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.
Kubus Leather Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus club chair designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and faithfully reproduced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten (Austria) under exclusive license. This example dates from the first...
Leather, Wood
Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann Leather Kubus Armchair Vienna Secession
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare labeled leather Kubus armchair, club chair, or lounge chair designed in 1910 by Austrian Vienna Secession designer Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956 Austria). Manufactured by Wittmann i...
Leather, Beech
Josef Hoffmann 'Buenos Aires' Suite by J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Vienna Secessionist parlor suite by Josef Hoffman, manufactured before 1920 by J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria. The suite comprised of a settee and pair of armchairs or club ...
Leather, Beech
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.
Bentwood
$10,000 / set
Josef Hoffmann Pair of Cabinet Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1903, for the Vienna home of Dr. Salzer, Josef Hoffmann's cabinet chairs are a timeless design that typifies his Wiener Werkstätte aesthetic. The rationalist cube form is...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,425Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.25 in W 16.25 in D 18.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus Bat' Chair Model No.728
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Basel, BS
Designed by the renowned Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann in 1907 for the Fledermaus Cafe in Vienna, this single "Fledermaus" Model number 728, aka "Bat" Cafe chair features black upholstery covering the seat and backrest. The chair is supported by four cylindrical legs with spherical elements, showcasing a tub back with a horseshoe form base. Crafted from bent beech wood, this rare chair was specifically created for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna as one of Hoffmann's iconic designs. Representing a significant moment in design history, the chair is featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. With its sleek bentwood frame, swooping armrests, and curved backrests, the chair exudes elegance and sophistication. The Fledermaus chairs embody Hoffmann's renowned Viennese Secessionist style, known for its simple geometric shapes and use of high-quality materials. Considered a bold departure from traditional European nightclubs, the design quickly gained popularity for its iconic and innovative aesthetic. This is an authentic Hoffmann chair manufactured by Wittman, the authorized manufacturer of the Fledermaus starting in the 1970s. This chair was sold by "Teo Jacob...
Leather, Faux Leather, Beech
$2,950
H 37.41 in W 35.44 in D 33.08 in
Josef Hoffmann "Haus Koller" Armchair for Wittmann – Viennese Secession Elegance
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Dronten, NL
A stunning Haus Koller Armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann and produced by the esteemed Austrian manufacturer Wittmann. Originally conceived in 1911 for the Koller House in Oberwalte...
Velvet, Beech
$5,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" Bat Seating Group, Suite, Thonet, Art Nouveau, Deco
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" bat seating group. Suite. Thonet. Consisting of four chairs and matching table. The seating group is still in its original ...
$5,110 / set
H 30.32 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Two Elegant Josef Hoffmann Chairs made by Manufactor Jacob & Josef Kohn. Early 20th-Century Armchairs in Great Gatsby Style. Crafted around 1910 Jugendstil , these armchairs r...
Fabric, Beech
$8,247 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.28 in D 18.9 in
Austrian modern Black wood leather tub chairs by Josef Hoffmann Wittmann, 1980s
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian modern Black wood and leather tub chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s Set of 6 tub chairs with black painted wooden structure. On the structure there are decorative...
Leather, Wood
$2,509 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
2 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria (Customizable)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Set di due sedie modello "Fledermaus" (che significa "pipistrello" in tedesco), progettato dall'architetto e designer austriaco Josef Hoffmann nel 1907. Originariamente concepito per...
Bentwood
$2,556 / item
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 18.12 in
Customizable Wittmann Fledermaus Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for starting fabric. Specially designed in 1907 for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, this suite still stands for exceptional bentwood craft. The runners and the wooden...
Leather, Fabric
Antique Josef Hoffmann Prague 811 Bentwood Cane Armchair FMG Poland
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in San Carlos, CA
A beautifully preserved antique bentwood armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann, the seminal Viennese architect and co-founder of the Wiener Werkstätte. This is the iconic Model 811, kn...
Cane, Bentwood
$3,944 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
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 ...
Bentwood
$4,063 / set
H 36.62 in W 15.36 in D 16.54 in
Set of 4 Bat Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The wood is a feast for the eyes. The seat cushions need replacing, as they have holes and wear marks. The back cushions are OK, but probably need reupholstering too.
Elm
$1,563Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.68 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
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
$10,487
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 26.78 in D 26.78 in
Pair of Vienna Secession Cabinet Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1903
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare pair of Vienna Secession club chairs. Design by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann Austria in 1903 and the so-called Cabinet chairs were originally designed for the hom...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Hoffman Club Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of 1960's Josef Hoffman for Wittmann club chairs, fully restored with new Boucle cushions.
Bouclé
Sold
H 26.5 in W 22.75 in L 26.5 in
Josef Hoffman Pair of Secessionist Bentwood Barrel Back Arm Chairs for J&J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These lounge chairs from the early 1900s have an unusual bentwood design that makes them extremely rare. They have been totally refinished and reupholstered.
Beech
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Armchairs for Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Antwerp, BE
Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann, natural soft leather, Austria 1910 Patinated tufted leather "Kubus" sofa and chair by Josef Hoffman for Wittman, designed in 1910. Made in Austria, circa 1...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 40.95 in D 32.29 in
Josef Hoffmann Armchair Model Club 1910 in Brown Leather for Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Josef Hoffmann club chair model 1910 in brown leather for Wittmann. Dark brown leather with light patina and wooden disc-shaped legs. All in good original condition with light cosmet...
Leather, Wood
1930s Salon Suite by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn and Mundus
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional, rare salon suite designed by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by J&J Kohn in the 1930s. The suite consists of a settee, café table, and two armchairs. Each finely craf...
Beech
Sold
H 29.14 in W 37.01 in L 29.14 in
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Club Chair in Dark Brown Leather for Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Great geometric armchairs from Josef Hoffmann, designed in 1910. Dark brown leather in very good original condition. Both chairs are signed with manufacturer's label.
Leather
Sold
H 35.44 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Khon Pair of Armchair Vienna Secession
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Grenoble, FR
Josef Hoffmann A bentwood pair of armchair Jacob & Josef Khon, Vienna secession perfect condition.
Bentwood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 30.32 in
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Sofa, Wittmann Austria Design Bauhaus Leather Jugendstil
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Munster, NRW
One Kubus sofas, designed in 1910 by Josef Hoffmann. Edition by Wittmann/Austria. Excellent condition in black leather!
Leather
Sold
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 30.32 in
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Sofa, Wittmann Austria Design, 1910, Bauhaus Leather
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Munster, NRW
1x Kubus sofas, designed in 1910 by Josef Hoffmann. Edition by Wittmann/Austria. Excellent condition in black leather!
Leather
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Club Chair for Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Great geometric armchairs from Josef Hoffmann, designed in 1910. Cognac leather with lot's of life and patina. Brown patinated leather. Both chairs are signed with manufacturer's lab...
Sold
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 30.32 in
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Sofa, Wittmann Austria Design, 1910, Bauhaus Leather
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Munster, NRW
Group of 3 Kubus Sofas - designes in 1910 by Josef Hoffmann - Edition by Wittmann / Austria.... excellent condition in black leather!
Leather