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.
Restored Art Deco Piano Swivel Stool, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Highest height: 55 cm (21.7 in) Lowest height: 43 cm (16.9 in) Diameter: 52 cm (20.5 in) This piano stool is an elegant and functional accessory from the Czechoslovak Art Deco perio...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Jugendstil swivel desk chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil swivel desk chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
$960Sale Price|33% Off
Thonet Black Swivel Austrian Art Nouveau Chair, 1890
By Thonet
Located in Roma, Lazio
Thonet swivel chair for piano from the end of the 1800s. The chair in bent wood, is all in wood polished in black shellac. The seat, round in shape, is still covered with its origin...
Wood
Original Thonet Piano Stool, Early 20th Century, Restaured
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Restored piano stool from the traditional company Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna from the end of the 19th or beginning of the 20th century. The piano stool is made of solid wood and has a f...
Wood, Braid
$936
Swivel bar stool
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Swivel bar stool with leather seat. Professionally stained and repolished.
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Leather Bentwood Swivel Armchairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, bent maple, swivel armchairs by Thonet with newly upholstered seats, backs and armrests in cream leather. Measure: The arm height is 26 inches.
Leather, Maple
Black Art Deco Round Piano Stool Made by Thonet, Original Condition, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Small round Art Deco piano chair. Material: Beech Maker: Thonet Source: Czechia Period: 1920-1929 Adjustable height: 45 - 70 cm (18 in - 27.5 in) ...
Beech, Lacquer
Restored Art Deco Piano Swivel Stool, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Highest height: 51 cm (20.1 in) Lowest height: 42 cm (16.5 in) Seat diameter: 42 cm (16.5 in) This piano stool is an elegant and functional accessory from the Czechoslovak Art Deco ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Bentwood swivel chair no.9 by J.J.Kohn
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood swivel chair no.9 by J.J.Kohn new handmade rattan seat.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Six Original Stamped Thonet Swivel Bergere Armchairs Model 5501 for Zpm Radomsko
By Thonet, ZPM Radomsko
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this super rare suite of six original, antique, fully stamped Thonet Model 5501 swivel bergère chairs made for ZPM Radomsko circa 1900 These are as menti...
Bentwood
Swivel Office Chair Thonet Nr.352, since 1904
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company. Newly restored, new shellack polish, minor repairs.
Beech, Bentwood
Office Swivel Chair, Thonet Nr.633
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Perfectly restored in the recent past, new shellac polish - high gloss. Beautiful and original surface treatment - "imitation oak wood", where imitation oak wood pores were carved in...
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet swivel chair no.5541
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet swivel chair no.5541 in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
ORIGINAL ANTIQUE THONET SWiVEL BERGERE DESK CAPTAINS ARMCHAIR MODEL NUMBER 3
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, original, antique, Thonet Model No 3 swivel bergère chair circa 1900 Please note the deliv...
Bentwood
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...
Velvet, Beech
$6,962 / item
H 30.71 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather Boucle, Handmade Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju swivel lounge chair embodies the perfect balance between organic design and sophisticated elegance. Inspired by the natural curves of a cashew, its enveloping silhouette and premium upholstery make it a standout piece of unparalleled comfort in contemporary interiors. A favorite swivel lounge chair among designers, Caju seamlessly combines artistry and design, becoming a timeless addition to any living space. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Caju Armchair...
Brass, Stainless Steel
K2 Koi Leather Hand Made Swivel Chair
Located in London, GB
Hand made in Italy. Vegetable tanned leather. Hand stitched leather seat on a nickel plated steel base. 360 degree swivel.
Leather
Black Art Deco Round Piano Stool Made by Thonet, Original Condition, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Small round Art Deco piano chair. Material: Beech Maker: Thonet Source: Czechia Period: 1920-1929 Adjustable height: 45 - 70 cm (18 in - 27.5 in) ...
Beech, Lacquer
$3,600 / set
H 44 in W 17 in D 20.5 in
Set of 4 Hill Manufacturers Lucite & Chrome Swivel Bar Stools Mid-Century Modern
By Hill Manufacturing
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern fantastic and rare set of four Lucite 3 legged swivel bar stools with Chrome Round Footrest by Hill Manufacturers made in...
Chrome
$216
H 23.63 in Dm 13.78 in
Brown Midcentury Round Beech Piano Chair, Original Preserved Condition, 1960s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Small round midcentury piano chair. Material: Beech Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1960-1969 Measures: Maximal height 60 cm (23.62 i...
