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.
Set of 6 Mies van der Rohe MR10 white cantilever dining chairs for Thonet, 1980s
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in amstelveen, NL
An iconic set of 6 MR10 (256CS/MR533) cantilever dining chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe and manufactured by Thonet. Chrome-plated tubular steel frames with white saddle leather ...
Chrome
Italian wood and Vienna straw Praga chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Ligna, 1970s
By Josef Hoffmann, Ligna, Thonet
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
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Secession coffee table no.9208 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet
By Marcel Kammerer, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession coffee table no.9208 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood swivel chair no.9 by J.J.Kohn
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood swivel chair no.9 by J.J.Kohn new handmade rattan seat.
Rattan, Beech, 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
Plywood
Thonet Art Nouveau Bentwood Shoe Shine or Fitting Stool, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Jugendstil / Art Nouveau shoe store fitter’s stool with seat, dating from around 1900–1910, once used in a traditional shoe shop of the early 20th century. Crafted from beech...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood
$3,023 / 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
Set of Four B 952/F Armchairs by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Thonet, Adolf Loos
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed in 1903 by the pioneering Austrian architect and designer Adolf Loos, the B 952 F armchair represents a rare convergence of utilitarian form and refined craftsmanship. Execu...
Beech
Oval table by arch. Marcel Kammerer for Thonet
By Marcel Kammerer, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Oval table by arch. Marcel Kammerer for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
$2,325 / set
Bentwood dining room chairs by Thonet Austria
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood dining room chairs by Thonet Austria in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
$2,604Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
Thonet office chair with rattan seat
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet office chair with rattan seat professionally stained and repolished, new handmade rattan seat.
Rattan, Beech
Pair of Contemporary S 35 Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Thonet
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This pair of iconic S 35 lounge chairs features heavy-duty black leather seats slung over tubular polished chrome frames, with black stained beechwood armres...
Chrome
Antique Bentwood Piano Stool by J.J. Kohn, Austria 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an antique black lacquer piano stool manufactured by J.J. Kohn. The stool is done in beech bentwood, with the plywood seat. It is fully refinished. The ...
Beech
Bentwood Armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brussels, BE
Bentwood armchair by Thonet, Beech and Fabric, 1930s Europe.
Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Maple Bentwood And Bouclé Benches By Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare pair of Mid-Century Modern benches were produced by the famous Austrian furniture company Thonet in the 1940s. Thonet which was founded in 1850 by Michael Thonet, was the f...
Bouclé, Bentwood, Maple
SUiTE OF FOUR THONET CIRCA 1930'S AUSTRIAN BISTRO DINING BAR BENTWOOD CHAIRS
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of four original Austrian Thonet Bentwood cafe bistro dining chairs Circa 1930's Please n...
Bentwood
Secession dining chairs no.413 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession dining chairs no.413 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Debrecen in very nice original condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Mid Century Thonet Armchairs with Sheepskin Upholstery, a Pair
By Thonet
Located in Raleigh, NC
Experience timeless elegance with this rare high-back pair of Thonet bentwood lounge chairs, circa 1950. These stunning pieces showcase the masterful craftsmanship of bentwood const...
Sheepskin, Birch
Bentwood nesting tables with ceramic top by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood nesting tables with ceramic top by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished. The ceramic plat on the largest table has cracks. Dimensions of each table: 1.40x57x70cm 2....
Ceramic, Beech, Bentwood
Vintage Thonet No 17 Armchair 1970s
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet No 17 Armchair 1970s
Bentwood
Rocking Chair S826 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic rocking chair by Ulrich Böhme for Thonet. Designed in 1971, model S826. Frame made of chrome-plated tubular steel. The rocking chair has been reupholstered and covered with a...
Steel
$500Sale Price / item|20% Off
S 32 Cantilever Thonet Side Chair
By Mart Stam, Thonet
Located in Pasadena, TX
S 32 Cantilever Thonet side chair S 32 Cantilever chair combines the tubular steel frame with leather upholstered seat and backrest for comfort. Price for 1 6 available.
Chrome
$1,758Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Set of 6 Rare Dining/Side Chairs by TON
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - newly upholstered - wooden parts has been refurbished - height of seat 42 cm.
Wood, Fabric
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
1980s Office Room Modul Set from Ton/Thonet, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Leather pillows with signs of use including holes - wooden parts in good original condition - Can be set up as 2-seat sofa and one chair or 3-seat sofa.
Leather, Wood
$920Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Cinema 5-Seats Bench by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The wooden parts has been re-polished - Height of seat 45 cm.
Wood
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
Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
By Thonet
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small area...
Cane, Bentwood
Low art deco coffee table by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Low art deco coffee table by Thonet, professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Pair Mid Century Modern Armchairs by Joe Atkinson for Thonet, 1950
By Joe Atkinson, Thonet
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of two vintage mid century modern bent plywood armchairs designed by Joe Atkinson for Thonet are circa 1950. This unique set of chairs features distinctive wooden frames cra...
