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.
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 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
Antique Vintage Flush Mounted Opaline Milk Cut Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp
Located in Sale, GB
- An original and rare flush mounted ceiling pendant, Germany circa 1920. - The pendant consists of a fluted opaline glass body and separate cut glass dish, held together by a decora...
Cut Glass, Opaline Glass
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 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
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
Art Deco Peter Behrens Light Fixture Chandelier, Opal Glass Nickel, Germany 1910
By Siemens, Peter Behrens
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
Set of Two Unique Silver-Plated Brass Flush Mounts or Sconces Germany 1970s
By Carl J. Jucker, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
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
$662Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$302Sale Price|20% Off
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
$568Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$757Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$303Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$758Sale Price|20% Off
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
$315Sale Price / item|20% Off
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 8 items available. Price per item. Restored, rewired: 1x40W, E25-E27 bul...
Metal
$1,895Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$2,038Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$844Sale 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
$226Sale Price|20% Off
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
$512Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Rare Brass and Milk Glass Flush Mount Franta Anyz, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- extremely rare type - mark of glass - very nice style of lighting - art deco, bauhaus, functionalism
Brass
Set of Two Rare Chrome Bauhaus Flush Mount, Ceiling or Wall Lamps, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - rare in pair - bauhaus, art deco, functionalism
Chrome
$815Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,654Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Big Chrome Buahaus Flushmount / Pendant, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1930s - polished - intact glasses jr.
Chrome
$4,740Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
German Early Modern Bronze & Milk Glass Pendant Attr. to Peter Behrens, 1905
Located in New York, NY
An Important Pendant / fixture in milk glass with a bronze link chain attributed to Peter Behrens for AEG. Behrens was the visionary creative director for German Industrial giant AEG...
Bronze
$910Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
$1,052 / item
H 8.2 in Dm 13.2 in
‘Rituals 2’ Blown Opaline Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp in White for Foscarini
By Foscarini, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Glendale, CA
‘Rituals 2’ blown opaline glass flush mount ceiling lamp in white for Foscarini Designed by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba and pro...
Metal
British Opaline Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
British opaline glass flush mount. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. White opaline glass Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm / 3.94 inches Weight: 0.90 kg / ...
Brass
Faceted Glass and Nickel Flush Mount
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Round nickel flush mount fixture with faceted glass conforming shade.
Nickel
1920s Belgian White Opaline Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
1920s White opaline Art Deco Flush Mount Nickel plated brass glass holder with white porcelain bulb holder Diameter glass holder 155 mm / 6.1 inches Weight: 0.95 kg / 2.1 lb Price...
Nickel
Trio Shade Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian midcentury flush mount with 3 smoky Murano glass shades mounted on solid brass frame in satin brass finish / Made in Italy 3 lights / E12 or E14 type / max 40W each Measures:...
Brass
UNO SHADE Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with Murano glass shade and brass frame / Made in Italy Designed by Fabio Ltd, inspired by Angelo Lelli and Arredoluce styles 1 light / E12 or E14 type / max 40W ...
Brass
Florian Schulz Large Flush Mount Light Sela in polished Nickel, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Florian Schulz Large Flush Mount Light Sela in polished Nickel, 1970s Magnificent, large version of flush-mount light or wall sconce made of plated and polished shiny nickel by Flor...
Brass, Nickel
UNO SHADE Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with Murano glass shade and brass frame / Made in Italy Designed by Fabio Ltd, inspired by Angelo Lelli and Arredoluce styles 1 light / E12 or E14 type / max 40W ...
Brass
Trio Shade Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian midcentury flush mount with 3 glossy white Murano glass shades mounted on solid brass frame in lacquered polished brass finish / Made in Italy 3 lights / E12 or E14 type / ma...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Flush Mount, Parchment Paper, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white parchment paper and fabric flush mount designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.9"H x 19.8"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Standard) Bulb...
Parchment Paper
Trio Shade Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian midcentury flush mount with 3 smoky Murano glass shades mounted on solid brass frame in satin nickel finish / Made in Italy 3 lights / E12 or E14 type / max 40W each Measures...
Brass
UNO SHADE Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with Murano glass shade and brass frame / Made in Italy Designed by Fabio Ltd, inspired by Angelo Lelli and Arredoluce styles 1 light / E12 or E14 type / max 40W ...
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 - three pieces available jr
Metal
Bakelite Bauhaus ceiling light or Flush Mount, wall lamp - 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - 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
Sold
H 21 in Dm 17.7 in
Pure Art Deco and Perfect Size, Multi Layered Alabaster Ceiling Light / Pendant
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptional & rare Art Deco alabaster pendant Light, a true classic. ** Note: Our pricing reflects the free shipping, rarity, craftsmanship, and pristine condition of this piece. A...
Alabaster, Metal, Brass, Bronze
Industrial Milk Glass Ceiling Lights, circa 1940
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice pair of industrial milk glass ceiling lights from the 1930-1940s. Geometric steel base, enameled in white, holds the large blown milk glass diffusers. Nice original condition wi...
Steel
Chrome and glass Bauhaus Ceiling Lamp / Flushmount, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1930s - New electricity - US compatible - one bulb any wattage jr
Metal
Big XXL Brass and glass Bauhaus Ceiling or Wall Lamp / Flushmount, 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia - 1940s - New electricity. - US compatible, four bulbs - down part is possible to open and change bulbs jr
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 20 in Dm 19.9 in
Large Ø 19.9" Stunning & Timless Design Alabaster Pendant Light or Flush Mount
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful, stylish and rare, three light, pure white alabaster pendant light / fixture. This rare design and large size light fixture comes with a stunning and great condition, poli...
Alabaster, Metal, Wire
Gispen ceiling lamp Dutch design opaline glass, 1930’s
By Gispen
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 12cm H, 30cm diameter Conditon: Good Material: Glass, metal Period: 1930’s Origin: the Netherlands
Glass
Bauhaus ceiling lamp opaline glass , 1950’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bauhaus ceiling lamp opaline glass , 1950’s
Glass, Plastic
Set of Three Bauhaus Flush Mounts, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare set of three Bauhaus flush mounts made in 1930s. Original condition, one glass has a dent on edge not visible when mounted Rewired: 2x40W, E25.E27 bulbs US wiring compatible
Metal
Sold
H 5.52 in Dm 10.63 in
Bauhaus Flush Mounts or Wall Lamps, 1940, Perfect Condition, Up to 14 Items
Located in Praha, CZ
Bauhaus lights can be used as flush mounts or wall lamps. Bakelite and metal base, opaline glass shade. 14 items available. Price per item. Restored, rewired: 1x40W, E25-E27 bulb...
Metal