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.
$641Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of vintage Thonet folding chairs 1930s
By Thonet
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Rare and appealing pair of folding chairs originally from an outdoor cinema are perfect for any modern space. Crafted by Thonet in the 1930s, these chairs remain in good original con...
Beech
214K chair by Micheale Thonet for Thonet
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Ravenna, IT
The famous coffee chair designed by Michael Thonet in 1859 is still considered the world's most successful industrial product. It marks the beginning of the history of modern furnitu...
Reed, Hardwood
Art nouveau wingchair no.6542 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau wingchair no.6542 by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
Design Classic - Verner Panton, S Chair Model 276 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Renens, CH
Model 276 S chair, designed by Verner Panton for Thonet in 1965. Unlike his more well-known plastic and metal designs, this early model is crafted entirely from molded wood, showca...
Plywood
Rare Antique Gebrüder Thonet Model No. 1 Salon Table
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Acquire a true masterpiece of design history with this extremely rare, authentic Gebrüder Thonet Model No. 1 salon table. Manufactured during the high era of bentwood innovation (180...
Bentwood, Beech
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
Secession plant stand no.31 by Otto Wagner
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant stand no.31 by Otto Wagner. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood nesting tables by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Bentwood nesting tables by Thonet in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
Set of Antique Viennese Secession Thonet Bentwood Dining Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Elevate your dining space with this beautiful set of authentic Viennese Secession dining chairs manufactured by Thonet Austria. Dating back to the 1900-1910 period, these chairs perf...
Beech, Bentwood
Red Tubular Thonet Armchair by Anton Lorenz, New Leather Upholstery, 1930s
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus Art Deco armchair Completely restored, new upholstery and leather Material: Chrome-plated steel Source: Germany, Thonet Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
Set of Six Thonet Vienna Bentwood Armchairs, Austria, 1991
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Classic bentwood armchair produced under the Thonet Vienna lineage in Austria, dated 1991. Featuring a gracefully curved wooden frame, bentwood arms and original upholstered seat and...
Wood, Beech, Bentwood, Fabric
Mute servant Thonet no.101
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
A rare and elegant piece of furniture history, this antique towel rail (or valet stand) is a classic example of Michael Thonet’s world-famous bentwo...
Beech, Bentwood
Secession Coffee Table No.412 by Otto Wagner for Thonet
By Otto Wagner, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession site table no.412 by Otto Wagner for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Wood
$1,860 / set
Thonet Shelves
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Thonet bentwood sheves professionally stained and repolished.
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
Pair of Secession Armchairs Atr. Adolf Loos Ex. by Thonet
By Thonet, Adolf Loos
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Pair of secession armchairs atr. Adolf Loos ex. by Thonet in original condition.
Bentwood
$1,278 / 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
Arts & Crafts Buffet from Bois Massif, France, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Arts & Crafts Buffet from Solid Wood, France, 1950s Vintage Design Solid wood, used with master's degree, gives this buffet/dresser an undeniable robustness while highlighting t...
Wood
$4,600 / set
Pair Vintage Leather Lounge Chairs by Thonet
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of chrome base leather lounge chairs by Thonet offer exquisite Mid-Century style suitable for almost any seating situation. Sturdy stretchers and vintage leather ...
Chrome
Design Icon – Verner Panton White S-Chair Model 275 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Dronten, NL
Iconic “S Chair” model 275 designed by Verner Panton for Thonet, Germany, circa 1965. One of Panton’s earliest and most sculptural chair designs, the Model 275 beautifully captures t...
Plywood
$3,990Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Frank A 63/F Armchairs for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Pair of rare modernist armchairs first showcased at the Vienna Werkbund exhibition in 1928. Crafted from solid beech (bentwood) and plywood, adorned with a brown lacquer coating, th...
Beech
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
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Josef Frank for Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and was manufactured by the renowned Thonet company according to the design of the si...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Antique Bentwood Umbrella / Stick Stand by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in London, GB
A stylish and rare antique bentwood umbrella / stick stand by Thonet. This was made in Austria, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is beautifully made and is a very useful item, perfect for an entry way storage...
