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Josef Hoffmann Vanities

Austrian, 1870-1956

The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line.

As a founder of the Vienna Secession — a union of artists and designers determined to upend Austria’s artistic conservatism — and later, a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life.

Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question — and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light.

As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s — but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms.

Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality.

Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair — the Sitzmaschine (1905) — that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on 1stDibs — which range from enameled silver jewelry, to silver flower vase baskets and other decorative objects, to sofas, lighting pendants and sconces — testify to the astonishing breadth of Hoffman’s creative pursuits. He was truly a giant of design.

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Creator: Josef Hoffmann
Josef Hoffmann vanity table by J. & J. Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This smal table made by J. & J. Kohn is designed by Josef Hoffmann. You can use this as a small desk or as a vanity table. The table is completely made out of wood and has a glass to...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Vanities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Related Items
Josef Hoffmann Wood Table for Kohn, circa 1920
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
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Table designed by Josef Hoffmann. Model 915/1p Art Nouveau table from Jacob & Josef Kohn manufactured, circa 1920. Measures: diameter 60, height 72 cm. In original condition, ...
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1920s German Art Nouveau Vintage Josef Hoffmann Vanities

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Josef Hoffmann Wood Table for Kohn, circa 1920
Josef Hoffmann Wood Table for Kohn, circa 1920
No Reserve
H 28.35 in Dm 23.63 in
Jugendstil coffee table by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret Fledermaus
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil coffee table by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret Fledermaus exe. by J&J Kohn professionally stained and repolished.
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Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Style Console Table
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Vintage vanity table by Maugrion, 1970s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage vanity table by Maugrion made from bamboo and rattan with a mirror and large drawer. Comes with stool High quality and elegant vintage furniture piece which will add a touc...
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Vintage vanity table by Maugrion, 1970s
Vintage vanity table by Maugrion, 1970s
H 51.19 in W 39.38 in D 20.87 in
Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann Cabaret Fledermaus White Table
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Den Haag, NL
Round cocktail Table designed by Josef Hoffmann, circa 1910 for Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna. Manufactured by Wittmann (Austria), circa 1960. Lacquered Beech wood ,Glass top and o...
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Thonet Table by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Thonet table by Josef Hoffmann in very good original condition with signs of use.
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Thonet Table by Josef Hoffmann
Thonet Table by Josef Hoffmann
H 30.71 in Dm 27.96 in
Secession coffee table by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession coffee table by Josef Hoffmann, variant of Fledermaus table professionally stained and repolished.
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Vienna Secession Round Table by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Round table with a glass top, designed about 1910 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Vienna, beechwood, stained to dark mahogany. It was restored but visible signs of use, otherwise it...
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1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Josef Hoffmann Vanities

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Original Josef Hoffmann Dressing Table from 1905 by Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinary modern furniture from the best period of his works. He made trendsetting Industrial designs for the bentwood-industrie. This dressing-table is from the "Fledermaus" ...
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Vienna Secession Oval Side Table Model 960/2 designed by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare Viennese Secession Oval side table Model 960/2 designed by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by J&J Kohn. Made in Austria in 1910s. The scanne...
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Etoile Vanity Table by Chiara Provasi
By Chiara Provasi
Located in Milan, IT
A complementing piece to the Etoile chest of drawers, this vanity table is a superb addition to a bedroom, where it will make a sophisticated statement. Completely handcrafted of map...
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Etoile Vanity Table by Chiara Provasi
Etoile Vanity Table by Chiara Provasi
H 76.38 in W 63 in D 20.08 in
Josef Hoffmann Gueridon, circa 1910, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Girona, Spain
Josef Hoffmann Gueridon. Made with bentwood. Vienna Secession Circa 1910, Austria. Vintage condition. The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line. As a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life. Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question, and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light. As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s, but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms. Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality. Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair, the Sitzmaschine (1905), that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on these pages, which range from enameled silver jewelry, to a silver flower vase basket, to lighting pendants and sconces...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Josef Hoffmann Vanities

Materials

Bentwood

Previously Available Items
Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Vanity and Chair for J & J Kohn, Austria, 1905
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Milan, IT
Josef Hoffmann model 1134 Vanity and chair for J & J Kohn, Austria 1905 Chair from the Fledermaus series. Original mirror. pieces marked J&J ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Bentwood

Dressing Table J&J Kohn Nr.1134, since 1907, Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
Viennese Secession dressing table is attributed to Josef Hoffman (for example book Mobile Moderno by Giovanni Renzi). Manufactured in company ...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Josef Hoffmann Vanities

Materials

Bentwood

Josef Hoffmann vanities for sale on 1stDibs.

Josef Hoffmann vanities are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Josef Hoffmann vanities, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Josef Hoffmann vanities can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $8,718 and can go as high as $8,718, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,718.
Questions About Josef Hoffmann Vanities
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    Josef Hoffmann invented the Sitzmaschine, an adjustable lounge chair that the Austrian designer unveiled in 1905. Literally called a “machine for sitting,” it was originally created for a sanatorium in Purkersdorf, near Vienna. It has a curving frame with square and rectangular back and side rests. Like so many other designs by Hoffmann, this piece reflects a forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different sources, here the Arts and Crafts movement and modern design. Find a collection of Josef Hoffmann furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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