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.
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
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
Vintage Josef Hoffmann Cabaret Fledermaus Chairs in Zebra, Set of Four
By Alivar, Josef Hoffmann
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Vintage Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Chairs. Designed in 1906 by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte and featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728, Hoffmann chose t...
Zebra Hide, Beech
Josef Hoffman For FMG Poland Ebonized and Caned Side Chair
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-20th Century Josef Hoffmann For FMG Poland ebonized bentwood and Cane chair. Newer caning. Priced per item.
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
Original Josef Hoffmann & Kohn Jacob Chair from 1914
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare undocumented chair by Josef Hoffmann and J&J Kohn. An identical chair with leather upholstery is available as well.
Bentwood
Pair of Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Chairs 1904 Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann designed in the early stages of the Wiener Werkstätte apartments for the Wittgenstein Family in Vienna and Berlin. The significant pattern from this period were the st...
Fabric, Wood
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Hoffmann
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
Pair of Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Model 511, for Thonet, Circa 1904, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Pair of Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Model 511, for Thonet, Circa 1904, Austria. The frame is made of stained solid beech with a cane seat and the backrest with three turne...
Beech
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
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
$3,850 / set
H 37.8 in W 18.12 in D 18.9 in
Set of Four Vintage Prague 811 Chair By Josef Hoffmann 1950s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Prague 811 Chairs for Stol Kamnik 1950s
Cane, Bentwood
$1,398Sale 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
$2,919 / 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 Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
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
$1,645Sale Price|30% Off
H 30.5 in W 23 in D 24.5 in
Ward Bennett For Brickel Associates Ebonized Ash & Cane "Landmark" Lounge Chair
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Dayton, OH
This vintage lounge chair is a variation of Bennett's famous Landmark design, originally designed in 1964 to emulate classic English forms. Structured with a fluid bentwood ash frame...
Cane, Ash
Josef Hoffmann Chair for Wittman Wiener Werkstatte Art Deco
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Atlanta, GA
Josef Hoffmann chair for Wittman Wiener Werkstatte. This chair was created circa 1990s after a 1920s design.
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
$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
$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 Stendig Co., Josef Hoffmann
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
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
Secession Fledermaus armchairs by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession Fledermaus armchairs by Josef Hoffmann. Professionally stained and repolished with new fabric.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
$4,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.75 in W 20 in D 20 in
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
$4,148Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 20.08 in D 17.33 in
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
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 20.5 in D 17.75 in
Pair of Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Side / Dinning Chairs by Wittmann of Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Oakland, CA
1950s vintage Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) Fledermaus side / dining chairs by Wittman of Austria. Original finish to the frames with a wonderful patin...
Fabric, Hardwood, Lacquer
Josef Hoffmann Model 423/F Chair For J & J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in London, GB
An original early 20th century model 423/F armchair by Austrian Secessionist architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, produced by J & J Kohn. Reupholstered in a high quality golden Ma...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four Josef Frank/Hoffman Bentwood Prague 811 Chairs
By Thornet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid-Century Modern set of four bentwood beech armchairs designed by Austrian architects Josef Frank and Josef Hoffman for Thonet. Each chair stamped made in Poland. The chairs feature cane inset seat and backs. Known as Prague chairs model 811...
Cane, Bentwood
Midcentury Bentwood & Cane Cafe Chair by Joseph Hoffman for Stendig
By Stendig Co., Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage midcentury Bentwood Prague Model 811 cafe dining chair was originally designed by Austrian architects Josef Hoffman & Josef Frank for Thon...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 32 in W 17.5 in D 16 in
Classic Bauhaus Side Chairs 6010 Designed by Josef Hoffmann/ Oswald Haerdtl
By Josef Hoffmann, Oswald Haerdtl, Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Bauhaus side chairs 6010 designed by Josef Hoffmann/ Oswald Haerdtl. Originally designed in 1929. The plywood seat and backrest are framed by a steamed bent beech frame with ...
Bentwood, Plywood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Fritz Hansen Thonet 811 Chair by Josef Hoffmann in Bentwood and Cane, 1930s
By Fritz Hansen, Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of amazing Thonet chairs model 811 designed by Josef Hofmann in the late 1920s. This pair was probably made at Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen in the 1930s. They are made from the most beautiful beechwood and hand woven seats and back in cane. The condition of the set is great and the patina is perfect. Industrially-produced steam-bent wood furniture...
Cane
Early Barrel Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bentwood armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by J & J Kohn. Made in Austria circa 1908.
Cane, Beech
Rare Thonet a 811 Chair by Josef Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
This extremely rare model was jointly designed by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the 1930 Werkbund Exhibition in Vienna. Manufactured by Thonet Mundus, 1930s. Bentwood (beech)...
Beech
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.12 in D 20.67 in
Very Rare Thonet a 811 Armchair by Josef Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Hoffmann
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
This extremely rare model was jointly designed by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the 1930 Werkbund Exhibition in Vienna. Manufactured by Thonet Mundus, 1930s. Bentwood (beech)...
Beech
Josef Hoffmann ‘Fledermaus’ Dining Chairs in Floral Upholstery
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Hoffmann, ‘Fledermaus’ dining chairs, beech, fabric, Austria, design 1907 This pair of dining chairs is specially designed by Josef Hof...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Hoffmann Attri. Secessionist Bentwood Accent Chair
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Josef Hoffmann Attri. secessionist bentwood accent chair.
Bentwood
Sold
H 31.89 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Art Deco Thonet "Prague" Chair by Josef Hoffmann in Bentwood and Cane, 1920s
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Thonet armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann in the 1920s and produced by Thonet. Beautiful patina with original cane webbing. Model "A8...
Bentwood