Bentwood
$651Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Pair of Beech Armchairs and Coffee Table by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Upholstery, Wood
Restored Art Deco Trolley, by Thonet, Oak, Glass, Veneer, Chrome, Czech, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Art Deco Trolley Source: Czech Period: 1920-1929 Made by influential Austrian furniture manufacturer Thonet. The chrome parts have been cleaned and professionally rest...
Steel, Chrome
Antique Original Late Victorian circa 1880 Thonet Bentwood Coat Rack Stand
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this Antique original, circa 1880, extra large, Thonet Bentwood solid Beech wood eight prong coat stand / rack. This is in my opinion the finest hat, coat and...
Beech, Bentwood
HUGE CIRCA 1900's THONET REVOLVING BENTWOOD HAT COAT & SCARF FLOOR STANDING RACK
By Thonet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique circa 1880-1900 Austrian Thonet bentwood extra large coat rack Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. A very good looking well made and collectable Thonet bentwood coat stand...
Bentwood
$446Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet Bentwood Swivel Piano Stool, Czechoslovakia 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original swivel piano stool manufactured by Thonet in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. Crafted from beech wood and beech plywood, this piece showcases the timeless elegance of bentwo...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Red High-Quality Leather Bauhaus Sofa by Thonet, Chrome, Fully Restored, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Red high-quality leather Bauhaus sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Period : 1930-1939. Source : Czechia (Czechoslovakia). Maker : Thonet Material : Beech, high-quality leat...
Chrome
Thonet Triangular Side Table
By Thonet
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern triangular side table with white laminate top and black bentwood legs by Thonet.
Laminate, Bentwood
Art Nouveau Thonet Cradle, Bentwood, circa 1900
By Thonet
Located in Nagykovácsi, Central Hungary
Beautiful Thonet cradle from the 1900s. The cradle is damaged at the bottom; the lower wooden part is broken (visible in the photo) and has been subseq...
Bentwood
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, 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
Bauhaus Plant Stand by Emile Guyot for Thonet, Circa 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Gloucester, GB
Bauhaus plant stand by Emile Guyot for Thonet, Circa 1930s - Chromed tubular steel - Cantilever design - Toughened black glass shelves - Desi...
Glass
$1,656Sale Price|50% Off
Restored Biedermeier Étagère, by Thonet, Beech, Walnut, Austria, Vienna, 1910s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Made by influential Austrian furniture manufacturer Thonet. It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the...
Wood, Lacquer, Beech, Walnut
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Marcel Breuer, Thonet, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair Designed By Marcel Breuer and Made By Thonet. Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Material: Chrome-plated Steel, Iron-garn Fabric Source: Czechia (Czecho...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
Modernist Thonet Sculpted Bentwood Sofa
By Thonet
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning bentwood three-seat sofa manufactured by Thonet, circa 1950s. Features a super stylish organic curved line bentwood arm frame, brass accent details on the back and upholster...
Brass
2010s Lepper Schmidt Sommerlade for Thonet S 845 DRWE Desk Chair in Leather
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Large Executive Desk Chair, Model S 845 DRWE, designed by the design trio Lepper Schmidt Sommerlade for Thonet in 2006. The listed price includes one chair, and we have sev...
Aluminum, Steel
Pair of Red Bauhaus Armchairs Made in 30s Germany, Designed by Anton Lorenz
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Pair of red Bauhaus armchairs made out of high quality leather and Chrome plated steel. Made in´30s Germany by Thonet and Designed by Anton Lorenz. Full...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Flat Bar Brno Chairs For Thonet in Leather
By Thonet, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Diego, CA
These vintage modern Brno flat bar chairs are sleek and timeless. Chairs feature cantilevered, heavy stainless steel flat-bar frames. The seat, backrest and the arched armrest . in c...
Steel
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs, Thonet, M. Breuer, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs Made By Thonet. Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Material: Chrome-plated Steel Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Made by in...
Steel, Chrome
Grey Bauhaus Sofa Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Designed by Thonet
By Robert Slezák, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered with high qualit...
Chrome
Austrian post-modern purple fabric Chairs by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s
By Marcel Kammerer, Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post-modern purple fabric and black wood chairs by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet, 1990s Pair of chairs with square seat and oval backrest, padded and covered in bright purple ...
