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
Bauhaus Wall Lamp with Adjustable Shade, Chrome Finish, 1930s Design
Located in Praha, CZ
A superb example of 20th-century industrial design, this Bauhaus wall lamp features a streamlined tubular silhouette in polished chrome. The centerpiece of the design is its adjustab...
Chrome
Series01 Large Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Sable Brown Leather Pivoting Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the bett...
Brass
Series01 Small Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Ash Leather Shade, Pivoting
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for th...
Brass
Series01 Upright Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Lead Gray Leather Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with t...
Brass
Series02 Large Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Stitched Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined dark patinated brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use. ...
Brass
German Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Germany, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and opaline glass wall lights designed and produced in Germany, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16” H x 4” W x 9.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 3.8...
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
Set of Two Rare Art Deco Bauhaus Bedside Sconces or Wall Lamps Germany 1950s
Located in Munich, DE
Set of two rare, elegant and minimalistic Bauhaus or Art Deco wall lights / sconces. Designed and manufactured in Germany, 1950s. Executed in brass and metal, each lamp needs 1 x st...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Chrome milk glass Bauhaus / Functionalist Wall Lamps - 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930S, Czechoslovakia - polished, new electricity - patina(see the details) - US wiring compatible - one bulb any wattage - can be used both vertically and horizontally on wall jr
Chrome
Vintage Industrial Adjustable Articulated Telescopic Task Lamp
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Vintage black industrial adjustable articulated telescopic task lamp made in Germany in the 1920s-1930s. Can be used as wall or table lamp. Wall arm measures max. 44.5" in. (113 c...
Metal, Steel
Series01 Small Sconce, Matte Blackened Brass, Ash Leather Shade, Pivoting shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in matte blackened finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. "Matte Blackened Brass" is a heavily textured, roughened finish with tool markings...
Brass
Series01 Upright Sconce, Smoke Acid Patinated Brass, Blush pink Leather Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in "Smoke" acid patinated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the bette...
Brass
Bauhaus procelain wall lamp with original opal glass shade germany around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Bauhaus procelain wall lamp with original opal glass shade germany around 1920s Original condition
Opal
Pair of Wilhelm Wagenfeld Wall Lights No. 356, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful pair of wall lights designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Lindner, in ivory porcelain with opaque glass bulb covers, Werksverzeichnis Nr. 356, Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Lindner Gmb...
Porcelain, Opaline Glass
Pair of Chrome Bauhaus / Functionalist Wall Lamps with adjustable shades- 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930S, Czechoslovakia - polished, new electricity - patina(see the details) - US wiring compatible - one bulb any wattage - can be used both vertically and horizontally on wall jr
Chrome
Series01 Small Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Sable Brown Leather Shade, Pivoting
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the bett...
Brass
Series01 Large Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Ash Leather Pivoting Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will cha...
Brass
German Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Germany, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and alabaster-imprinted opaline glass wall lights designed and produced in Germany, c. 1920s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 12.5” H x 3.5” W x 3“ D Back Plate Dimens...
Brass
Industrial Task Lamp by Kaiser Dell
By Kaiser Dell
Located in Oakland, CA
1950s task lamp by Kaiser Dell, done in the Bauhaus style as these originated during the Bauhaus movement. Light gray paint with an adjustable base and arm which can be adjusted via ...
Metal, Chrome
Huge Adjustable Bauhaus Scissor Wall Lamp by Wilhelm Bäder Germany 1930s
Located in Munich, DE
Huge, articulated Bauhaus scissor wall lamp. Adjustable and extendable arm. Lamp shade adjustable in every position. Extendable between 15.75 – 55.12 in. (40 – 140 cm). A real work ...
Metal
Series02 Small Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined polished unlacquered brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change...
Brass
Big Chrome milk glass Bauhaus / Functionalist Wall Lamp - 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930S, Czechoslovakia - polished, new electricity - patina(see the details) - US wiring compatible - one bulb any wattage - can be used bot vertically and horizontally on wall jr
Chrome
Series01 Upright Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Graphite Leather Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better ...
Brass
Series01 Upright Sconce, Nickel-Plated Brass, Graphite Gray Leather Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished nickel plated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the bette...
Brass
Set Of Four White Bakelite and Opal Glass Bo Niko Wall Lights 1930s
By Bo-Niko
Located in Antwerp, BE
Bo Niko Wall Light In Bakelite Holder, 1960s. White opal frosted conical glass lampshade. Perfect wall lamps for your bathroom or hallway. Bakelite E14 ...
Opaline Glass, Bakelite
Series02 Lg. Sconce, Polished Nickel Brass, Stitched Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined polished nickel plated brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time a...
Brass
S01 Sm. Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Tennis Green Leather Shade, Pivoting
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for th...
