Michael van Beuren was born in New York and studied architecture at the Bauhaus under Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Josef Albers until its closure in 1933. He moved to Acapulco at the end of 1936, where he oversaw the design of the interiors of the bungalows at the renowned Flamingo Hotel in 1937, and quickly became a formative member of the Mexican Modernism movement.
By 1938, van Beuren began focusing on furniture design, working with a fellow Bauhaus colleague, Klaus Grabe, to create modern and affordable pieces. Inspired by the local culture and craftsmanship, the duo applied Bauhaus design principles to popular Mexican mainstays, such as woven reclining chaises and wooden dining chairs.
The approach was a success — Grabe, Morley Webb and van Beuren were named among the winners of a 1941 competition organized by the Museum of Modern Art that focused on designer teams from the United States and Latin America called “Organic Design in Home Furnishings.” This award catapulted them to wide renown.
In the following years, van Beuren founded his furniture label Domus, which became synonymous with well-crafted, modernist design that garnered fans both in Mexico and America. Along with his own designs, Domus also produced work by Clara Porset, a friend and contemporary of van Beuren’s. However, by 1951, the company’s move toward more mass manufacturing meant that van Beuren’s earlier designs were no longer being produced.
Find vintage Michael van Beuren furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by 7710 Gallery)
$1,500 / set
Set of Two Chairs by Michael Van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this set of two early chairs by Michael Van Beuren made in mahogany and plywood, includes brand label. About Michael Van Beuren: Michael Van Beuren (1911–2...
Mahogany
Modernist Mexican San Miguel Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren from Luteca
By Luteca Furniture, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Miguel lounge chair is a timeless mid-century Mexican piece inspired by the classic Latin American Butaque chair famed by the likes of 20th Century Mexican architect Luis Barragan and Industrial Designer Clara Porset. Michael van Beuren, an American born designer trained at Germany's famous Bauhuas school, produced this award winning piece in 1941 for the MoMA's Organic Design Exhibition in New York along with it's sister-design, the Alacran Chaise...
Teak
Solid Wood Outdoor Modernist Armchair, Designed in the 20th Century
By Luteca Furniture, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Miguelito armchair is an iconic design by the Bauhaus trained American designer Michael van Beuren, realized during his lifetime in Mexico. It is meticulously handcrafted in Irok...
Teak
Michael van Beuren Bauhaus Teak and Raffia Lounge Chair, circa 1940
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Mexican Modern Michael van Beuren teak and woven raffia lounge chair. Featuring a sturdy, functional, comfortable two piece Teak framework, two pegs to hold the seat in place, ergono...
Raffia, Teak
$5,500 / item
Michael van Beuren San Miguelito Lounge Chair
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, a rare set of four original San Miguelito Lounge Chairs. These iconic pieces may be acquired as a complete set, in pairs, or individually, though ideally they...
Leather
Midcentury, Line Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren, Walnut & Velvet, by LUTECA
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Line lounge chair was designed in circa 1945 by Michael van Beuren, an American who trained at Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school and then immigrated to Mexico to become one of the most successful and sought after furniture designers of the 20th century. The Line chair has a distinctly Latin American flavor with its curved legs whilst honoring the international style...
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Michael van Beuren for Domus
By Michael van Beuren
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fully restored pair of lounge chairs by Bauhaus-trained architect Michael Van Beuren. The canted design provides a naturally relaxed seating position. Pine frames sit on low tapere...
Upholstery, Pine
Michael Van Beuren Lounge Chair Bench
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer, Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This example, c.1950s Mex...
Rattan, Pine
$18,000 / set
Michael Van Beuren Three Seater Woven Sofa
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer, Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This example, c.1950s Mex...
Rattan, Pine
Michael Van Beuren Bauhaus Teak and Raffia Loveseat, Circa 1940
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Mexican Modern Michael van Beuren teak and woven raffia lounge settee. Featuring a sturdy, functional, comfortable two piece Teak framework, two pegs holding the seat in place, Raffi...
