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)
Midcentury Wood 'Rib' Bar Stool by Michael van Beuren for Luteca Indoor/Outdoor
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
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
20th Century Solid Wood Counter Stool for Indoor Outdoor
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
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
From $1,450 / item
+ 3 moreH 26.25 in W 17 in D 13.5 in
Tractor Counter Stool in Carved, Solid Wood by Craig Bassam
By BassamFellows
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Since debuting at the Milan furniture fair in 2003, the BassamFellows Tractor stool has become a bona fide modern icon. From the outset, it has proven to be a piece of infinite varie...
Wood
$900 / item
H 38.59 in W 17.72 in D 20.08 in
Simonini Designer Bar Stool, Solid Wood, Customizable Height, Modern
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
A study in proportion, softness, and structural grace. The Wing Collection is born from the pursuit of equilibrium, balancing structure and lightness, geometry and comfort, precisio...
Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood, Leather, Faux Leather
Lloyd Modern Barrel Back Solid Wood Bar or Counter Stool
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Lloyd bar stool Solid wood frame / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass rungs / leather wrapped back support / recessed leather seat cushion Measure...
Brass, Steel
Solid Wood Bar or Counter Stool, Blackened Ash
By Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
A classic design that will beautifully suit any home interior. Crafted from solid American Ash with a grain-popping jet-Black stain. Our stools feature generously sized seats and erg...
Wood, Ash
African stool, Solid Wood, Mid-20th century
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Crafted during the mid-20th century by African artisans using exclusively manual techniques, this stool showcases craftsmanship. The stool's surface has a rich patina, imparting a di...
Wood
$810Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Alu Stool in Polished Aluminium Indoor Outdoor
Located in Paris, FR
Stool Alu with structure in polished aluminium. For indoor or outdoor use. With protection cover included. Also available in Alu side table.
Aluminum
$1,625 / set
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
Bertu Counter Stools, Brinx Wood Counter Stool, Solid
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, Brinx Wood Counter Stool, Solid Why buy BERTU stumps? KILN DRIED Our stumps all go through a drying process in our kiln, sometim...
Wood, Cedar
Alma Brown Counter Ash Solid Wood Stool
Located in Naperville, IL
This modern stained counter stool will help to entertain guests while adding a style functionality that you can’t miss. Made with ash wood, the Alma Counter Stool will last generatio...
Wood
Glazy Bar Stool by Royal Stranger
By Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Glazy bar stool by Royal Stranger Dimensions: W 55cm, H 105cm, D 60cm, seat height 84cm. Materials: Solid wood frame, foam, upholstery, stainless steel. Color: Lago Bordeaux. Ava...
Stainless Steel
Andrianna Shamaris Teak Wood Bar Stool
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Solid reclaimed teak bar stool with recessed area for a foot rest. Shown in 1Hotel South Beach in Miami. The price reflects one. Charred, sanded and sealed revealing the beautiful wo...
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Customizable GLOOH Bar Stool by KFF
By KFF
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for leather. Fabric is less expensive One design concept — many prototypes: be they conventional chairs, catilevers or barstools including the pneumatic spring type, GLOOH, aside from having an extensive range and comfort to offer, conveys an unmistakable design. Small wonder that GLOOH has been distinguished with an international award on a number of occasions. Height adjustable swivel bar...
Leather
Michael Van Beuren Stool Bar 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 marveled at the historical moment that the country was living, as a new middle class emerged, with particular i...
Pine