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.
Elegant round Art Nouveau table, Thonet Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Elegant round Art Nouveau table from the renowned Thonet company, painted black. The table can be easily extended and expanded into an oval table with two additional panels. Conditi...
Brass
Thonet Postmodern Dining Table by Marius van den Wildenberg for Thonet. 1980's
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern dining table designed by Marius van den Wildenberg for Thonet in the 1980s. This striking piece features a distinctive mix of materials, including tapered chrome legs, a w...
Metal, Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel End Table With Drawer, Chromed Metal, Veneered Wood, 1930
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus chrome plated tubular steel end table with one drawer. This table model T9 was designed and manufactured by Thonet, circa 1930 This item is restored on request and available...
Metal, Chrome
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Pedestal Short Side Nesting Table by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the century Thonet short sized Nestng side table features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and straight lines with a s...
Oak
Secession plant stand no.9532 by arch. Marcel Kammerer for Thonet
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant stand no.9532 by arch. Marcel Kammerer for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet Table by Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet table by Josef Hoffmann in very good original condition with signs of use.
Metal
Bentwood Plant Stand by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood plant stand by Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Pair of Restored Bauhaus Bedside Tables, by M. Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1920s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Model: MM3 This exceptional pair of nightstands (model MM3) is a masterpiece of modern architecture and design. Designed by one of the most prominent figures of the Bauhaus school, ...
Steel, Chrome
1900s Original Side Table Bella Epoque by Fischel & Söhne Thonet style Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A little hard to find jewel of Belle Époque period by Fischel & Söhne Measures cm: H 70 x W 58 x D 37. Belle Epoque refined side table by Fischel & Söhne, bearing the incised maker...
Beech
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Thonet, Chrome Plated Metal, Lacquered Wood, 1930
By Thonet, R. C. Coquery
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk B 282 designed by R. C. Coquery and manufactured by Thonet, c. 1930 Delivery time c. 8 weeks
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Thonet Bentwood Side Table with Black Laminate Top - After Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Thonet
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage Thonet Bentwood Side Table with Black Laminate Top in the Style of Alvar Aalto A refined vintage side table by Thonet featuring elegant bent birch wood construction and a ro...
Laminate, Formica, Birch
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
Late Victorian Polished Oak Bent Wood Dining Table by Mundus Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare late Victorian polished bent oak dining table by Mundus Thonet crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves with a solid rosewood top. Supported by an elegant ben...
Oak
1990s Marcel Breuer for Thonet Laccio Side Table in Black 6x Available
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Laccio Side Table, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925. These particular examples were produced by Thonet in the United States and date to the 1990s. The tables fe...
Steel
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930
By Thonet, Bruno Weil
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil (Bèwè) and manufactured by Thonet, Germany, c. 1930
Metal, Chrome
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Vienna Secession Bent Oak Side table by Thonet No.012
By Thonet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the century Thonet number 12 side table features an elegant, sculptural frame crafted from warm-toned bentwood with striking fluid curves and straight lines with a solid oak ...
Oak
Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Bauhaus "B21" desk / side table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet in Germany, 1930s. In good original cond...
Steel
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Wood Console Table, Model B12 by Marcel Breuer for Thonet
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Almelo, NL
Bauhaus Tubular Steel and Wood Console Table, Model B12 by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Prague, 1930s 2 available – priced per table Dimensions: H 70 cm x W 70 cm x D 45 cm A timeless...
Steel
$3,395
Thonet card table
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil floding card table by Thonet in very nice original condition, repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Mid Century "B27" Round Dining Table by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early "B27" mid century round dining table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet, 1930s. In good original condition....
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Birch Bentwood Side Or Coffee Table By Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern side or coffee table by Thonet was manufactured by the Austrian bentwood furniture company during the 1950s. It features a 1.25" thick ebonized maple top with...
Birch, Bentwood, Maple
20th Century Art Nouveau Bentwood Nesting Tables by Thonet, Austria circa 1905
By Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Stunning set of four early Art Nouveau beechwood nesting tables from the period around 1905, made by the world famous manufacturer of bentwood furniture - Thonet Vienna. This beautif...
