Thonet

Since 1819: A Legacy of Timeless Design

 

Thonet was founded in 1819 by Michael Thonet in Vienna, Austria, where the skilled cabinetmaker set out to revolutionize furniture design. Thonet’s breakthrough came when he developed a method of bending wood using steam, a technique that allowed him to craft elegant, curved forms that had never before been possible in traditional woodworking. This innovative bentwood process would go on to become the cornerstone of his brand.

 

Thonet’s early success was driven by the affordability and mass production of his furniture, enabled by the bentwood technique. His designs were lightweight, durable, and versatile, quickly gaining popularity, especially in coffeehouses and public spaces across Europe. The No. 14 chair, designed in 1859, became a defining moment in the company’s history and remains one of the most iconic furniture designs ever produced. Thonet’s approach was not only groundbreaking but also environmentally efficient, using less wood to create highly durable pieces, positioning the company as a leader in design and production.

 

About Thonet

 

Thonet is a German brand synonymous with quality craftsmanship, innovation, and iconic design. The company is celebrated for its bentwood furniture but has evolved to produce a diverse range of pieces, blending traditional methods with modern design principles. Today, Thonet is recognized as one of the world’s most influential furniture brands, known for producing functional, timeless pieces that have become integral to both the history of design and contemporary interiors.

 

Over the years, Thonet has collaborated with renowned designers such as Mart Stam, Warren Platner, and Charlotte Perriand, further cementing its reputation for shaping modern design. The brand continues to innovate while staying committed to high-quality manufacturing, sustainability, and a timeless aesthetic that remains relevant across generations.

 

Products

 

Thonet offers an extensive range of furniture, with a particular focus on chairs, tables, and lounge pieces. The brand is especially known for its bentwood furniture, though it also incorporates tubular steel, upholstery, and wood into its designs.

 

No. 14 Chair (Viennese Chair) : Designed in 1859, the No. 14 chair remains one of the most famous chairs ever created. Made using the bentwood process, its lightweight frame, ergonomic design, and elegant form revolutionized furniture design. The chair is celebrated for its simplicity, functionality, and timeless design, continuing to be a staple in cafes and restaurants around the world.

 

No. 18 Chair : Introduced in 1876, the No. 18 chair is another iconic bentwood design by Thonet. Slightly larger and more comfortable than the No. 14, it features a more curved design and is a popular choice for cafes and dining rooms.

 

S 32 and S 43 Chairs : Designed by Mart Stam in the 1920s, these tubular steel chairs were groundbreaking in their minimalist design and became symbols of modernism. Thonet’s incorporation of steel pipes into furniture marked a significant departure from traditional wood-based designs, making these pieces celebrated for their functional beauty and simplicity.

 

 

Additional Products:

Lounge Chairs : Comfortable and stylish, Thonet’s lounge chairs combine wood and upholstery to create pieces that offer both form and function.

 

Tables : Thonet creates dining and coffee tables that share the same design principles as its chairs, clean lines and a focus on functional beauty.

 

Sofas and Armchairs : Thonet’s sofas and armchairs emphasize comfort without sacrificing style, often crafted from premium materials such as leather and high-quality fabrics.

 

Why Thonet

 

Thonet stands out from other furniture brands for several key reasons:

 

Bentwood Innovation : As the pioneer of the bentwood process, Thonet's signature technique sets it apart from most furniture makers, making each piece both functional and artistically refined.

 

Historical Influence : With over 200 years of legacy, Thonet has played a pivotal role in shaping modern furniture design. The brand’s identity is intertwined with historical significance and timeless elegance.

 

Collaboration with Renowned Designers : Thonet’s collaborations with leading designers like Mart Stam, Warren Platner, and Charlotte Perriand keep the brand relevant to contemporary design while honoring its rich history.

 

Sustainability : Thonet is committed to reducing its environmental impact by using renewable materials and eco-friendly production methods, ensuring the sustainability of its designs.

 

Craftsmanship : With a focus on quality, each piece produced by Thonet is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring longevity and beauty in every product.

 

Adaptability : Thonet’s ability to innovate while preserving its classic style has allowed the brand to remain a leader in the design world for centuries, seamlessly blending tradition with modern needs.

 

Brand Highlights

 

Collaborations : Thonet continues to collaborate with contemporary designers, resulting in updated versions of classic pieces with new materials and finishes. These collaborations ensure Thonet's presence in the ever-evolving world of modern design.

 

Exhibitions and Events : Thonet regularly participates in prestigious design events such as Salone del Mobile in Milan and NeoCon in Chicago, where it showcases new collections and celebrates its design heritage. These events highlight both classic designs and contemporary releases.

 

 

Where to find

 

Thonet has built a strong global presence, with showrooms and retail partners in key cities worldwide:

 

Europe:

Germany: The Thonet headquarters and flagship store are located in Berlin, with additional showrooms in Munich and Frankfurt.

Austria: A showroom in Vienna continues to honor the brand’s origins.

France: Thonet’s designs are celebrated in Paris, with showrooms showcasing the brand’s rich legacy.

United Kingdom: A showroom in London serves as a hub for design enthusiasts.

 

North America:

USA: Thonet has a presence in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, offering its iconic furniture to a wider audience.

Canada: The brand has distribution partners and showrooms in Toronto and Vancouver.

 

Asia:

Japan: Thonet has a showroom in Tokyo, a city known for its appreciation of modern European furniture.

China: Thonet is present in Shanghai and Beijing.

Hong Kong: The brand’s designs are featured in high-end showrooms.

 

In addition to its physical locations, Thonet products are available through a network of international dealers, and the company has a robust online presence, allowing customers worldwide to browse and purchase products.

 

 

Website https://www.thonet.de/

Instagram @thonet_official

Photo thonet