Josef Hoffmann Seating
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
Customizable Wittmann Villa Gallia Sofa Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This suite was created in 1913 for the Gallia family’s apartment in Wohllebengasse, Vienna.
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather
Great Set of 8 Armchairs by Thonet, Austria Josef Hoffmann Design
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Rome, IT
Set of eight armchairs by Thonet, Austria.
The chairs were a part of a set made on order for a Villa in Götzens, Tirol, Austria
Designer: Josef Hoffmann
Materials : Steamed bent ...
Category
20th Century Austrian Art Deco Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Beech, Ebony
$24,812 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare and Important "Ohrenbackensessel" Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and important Josef Hoffmann "Ohrenbackensessel" Chair by J & J Kohn
Vienna, 1903
Having a stained beech bentwood frame, and period reproduction fabric in excellent condition.
Possibly the finest example of its kind in existence.
From the estate of famed antiques dealer Amy...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Bentwood
Elephant Desk Chair by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Elephant desk chair by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn professionally stained and repolished.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Jugendstil Beech Thonet Shoe Stool by Josef Hoffmann, circa 1907, Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugenstil vintage stool from beech bentwood by Josef Hoffmann designed circa 1907
and executed by Gebr. Thonet Vienna.
A fantastic stool for shoe lovers b...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann, Pair of Fledermaus Chairs, Austria, 1905 (First Edition)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Pair of chair in bent beech designed by the illustrious Viennese architect Joseph Hoffmann for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna in 1907.
In their sober and unmistakable style, they ...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Italian wood and Vienna straw Praga chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Ligna, 1970s
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet, Ligna
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian wood and Vienna straw Praga chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Ligna, 1970s.
Set of ten chairs with armrests known as the Praga or 811 model, with a wooden structure with a matt bl...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Straw, Wood
Large Secession Armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Large secession armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet professionally stained and repolished. Marked on the bottom.
Category
1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Lounge Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
These upholstered items were created during the alterations to Koller’s house in Oberwaltersdorf carried out between 1912-1914. Wittmann has created sofas to match this design.
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Restored Art Deco Sofa, by Josef Hoffmann, J&J Kohn, Beech, Austria, 1910s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco sofa
Completely restored, new upholstery included.
Designed by Josef Maria Hoffman, renowed Austrian architect and industrial engineer.
Stable construction in perfect cond...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
Rare Pair of Josef Hoffmann Model 725 B/F Chairs for J. & J. Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of fantastic Vienna Secession bentwood chairs with upholstery designed by Josef Hoffman (1870-1956) and manufactured by J. & J. Kohn circa early 20th century. These armchairs are model 725 B/F designed in 1905 and are dated from the original production in the Austrian workshop. Quite a rare original pair, they feature ebonized bentwood frame with corner ball enforcement details and wine-red leather upholstery accented conforming decorative round tacks along the edge. Both retain factory label remnants as well as manufacturer's name branded to the underside.
Provenance: Purchased from Modernism Gallery...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jugendstil Settee by Josef Hoffmann in 1902, manufactured by Wittmann in 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a “Cabinett” settee, designed by Josef Hoffmann for the apartment of Dr. Johannes Salzer in Vienna, c. 1902. The settee was later on reintroduced to the...
Category
1980s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Silk, Walnut
Josef Hoffmann Red Leather "Club 1910" Chair By Wittmann is
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in The Hague, NL
A rare and elegant club chair designed by Josef Hoffmann around 1910, exemplifying the refined geometry and modernist spirit of the Wiener Werkstätte movement. Upholstered in rich re...
Category
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Important Antique Josef Hoffmann Arts & Crafts Settee -stickley era W5278 SALE
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking, rare Josef Hoffmann settee from the early 1900s in excellent condition. There are no replaced parts. The seat itself was recovered with prime, hand-rubbed bl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
$3,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Restored Art Deco Seating Set, by J. Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Czech, 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Sofa dimensions:
Height: 77 cm (30.3 in)
Width: 120 cm (47.2 in)
Depth: 60 cm (23.6 in)
Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in)
Chair dimensions:
Height: 77 cm (30.3 in)
Width: 57 cm (22.4 in)
Depth:...
Category
1910s Czech Art Deco Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Beech, Lacquer
Office chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Office chair no.811 designed in late 1920s by Josef Hoffmann in excellent original condition with hand woven cane seat and backrest.
Category
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Very Rare Josef Hoffmann 725 B/F Chair by Jacob and Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Munich, DE
New belts, foam and zig zag fabric designed by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätten. With Jacob and Josef Kohn label.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
$6,203 Sale Price
20% Off
Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
These upholstered items were created during the alterations to Koller’s house in Oberwaltersdorf carried out between 1912-1914. Wittmann has created sofas to match this design.
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric
$10,785 / item
Antique Mission Josef Hoffmann Settee, Stickley Era - W5278 SALE SALE
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Josef Hoffmann settee from the early 1900s in very good condition, with no repairs or replaced parts. Josef Hoffmann, an artist from Vienna, Austria, designed thes...
Category
1920s Austrian Arts and Crafts Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
Customizable Wittmann Allegasse Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Design: Josef Hoffmann
This upholstered suite was designed in 1912 for Dr. Hugo Koller’s music room as part of the furnishings at his Vienna apartme...
