The Bauhaus was a progressive German art and design school founded by the architect Walter Gropius that operated from 1919 to 1933. Authentic Bauhaus furniture — sofas, dining chairs, tables and more — and the school’s followers married industrial and natural materials in simple, geometric forms. The goal of the Bauhaus was to erase the distinction between art and craft while embracing the use of new technologies and materials.
ORIGINS OF BAUHAUS FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF BAUHAUS FURNITURE DESIGN
BAUHAUS FURNITURE DESIGNERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
AUTHENTIC BAUHAUS FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The name Bauhaus is derived from the German verb bauen, “to build.” Under the school’s innovative curriculum, students were taught the fine arts, such as painting and sculpture, as well as practical skills like carpentry and metalworking.
The school moved from Weimar in 1925 to the city of Dessau, where it enjoyed its heyday under Gropius, then Hannes Meyer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The period from 1932 to 1933 when it operated in Berlin under Mies was its final chapter. Despite its brief existence, the Bauhaus has had an enduring impact on art and design in the United States and elsewhere, and is regarded by many as the 20th century’s chief crucible of modernism.
The faculty roster at the Bauhaus reads like a who’s who of modernist creative genius — it included such artists as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and László Moholy-Nagy along with architects and designers like Mies and Marcel Breuer, who became known for his muscular brutalist-style concrete buildings in the postwar years. In 1925, while he was head of the Bauhaus carpentry workshop, Breuer gave form to his signature innovation: the use of lightweight tubular-steel frames for chairs, side tables and sofas — a technique soon adopted by Mies and others. Breuer’s Cesca chair was the first-ever tubular steel frame chair with a caned seat to be mass produced, while the inspiration for his legendary Wassily chair, a timeless design and part of the collection crafted to furnish the Dessau school, was the bike he rode around campus.
Bauhaus design style reflects the tenets by which these creators worked: simplicity, clarity and function. They disdained superfluous ornament in favor of precise construction. Seating pieces such as side chairs, armchairs or club chairs for example, were made with tubular metal or molded plywood frames, and upholstery was made from leather or cane. Above all, designs in the Bauhaus style offer aesthetic flexibility. They can be the elements of a wholly spare, minimalist space, the quiet foundation of an environment in which color and pattern come from one’s own collection of art and artifacts.
Today, from textiles to typefaces, architecture, furniture and decorative objects for the home, Bauhaus creations continue to have an outsize influence on modern design.
Find a collection of authentic Bauhaus furniture on 1stDibs.
Bauhaus Pink Glass and Chrome Hexagonal Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Italy, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique Bauhaus table lamp in pink-colored glass and chrome-plated metal. This incredibly stylish light was produced in Italy during the 1930s. Completely original, wit...
Crystal, Metal, Nickel
Series03 Large Flush Mount, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass, hand-stitched accordian folded goatskin parchment shade with diffuser. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment...
Brass
Series02 Sm Flush Mount, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade with diffuser. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment, hand-selected for each lamp for its natural texture, pattern and color. Reminiscent of the lunar surface, its superior quality of light is unlike paper of any kind. Variations in pattern and texture are the be expected as each skin is unique. Shade construction is unlined, utilizing a single layer of parchment for optimal light transmission and may have a slight bow or curvature of the surface. This is a natural characteristic of the grain of the animal hide as well as the hand stretching and tanning process. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use. Every product is individually hand assembled; slight variations in color, size and shape are to be expected. Recommended bulb “LED 75/100 Watt Equivalent 2700k Dimmable” included. LED bulb only. Hardwired fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician. Mounts only to standard junction boxes with either 2-3/4” or 3-1/2” mounting screw distance. Not suitable for damp locations. For color and finish combinations not shown, please inquire. UL certification is available for an additional fee. 7-3/4”H +/-, Shade 6” dia. x 6”H Polished unlacquered brass components can be rebrightened over time if desired using Brasso and a soft cloth (careful not to touch the leather); to regain leather...
Brass
Series02 Large Flush Mount, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade with diffuser. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment, hand-selected for each lamp for its natural texture, pattern and color. Reminiscent of the lunar surface, its superior quality of light is unlike paper of any kind. Variations in pattern and texture are the be expected as each skin is unique. Shade construction is unlined, utilizing a single layer of parchment for optimal light transmission and may have a slight bow or curvature of the surface. This is a natural characteristic of the grain of the animal hide as well as the hand stretching and tanning process. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use. Every product is individually hand assembled; slight variations in color, size and shape are to be expected. Recommended bulb “LED 75/100 Watt Equivalent 2700k Dimmable” included. LED bulb only. Hardwired fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician. Mounts only to standard junction boxes with either 2-3/4” or 3-1/2” mounting screw distance. Not suitable for damp locations. For color and finish combinations not shown, please inquire. UL certification is available for an additional fee. 7-3/4”H +/-, Shade 12” dia. x 6”H Polished unlacquered brass components can be rebrightened over time if desired using Brasso and a soft cloth (careful not to touch the leather); to regain...
Brass
Set of Two Unique Silver-Plated Brass Flush Mounts or Sconces Germany 1970s
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Carl J. Jucker
Located in Munich, DE
Exceptional, elegant and minimalistic Bauhaus ceiling lamps or sconces. These unique pieces are probably prototypes which never went in serial production. Designed and manufactured ...
Brass, Silver Plate
Art Deco Peter Behrens Light Fixture Chandelier, Opal Glass Nickel, Germany 1910
By Peter Behrens, Siemens
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A German glass and nickel light fixture with nice patina designed by Peter Behrens, manufactured circa 1910. The lamp shade is made of two glasses: an opaline white glass at the top ...
