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.
Salon Set by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s, Excellent Condition
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Art nouveau sofa set Thonet, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, Austria, completely restored, newly ...
Leather, Bentwood
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:...
Wood, Walnut, Beech, Lacquer
$5,761Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Fledermaus seating group by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus seating group by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn. Restored 2 years ago into new leather, new french polish was applied. sofa - 130x58x81cm 2x armchair - 57x52x77cm 4...
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
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
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
$15,000 / set
Josef Hoffmann Seating Group
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This Austrian seating group was designed by Josef Hoffmann, the leading architect of the Viennese Secession movement of the early 20th century, and executed by the firm of Josef and Jacob Kohn, craftsmen of the Wiener Werkstaette collaborative group. The original good finish as been carefully restored and the three piece suite has been recently reupholstered in a reissued Josef Hoffmann fabric...
Beech
Set of Sofa and Two Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Art Nouveau Thonet sofa and two armchairs, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed in 1905 by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabar...
Leather, Bentwood
Cabinet Sofa & Cabinet Chairs Josef Hoffman By Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
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
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
$5,761Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 44.49 in D 23.63 in
Art Nouveau Mahogany Living Room Set, 1910, Set of 3
Located in Opole, PL
Art Nouveau Mahogany Living Room Set, 1910, Set of 3 This parlor set, crafted in Italy, beautifully embodies the graceful aesthetic of Art Nouveau. At the...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,980
H 18.51 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Stool Model 616 / S, designed by Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Otto Wagner, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood or plywood designed about 1905 by Otto Wagner for Kohn. Original condition newer restored.
Beech, Plywood
$1,435Sale 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
$1,440
H 27.17 in W 22.45 in D 19.89 in
Art Deco chair by Josef Hoffmann for Wittman Wiener Werkstatte, original fabric
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Milano, IT
Art Deco Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann - Wiener Werkstätte An exceptional Art Deco armchair by the renowned Viennese master Josef Hoffmann, produced by Wittmann within the...
Fabric, Wood
$3,000 / 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
$5,132 / 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
$2,400
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Armchair by Fischel
By Fischel, Josef Hoffmann
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
Fabric, Beech
$3,960 / 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
1907 Viennese Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Fledermaus Chair
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1907, Vienna. A bent beech chair designed in 1907 by illustrious Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus Cabaret in Vienna. This design, a bold and radical departure fro...
Mohair, Beech
Fledermaus bench no.728 by arch.Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus bench no.728 by arch.Josef Hoffmann in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
J.&J. Kohn - Josef Hoffmann - Armchair - Fledermaus - Beech
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
This Fledermaus armchair, designed by Josef Hoffmann for J.&J. Kohn around 1900, is a striking example of early 20th-century Viennese design. Hoffmann, a key figure in the Wiener Wer...
Fabric, Beech
Fledermaus Armchair by Josef Hoffmann, Stained Wood & Brown Leather
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in San Francisco, US
A “Fledermaus” tinted wood armchair in stained curved wood, horseshoe-shaped structure highlighted with spheres. Seat and back covered in original re-dyed brown leather edged with up...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 36 in W 62 in D 32 in
Josef Hoffmann “Haus Koller” Set, Lounge Chair Pair & Loveseat, Wittmann Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
A faithful reproduction of Josef Hoffmann furniture designed for Dr. Hugo Koller, handmade in Austria by Wittmann. Luscious, luxurious black mohair upholstery. Chairs: 37” w 32” d ...
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 47.64 in D 21.66 in
J.&J. Kohn - Josef Hoffmann - Seating group (3) - Fledermaus - Beech
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Budapest, HU
J.&J. Kohn – Josef Hoffmann – Seating Group (3) – “Fledermaus” – Beech & Fabric Upholstery – Austria, Jugendstil, 1900–1910 CUSTOMIZATION AVAILABLE: THIS PIECE CAN BE TAILORED TO YO...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 46.86 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Sofa 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
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 46.86 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Sofa and Armchair by Fisch
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 - Armchair dimensions : He...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 29.53 in W 45.67 in D 20.87 in
J.&J. Kohn - Josef Hoffmann - Seating group (3) - Fledermaus - Beech, Leather
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Budapest, HU
This description details a piece of living-room furniture by renowned Austrian designer and architect Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) in collaboration with Jacob & Josef Kohn, a furniture...
Leather, Beech
Fledermaus Seating Set by Joseph Hoffman, Vienna, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Fledermaus Seating Set by Joseph Hoffman, Vienna, 1900s Dimensions D: 45 - 52.5 cm (17.72-20.67") H: 74,5 cm W: 50,5 - 55 cm Seat Height 46
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 49.61 in D 21.65 in
Art Nouveau Thonet Bentwood Salon Suite by Josef Hoffmann, Austria ca. 1905
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolutely gorgeous bentwood seating set by Thonet Austria, designed by none other than famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, wellknown from the world renowed Wiener Werkstaette....
Fabric, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann "FLEDERMAUS" Set, 1907
By Thonet-Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Superb and rare "Fledermaus" set by Thonet - Mundus in original patina with Backhausen fabric. Fabric, padding and structure in excellent condition. This model is found in the cata...
Bentwood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
1910s Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Seating Set
By Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac - Professionally reupholstered in old technique and quality fabric designed by Gustav Klimt
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 24.81 in
1910s Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Seating Set
By Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac Professionally reupholstered in old technique and quality fabric designed by Gustav Klimt.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 24.81 in
1910s Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Seating Set
By Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac - Professionally reupholstered in old technique and quality fabric designed by Gustav Klimt - dimensions: 75 (45) 121 63 ; 75 (45) ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 37.5 in W 61.5 in D 33 in
Haus Koller Arm Chair and Matching Settee by Josef Hoffman made by Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in North York, ON
Haus Koller Arm Chair and Matching Settee by Josef Hoffman made by Wittmann Austria. Iconic Vienna Secession pieces, design by Josef Hoffman, made by Wittm...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood