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.
20th Century, Josef Hoffmann Wooden and Velvet Sofa
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Turin, Turin
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) was an influential Austrian architect and designer, known for his leadership in the Viennese Art Nouveau movement and for being one of the founders of the ...
Fabric, Wood
$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
Jugendstil Settee by Josef Hoffmann in 1902, manufactured by Wittmann in 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a “Cabinett” settee, designed by Josef Hoffmann for the apartment of Dr. Johannes Salzer in Vienna, c. 1902. The settee was later on reintroduced to the...
Silk, Walnut
Fledermaus Seating Group by Josef Hoffmann Ex. by Wittmann Wien
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus seating group by Josef Hoffmann ex. by Wittmann Wien circa 1950. Original vintage condition with signs of use. Sofa: wxdxh 119x50x74 seat height 44cm Armchair: wxdxh 56x50...
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
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
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
$2,978 / 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
$1,425Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.25 in W 16.25 in D 18.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus Bat' Chair Model No.728
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
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 Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
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
$5,719Sale 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 ...
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
$4,527 / set
H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Restored Art Deco Seating Set, by J. Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Czech, 1910s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Secession Armchair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession armchair by Josef Hoffmann professionally stained and repolished. Signed J&J Kohn Teschen Austria.
Bentwood
$3,157 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.08 in D 17.72 in
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
Superb French 1780s era Walnut Upholstered Louis XV Settee Canape
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Enhance your living space with this Superb French 1780s era Walnut Upholstered Louis XV Settee Canape, a stunning antique piece that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Dat...
Walnut
Pianura Seating Group by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding, top rare seating group realized by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1971. Walnut structure, brown leather upholstery. Lade made of black rubber. The complete set is composed...
Leather, Walnut
$10,485 / set
H 37.8 in W 25.99 in D 20.48 in
Set of Four Josef Hoffmann Armloffel Chairs Made by Wittmann, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann and made by Wittmann of Austria - Originally designed in 1908, these examples are from the latter part of the 20th century. - Ebonized ash fram...
Wood, Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 48 in D 19 in
Important Antique Josef Hoffmann Arts & Crafts Settee -stickley era W5278 SALE
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great looking, rare Josef Hoffmann settee from the early 1900s in excellent condition. There are no replaced parts. The seat itself was recovered with prime, hand-rubbed bl...
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
Arch. Josef Hoffmann " Fledermaus " Exclusive Design THONET
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Sofa " Fledermaus " from the Wiener Werkstaette designed by architect. Josef Hoffmann. Thonet's " little jewel " in response to the Kohn Mobile Icon of the Viennese Secession. Fur...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Hoffman Design Fledermaus Four Piece Suite
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Wiener Werkstätte design by Josef Hoffmann (Austrian 1870-1956) and leading architect of the Secessionist Movement in the early 20th Century. The original design ca. 1910 for...
Faux Leather, Glass, Bentwood
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 Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
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
Early 20th C Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Ebonised Settee
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1910s classic settee designed by Josef Hoffmann. We believe this was manufactured by Austrian manufacturer Jacob & Josef Kohn but have no found markings. Slatted sides and blac...
Upholstery, Beech
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Settee Bench
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally designed by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret "Fledermaus" in Viennas city centre. Beech bentwood bench manufactured by Thonet Vienna. Very used condition with not really profes...
Upholstery, Beech
1930s Salon Suite by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn and Mundus
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
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
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Settee
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally designed by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret "Fledermaus" in Viennas city centre. Beech bentwood bench manufactured by: Jacob & Josef Kohn, or Thonet Vienna (model NR. 423 F/ C)...
Upholstery, Beech
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Settee
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Originaly designed by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret "Fledermaus" in Viennas city center. Beech bentwood bench manufactured by: Jacob & Josef Kohn, or Thonet Vienna (model NR. 423 F/ C)....
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Bent Beechwood and Hand Tooled Leather Settee
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning Vienna Secession stained bent beechwood settee upholstered in custom hand tooled period Art Nouveau oxblood leather. The settee with gorgeous lines, typical of Josef Hof...
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
Biach Settee by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This settee which Hoffman designed in 1916 for the Biach Villa, shows influence from his own Fledermaus furniture which was made a decade earlier....
Suede, Wood
A Fledermaus Settee by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Austin, TX
A period Vienna Secession bentwood settee designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1905, and manufactured by Thonet in 1910. The bentwood constructio...
Ash, Upholstery