Fabric, Wood
1951 Set of Four W199 Dining Arm Chairs by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson
By Ben Thompson, Walter Gropius, Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an outstanding set of 4 W199 Birch Armchairs, designed by Walter Gropius and Ben Thompson for Gebruder Thonet in 1951. They were produced in Austria in the early 1950s and th...
Steel
1950s Thonet Bent Birch Wood and Wood Grain Square Laminate Side / End Table
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1950s Thonet bentwood side table with legs designed in a similar manner to that of Alvar Aalto. These tables are iconic...
Wood
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Bent Arm Lounge Chairs in Birch by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Thonet in Bent arm Birch with the original Naughahyde upholstery. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. So...
Naugahyde, Birch
Two-Tier Bauhaus Coffee Table by Marcel Breuer for Thonet
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Torino, IT
Iconic two-tiered coffee table attributable to Marcel Breuer, central figure of the Bauhaus movement and pioneer of 20th-century modernist design. Breuer redefined the relationship b...
Metal
Set of Four Bauhaus Armchair, by Bauhaus, Thonet, Leather, Austria, 1920s
By Thonet, Bauhaus
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
Mid Century Thonet No 10 Bentwood and Cane Rocker w/ Rose Damask Velvet Cushions
By Thonet
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century Thonet No 10 Bentwood and Cane Rocker with Rose Damask Velvet Cushions. Measures 20" in width, 43" in depth and 39" in height. Seat height is 18".
Velvet, Cane, Bentwood
Restored Art Deco Adjustable Armchair, by Thonet, Beech, Polished, Czech, 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This reclining armchair is a rare example of the Czech version of the Art Deco style from the early 20th century. The world famous company Thonet manufactured this piece. During this...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Set of 4 German Bentwood Armchairs - Thonet Model 215 Series - Beech & Velvet
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: With armrests: approx. 54 × 57 × 84 × 46 cm (21.3 × 22.4 × 33.1 × 18.1 in) Without armrests: approx. 45 × 53 × 84 × 46 cm (17.7 × 20.9 × 33.1 × 18.1 in) Original set of ...
Velvet, Beech
$7,800Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Streamline Lounge Chairs and Sofa by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Pair of streamline lounge chairs and streamline sofa by Thonet in sage cotton velvet and maple stained legs. Dimensions for chairs: 33 H x...
Cotton, Velvet
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
Bauhaus Style S3002 Tub Sofa by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Bauhaus style S3002 sofa. Design by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet. Striking German design from the 2000s. Original plywood and tubular steel frame, reupholstered ...
Chrome
1960s Pierre Paulin for Thonet CM 172 Desk in Refinished Wood and Black Metal
By Thonet, Pierre Paulin
Located in Miami, FL
A refined 1960s desk designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, model CM 172. The desk consists of a warm wood top and drawer cabinet with a contrasting black metal support frame. The thr...
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs, by Thonet, by Marcel Breuer, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Armchairs Made By Thonet. Designer: Marcel Breuer Maker: Thonet Material: Chrome-plated Steel Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Made by in...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
Vintage TON Bentwood Clothes Stand Valet Rack Czechoslovakia 1980s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage bentwood clothes stand manufactured by TON in Czechoslovakia during the 1980s. The piece features elegantly curved bentwood elements combined with a clean minimalist silhouet...
Bentwood
$604Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Rare 1970s Czechoslovakian Bentwood Armchairs by TON in Colorful Patt
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
An exceptionally rare and architecturally compelling set of two modernist armchairs manufactured by the renowned TON furniture works in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. Utilizing the...
Fabric, Wood, Textile, Bentwood
Modern Viennese Set Thonet B 246 Chairs & T 142 Table by Josef Frank, 1930s
By Frank Josef, Thonet
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
This rare Thonet ensemble — comprising two B 246 armchairs and a T 142 coffee table — offers a vivid glimpse into the expressive edge of early modernist furniture design. Attributed ...
Cane, Beech
Design Classic - Verner Panton, S Chair Model 275 for Thonet, 1965
By Thonet, Verner Panton
Located in Renens, CH
Model 275 S chair, designed by Verner Panton for Thonet in 1965. Unlike his more well-known plastic and metal designs, this early model is crafted entirely from molded wood, showca...
Plywood