Fabric, Wool, Wood, Plywood
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Michael Thonet Solid Beechwood and Cane no. 210 Armchair
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Chair nr 210 designed by Gebrüder Thonet in 1900, (as well as nr 209) of renown designer Le Corbusier. This chair is made in Czechoslovakia (pre WW2 factory of Thonet). New cane c...
Wicker, Cane, Bentwood
Sleek Bauhaus "B10" Table Set by Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer, Chromcraft, Thonet
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
Set Of Three Upholstered Maple Bentwood Chairs By Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of three handsome Mid-Century Modern armchairs were produced by the famous Austrian furniture company Thonet in the 1950s. Thonet which was founded in 1850 by Michael Thonet...
Maple, Bentwood, Fabric
Thonet Bentwood Red and Black Lacquered Modernist Desk Chair
By Thonet
Located in Westport, CT
Thonet bentwood vintage red and black lacquered plywood inspired by Eames DCW desk/dining chair, great form and comfort.
Bentwood
4er Set Mid Century Stühle Thonet Modell 811 Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 4er Set Bugholzstühle (Modell: 811) von Thonet zum Verkauf an. Das seltene Modell wurde von Josef Hoffmann entworfen und besticht durch seine funktionale...
Wicker, Beech
1 of 20 Postmodern Memphis Era Thonet Vienna Stackable Signed Dining Chairs, 90s
By Thonet
Located in Zagreb, HR
Exceptionally rare and collectible, postmodern Memphis design original Thonet dining chairs. Sculptural and geometrically shaped. Sold per piece. Twenty pieces available. Produced...
Metal
Art deco armchairs A752F by Josef Frank for Thonet Mundus
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art deco armchairs A752F by Josef Frank for Thonet Mundus. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Thonet nesting tables
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet nesting tables 50x40x74 cm and 45x35x74 cm. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Art Deco Vintage Brown Beech Gebr, Thonet Valet Coat Rack 1920s Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage valet or coat rack by Gebrüder Thonet from beech bentwood in brown stained color, 1920s, Vienna. Wonderful and usable valet from the Viennese Art Deco period. Very...
Beech
Pair of August Thonet Bentwood Chairs by Thonet Bros
By Thonet, August 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
Black Thonet Side Table
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Black Thonet side table. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Secession office chair attr. to Marcel Kammerer for Thonet
By Marcel Kammerer, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession office chair attr. to Marcel Kammerer for Thonet in very nice original codition with signs of use.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
$636Sale Price|20% Off
ZPM Radomsko for Thonet Bentwood Cafe Armchair
By ZPM Radomsko, Thonet
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Bentwood furniture came to prominence in the early 1900s, and was a staple in cafes and restaurants in Europe. This is a bentwood armchair, designed by ZPM Radomsko in Poland and pro...
Wood
Office chairs no.6048 and no.6148 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
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
Restored ArtDeco Walnut Trolley by Thonet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored ArtDeco Walnut Trolley by Thonet. Maker: Thonet Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Walnut, Chrome-Plated Steel Our professional refurbishing team...
Steel, Chrome
Secession Thonet Coffee Table
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession Thonet coffee table in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech
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
SUPER RARE ORIGINAL ANTiQUE VICTORIAN CIRCA 1880 THONET BENTWOOD COAT RACK STAND
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, antique original, circa 1880, extra large, Thonet Bentwood solid Beech wood eight prong coa...
Beech, Bentwood
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
Wall coat rack no.905 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Wall coat rack no.905 by Thonet in original vintage condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Vintage Thonet Stool – White Lacquered Wood & Brown Leather – 1990s–2000s
By Thonet
Located in Hannover, DE
Vintage Thonet Stool – White Lacquered Wood with Brown Leather Seat – 1990s–2000s A stylish and well-crafted stool by Thonet, likely produced between the 1990s and early 2000s. The ...
Beech
Thonet Newspaper Stand, Bent and Stained Beechwood, Austria, circa 1900
By Thonet
Located in Regensburg, DE
Jugendstil ( Art Nouveau) Newspaper stand with four compartments by Thonet (old stamp underneath) from Vienna around 1900. Bentwood in beech, stained in dark brown. Good original con...
Beech
Thonet B 18 Table by Marcel Breuer, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed by Marcel Breuer in the late 1920s and produced by Thonet in the 1930s, the B 18 table is a masterclass in radical reduction — where each line exists with purpose, and nothi...
Steel, Chrome
1970S Chairs Designed by Gerd Lange Arm Chairs for Thonet, 1970s
By Thonet, Gerd Lange
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage set of two Desk- Dining Chairs chairs designed by Gerd Lange for Thonet, 1970s. Very rare arm chairs featured in grey plywood and steel rubber armrests height 66 cm. Chairs a...
Metal
$1,104 / 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
$1,320Sale Price|41% Off
Post-Modern 1980s Cream Chrome Thonet Lounge Chair
By Thonet
Located in Madison, WI
For sale here is a stunning lounge / side / accent chair made by THONET. This is a very unique model from the 1980s, with a very postmodern Space age vibe. RARE. This sculptural chai...
Chrome
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