Design & History

During the interwar period, Thonet was at the forefront of the transition from traditional bentwood furniture towards the new language of European Modernism.

The D 625 drinks cabinet belongs to this fascinating period. While fundamentally functional, it was designed around the rituals of entertaining: bottles, glasses and magazines all have their own dedicated spaces, concealed within a compact piece of furniture that could easily be moved around the room on castors.

Period Thonet catalogues document the D 625 model, although several variations appear to have been produced during the 1930s.

This particular example is especially interesting for its finish. Instead of the walnut veneer frequently encountered on furniture of the period, the exterior is covered in maple veneer whose darker tonal pattern was created using the traditional technique of sand shading.

The technique involves placing sections of veneer into heated sand, gradually scorching the wood to create darker areas and tonal transitions. Historically associated with fine cabinetmaking and particularly with furniture of the Biedermeier period, its use gives this otherwise distinctly Modernist cabinet an unexpected connection with an older tradition of craftsmanship.

The result is a piece that brings together two worlds: the clean geometry, tubular steel and black glass of 1930s Modernism with a decorative woodworking technique rooted in nineteenth-century cabinetmaking.

Design Details

The cabinet is cleverly divided into several distinct storage areas.

Behind the lower left-hand door is enclosed storage, while an open compartment above provides space for magazines or books.

The main drinks compartment occupies the right-hand side. It can be opened in two directions: the upper lid lifts and folds towards the left, resting on the chromed tubular steel handle, while the front panel folds down horizontally.

Opening the cabinet transforms its appearance completely.

The restrained dark exterior gives way to a warm honey-coloured wooden interior with two vivid red glass holders. Black opaxite glass fitted to the opening panels creates another dramatic contrast, introducing the polished, almost architectural material vocabulary associated with interwar Modernism.

The cabinet stands on castor wheels, allowing it to be moved easily around an interior - an important part of its original function as furniture designed specifically for entertaining.

Why We Like It

For us, the best moment comes when you open it.

Closed, the D 625 is remarkably restrained: dark wood, soft curves, black glass and one simple tubular steel handle. Then the panels open and suddenly there is honey-coloured wood, bright red glass storage and glossy black opaxite.

It almost feels like discovering the interior of a small architectural object.

We also love the unusual maple veneer. The fact that such a progressive Modernist piece incorporates the much older technique of sand shading is exactly the sort of detail that makes furniture from this period so fascinating.

And then there is its purpose. This was furniture made specifically for drinks, glasses, magazines and entertaining - a small surviving piece of 1930s social life as much as a piece of Modernist design.

Condition & Restoration

The cabinet has undergone a careful professional restoration.

The restoration revived the rich colour and subtle pattern of the maple veneer while respecting the original character of the piece. Traditional finishing techniques, including nitrocellulose varnish and shellac, were used to recreate the appearance and finish appropriate to the period.

The cabinet remains in excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age and previous use. There is a light patina to the chromed tubular steel handle, consistent with its age.

The doors, storage compartments and castors are functional, and the cabinet is ready for use.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Details

Model: D 625
Manufacturer: Thonet
Period: 1930s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Beech, Maple Veneer, Opaxite Glass, Chromed Tubular Steel
Condition: Professionally restored
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 85 cm
Depth: 40 cm
Height: 75 cm

Delivery & Returns

The cabinet will be carefully packed and shipped from our studio in Brno, Czech Republic.

EU shipping: €180, confirmed at checkout.
Estimated EU delivery: 3–5 working days

We also ship worldwide using trusted international couriers. Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote outside the EU.

EU customers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

If you’d like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help throughout the process, and also after your piece has arrived.