Elegance describes the designs of Jan Vanek.
Influenced by his family’s furniture company, Vandek studied woodworking. Following a stint in Germany, where he advanced his skills at established firms in Munich, Stuttgart and Heilbronn, he returned home to the former Czechoslovakia and took over the family business, which in 1920 became known as Spojené Uměleckoprůmyslové Závody, or UP Závody.
Vanek's early friendships and collaborations with architectural and design greats like Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Adolf Loos and others likely had much to do with his graceful style, best exemplified by his 1930s bentwood chairs, with the arabesque curves of their arms and legs conjoining to form open, dynamic loops.
True to Czech standards for uniformity, Vanek scarcely altered the design over decades of production, though he did gradually modernize his frames: His 1950s models are more angular, industrialized — and very definitely modern.
Find a collection of vintage Jan Vanek furniture today on 1stDibs.
Pair of Jan Vaněk Curved Easy Chairs in Ash with Original Upholstery, CZ 1950s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Jan Vaněk Curved Easy Chairs in Ash with Original Upholstery, Czechoslovakia, 1950s A beautifully preserved pair of mid-century modern easy chairs by Jan Vaněk, designed in ...
Canvas, Upholstery, Ash
Jan Vanek Bentwood Lounge Chair, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare bentwood lounge chair designed by Jan Vanek and produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. This striking piece features a sculptural ebonized beechwood frame with fluid curved...
Other
Rare Pair of Jan Vaněk Sculptural Oak Lounge Chairs, 1940s Czech Modernism
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Rare Pair of Jan Vaněk Sculptural Oak Lounge Chairs, 1940s Czech Modernism A rare and striking pair of oak lounge chairs designed by renowned Czech architect and designer Jan Vaněk ...
Canvas, Oak
Jan Vaněk for Krásná Jizba lounge chairs from oak and canvas Czech Republic 1940
By Jan Vanek, Krasna JIzba
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vaněk for Krásná Jizba, a pair of lounge chairs constructed from oak and canvas, Czech Republic, 1940s. These armchairs, designed by Jan Vaněk, exemplify a construction characte...
Canvas, Oak
Pair of 1970s Jan Vaněk Oak Armchairs, Czechoslovakia
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of two designer Armchairs by famous Jan Vaněk. Good original condition. New straps.
Fabric, Oak
$4,500 / set
Jan Vanek Oak Lounge Chairs, 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek Oak Lounge Chairs, 1940s Sculptural lounge chair in oak and linen straps designed by Jan Vaneck in the 1940s. The gentle corners of the frame repeated in the armrests ma...
Linen, Oak
Lounge Chair by Jan Vaněk, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood - has some signs of use - good condition.
Fabric, Wood
Adjustable Armchair by Jan Vanek for Krásná Jizba 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Adjustable armchair by Jan Vanek for Krásná Jizba 1940s. Professionally stained and repolished.
Fabric, Wood
Black Lounge Chair by Jan Vanek
By Jan Vanek
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Black bentwood armchair, with white woven original strap seats, designed by Jan Vanek in the 1930s. The armchairs were produced by UP Zavody Brno.
Bentwood
Jan Vaněk, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s
By Krasna JIzba, Jan Vanek
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and white bouclé fabric lounge chairs designed by Jan Vaněk and produced by Krásná Jizba, Czech Republic, 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 13.5” Arm Height (inches): 21....
Fabric, Wood
Jan Vanek Easy Chair in Bentwood and Canvas, Praque, the 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek easy chair in bentwood and canvas, Praque, the 1930s Czech architect Jan Vanek designed the Bauhaus easy chair in the 1930s, a contempo...
Fabric, Canvas, Bentwood
1960s Jan Vanek, Very Rare Relaxing Oak Armchair, Czechoslovakia
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - The Chair is sturdy and stable - Fabric upholstery with some signs of use and it is suitable to be reupholstered - Seat height 36 cm
Fabric, Oak
Art Deco Vintage Lounge Chairs Red Upholstery Pair Duo Jan Vanek 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage lounge chairs pair duo with red upholstery designed by Jan Vanek (1891 - 1962, Czech Rep.) and produced by UP Závody. An am...