Beech
$2,750
H 38 in W 19.49 in D 15.36 in
Chair Swivel Bar Stool White Plastic Chrome Italian Stefano Giovannoni Magis
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- This iconic design is rotatable, adjustable in height and is made of high-quality materials. The seat is made of ABS (plastic) and the frame of chromium. - It is striking with a sleek seat, making a statement piece in the kitchen, dining room or office - Designed by Stefano Giovannoni for Magis - Functional, stylish, comfortable Stefano Giovannoni born in La Spezia, lives and works in Milan as Industrial designer, interior designer and architect. He graduated at the University of Architecture in Florence at the age of 23 and, in the same faculty, he taught and conducted research until 1991. In 1984 and 1985 he collaborated with Ettore Sottsass and Alchimia-Mendini. He taught at Domus Academy in Milan, SPD Milan, at Università del progetto di Reggio Emilia, at University of Architecture in Florence and in Genoa. He works as Industrial designer, designing many bestsellers and commercially successful products that awarded him as “Champion of Super and Popular of the years 2000” (Alberto Alessi), “King Mida of design” (Cristina Morozzi), “Most bankable designer” (Eugenio Perazza, Magis). He collaborated with companies, such as Alessi, first designer with more than 300 steel and plastic products, (remark products: the “Girotondo family” absolute bestselling series in the history of design-oriented companies with more than 10 millions products sold, the “Mami” series, “Il Bagno Alessi” and famous plastic products such as Lilliput, Magic Bunny and Merdolino), Magis (with “Bombo”stool...
Plastic
$2,100 / set
H 41.25 in W 16.75 in D 17 in
Three Vintage Modern Arthur Umanoff Style Swivel Bar Stools
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking midcentury set of three bar stools that boast slatted wood seats and backrests. The sturdy iron rod base tapers down to splayed feet showing quality construction. A conven...
Iron
$1,800 / item
H 44 in W 20 in D 18 in
SHAKER Swivel Bar Chair by AMBROZIA, Cowhide, Leather, Black Metal & Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker swivel bar chair is made to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame. This contemporary / modern swivel armchair i...
Steel
Bentwood piano chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood piano chair by Thonet, professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Swivel High Stool in Bentwood
By Thonet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Revolving high stool in bentwood with upholstered seat and backrest. Thonet style, Austria, 1930s Nicely constructed in turned bentwood standing up on four legs with a foot rest ring. The wood structure is strong and sturdy. Height adjustable. Nice aged patina. This eye-catching rotating stool...
Wood, Bentwood
Pair of Thonet Style Bentwood Armchairs, C1960
By Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of hard to find bentwood armchairs in the style of Thonet. In very good vintage condition with minimal wear. Have other sets that can be combined but these are the only...
Beech
Original Thonet Piano Stool, Early 20th Century, Restaured
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Restored swivel stool No. 1 from the long-established Gebrüder Thonet company in Vienna, dating from the late 19th century. The piano stool has a frame consisting of four steam-bent ...
Wood, Braid
Bentwood piano chair no.1 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood piano chair no.1 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Piano Stool, Thonet, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
In very good original condition with a beautiful patina. Heavy and stabile. Labeled by Thonet. Surface was cleaned and refreshed. Perfectly working mechanism. Height range: 43 - 60cm
Bentwood
Restored Thonet Piano Stool, Mid 20th Century
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Restored bentwood piano stool/swivel stool by Gebrüder Thonet. The piano stool is made of black lacquered (shellac) beechwood and has four steam-bent feet with a bentwood ring for st...
Metal
Restored Thonet Piano Stool, Mid 20th Century
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Restored bentwood piano stool/swivel stool from Gebrüder Thonet. The piano stool is made of dark-stained (rosewood) beech wood painted with shellac and has four steam-bent feet with bentwood rings for stability. The stool can be adjusted in height from 45 cm to approx. 62 cm. The spindle runs well, but has very little play. The seat is made of slightly curved, structured plywood, the remaining parts are made of solid beech wood or metal. The stool has remnants of the original Thonet paper label and the embossed stamp. The stool is in good, functional condition, the shellac surfaces have been reworked. The seat was probably replaced at some point because - for Thonet standards - it lies quite uncleanly in the fold. Date of manufacture probably after 1920, as the seat bracket...
Metal
Original Thonet Piano Stool, Early 20th Century, Restaured
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Restored piano stool from the traditional company Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna from the end of the 19th or beginning of the 20th century. The piano stool is made of solid wood and has a f...
Wood, Braid
Original Thonet Piano Stool, Late 19th Century
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Piano stool by the traditional company Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna from the late 19th or early 20th century. The piano stool is made of solid wood and has a frame with a bentwood ring. T...
Wood, Braid
Piano Stool Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shellac polish.
Bentwood
Original Thonet Piano Stool, Early 20th Century
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Restored Thonet piano stool made of bentwood, swivel stool Black piano stool from the traditional company Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna from the beginnin...
Metal
Original Thonet Piano Stool, Early 20th Century, Restaured
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Antique Thonet bentwood piano stool, swivel stool Black piano stool from the traditional company Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna from the beginning of the 2...
Wood, Braid
Stool "causeuses" THONET Nr.2, since 1904
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Solid and compact. Newly restored, hand polished shellac polish, "medium walnut" shade.
Bentwood
Original Thonet Piano Stool No. 1, Late 19th Century
By Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Collector's item: Original Thonet piano stool No.1 with beautiful patina and hand-woven Viennese braid from the end of the 19th century. A swivel stool from the traditional company ...
Wood, Braid