the different curved parts were integrated into fluid, sinuous wholes. Thanks to Thonet, the humble rocker acquired something unexpected: style. It was captured in the paintings of Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and James Tissot.
Thonet is currently split into global divisions. Thonet Industries U.S.A. was acquired in 1987 by Shelby Williams and joined the CF Group in 1999, while the Thonet brand in Germany is owned by Thonet GmbH.
Find a collection of antique Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
Thonet Model No. 511 Bentwood Armchair, Vienna Secession, circa 1904
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Austin, TX
An iconic armchair of the Vienna Secession movement, the Thonet model no. 511 bent beechwood armchair, featuring stunning lines and beautiful proportions. A design tour de force, it ...
Bentwood, Cane, Beech
1970s Antonin Suman Set of Four Dining Chair by TON
By Thonet, Antonín Šuman
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered grey boucle fabric - high of seat 46 cm
Wood, Bouclé
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Nordic 02 in White Oak and Burnt Walnut Leather
By Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Jil Sander for Thonet S 64 P Nordic in oak and Leather. New, current production. With the JS . THONET signature collection, she has taken the most famous t...
Steel
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
Bentwood dining chair no.19 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood dining chair no.19 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
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 ...
Metal
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson for Thonet
By Walter Gropius, Thonet, Ben Thompson
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
Childs Chair by David Rowland for Thonet
By Thonet, David Rowland
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
Austrian post-modern red leather and black wood chair by Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern red leather and black wood chair by Thonet, 1990s Chair with square seat covered in bright red leather with black lacquered wooden structure, with matt finish. T...
Leather, Wood
Émile Guillot - Thonet - Model B257 chrome bauhaus chair
By Emile Guillot, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - marked by manufacturer - chrome in very good condition with patina - original screws - rare and early piece, collectible - original black colour - small hole on the seat jr
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Thonet Chair in Style of Josef Frank
By Thonet, Frank Josef
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art Deco Thonet chair in style of Josef Frank in very good original condition.
Rattan, Beech
Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
By Thonet, August Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession desk chair no. 25 by Thonet with new handmade rattan seat professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Bentwood
1970s Antonin Suman Chair By TON
By Thonet, Antonín Šuman
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly reupholstered - Height of seat 47 cm
Fabric, 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
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
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
$2,511 / set
4x chair J&J Kohn Nr.415, Gustav Siegel, 1906
By Gustav Siegel, Thonet
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
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
$4,185Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
1970s Antonin Suman Chair by TON in Zinc Fabric
By Thonet, Antonín Šuman
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered in Zinc luxury fabric :SOL silver grey
Fabric, Wood
$1,255
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
$2,885Sale 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
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
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
$627 / 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
$3,036Sale Price / set|30% Off
set 3 Chair Ludwig Mies van der Rohe "MR10" by Thonet
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Firenze, FI
Sedie modello MR10, progettate da Ludwig Mies van der Rohe e prodotte da Thonet in Germania negli anni ’60. La struttura è realizzata in tubolare d’acciaio cromato, piegato con estre...
Steel
1930s Chair Thonet A780, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- partly refurbished - some signs of use - sturdy and stable - Heigh of seat 46 cm
Wood
Early Thonet S533 RF Cane Weißenhof Armchair Chair Mies van der Rohe Set of 2
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
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
Cafe Capua Chair no.519 by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Adolf Loos, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Iconic Design: The No. 519 Café Capua Chair Experience a piece of architectural history with the No. 519 Café Capua chair. Designed in 1913 by the pioneering modernist architect Adol...
Beech, Bentwood
$1,255 / 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
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 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
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
Modernist Maple Josef Frank Fabric Eight Dining Chairs Karl Schwanzer, 1950s
By Karl Schwanzer, Thonet
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
'B 263' Cantilever Chairs by Mart Stam for Thonet, Germany, 1932
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pair of Model B 263 cantilever chairs by Mart Stam for Thonet, dating to 1932. The design is defined by a continuous tubular steel frame that eliminates the conventional rear legs, a...
Chrome
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
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
Italian wood and Vienna straw Praga chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Ligna, 1970s
By Thonet, Ligna, Josef Hoffmann
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
Thonet S320 green Chair Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider
By Thonet, Wulf Schneider, Ulrich Bohme
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Thonet Chair Model S320 in green version. Rare Colour. Designed by Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider.
Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
Vintage Cinema or Theatre Seat from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This cinema ( theatre ) seat was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1940s - 1950s. The chair is stabile and can be placed anywhere. It is made of beech wood, ben...
Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane High Back Side Chair No. 17 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian high back Thonet number 17 side chair featuring an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and an elegant round arched backres...
Wicker, Oak
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
1920 Art Deco Bent Oak & Cane Chair No. 144 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early Modernist Thonet number 144 side chair features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and an elegant rounded square backrest....
Wicker, Oak
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
$1,170Sale Price|35% 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
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
Bentwood Armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s Europe.
Bentwood
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet Armchair, Art Nouveau Style, Rattan Weave, Belgium, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Thonet armchair with a printed illustration. The seat and backrest are weaved in rattan. The rest of the frame is covered in a print that could have influenced by the great Fornase...
Wood
Vienna Secession Bent Oak & Cane Folding Chair No. 01 in Dark Stain by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian child-size Thonet number 01 folding chair with woven cane seat and backrest. It features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid c...
Wicker, Oak
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
$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
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
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
Antique Thonet Wood Chair, German Design, 36\" Diameter, Circa 1920
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...
Wood
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
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 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
$3,196 / set
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...
Textile, Bentwood
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
Austrian post-modern chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s Set of three chairs with square seat, padded and covered in black fabric with silver geometric pattern. Structure in...
Fabric, Wood