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.
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
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
$7,500Sale Price|25% Off
Josef Hoffmann Kubus Sofa, Ca.1980
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Black leather Kubus sofa model ''8020'' designed by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann. This Kubus sofa is designed in 1910 for the Buenos Aires exhibition to ce...
Leather, Wood
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
Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and masterfully produced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, Austria, in the 1980s. Upholstered in beautiful, supple cognac-brown leat...
Leather, Wood
Customizable Wittmann Club 1910 Leather Lounge Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This 1910 design is testimony to the diversity of Josef Hoffmann’s work. Wittmann has created a matching sofa.
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Leather
J.&J. Kohn – Josef Hoffmann – Sofa – “Fledermaus” – Black Beech & Red Leather
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Rare Josef Hoffmann “Fledermaus” sofa, designed circa 1900–1910 for J.&J. Kohn, Austria. A striking example of Viennese Jugendstil, this early modernist piece features a bent beechwo...
Leather, 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
Customizable Wittmann Allegasse Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Design: Josef Hoffmann This upholstered suite was designed in 1912 for Dr. Hugo Koller’s music room as part of the furnishings at his Vienna apartme...
Fabric, Leather
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Leather
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Customizable Wittmann Villa Gallia Sofa Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This suite was created in 1913 for the Gallia family’s apartment in Wohllebengasse, Vienna.
Fabric
$5,660Sale 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 ...
$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
$5,002 / set
H 30.32 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
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
$8,136 / 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
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
$4,445 / 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
$3,977 / 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
$2,358 / 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
Josef Hoffman Fledermaus Chair by Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
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
Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn, Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Kohn catalog no 423 on the 1st picture chair which is already sold. The chair is still in original condition (pic.2,3) so you have the possibility to choose the color of the wood and fabric or leather. The price incl. shellack polish and traditionally upholstery with "Backhausen" fabric or leather. Delivery time about 4-6 weeks Lit. Giovanni Renzi, Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Milano 2008, S. 226; Julio Vives Chillida, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Catalogo (estratto) dei mobili in legno curvato, ca. 1912, o. O. 2008, S. 2, Nr. 423 F u. C.; Ausst. Kat. Josef Hoffmann und sein Kreis, Galerie Alt Wien...
Beech, Bentwood
$943Sale 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
Brown Leather Sofa Karl Wittmann Atrium, Austria 1970
By Wittmann, De Sede, Karl Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Brown leather bed- sofa Karl Wittmann‚ Atrium’ in original brown leather, Austria, circa 1970 Very well preserved convertible double-seat sofa by K...
Steel
Original Wittmann Kubus Sofa Josef Hoffmann Couch Leder braun
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Wittmann Kubus Sofa als Zweisitzer in braunem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Josef Hoffmann und gilt heute al...
Leather
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Beech wood wooden Skelet carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac - Original upholstery in good original condition with some signs of use
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.65 in D 33.47 in
PAIR OF BROWN SUEDE LEATHER JOSEF HOFFMANN 1905 STAMPED PALAIS STOCLET SOFAs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of original Palais Stoclet sofa's designed by the great Josef Hoffmann in 1905-1911 Please note the delivery...
Leather, Hardwood
Brown Leather Kubus Sofa and Matching Armchair by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann, Alivar
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful vintage chocolate brown leather Kubus sofa 8020 and matching armchair designed by Josef Hoffman and made by Alivar. This set is was lovingly cared for and is in wonderful all original condition. Alivar Museum catalog...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in
Restored Art Deco Sofa, by Josef Hoffmann, J&J Kohn, Beech, Austria, 1910s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included. Designed by Josef Maria Hoffman, renowed Austrian architect and industrial engineer. Stable construction in perfect cond...
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
Sold
H 28.75 in W 53.94 in D 27.96 in
Buenos Aires Set by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Buenos Aires Set by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century Designer Biography : "The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of m...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 63 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Kubus Sofa by Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann c.1980
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Renens, CH
The iconic Kubus sofa has been designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and produced by Wittmann, Austria around 1980. The shape of the cube is the central element of this emblematic s...
Leather, Wood
Fledermaus Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession Fledermaus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1905 for Cabaret Fledermaus executed by J&J Kohn.
Fabric, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Rare Beige Leather Wittmann Kubus Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Miami, FL
A classic example of Josef Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is this Kubus sofa. Originally designed in 1910 and hand...
Leather
Black Leather Kubus Sofa by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful vintage leather Kubus sofa 8020 designed by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann. This sofa is was lovingly cared for in the past 2 decades by one of the ...
Leather, Beech
Josef Hoffmann Black Leather Kubus Sofa for Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dallas, TX
Great geometric sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by Wittmann, Austria, circa 1999. The sofa was designed in 1910 and later Wittmann took it into production. This sofa is...
Leather
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.65 in D 33.47 in
Wittmann Palais Stoclet Vintage Living Room 2 Sofa & 4 Armchairs, Set of 6
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
From Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann comes this great Palais Stoclet sofa Living room set Design year between 1905-1911 through the time of Art Nouveau and Vienna Secession for the...
Chrome