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric, Leather
One or Six Armchairs Designed by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine find! These barrel armchairs model No. 729/2F, designed by Joseph Hoffmann, circa 1906. The simplicity of this chair design: is made up of a u-shaped horizontal rail that form...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Bentwood
$8,200 / item
Vintage Bent Wood & Wicker Cafe Arm Chair by Josef Hoffman for Ligna
By Ligna, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century Bentwood Prague Model 811 cafe dining chair was made in Czechoslovakia by Ligna circa 1960 and based on the original design by Austrian architects Josef Hoff...
Category
1960s Austrian Arts and Crafts Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Model 511, for Thonet, Circa 1904, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Pair of Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Model 511, for Thonet, Circa 1904, Austria.
The frame is made of stained solid beech with a cane seat and the backrest with three turne...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Beech
Hoffmann Josef, Curved Beech Armchair, circa 1900
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Hoffmann Josef, curved beech armchair, circa 1900.
Base and back covered with black leather.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Beech
Josef Hoffman For FMG Poland Ebonized and Caned Side Chair
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-20th Century Josef Hoffmann For FMG Poland ebonized bentwood and Cane chair.
Newer caning. Priced per item.
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Set Of 6 Art Nouveau Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, 20th Century, AT ca. 1901
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
We are very proud to offer you an absolutely gem of Art Nouveau furniture: an extremely rare set of 6 Art Nouveau dining chairs from the early 20th century around 1901, designed by none other than the famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann. J. Hoffmann was a pioneer in modern design and architecture and also renowed as the founder of the "Wiener Werkstaette" - a worldwide known, pioneering artcraft center in Vienna. Those kind of chairs could be found for example in one of the iconic Hoffmann villas that were built on the "Hohenwarte" - see picture #3. This timeless designed masterpieces were made of solid oakwood and come in perfect restored condition with an amazing looking new upholstery in finest suede (deerskin). These Vienesse secession...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Suede, Oak
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Armchair by Fischel
By Josef Hoffmann, Fischel
Located in Praha, CZ
- wooden parts made of beechwood has been refurbished and finished by shellac
- original springs
- needs to be reupholstered
- made in Czechoslovakia
- labeled by producer
Category
1890s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Egg Rocking Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Antonio Volpe
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare No. 267 egg rocking chair designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1922 and produced in a limited run by Societa Anonima Antonio Volpe in Udine, Italy circ...
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Wood
$9,066 Sale Price
20% Off
Great Set of 14 Armchairs by Thonet, Austria Josef Hoffmann Design
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Rome, IT
Set of 14 armchairs by Thonet, Austria
The chairs were a part of a set made on order for a Villa in Götzens, Tirol, Austria
Designer: Josef Hoffmann
Materials : Steamed bent beechwo...
Category
20th Century Austrian Art Deco Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Beech, Ebony
Josef Hoffmann Office Chair With Porcelain Caster Wheels For FISCHEL 1910s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Office Chair With Porcelain Caster Wheels for Fischel 19010s
Category
Early 1900s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
No.811 Chair Josef Hoffman 1940
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in London, GB
Description:
The No.811 Bent-beech wood chair was designed by Josef Hoffman in 1930. These examples date from around 1940 and are in excellent vintage condition, retaining their orig...
Category
1940s Austrian Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
$703 / item
Austrian All Original Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Armchairs, Wood of Walnut
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Era Art Nouveau, early 20th century modernist Wiener Werkstätte armchair by Josef Hoffmann.
Solid walnut wood structure with original patina
Measures cm: H 97/45, W 53, D 50
...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Walnut
Josef Hoffmann, Purkersdorf Chair by Wittmann, Austria, circa 1990
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Renens, CH
Priced per chair
Designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1903 for the entrance hall of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium near Vienna, this chair is a key example of Viennese Modernism and the Vienna...
Category
1990s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Two Chairs Thonet 811, Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished.
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Bentwood
$1,431 / set
Jugendstil Black Beech Grey Vintage Small Bench Josef Hoffmann circa 1905 Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil black beech grey suede leather small bench designed by Josef Hoffmann circa 1905, Vienna.
A gorgeous small bench with a black stained solid beechwood frame, while the cove...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Suede, Beech
Pair of Restored ArtDeco Armchairs, Wien. Werkstätte, J. Hoffmann, Austria 1900s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant pair of Art Deco armchairs comes from Austria from the early 20th century. They are the work of architect Josef Hoffmann and were produced in Wiener Werkstätte. The armc...
Category
1910s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Beech, Mahogany
Hoffmann Josef, Curved Beech Armchair, circa 1900
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Hoffmann Josef, curved beech armchair, circa 1900.
Need to be restorated. Fabric to change.
No lack but some damage in bending wood
2 available.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Beech
Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Sofa 200 by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
These upholstered items were created during the alterations to Koller’s house in Oberwaltersdorf carried out between 1912-1914. Wittmann has created sofas to match this design.
Category
2010s Austrian Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Hoffmann Josef, Curved Beech Armchair, circa 1900
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Hoffmann Josef, curved beech armchair, circa 1900.
Need to be restorated. Fabric to change.
No lack but some damage on the wood seat
4 available.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Josef Hoffmann Seating
Materials
Beech
Josef Hoffmann seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Josef Hoffmann seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 141 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 13 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Josef Hoffmann were created in the Art Nouveau style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Marcel Kammerer, Jacob and Josef Kohn, and Thonet-Mundus. Prices for Josef Hoffmann seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $619 and can go as high as $99,099, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.
Creators Similar to Josef Hoffmann
Questions About Josef Hoffmann Seating
- What did Josef Hoffmann invent?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024Josef 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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