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.
Completely Restored Czech Beech Midcentury Cheslong Sofa/Bed, Jan Vanek, 1950s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Sofa - Bed, midcentury Source: Czechoslovakia Period: 1950 - 1959 Material: Beech Completely restored.
Wood, Beech
Czech Midcentury Brown Beech Sofa by Jan Vanek, New Upholstery, 1950s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Midcentury beech sofa Material: Beech Completely restored. New upholstery, Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1950-1959.
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer, Upholstery, Beech
1950s Italian 2-Seater Sofa , Restored
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered in Velvet fabric - Sturdy and stable
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
Italian Mohair Settee Sofa, Brown, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful mohair upholstered curved sofa with wooden legs. Perfect shape and size. In excellent condition, 1950s, Italy. Same era as: Ch...
Mohair, Wood
Midcentury Italian Large Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian 20th century vintage curved four-seat sofa composed of six splayed polished legs, large wing shaped arms and a statement high back in the style of Ico Parisi. Rare...
Fabric
$35,291
H 26.38 in W 55.52 in D 74.81 in
S.C.A.L. Double Daybed by Jean Prouvé, Restored Metal Frame, 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new upholstery, repainted. I...
Metal
Ludvig Pontoppidan, Sofa, Shearling, Beech, Denmark, c. 1950s
By Ludvig Pontoppidan
Located in High Point, NC
A sheepskin and beech sofa designed and produced by Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.5"H x 66.25"W x 34.25"D Seat Height (inches): 17.25" Ar...
Sheepskin, Beech
Italian Sofa Bed, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This Italian sofa bed was designed in the 1950s. The shapes lend elegance and modernity to the otherwise quite minimalist design. The seat is foldable...
Iron
Czech Leather Brown Sofa, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
This sofa was produced in Czech Republic during the 1970s. It features a wood structure and brown leather seats.
Leather, Beech
$18,382 / item
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Anfibio Foldable Sofa Bed 190 cm Vintage Leather Becchi Giovannetti
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Leather
1950s sofa with teddy bear upholstery still original
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
1950s sofa with black painted iron frame and brass feet. Original red bear cover. For better performance of this furniture we recommend replacing the upholstery and padding.
Iron
Giò Sofa Bed
By Morelato
Located in Milan, IT
The Giò collection has been designed by the company’s internal Research Center. Giò is a collection, in which design and functionality meet. The sofa bed has...
Wood, Fabric
$10,044 / item
H 27.56 in W 74.81 in D 47.25 in
1970s Design Anfibio Foldable Sofà Bed Pink Coated Fabric Becchi Giovannetti
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff ha recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A pi...
Fabric