Metal, Copper
Series02 Sm Flush Mount, Polished Nickel Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade with diffuser. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment, hand-selected for each lamp for its natural texture, pa...
Brass
Bakelite Bauhaus ceiling light or Flush Mount, wall lamp - 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition, see the photos - around 1940s - new electricity - Us compatible - two bulbs any wattage jr
Metal
Pair of Chrome Bauhaus Ceiling or wall Lamps/Flushmounts, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1930s - New electricity - US compatible - one bulb any wattage - patina,see detailked photos jr
Metal
Chrome and glass Bauhaus Ceiling Lamp / Flushmount, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1930s - New electricity - US compatible - one bulb any wattage jr
Metal
Series02 Large Flush Mount, Polished Nickel Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade with diffuser. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment, hand-selected for each lamp for its natural texture, pa...
Brass
Pair of bakelite Bauhaus ceiling light or Flush Mounts, 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - around 1940s - new electricity - Us compatible - one bulb any wattage jr
Metal
$838Sale Price|20% Off
Big Bauhaus Chrome Ceiling Light, 1940s / Zukov /8 pieces available
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1940s - Czechoslovakia - Good original condition - New electricity - Marked by maker: Zukov. jr
Chrome
Set of three big Chrome Bauhaus Ceiling or wall Lamps/Flushmounts, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1930s - New electricity - US compatible - one bulb any wattage jr
Metal
Pair of bakelite Bauhaus ceiling light or Flush Mounts, 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - around 1940s - new electricity - Us compatible - one bulb any wattage jr
Metal
Bauhaus Flush Mounts or Wall Lamps, 1940, Restored
Located in Praha, CZ
Bauhaus lights can be used as flush mounts or wall lamps. Bakelite and metal base, opaline glass shade. Up to 13 items available. Price per item. Restored, rewired: 1x40W, E25-E27 bu...
Metal
Pair of Midcentury Wall or Ceiling Lamps, Flush Mount, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting - art deco, functionalism and bauhaus style
Milk Glass, Bakelite
Big Rare Bauhaus Ceiling or Wall Lamp, 1940's, Germany
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare chrome bauhaus ceiling/wall lamp, made in the 1940's in Germany. Made of chrome and glass. Repolished, cleaned, shows signs of use and age (such as patina on the chrome). Fully ...
Metal, Chrome
Big Chrome Bauhaus Ceiling or Wall Lamp/Flushmount, 1940s - 3 pieces available
By Napako
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, - 1940s - Maker: Napako (engraved) - Maker of opaline glasses: Valasske Mezirici - New electricity. - US compatible - two bulbs any wattage jr
Metal
Small Bakelite Bauhaus ceiling light or Flush Mount, wall lamp - 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - glass with damage, see the photos,not visible when installed - around 1940s - new electricity - Us compatible - one bulb any wattage jr
Metal
Big Bauhaus Chrome Flushmount or Wall Light, 1940s
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare huge Bauhaus flush mount, Type 5888, made in Czechoslovakia by ZUKOV in 1940s, labeled Max 250V, 2x100W, E27 or E26 bulbs Perfect condition, restored, new paint, rewired US wiri...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Ceiling Lamp, Flush Mounts, 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
Ceiling lamp "Flush Mounts", 1940's, Czechoslovakia. Made of bakelite, glass and plastic. Repolished, cleaned, no major signs of use. Fully functional. Not sold as a "set" only ONE i...
Metal
$2,531 / set
Set of five Bauhaus Flush Mounts, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
A rare set of five Bauhaus recessed brackets made in the 1930s. Original condition, with signs of use Converted: 1x40W, bulbs E25.E27 US compatible cable
Metal
Unique Big Chrome Buahaus Flushmount / Pendant, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1930s - polished - intact glasses jr.
Chrome
Bauhaus Era Vintage Brass Copper Glass Dome Flush Mount Sconce 1930s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Bauhaus Era vintage flush mount or sconce from brass, copper and milky glass dome circular like designed and manufactured 1930s Austria. A beautiful lighting, flush mount or sconce f...
Brass, Copper
Bauhaus Era White Vintage Glass Metal Flush Mount, Germany, 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
Bauhaus era white glass metal vintage flush mount, which was designed and produced in the 1930s in Germany. The flush mount comprises an opaline glass shade fixed on an original whit...
Metal
Bauhaus Vintage Ivory Metal Glass Flush Mount, Germany, 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
Bauhaus vintage ivory glass metal flush mount 1930s Germany. A wonderful flush mount from ivory metal and glass in beautiful shape The flush mount shows an opaline glass shade fixed ...
Metal
$3,770Sale Price|22% Off
German Early Modern Pendant Attributed to Peter Behrens
Located in New York, NY
Pendant / fixture in milk glass attributed to Peter Behrens for AEG. Behrens was the visionary creative director for German Industrial giant AEG and the force behind the Deutsche Wer...
Bronze
Big Bauhaus Chrome Flushmount or Wall Light, 1940s, Two Items Available
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare huge Bauhaus flush mount, Type 5888 r., made in Czechoslovakia by ZUKOV in 1940s, labeled Max 250V, 2x100W, E27 or E26 bulbs Perfect condition, restored, new paint, rewired T...
Steel, Chrome
Unique Set of Six Big Bauhaus Chrome Ceiling Lamps / Flush Mounts, 1940s
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1940s - Bauhaus, functionalism - Czechoslovakia - Good original condition - New electricity - Marked by maker: Zukov.
Chrome