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.
Set of Six Thonet Bentwood Prague Dining Chairs By Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet-Mundus
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined set of six matching bentwood armchairs designed by Josef Hoffman for Thonet, known as the Model '811' Prague Chair. The chairs are constructed in bentwood appearing to be o...
Cane, Bentwood
Classic Josef Hoffman for Ligna Set of Five Bentwood and gut Chairs / Czech
By Josef Hoffmann, Ligna
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Set of five No. 811 Thonet arm chairs or Prague chairs designed by Josef Hoffman made by Ligna / Czechoslovaka.. The chairs feature an iconic...
Cane, Bentwood
$4,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Hoffman for Thonet Set of Six Bentwood and Cane Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Rare pair of No. 811 Thonet chairs or Prague chairs designed by Josef Hoffman. The chairs feature an iconic bentwood frame design with square shaped arms and a caned seat and back. E...
Bentwood
$4,206Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus dining chairs, Austria, 1900s, set of 4
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of four chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffm...
Cotton, Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus' Chairs Model No.728, Set of Ten
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Dallas, TX
A scarce set of ten early first edition "Fledermaus" chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte and featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. Hoffman...
Leather, Wood
Art Nouveau Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, set of 3
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of three chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffmann from 1905 for the Cabaret Fledermaus and was origina...
Cotton, Beech
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...
Suede, Oak
Classic Set of four Fledermaus Chair by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Set of four Fledermaus Chair by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann..Vintage Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Chairs.Retain original metal Wittmann badge/label .Minor staining to the Macint...
Fabric, Wood
1930s Josef Hoffmann No. 811 Prague Bentwood & Cane Dining Chairs – Set of 6
By Josef Hoffmann, Stendig Co.
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer an early edition of the iconic No. 811 Prague Bentwood Chair, circa the 1930s. Designed by Josef Hoffmann, this design was first introduced as the A64F ...
Cane, Bentwood
Set of Four Thonet Prague Bentwood Armchairs by Josef Hoffman
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined set of four Thonet bentwood labeled and stamped armchairs designed by Josef Hoffman, known as the "Model 811 Prague" chair. The chairs are constructed in bent beechwood and...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Black Dining Armchairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet-Mundus
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 with cane seats and bac...
Cane, Beech
Secession dining chairs no.413 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession dining chairs no.413 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Debrecen in very nice original condition.
Beech, Bentwood
Set of Beech Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Set of Two Beech Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn This refined set of two dining chairs was designed by Josef Hoffmann for the renowned Austrian firm Jacob & J...
Leather, Beech
Pair of Stendig Prague Armchairs by Josef Hoffman
By Stendig Co., Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and iconic Prague armchairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet. Imported from Czechoslovakia by Stendig in the 1960s. Wood in good shape. Original cane needs to be redone ...
Cane, Bentwood
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
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
$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
$24,631Sale 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
$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
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
4er Set Mid Century Stühle Thonet Modell 811 Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 4er Set Bugholzstühle (Modell: 811) von Thonet zum Verkauf an. Das seltene Modell wurde von Josef Hoffmann entworfen und besticht durch seine funktionale...
Wicker, Beech
$1,823Sale 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
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
Josef Hoffmann Beehive Dining Chairs
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Josef Hoffmann beehive dining chairs professionally stained and repolished.
Bentwood
$28,420Sale 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
Vintage Bent Wood & Wicker Cafe Chairs by Josef Hoffman for Ligna
By Josef Hoffmann, Ligna
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
$1,894 / 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
$2,960 / set
H 34.65 in W 17.33 in D 20.08 in
Set of Beech Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Set of Two Beech Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn This refined set of two dining chairs was designed by Josef Hoffmann for the renowned Austrian firm Jacob & J...
Leather, Beech
$1,416Sale 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
Set of Four Bentwood Dining Chairs Attributed to Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Bentwood chairs as Thonet No 20. New canning on all chairs. Four pieces available Delivery time 3-4 weeks.
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
$4,495 / set
H 32.5 in W 17.75 in D 20.25 in
1930s Josef Hoffmann No. 811 Prague Bentwood & Cane Dining Chairs – Set of 6
By Josef Hoffmann, Stendig Co.
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer an early edition of the iconic No. 811 Prague Bentwood Chair, circa the 1930s. Designed by Josef Hoffmann, this design was first introduced as the A64F ...
Cane, Bentwood
$4,026 / 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 Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
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
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffman for Thonet, Pair
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fully restored pair of Josef Hoffman Fledermaus chairs by Thonet. Newly reupholstered in full grain blue leather. Thought reupholstered, the underside has a part cut out to reveal ...