Rattan, Teak
Midcentury Wood 'Rib' Bar Stool by Michael van Beuren for Luteca Indoor/Outdoor
By Luteca Furniture, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Michael van Beuren, an American designer who attended Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school was the most famous 20th century furniture designer in Mexico. His goal was to bring modern furniture, expertly crafted to the Mexican market...
Leather, Teak
$975Sale Price / set|40% Off
Mid-century Slat Wood Easy Rocking Chair by Michael Van Beuren for Domus, Pair
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of Michael van Beuren-designed "Easy" rocking chairs features a sinuous crescent-shaped form supported by an angular frame. Each chair features a wood seat attached to the frame...
Brass
$12,000 / set
Set of Six Chairs by Michael Van Beuren for Domus
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Set of Six Chairs by Michael Van Beuren for Domus in pine wood and with the characteristic Terracota Van Beuren col...
Pine
20th Century Solid Wood Counter Stool for Indoor Outdoor
By Luteca Furniture, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Michael van Beuren was an American designer who attended Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school and went on to become the most prolific furniture designer in Mexico during the 20th cen...
Teak
$1,945Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs by Van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mérida, Yucatan
Set of 2 pieces of armchairs created in the mid-century period in Mexico, made of restored mahogany wood and renewed vegan leather upholstery following the same design as the origina...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$4,000 / set
H 33.08 in W 22.84 in D 24.81 in
Mexican Miguelito Living Room Set in the style of Michael Van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970, We offer this Mexican Miguelito Living Room Set in the style of Michael Van Beuren. Made in pine wood and recently professionally restored.
Pine
Van Os Culemborg Lounge Chair
By Van Oss Culemborg
Located in Waalwijk, NL
G. Van Os for Van Os Culemborg, lounge chair, beech, fabric, The Netherlands, 1950s This elegant easy chair, designed by G. Van Os in the Netherlands, is...
Fabric, Beech
$7,056
H 37.8 in W 26.38 in D 27.56 in
Bas van Pelt Lounge Chair in Solid Wood and Rope The Netherlands 1940s
Located in Meer, VAN
Bas van Pelt Lounge Chair in Solid Wood and Rope The Netherlands, Early 1940s. A beautiful and rare lounge chair by Bas van Pelt for 'My Home'. A great design in solid wood with a w...
Rope, Wood, Leather
$2,280
H 35.44 in W 18.31 in D 18.9 in
Scandinavian Modern, Stump Chair / “Kubstol” in Pine, Mid 20th Century, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a mid 20th-century Swedish Stump Chair, "Kubstol", crafted in pine with a sculptural silhouette and clean lines. The chair’s understated character is enhanced by th...
Pine
$1,295
H 35 in W 25 in D 26 in
Italian Fan-Backed Arm Chair of Rattan and Bamboo from the Mid-20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine, vintage Italian armchair of woven rattan and bamboo from the Mid-20th century - featuring a fan design to the back and a very comfortable seat.
Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Blue Knoll Tulip Chairs by Saarinen, Set of Two
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Knoll Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen, a stunning set of two that exemplifies mid-century modern elegance. These iconic chairs feature a sleek, pedestal base crafted fro...
Aluminum
IKEA FROSTA Chair Set Of Two
By IKEA
Located in Čelinac, BA
IKEA FROSTA Chair Set of Two Sweden 1980s
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Frame Lounge Chair by Viko Baumritter
By Viko Baumritter
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant and in excellent vintage condition. Naugahyde remains in top condition and is quite comfy and stylish. Walnut frame is also in like new condition.
Naugahyde, Walnut
$975Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 28 in W 25 in D 31 in
Mid-century Slat Wood Easy Rocking Chair by Michael Van Beuren for Domus, Pair
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of Michael van Beuren-designed "Easy" rocking chairs features a sinuous crescent-shaped form supported by an angular frame. Each chair features a wood seat attached to the frame...