Fabric, Bentwood
Beechwood Armchairs, Design Jan Vaněk, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Beechwood armchairs with tattered seat. Design Jan Vanek, Czechoslovakia, circa 1930s. Original good condition.
Beech
Jan Vanek Curved Easy Chair in Oak and Woven Canvas Straps, Praque 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek curved easy chair in oak and woven canvas straps, Praque 1940s Czech architect Jan Vanek designed the curved armchair in the 1940s, a c...
Fabric, Canvas, Oak
Jan Vanek Easy Chair in Oak Bentwood and Canvas, Praque, the 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek easy chair in oak bentwood and canvas, Praque, the 1930s Jan Vanek's easy chair in bentwood and canvas was designed in the 1930s in Prague. Vanek, a Czech architect and co...
Canvas, Bentwood
Ultra Rare Set of Film Inventory Armchairs by Jan Vanek, 1950s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Unique set of two armchairs custom made for Czech movie "Angel on the Mountains" marked as film inventory. This is part of Czech film history! Timeless de...
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Bentwood Armchairs by Jan Vanek for UP Zavodny, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of bentwood armchairs by Jan Vanek for UP Zavodny, 1930s.
Bentwood
$3,167 / set
H 29.53 in W 25.99 in D 24.41 in
1940s Rare Pair of Oak Armchairs by Krasna Jizba, Czechoslovakia
By Krasna JIzba
Located in Praha, CZ
- Spring seats - Very comfortable - The color is actually brown - The substance has signs of usability - Structurally solid.
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Easy Lounge Chairs
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant pair of 1940s small scale lounge chairs attributed to Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard made in Denmark between 1940-1950. The chairs exhibits the rolled armrest detail and taper...
Mohair, Beech
$7,800 / set
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 32 in
Czech Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood and green fabric lounge chairs likely designed and produced in the Czech Republic, 1930s. One has loose fabric on top edge of backrest. Very minor scuff...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs, Italy 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-century bentwood lounge chairs, Italy 1960s Mid-century bentwood lounge chairs with original upholstery manufactured and designed in Italy 1960s. It is in lovely vintage cond...
Fabric, Bentwood
$2,950 / set
H 35.63 in W 31.11 in D 34.85 in
1950s Italian Pair of Wingback Chairs in Red Upholstery and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of easy chairs, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s. These lounge chairs are both voluptuous and grand as they are comfortable. The chairs embody a semi-high wingback composed of curvac...
Fabric, Wood
Sculptural Lounge Chair in Solid Oak 1940s
Located in Meer, VAN
Sculptural Lounge Chair in Solid Oak, Europe, 1940s. Truly wonderful large lounge chair in solid oak with a very distinct sculptural design. As an early mid century modernist piece ...
Fabric, Oak
$3,780 / set
H 33.86 in W 25.2 in D 32.29 in
Pair of Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs, Oak & Vibrant Flora Fabric, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Such a beautiful and decadent pair of curved Art Deco lounge chairs, with armrests and chunky feets in oak, made in the 1930s by a Danish cabinetmaker. Upholstered in a vibrant flowe...
Walnut, Fabric, Oak
"Etcetera" lounge chair by Jan Ekselius, 1970s
By Jan Ekselius
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sculptural Swedish fabric armchair designed by Jan Ekselius in the 1970s. Model Etcetera. Seat height: 43 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST...
Fabric
$7,171 / set
H 27.56 in W 23.23 in D 28.35 in
Sculptural pair of Italian easy chairs in walnut from the 1950s.
Located in Antwerp, BE
A lovely pair of Italian easy chairs from the 1950s, showcasing the elegance and fluidity of mid-century design. Executed in warm-toned walnut, the frames reveal beautifully sculpted...
Walnut
1940s Style Custom Made Karu Sheepskin Lounge Chair
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Karu lounge chair The Karu chair is a contemporary update of a classic design first produced in Finland by the Haimi Oy company in t...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak
$6,573 / set
H 33.47 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in
Danish Cabinetmaker, pair of Lounge Chairs Lambswool, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Danish cabinetmaker pair of lounge chairs new upholstered with lambswool. Legs of stained beech. Made in the 1940s.
Sheepskin
$3,765Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 28.35 in W 37.01 in D 29.53 in
Pair of 1970s Woven Rattan Lounge Armchairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A gorgeous pair of decorative 1970s oversized Indonesian lounge armchairs featuring woven rattan wicker covering a metal frame. The large, elegantly designed structure showcases a st...
Metal
Sold
H 30.52 in W 24.93 in D 31.3 in
Jan Vaněk Lounge Chair in Dark Stained Wood and Original Canvas Webbing
By Jan Vanek
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jan Vanek for UP Zavodny, lounge chair, canvas, stained wood, Czech Republic 1930s. This armchair by Jan Vanek, a contemporary of Jindrich Halabala, embodies a dynamic appearance...
Canvas, Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 25.2 in D 32.09 in
Jan Vanek Sculptural Lounge Chairs in Wood and Original Canvas Webbing
By Up Závody, Jan Vanek
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jan Vanek for UP Zavodny, lounge chairs, wood, original canvas, Czech Republic, 1930s Stunning pair of dynamic armchairs designed by Czech architect Jan Vanek (1891-1962). These cha...
Fabric, Wood
Jan Vanek Reupholstered Lounge Chairs
By Up Závody, Jan Vanek
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jan Vanek for UP Zavody, pair of lounge chairs, in wood and canvas, Czech Republic, 1930s. Stunning pair of dynamic armchairs designed by Czech architect Jan Vanek, who was worki...
Fabric, Wood
Two Jan Vanek Lounge Chairs for UP Zavodny
By Jan Vanek
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, in wood and canvas, by Jan Vanek for UP Zavodny, Czech Republic, 1930s. Stunning pair of dynamic armchairs designed by Czech architect Jan Vanek (1891-1962)...
Rope, Plywood
Jan Vanek Pair of Easy Chairs with New Straps Upholstery
By Jan Vanek
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, in beech and canvas, by Jan Vanek for UP Zavodny, Czech Republic 1930s. Stunning pair of dynamic armchairs designed by Czech architect Jan Vanek, who was a...
Canvas, Beech
Sold
H 25.6 in W 25.2 in D 30.71 in
Jan Vanek's pair of two curved easy chairs curved oak and original upholstery.
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek's pair of two curved easy chairs curved oak, canvas, and original upholstery, CZ 1960s Jan Vanek's pair of curved easy chairs, crafted from oak, features woven canvas str...
Canvas, Upholstery, Oak
Pair of Longue Art Deco Armchairs by Jan Vanek, 1930s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Pair of iconic Bauhaus beech bentwood armchairs by Jan Vanek. Made in 1930s Very good original condition. No cracks Shipping quote on request
Wool, Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 25.2 in D 31.5 in
Jan Vaněk Blond Lounge Chair in Bentwood and Canvas, Praque, 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Almelo, NL
Jan Vanek blond lounge chairs in bentwood and patinated canvas, Praque 1940s. Blond armchair designed by Czech architect Jan Vanek in the 1940s, who was a contemporary of Jindric...
Canvas, Bentwood
Mid century Lounge Chairs by Jan Vanek for Uluv Czechoslovakia
By Jan Vanek, Úľuv
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning mid-century floating lounge chairs designed by Jan Vanek for Uluv in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. These exquisite chairs are truly eye-catching, featuring a unique float...
Walnut
1930s J Vanek Wooden Armchairs, a Pair
By Jan Vanek
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wooden armchairs by furniture designer J Vanek. Made in Czechia in the 1930s, a dynamic bentwood frame supports a seat of woven canvas straps. The fluid curve of the seat a...
Fabric, Bentwood
Sold
H 25.2 in W 22.05 in D 24.02 in
Set of Two Lounge Chairs Designed by Jan Vaněk for Krásná Jizba, 1960's
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood, fabric - good, original condition.
Wood, Fabric
Pair of Nice Lounge Chairs by Jan Vaněk
By Jan Vanek
Located in Munich, DE
For up zavodny. Wood and new belts. Czech Republic.
Wood