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)
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
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
$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
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
Counter Stool Uçá. All solid wood.
By Valter Costa Lima
Located in BR
Uçá Stool - The singularities of the Uçá animal are represented in the elongated lines and forms of the Uçá stool, which bears the same name as the crustacean, paying homage to the prevalent marine fauna along our Brazilian coast. There may be variations in wood tone and slight alterations in measurements due to the handmade nature of the piece. Please use a dry and soft cloth or a duster to clean your stool. Avoid using abrasive products, solvents, ammonia, chlorine, steel wool, or similar materials. There may be small variations in measurements as this is a handmade piece. Use a soft dry cloth or duster to clear. Do not use abrasive products, solvents, ammonia, chlorine, steel wool or similar materials. We only use solid wood. In some cases, there may be variations in tone due to the natural characteristics of the material. We are pleased to offer assistance...
Fabric, Hardwood
$1,673Sale Price / set|55% Off
H 34.26 in W 23.63 in D 19.69 in
Set of 2 Counter Stools Uçá.Solid wood, available for immediate delivery
By Valter Costa Lima
Located in BR
***This set of two counter stools is in stock and available for immediate delivery*** ***Please be aware that this is a new item, but it may show small manufacturing imperfections***...
Fabric, Hardwood
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
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
20th Century Bamileke Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold and lively early 20th century Bamileke stool hand-carved of one piece of wood with a wonderful pattern depicting figures with outstretched arms and legs, and with the most bea...
Wood
$1,673Sale Price / set|55% Off
H 34.26 in W 23.63 in D 19.69 in
Set of 2 Counter Stools Uçá.Solid wood, available for immediate delivery
By Valter Costa Lima
Located in BR
***This set of two counter stools is in stock and available for immediate delivery*** ***Please be aware that this is a new item, but it may show small manufacturing imperfections***...
Fabric, Hardwood
$1,592Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 39.38 in W 25.6 in D 19.69 in
Counter Stool Aratú. Solid wood, upholstered seat.
By Valter Costa Lima
Located in BR
Inspired by the Aratu crabs, creatures with both robust and slender forms, the Aratu Chair has emerged. It pays homage to the engineers of mangrove ecosystems who witness the dance of the tides, continually rejuvenating the life of our coastlines. Experience the Aratu Chair and enjoy its captivating presence! To clean your stool, simply use a dry and soft cloth or a duster. Avoid using abrasive products, solvents, ammonia, chlorine, steel wool, or similar materials. There may be small variations in measurements as this is a handmade piece. Use a soft dry cloth or duster to clear. Do not use abrasive products, solvents, ammonia, chlorine, steel wool or similar materials. We only use solid wood. In some cases, there may be variations in tone due to the natural characteristics of the material. We are pleased to offer...
Fabric, Hardwood
$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 Michael van Beuren, Domus
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
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
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
Michael Van Beuren Stool Bar for Domus
By Michael van Beuren, Domus
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