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.
Vintage Bent Wood & Wicker Cafe Chairs by Josef Hoffman for Ligna
By Ligna, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of six vintage mid century Bentwood Prague Model 811 cafe dining chairs were made in Czechoslovakia by Ligna circa 1960 based on the original design by Austrian architects J...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Customizable Wittmann Club 1910 Leather Lounge Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
This 1910 design is testimony to the diversity of Josef Hoffmann’s work. Price listed for starting leather, also available in fabric -
Leather, Fabric
Restored Art Deco Armchair, Wien. Werkstätte, J. Hoffmann, Austria, 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair comes from Austria from the early 20th century. It is the work of the renowned architect Josef Hoffmann and was produced in the famous Wiener Werkstätt...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany, Lacquer
Cabinet Sofa & Cabinet Chairs Josef Hoffman By Wittmann, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Kangasala, FI
A set of original "Cabinet sofa & chair set" by Josef Hoffman handmade in the 1980 by Wittman in Austria. Designed in 1903 for the Vienna home of Dr. Salzer. This fantastic cubisti...
Fabric, Oak
$8,200 / item
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...
Upholstery, Bentwood
$2,827 / item
Fledermaus Secession Armchairs No.423
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Fledermaus secession armchairs no.423 designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus Cabaret in 1905. Made by J&J Kohn, beautiful original preservation, stains on two seats.
Beech
Office chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Office chair no.811 designed in late 1920s by Josef Hoffmann in excellent original condition with hand woven cane seat and backrest.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Restored Art Nouveau Seating Set, By J.F.M. Hoffmann, Beech, Austria, 1910s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Armchair dimensions: Height: 75 cm (29.5 in) Width: 55 cm (21.6 in) Depth: 47 cm (18.5 in) Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in) Sofa dimensions: Height: 75 cm (29.5 in) Width: 123 cm (48.4 in) Dep...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Fabric, Beech
20th Century Art Nouveau Dining Chairs, Set Of 6, Josef Hoffmann, 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 n...
Suede, Oak
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 ...
Leather
Josef Hoffmann, Purkersdorf Chair by Wittmann, Austria, circa 1990
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
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...
Fabric, Wood
Customizable Wittmann Allegasse Armchair 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...
Fabric
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Rare and Important "Ohrenbackensessel" Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
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...
Fabric, Wood, Bentwood
Rare armchair: Josef Hoffmann for the 1900 World's Fair in Paris
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A very rare armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann. First presented as part of a dining room set at the 3rd Winter Exhibition, and a year later at the 1900 Paris World's Fair as part o...
Leather, Hardwood
Josef Hoffmann for Stendig Bentwood Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Refined and sculptural, this set of six Stendig cane armchairs is attributed to Josef Hoffmann and crafted in Czechoslovakia. Each chair features a gracefully bent beechwood frame wi...
Cane, Beech
$1,413 / item
Hoffmann Josef, curved beech armchair, circa 1900.
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Mouscron, WHT
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.
Beech
20th Century Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Bentwood Seating Set by Kohn, AT ca. 1907
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood seating set designed by the world renowed Austrian architect and founder of the "Wiener Werkstaette" - Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef...
Fabric, Bentwood
Fledermaus No. 28 armchair by Josef Hoffmann & Gustav Siegel
By Gustav Siegel, Josef Hoffmann
Located in London, GB
"Fledermaus No. 28” armchair, designed c. 1905 for the Fledermaus Café; listed in the 1906 J.&J. Kohn catalogue. Bent, stained, and lacquered beechwood with cylindrical legs; rear le...
Wood
Original Josef Hoffmann Stool, Prag Rudniker Wicker-Fabrication
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Expertise Dr Gerti Draxler Dorotheum Wien, aus einer Sitzgruppe im Salon des Haus Biach, 1902-03, comparable to : Hocker Alexander Brauner, Hohe Warte 1904, Wiener Werkstaette Muster...
Wicker, Beech
Three Piece Set by Josef Hoffmann w/ Beech Frame & Clarence House Fabric
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and refined three piece living room set, consisting of two chairs and a settee were designed by the legendary Josef Hoffman in Austria circa 1905. They feature concave d...
Fabric, Beech
Set of 6 Josef Hoffmann Model 322 Bentwood Black Leather Dining Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann, ICF New York
Located in Troy, MI
Set of 6 model 322 side chairs by Josef Hoffmann Originally designed for the dining room of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium in Austria circa 1904 This set was later manufactured by ICF ...
Leather, Wood
Set of four iconic cane bentwood chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann, model no. 81
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Houston, TX
Set of four iconic cane bentwood chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann, model no. 811, and produced by FMG, circa 1960s. These chairs are original and labeled, as shown in the photos. Cr...
Bentwood
Vienna Secession Sofa "Kubus" by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare leather 3-seater sofa "Kubus" in brown leather designed by Josef Hoffmann. This is a classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines ...
Leather, Wood
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn in original vintage condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Austrian All Original Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Armchairs, Wood of Walnut
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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 ...
Walnut
Vienna Secession Armchair "Kubus" by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare leather armchair "Kubus" in brown leather designed by Josef Hoffmann. This is a classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and t...
Leather, Wood
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 ...
Leather
Set of 4 Black Bentwood Dining Armchairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find rare vintage dining chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus - Model Prague. Chairs are done in black painted beech bentwood and upholstered in blac...
Fabric, Beech
Elephant Desk Chair by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Elephant desk chair by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
Customizable Wittmann Allegasse Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
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...
Fabric, Leather
Prague Chairs by Josef Hoffmann & Frank in Bentwood and Cane, Set of Six, 1930s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in London, GB
Set of six beech and rattan Prague chairs, designed by Josef Hoffmann and Josef Frank for Thonet in the 1930s.
Rattan, Beech
Pair of Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Upholstered Side Chairs Original Fabric
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Sharon, CT
Extremely rare pair of Wiener Werkstätte upholstered chairs. In the original Wiener Werkstatte fabric. All designed by Josef Hoffmann. Origina...
Wood
Customizable Wittmann Villa Gallia Sofa Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
This suite was created in 1913 for the Gallia family’s apartment in Wohllebengasse, Vienna.
Fabric