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.
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...
Fabric, Leather
Large Secession Armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Large secession armchair no.6549 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet professionally stained and repolished. Marked on the bottom.
Bentwood
$14,101 / set
Secession Armchair by Josef Hoffmann
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession armchair by Josef Hoffmann professionally stained and repolished. Signed J&J Kohn Teschen Austria.
Bentwood
$1,541Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet (1900s) This exquisite armchair, Model No. A 811/F, designed by the renowned architect and designer Josef Hoffmann for Thonet ...
Reed, Beech
1900s Set of Four Bentwood and Cane Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Labeled
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Rare Set of four Labeled Austrian Bentwood & Cane Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann - Austria early 1900s. This exceptional set of dining chairs is a premier example of early 20th-cen...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
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...
Fabric, Wood, Bentwood
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
Joseph Hoffman for Khon Signed Barrel Chair
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Westport, CT
Joseph Hoffman for Khon signed,barrel chair,Mahogany wood,creme upholstery,and open section on bottom to see original paper label,1880's early design .
Fabric, Wood
$10,785 / item
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.
Leather, Fabric
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn in original vintage condition.
Beech, Bentwood
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
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.
Leather, Fabric
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
Original Josef Hoffmann Stool, Prag Rudniker Wicker-Fabrication
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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
Customizable Wittmann Leather Kubus Armchair 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 ...
Leather
Josef Hoffmann Chair for Jacob and Josef Kohn Furniture
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Josef Hoffmann Chair Model 725 circa 1903-1905. Rare variation with caned seat and back. Usually found with upholstered seat and back. Chair is sometimes said to be by Gustav Siegel ...
Cane, Beech
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Josef Hoffmann, Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Created by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the Otto Beyer fashion style pattern store in Vienna, Singerstrasse 14 which is shown on one of the images. Fabric "Notturno," design...
Fabric, Beech
$1,809Sale Price / set|30% Off
Italian 1980s Minimalist Chairs Bonaldo Design Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Metal Chairs ner 1980 J. Hoffmann
Metal
4 Thonet Chairs, Model Prague No. 811, First Half of the 20th Century
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Herentals, BE
The chairs were designed by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet around 1920 and executed by FMG - Fabryka Mebli Gietych - in Poland in the first half of the 20th century. They have been reupho...
Fabric, Bentwood
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
Chair 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.
Bentwood
$1,410 / set
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.
Bentwood
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 ...
Walnut
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
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
$28,202Sale 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...
Beech, Ebony
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
$24,441Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Beech, Ebony
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
Vienna Secession Sofa "Kubus" by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
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
$2,585 / set
Fledermaus chairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus chairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Beech, Bentwood
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
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn in very good original condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Elephant Desk Chair by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Elephant desk chair by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
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...
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
Josef Hoffmann Beehive Dining Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Josef Hoffmann beehive dining chairs professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
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
$1,880 / set
Secession dining chairs N369A by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession dining chairs N369A by Josef Hoffmann in very nice original condition. Signed with importers lable.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
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.
Beech
Customizable Wittmann Haus Koller Sofa 200 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
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.
Leather, Fabric
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.
Beech
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.
Beech