What is a Thonet chair?

A Thonet chair can be any chair developed by the furniture maker Thonet, which has been manufacturing furniture for more than 180 years. However, most people are referring to one designed by founder Gebrüder Thonet. It features a bentwood frame produced with a patent steam method that Thonet patented and a curved seat. Find a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.

Are Thonet chairs marked?

Yes, Thonet chairs are marked. You will usually find the brand's label on a tag or burned into the wood under the seat. On 1stDibs, you can shop a variety of expertly vetted Thonet furniture from top sellers around the world.

Are Thonet chairs stackable?

Whether or not Thonet chairs are stackable depends on their design. The bentwood chairs produced by the company do easily stack, but others like cantilever chairs do not. Find a range of Thonet chairs forms some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you pronounce Thonet chair?

Michael Thonet is a German-Austrian furniture maker who designed the famed bentwood chair in 1830. His last name, Thonet, is pronounced “TOE-net,” but it’s commonly mispronounced “tho-NAY.” Shop a collection of vintage and modern Michael Thonet pieces on 1stDibs.

How do I identify a Thonet chair?

To identify a Thonet chair, look under the seat. Most Thonet chairs will feature a maker's marking. Often, you'll find the Thonet name carved into the wooden seat frame or printed on a paper label mounted on the seat's underside. Because Thonet changed its markings over the years, you can get a rough idea of the age of your chair by comparing the ones on your piece to images on trusted online reference guides. If you need help with the identification process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can be of assistance. Find a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my chair is Thonet?

An authentic Thonet chair will have the company’s name with a solid line underneath carved somewhere on the chair. The brand can also confirm the authenticity and age of a Thonet chair via its website. Shop a variety of authentic Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.

What is a Thonet-style chair?

A Thonet-style chair is a wooden chair that has a curvy, bent backrest, a round seat and subtly flared legs. The chairs get their name from the original manufacturer, Thonet, which produced chairs in the mid-century modern style in Europe during the 20th century. Shop a range of Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.

What was significant about the Thonet chair?

Perhaps the most significant thing about the Thonet chair was that it was the first chair to ever be shipped in parts with instructions that allowed the purchaser to assemble it themselves. As a result, the beech wood and rattan chairs could be mass produced and sold all over the world more easily. Shop a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a Thonet chair is real?

To tell if a Thonet chair is real, you can use Thonet's authenticity verification service. To take advantage of it, you will need to take many photographs of the chair from different angles and close-up images of markings and paper labels. You can learn more about the authentication process on the Thonet website. Shop a diverse assortment of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.

How do I identify a Thonet rocking chair?

To identify a Thonet rocking chair, look for the company name. You will normally find it stamped directly onto the underside of the seat, arms or legs. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Thonet rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a chair is vintage?

Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.

How old does a chair have to be to be vintage?

To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.

How do you identify a vintage Gunlocke chair?

To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.

Is my vintage Eames chair real?

To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.

How can you tell how old a vintage chair is?

To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.

What size chair or stool fits a vintage makeup vanity?

Most vanities are designed for a low stool or slipper chair; listings include the knee-clearance height so buyers can confirm fit before purchasing.

Thonet Chair Vintage

Vintage Bentwood Furniture

Thonet 1960

Wood Bistro Chair

Thonet 20th

Bentwood Chairs With Cane Seating

Thonet 4

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Thonet Caner Bentwood Rocking Chair

$1,100

Vintage Thonet Caner Bentwood Rocking Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Bring a touch of Old World charm to your home with this elegant Thonet-style bentwood rocking chair, a vintage piece that captures the romance and craftsmanship of 19th-century Europ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Vintage Bentwood Café Chair in Dark Wood, Bohemian Style, 20th Century

$175Sale Price|28% Off

$739

Vintage Brown Bentwood Rocking Chair, 1950s

By Michael Thonet

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Brown Bentwood Rocking Chair, 1950s. Boho styled elegant and romantic rocking chair in the style of Michael Thonet.

Category

Mid-20th Century Romanian Bohemian Rocking Chairs

Materials

Beech

Postmodern Bentwood Dining Chairs 235 F Hartmut Lohmeyer Thonet, 1980s, Set of 4

$3,427 / set

Postmodern Bentwood Dining Chairs 235 F Hartmut Lohmeyer Thonet, 1980s, Set of 4

By Hartmut Lohmeyer, Thonet

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

With their dark bentwood frames, rounded armrests, curved upholstered backs and original patterned fabric seats, these vintage Thonet dining chairs combine classic bentwood craftsman...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Bentwood

Set of 6 original vintage Thonet chairs model Long John with high back

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful set of 6 original vintage Thonet "Long John" dining chairs features high backs, woven webbing seats and backrests, and an elegantly curved wooden frame.

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Roman Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Vintage Bentwood Desk Chair, 1930s-1950s, Mundus, Austria

$571

$5,800 / set

Pair of Thonet Style Vintage Lucite and Blue Mongolian Wool Side Chairs

Located in North Miami, FL

In the style of Helena Rubinstein/ Charles Hollis Jones, these chic Thonet style designed Lucite side chairs have been reupholstered with natural and soft Mongolian wool in a rich bl...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Materials

Wood

H 27.96 in W 20.87 in D 19.69 in

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.