Brass
Set of Two 'Pamplona' Chairs by Augusto Savini, 1960s
By Pozzi, Augusto Savini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Augusto Savini for Pozzi, 'Pamplona' dining chairs, black lacquered ash wood, caramel leather upholstery, Italy, 1960s, set of 2. Armchairs in black wood and new leather upholstery....
Leather, Bentwood
$7,500 / set
H 42 in W 25 in D 21 in
Beautiful Pair of Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Carved Wood Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Beautiful Pair of Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Carved Wood Arm Chairs High backs with high wavy arms, fine floral and foliate carved motifs on the back, arms and bottom. Detail...
Fabric, Wood
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.58 in W 30 in D 28 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wayne, NJ
Lovely chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. It features stunning sculpted arms new Removable / Washable Cushion cover. The webbing is in good condition. The Selig emblem is pr...
Walnut
Michael van Beuren Daybed
By Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Michael van Beuren Daybed with two positions in the seat and professionally restored, the last photo is from the catalog of "Muebles van Beuren" In 1937 Michael van Beuren arrived fo...
Wood
Michael Van Beuren Lounge Chair for Domus
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This lounge chair features...
Cord, Mahogany
Michael Van Beuren Mexican Modernist Pine Lounge, 1940s
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Coronado, CA
An absolutely stunning and super uncommon lounge chair by Michael Van Beuren for Muebles, Mexico, circa 1940s. Solid wood construction with woven palm. The chair has been lightly ref...
Linen, Silk, Natural Fiber, Pine, Feathers
Michael van Beuren Original Pair of Chairs for Domus
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
In 1937 Michael van Beuren arrived for the first time in Mexico and he marvelled at the historical moment that the country was living, as a new middle class emerged, with particular ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Michael van Beuren Original Pair of Chairs for Domus
By Klaus Grabe, Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
In 1937 Michael van Beuren arrived for the first time in Mexico and he marvelled at the historical moment that the country was living, as a new middle class emerged, with particular ...
Pine
Michael van Beuren High Back Lounge Chair for Domus
By Michael van Beuren, Domus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This lounge chair features...
Cord, Mahogany
Michael Van Beuren Lounge Chair for Domus
By Domus, Michael van Beuren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bauhaus trained, Mexico City based designer Michael Van Beuren created highly functional modern pieces inspired by Mexican vernacular styles and materials. This lounge chair features...
Cord, Mahogany
Sold
H 34 in W 22 in D 32 in
Pair of Mexican Modernist Lounge Chairs by Michael van Beuren, circa 1940s
By Michael van Beuren
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pair of Mexican modernist lounge chairs by Michael van Beuren, circa 1940s. Cotton canvas in great condition, normal wear on wood as seen in images. Dimensions: 22"x32"x34"x12"seat ...
Canvas, Wood
Sold
H 29.25 in W 25.25 in D 31.5 in
Michael van Beuren Mexican Modernist Pine and Woven Palm Lounge Chair, 1940s
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Coronado, CA
An uncommon and stunning lounge chair designed by American Bauhaus designer Michael van Beuren in Mexico in the 1940s. Warm pine frame with original handwoven palm fiber seat and bac...
Cane, Pine
Mexican Modern Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren for Muebles
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Coronado, CA
This absolutely stunning and super uncommon lounge chair was designed by Bauhaus trained designer Michael van Beuren for Muebles, Mexico in the 1940s. The chair is constructed of solid pine, with the seat and back beautifully wrapped in woven palm...
Natural Fiber, Pine
Sold
H 33.5 in W 23.25 in D 18.5 in
Set of 4 Midcentury Mexican Woven Arm Chairs by Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Charleston, SC
Stunning set of 4 rare midcentury Mexican pine and woven palm dining or side chairs by Michael van Beuren circa 1950s. Gorgeous vintage condition. One chair...
Pine
Set of 8 Michael Van Beuren 'Edimburgo' Armchairs
By Michael van Beuren
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
This set of 8 armchairs by Michael Van Beuren circa 1960s is the key piece to improve the design of any space in your home. The armchair has a wooden structure and a comfortable seat...
Fabric, Wood