Thonet Chair and Armchair Model No. 7, 8, 11 & 12

Thonet chairs Model No. 7, 8, 11, and 12, developed between 1855 and 1857, represent key innovations in early industrial bentwood furniture production in Europe.

Ten Thonet bentwood chairs and armchairs with cane seats, arranged in two rows. Designs feature curved backrests and arms in Models No. 7, 8, 11, and 12, illustrating variations in form and leg construction. — Image: A selection of classic Thonet bentwood chairs and armchairs, including Models No. 7, 8, 11, and 12 — hallmarks of the Vienna Secession and early modernist design.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Detailed production dates, design features, and factory origins of key early Thonet chairs—based strictly on verifiable historical sources.

Table of Contents

Thonet Chair Model No. 7 Thonet Chair Model No. 8 Thonet Armchair Model No. 8 Thonet Armchair Model No. 11 Thonet Chair Model No. 12

These chair models emerged during a decisive phase in Thonet history, when bentwood techniques moved from workshop experimentation to full-scale production.

Thonet Chair Model No. 7

Model No. 7 was developed by Gebrüder Thonet around 1857 as part of their early bentwood series. It was produced in Austria, most likely at the main factory in Koritschan (Koryčany), Moravia, which became operational in the early 1850s. The design features an oval backrest and turned front legs, reflecting the transition from handcrafted joinery to industrial bentwood production.

Crafted: Solid beech, multi-part bent, brown stained; cane weave.

Learn More Still curious about bentwood furniture? Click here to see Thonet rocking chair.

Side view of a Thonet bentwood chair, Model No. 7, showing curved backrest, cane seat, and two front legs with turned detailing. — Image: Side view of Thonet chair Model No. 7, with its signature oval backrest and turned front legs — a hallmark of early bentwood design by Gebrüder Thonet.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Learn More Still curious? Click here to see Thonet Children and Doll Furniture.

Thonet Chair Model No. 8

Model No. 8 was designed around 1855 and produced by Gebrüder Thonet from at least 1861. It was manufactured in Austria, primarily in Koritschan. This model introduced the double-loop backrest, a structural and visual innovation that became iconic in Thonet’s catalogue and allowed for lightweight but strong construction.

Crafted: Solid bent beech with slotted back legs, rosewood-stained; cane weave.

Learn More Still curious about bentwood furniture? Click here to see Thonet Settee and Table.

Side view of Thonet bentwood chair Model No. 8, showing cane seat, turned front legs, and a double-arched backrest made from steam-bent wood. — Image: Side view of Thonet chair Model No. 8, featuring the iconic double-loop backrest and finely turned front legs — a refined example of early industrial bentwood furniture.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Thonet Armchair Model No. 8

Crafted: Solid bent beech, brown stained; rare original armrest design, cane weave.

Learn More Still curious about bentwood furniture? Click here to see Thonet Chair and Armchair Model No. 1, 2 & 4.

Side view of Thonet bentwood armchair Model No. 8, featuring round cane seat, turned front legs, and spiraled armrests integrated into the double-arched backrest. — Image: Side view of Thonet armchair Model No. 8, showing the elegantly scrolled armrests and flowing bentwood frame — a classic example of early Thonet craftsmanship.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Thonet Armchair Model No. 11

Model No. 11 was developed by Gebrüder Thonet around 1855 and is documented in production by the mid-1860s. Like other early models, it was manufactured in Koritschan, within the Austrian Empire. The model is notable for its sculptural spiral armrests, showcasing the advanced shaping made possible by steam-bent beechwood.

Crafted: Solid bent beech, brown stained; cane weave.

Learn More Still curious about bentwood furniture? Click here to see the iconic Thonet Boppard Chair.

Side view of Thonet bentwood armchair Model No. 11, showing rounded cane backrest, curved support ring beneath the seat, and prominent spiral armrests. — Image: Side view of Thonet armchair Model No. 11, with its boldly curved arm supports and oval cane backrest — a dynamic evolution of early bentwood design.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Thonet Chair Model No. 12

Model No. 12 was introduced around 1856 and produced from circa 1861 by Gebrüder Thonet in Austria. It is considered one of the most commercially successful Thonet models of the 19th century. Its simplified construction, with a slightly trapezoidal seat and narrow backrest frame, made it ideal for mass production and export.