Beech, Bentwood
Austrian Bentwood Child's Desk by Thonet, 19th Century Design
By Thonet
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Bentwood small child's desk with attached chair with double hoop back design. (THONET label and brand)
Bentwood
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Czech, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design. Designed by Marcel Breuer and manufactured by Thonet, it perfectly combines functionality with aest...
Steel, Chrome
20th Century Art Nouveau Pedestal/ Plant Stand by THONET, Bentwood, AT ca. 1905
By Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Rare, unusual Art Nouveau pedestal or plant stand by the famous company of Thonet in Vienna. Artfully designed in the early 20th century around 1906, this pedestal provides two round...
Bentwood
Black Thonet Side Table
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Black Thonet side table. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Set of Four Mid Century Stacking Side Tables by Thonet after Aalto
By Thonet, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural set of four stacking side tables by Thonet, in the manner of Alvar Aalto. The tables feature black disk form tops, on three blonde finish bent plywood legs. All ...
Wood, Plywood
A Pair of Vienna Secession Oval Two-tier Side Tables by Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Vienna Secession oval two-tier side tables from the "Fledermaus" series designed by Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956). Featuring the original Thonet label. Stained beechwood. Vien...
Beech
Vintage Massive Coffee Table, Thonet, 1940's
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of massive wood - good, original conditon.
Wood
Set of Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and Table for Thonet 1973
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and table in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973. This is a set of highly sculptural and avant garde quality by designer Gerd Lange for Thonet...
Plastic, Beech
$1,358 / set
Nesting tables Thonet, 1910ca - Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Vienna Secession, Restored. Minor repairs made, shellac polish renewed. Marked with Thonet company sticker on the bottom. Plan of the larger table: 43x33cm, height: 67cm, plan of th...
Beech, Bentwood
A Rare Thonet Bentwood Oak Shaving Stand / Vanity with Mirror, 19th C.
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This beautiful and sculptural piece features an oval swivel mirror flanked by two scrolling supports joining in a single support, above three oval storage compartments with swivel tr...
Oak
$4,543Sale Price / set|35% Off
Midcentury Thonet Bent Plywood Armchairs by Joe Atkinson, Set of 5
By Thonet, Joe Atkinson
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of five bent plywood armchair dining chairs Designed by Joe Atkinson for the Thonet furniture company. Each chair features a bent wood construction wi...
Bentwood
Restored Nesting Tables, by M. Breuer for Thonet, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1920s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This set of four nesting tables is a masterpiece of modernist furniture and an icon of the Bauhaus school from the early 20th century. The visionary Marcel Breuer, one of the first t...
Steel, Chrome
Thonet dining table for 4 people with glass top
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet dining table for 4 people with glass top in very nice original condition.
Rattan, Glass, Beech, Bentwood
Mid Century "B12" Side Console Table by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early example of the "B12" mid century side console table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet, 1930s. In good orig...
Chrome
rare Writing Lady Desk mod. no. B 21/1, designed by Marcel Breuer
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare writing desk, model B 21/1, designed by the influential architect and designer Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Frankenberg, Germany, in the 1930s. The desk exemplifies Breuer’s pion...
Wood
Thonet Mid Century Modern Bentwood Legs Rectangular Laminate Top Side End Table
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Thonet Mid Century Modern Bentwood Legs Rectangular Laminate Top Side End Table. Item features shaped bentwood legs, laminate top, very nice ...
Laminate
1960s dining table, Thonet, Vintage
By Thonet
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic dining table by Thonet from the 1960s. High quality chromed tubular steel frame and table top in ash veneer with solid wood edge. very good workmanship high-quality materials...
Wood
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design. Designed by Marcel Breuer and manufactured by Thonet, it perfectly combines functionality with aest...
Steel, Chrome
Secession Plant Table No.35 by Marcel Kammerer
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant table no.35 by Marcel Kammerer in very good original condition with signs of usage.