Category

Vintage 1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

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H 34.5 in W 14.5 in D 17 in

Large Group of Cafe Chairs from Old Time Saratoga NY Adelphi Hotel

Located in New York, NY

46 ice cream style cafe chairs, originally from the landmark Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga NY. Hand-wrought iron frame with upholstered pad seat, seats show some wear, normal and consist...

Category

Early 20th Century American Romantic Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Sofa by Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison

$6,240

H 38.5 in W 96 in D 50 in L 38.5 in

Mid-Century Sofa by Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison

By Guillerme et Chambron

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Crafted from rich French oak, this angular masterpiece by Guillerme & Chambron epitomizes the elegance of mid-century design. Wool-upholstered cushions with contrast button tufting b...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak

Danish 1940s Lounge Late Art Deco to Midcentury Chairs with Wood on Armrests

$6,600 / set

H 29 in W 25.75 in D 31 in

Danish 1940s Lounge Late Art Deco to Midcentury Chairs with Wood on Armrests

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Super charming 1930-40s pair of lounge chairs with a very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Super comfortable, versatile and very suitable for a smaller space in n...

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Mahogany

Vilhelm Lauritzen 'VL45' Radiohus Portable Table Lamp in Pale Yellow Glass

$730 / item

H 10.8 in Dm 6.8 in

Vilhelm Lauritzen 'VL45' Radiohus Portable Table Lamp in Pale Yellow Glass

By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vilhelm Lauritzen 'VL45' Radiohus Portable Table Lamp in Pale Yellow Glass Originally designed in the 1930s by Vilhelm Lauritzen for the construction of the Radiohuset building in C...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pendant light Teraxacum by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni - 1960s

$5,597

H 19.69 in Dm 23.63 in

Pendant light Teraxacum by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni - 1960s

Located in Uccle, Bruxelles

A magnificent Taraxacum pendant lamp designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. This pendant is far more than just a light fixture; its structure and form...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Resin

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Thonet Chair Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal thonet chair vintage for your home. Frequently made of wood, bentwood and natural fiber, every thonet chair vintage was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a thonet chair vintage — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A thonet chair vintage is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one thonet chair vintage that is appealing in its simplicity, but Thonet, Marcel Breuer and Mart Stam produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Thonet Chair Vintage?

Prices for a thonet chair vintage start at $200 and top out at $8,400 with the average selling for $1,742.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Thonet Chair Vintage

What is a Thonet chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
A Thonet chair can be any chair developed by the furniture maker Thonet, which has been manufacturing furniture for more than 180 years. However, most people are referring to one designed by founder Gebrüder Thonet. It features a bentwood frame produced with a patent steam method that Thonet patented and a curved seat. Find a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
Are Thonet chairs marked?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, Thonet chairs are marked. You will usually find the brand's label on a tag or burned into the wood under the seat. On 1stDibs, you can shop a variety of expertly vetted Thonet furniture from top sellers around the world.
Are Thonet chairs stackable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Whether or not Thonet chairs are stackable depends on their design. The bentwood chairs produced by the company do easily stack, but others like cantilever chairs do not. Find a range of Thonet chairs forms some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you pronounce Thonet chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Michael Thonet is a German-Austrian furniture maker who designed the famed bentwood chair in 1830. His last name, Thonet, is pronounced “TOE-net,” but it’s commonly mispronounced “tho-NAY.” Shop a collection of vintage and modern Michael Thonet pieces on 1stDibs.
How do I identify a Thonet chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
To identify a Thonet chair, look under the seat. Most Thonet chairs will feature a maker's marking. Often, you'll find the Thonet name carved into the wooden seat frame or printed on a paper label mounted on the seat's underside. Because Thonet changed its markings over the years, you can get a rough idea of the age of your chair by comparing the ones on your piece to images on trusted online reference guides. If you need help with the identification process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can be of assistance. Find a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my chair is Thonet?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An authentic Thonet chair will have the company’s name with a solid line underneath carved somewhere on the chair. The brand can also confirm the authenticity and age of a Thonet chair via its website. Shop a variety of authentic Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
What is a Thonet-style chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
A Thonet-style chair is a wooden chair that has a curvy, bent backrest, a round seat and subtly flared legs. The chairs get their name from the original manufacturer, Thonet, which produced chairs in the mid-century modern style in Europe during the 20th century. Shop a range of Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
What was significant about the Thonet chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Perhaps the most significant thing about the Thonet chair was that it was the first chair to ever be shipped in parts with instructions that allowed the purchaser to assemble it themselves. As a result, the beech wood and rattan chairs could be mass produced and sold all over the world more easily. Shop a range of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a Thonet chair is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
To tell if a Thonet chair is real, you can use Thonet's authenticity verification service. To take advantage of it, you will need to take many photographs of the chair from different angles and close-up images of markings and paper labels. You can learn more about the authentication process on the Thonet website. Shop a diverse assortment of Thonet chairs on 1stDibs.
How do I identify a Thonet rocking chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To identify a Thonet rocking chair, look for the company name. You will normally find it stamped directly onto the underside of the seat, arms or legs. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Thonet rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a chair is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
How old does a chair have to be to be vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.
How do you identify a vintage Gunlocke chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.
Is my vintage Eames chair real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.
How can you tell how old a vintage chair is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.
What size chair or stool fits a vintage makeup vanity?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Most vanities are designed for a low stool or slipper chair; listings include the knee-clearance height so buyers can confirm fit before purchasing.

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