Leather, Bentwood
$2,450 / set
H 44 in W 17 in D 20.5 in
Set of Four Thonet Model 17 Dining Chairs, Bentwood & Cane, 1904
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four model 17 'Cardinal' bentwood dining chairs by Gebrüder Thonet showcase the revolutionary steam-bent construction that made the Austrian company legendary. Manufactured in...
Cane, Bentwood
Bentwood dining chair no.20 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood dining chair no.20 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Six Austrian Bentwood Chairs Signed J.J.Kohn/Thonet
Located in Water Mill, NY
Set of six Austrian Art Nouveau chairs signed J.J. Kohn.
Wood
$2,640 / set
H 31.38 in W 20 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Bent Wood & Wicker Cafe Chairs by Josef Hoffman for Ligna
By Josef Hoffmann, Ligna
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four vintage mid century Bentwood Prague Model 811 cafe dining chairs were made in Czechoslovakia by Ligna circa 1960 and based on the original design by Austrian archite...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
$1,800 / set
H 32.75 in W 20.5 in D 18.5 in
A Set of Four Mid Century Thonet Style Bentwood Prague Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Elkton, MD
Set of 4 bentwood and cane dining chairs in the style of the A 811 Josef Hoffmann
Cane, Bentwood
Josef Hoffman Fledermaus Chair by Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Highland, IN
Originally designed by Josef Hoffman for the Café Fledermaus in 1907. This example was made by Wittmann of Austria in the 80s. The frame of beech has a seat and back upholstered in H...
Upholstery, Beech
Sold
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 21.66 in
Set of 6 bentwood chairs in blue velvet by Josef Hoffman for Thonet, 1960s
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Set of six bentwood dining chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann and produced by Thonet in the 1960s. The set includes four side chairs and two armchairs. The frames are made of dark sta...
Bentwood
Sold
H 29 in W 20 in D 17 in
Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus dining chairs, Austria, 1970s, set of 6
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Buffalo, NY
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1970s Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of four chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffman...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Chairs, a set of six Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Portland, OR
Josef Hoffmann’s “Bat” chairs were designed for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna, 1907. This set was made in Austria circa 1970s by Thonet. Original Hoffmann textile upholstery on th...
Upholstery, Beech
Sold
H 31 in W 19.25 in D 21.25 in
Vintage Bent Wood & Wicker Cafe Arm Chair by Josef Hoffman for Ligna
By Josef Hoffmann, Ligna
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...
Cane, Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann set of 12
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Set of 12 “Fledermaus” Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann— Customizable An exceptional and rare set of twelve “Fledermaus” armchairs, originally designed by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn...
Beech
Pair of Josef Hoffman for Thonet Bentwood and Cane Armchairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Rare pair of No. 811 Thonet armchairs or Prague chairs designed by Josef Hoffman. The chairs feature an iconic bentwood frame design with square shaped arms and a caned seat and back...
Bentwood
Mid Century Vintage Birch Cane Dining Chair by Josef Hoffman 8 Available
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Vintage Birch Cane Dining Chair by Josef Hoffman. All side chairs in Vintage condition. (8) Chairs available all in the same condition. Made Circa 1950. Wood shows patina...
Cane, Birch
Mid Century Vintage Birch Cane Dining Chair by Josef Hoffman 5 Available
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Vintage Birch Cane Dining Chair by Josef Hoffman. All side chairs in Vintage condition ready for use. (5) Chairs available all in the same condition. Made Circa 1950. Woo...
Cane, Birch
Antique Bentwood Bistro Cafe Chairs by Josef Hoffman for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four antique bentwood cafe chairs designed by Josef Hoffman and manufactured by Thonet are circa 1920. The iconic bentwood cafe bistro chair has a simple design with eleg...
Wood, Bentwood
Sold
H 34.65 in W 21.66 in D 20.48 in
8x Thonet 811 Prague Armshairs by Josef Hoffmann in Bentwood and Cane – Austria
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
1 chair is a slightly later model and somewhat different from the other 7 (see images). Designer: Josef Hoffmann Manufacturer: Thonet Country: Austria Model: Thonet 811...
Beech, Cane, Bentwood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 22 in D 20 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Dining Prague Chairs by Josef Hoffmann Cane & Birch
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of four Josef Hoffmann bentwood Prague chairs in stained birch. Caning is in good condition. Beautiful set of chairs and ready to use. Made in Czech, circa 1960s.
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 20.08 in D 17.33 in
Josef Hoffmann Art Nouveau Fledermaus bat chair by Thonet, set of 2
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of 2 chairs executed by the company Thonet. (signed) The design is by Josef Hoffmann from 1907 for the Cabaret Fledermaus and was origi...
Bentwood, Fabric