Bentwood
Michael Thonet Bentwood Bistro Table with carved Art Nouveau Woman Face (top)
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Side Table - Beech Austria, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) - Circa 1900-1910 CLASSIC DESIGN ! This beautiful side /bistro table, attributed to renowned Michael T...
Beech
Bauhaus Writing Desk and Chair, Thonet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus writing desk and chair. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Lacquered Wood Number of d...
Steel, Chrome
Round Coffee Table by Thonet
By August Thonet, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Round coffee table by Thonet professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$1,124Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Nesting tables - No. 10 - Beech
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet by Michael Thonet - Nesting Tables No. 10 - Beech Austria, Jugendstil - 1900-1910 Designed by the legendary Michael Thonet, these Nesting Tables No. 10 embody the innovation ...
Beech
Secession flower stand Thonet no.37 by Otto Wagner
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession flower stand Thonet no.37 by Otto Wagner. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Jugendstil plant stan by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil bentwood plant stan by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
$2,634Sale Price|25% Off
Thonet Modernist Oakwood Dining Table, Art Nouveau, Germany, 1930
By Thonet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Table designed and manufactured by Thonet, circa 1930. Manufactured in Germany. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina, it h...
Wood
1930 Pair of Armchairs + Spider Table, by Halabala for Thonet, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Table: 65 x 65 x 65 cm.
Fabric, Wood
Secession coffee table no.9208 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet
By Thonet, Marcel Kammerer
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession coffee table no.9208 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Restored Art Deco Dining Table, by M. Breuer for Thonet, Walnut, Germany, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This Bauhaus dining table dates back to the 1930s in Germany and is designed by the renowned Marcel Breuer for Thonet. The table features a tubular chrome steel frame complemented by...
Steel, Chrome
Jugendstil side table no.31 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil side table no.31 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished with shellac.
Beech, Bentwood
Round side table by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Round side table by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Restored Art Deco Dining Table, by Thonet, Chrome, Steel, Germany, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant table, designed in the Bauhaus style, comes from Germany from the early 20th century. Manufactured by Thonet, it impresses with its combination of tubular chromed steel ...
Steel, Chrome
Sleek Bauhaus "B10" Table Set by Marcel Breuer
By Thonet, Chromcraft, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring a rare fusion of historic design and modernist elegance into your space with this stunning vintage set. At its heart is the iconic "B10" Table, designed by Marcel Breuer—a pion...
Metal
Art Nouveau flower stand Thonet no.31 design Otto Wagner
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art Nouveau flower stand Thonet no.31 design Otto Wagner. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Marcel Breuer Bauhaus side table B12 - Thonet
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in The Hague, NL
Rare Marcel Breuer Bauhaus side table B12 - Thonet. It's a family piece and it is marked -as you can see in the pictures- so the authenticity is guaranteed. A timeless design icon, which blends in many different interior styles. It has oxidation on the chrome plated steel and it is painted black. The construction still is really good. This is an outstanding opportunity to become the happy owner of an authentic Marcel Breuer B12...
Steel
Original S1047 Thonet Esstisch ausziehbar 1980 Design Tisch
By Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr seltenen ausziehbaren Design Esstisch von Thonet aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Tisch verfügt über eine wunderschöne Maserung der Buchenholzplatte un...
Steel, Chrome
Art Nouveau Bentwood Card Table Model No. 8 by Gebrüder Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
An exceptional and highly collectible antique Art Nouveau card or game table (Model No. 8), manufactured by the legendary Gebrüder Thonet Gebrüder Thonet company during the early 20t...
Beech, Bentwood
FiNE VICTORIAN BENTWOOD THONET STAMPED DRESSING TABLE & HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE STOOL
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime 19th century Victorian Thonet bentwood dressing table and height adjustable stool Please note...
Mirror, Bentwood
Vienna Secession Style Thonet Writing Desk/ Table
By Thonet
Located in North Miami, FL
This all original Vienna Secession style table/ desk with linoleum embedded top and stunning brass covers over feet. Extremely attractive piece with some minor signs of age and wear.
Brass