Brass
1930s Bauhaus Tubular Wall Light, Chrome & Creamy Glass, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Original Bauhaus tubular wall light, made in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s, featuring a creamy glass tube with chrome-plated metal structure. Very good vintage condition with only mino...
Metal, Chrome
Pair Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus Glass Sconces, White, Lindner Germany 1950s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of two original vintage wall sconces by German designer Wilhelm Wagenfeld. They were manufactured by Lindner Wandleuchten ca 1950s. This set, which is very suitable for a bathro...
Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Porcelain
Chrome design Bauhaus Wall Lamp, 1930s - Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoislovakia - original condition with patina - US compatible - two bulbs any wattage possible jr
Chrome
Chrome milk glass Bauhaus / Functionalist Wall Lamp - 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930S, Czechoslovakia - polished, new electricity - patina(see the details) - US wiring compatible - one bulb any wattage - can be used bot vertically and horizontally on wall jr
Chrome
Series01 Small Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Gochu Red Leather Shade, Pivoting
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the bett...
Brass
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Design Functionalist Wall Lamp / Sconce, Brass
By Høvik Lys, Høvik Verk
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Scandinavian Design / Nordic Design / Functionalist Design 2-arm wall sconce / wall light by Høvik Lys / Hovik Lys, Norway. From the second half of the 20th century. Made f...
Bronze, Brass
Series01 Lrg Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Charcoal Leather Pivoting Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they wi...
Brass
Mercury Glass Wall Lights By Zeiss Ikon Circa 1930s
By Zeiss Ikon
Located in Gloucester, GB
Mercury Glass Wall Lights By Zeiss Ikon Circa 1930s - Original branded wall brackets - Mercury glass shades - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Made by Zeiss Ikon, Jena - German ~ 1930s - 2...
Mercury Glass
Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Wall Light, Brass, Germany, 1950s
By Peill & Putzler, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wall light designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and produced by Peill & Putzler, Germany, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 20” H x 6.6” W x 5.25“ D Back Plate Dimensions (...
Brass
Industrial Bauhaus Wall or Table Lamp, Germany, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Raw looking table or wall light that came out a factory in the Ruhr District in Germany. It has a partially caged polished aluminium shade, a wooden centerpiece...
Metal, Aluminum
Series01 Lg Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Gochu Red Leather Pivoting Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, hand-dyed soft unstructured leather pivoting shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for th...
Brass
Rare Megaphos Sistrah Wall Lamp By C.F Otto Mueller
By C.F. Otto Muller, Sistrah-Licht GmbH, Megaphos/Sistrah
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare wall lamp by Sistrah/Megaphos desiged in the 1930s by Otto Müller in Germany. Brass arm chrome-plated fitted with one E27 socket up to 60Watts (nowadays LED), milk glass shade.
Brass, Chrome
Bauhaus Wall Sconces, Dark Bronze & Bakelite, Austrian Design, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic pair of Bauhaus influenced dark bronze sconces with articulating shades and amber bakelite detail on back plates. Sconces have a strong a...
Bronze
Bauhaus Porcelain Base and Glass Globe Wall/Ceiling Light, Germany, 1930s
Located in Almelo, NL
Bauhaus Porcelain Base and Glass Globe Wall/Ceiling Light, Germany, 1930s This original Bauhaus wall or ceiling light from 1930s Germany is a superb example of early modernist desig...
Porcelain, Glass
$825
Bauhaus Wallamp
By Bauhaus
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco porcelain wall lamp by Bauhaus Germany, 1920. Original condition.Special light effect for small rooms, entries and corridor.
Porcelain, Opaline Glass
Very Rare Copper Wall Lamp, Art Deco, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- extremely rare type - very nice style of lighting - bauhaus, art deco, functionalism
Copper
$2,949
Bauhaus Rare Wall Light
By Bauhaus
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful rare Bauhaus lamp, a heavy metal version in nickel with 5 plexi clear plates with white lines giving an abstract accent of a play of light,...
Chrome
Chrome design Bauhaus Wall Lamp, 1930s - Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoislovakia - original condition with patina - US compatible - one bulb any wattage possible - newly wired jr
Chrome
Chrome design Bauhaus Wall Lamp, 1930s - Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoislovakia - original condition with patina - US compatible - one bulb any wattage possible - newly wired jr
Chrome
Chrome design Bauhaus Wall Lamp, 1930s - Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoislovakia - original condition with patina,see the photos - US compatible - one bulb any wattage possible - newly wired jr
Chrome
Art Deco Wall Scissor Lamp No. 6718 by Christian Dell for Kaiser, Germany 1935
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Art Deco Wall Scissor Lamp No. 6718 by Christian Dell for Kaiser, Germany 1935. complete. switch works properly. good vintage condition. very nice vintage patina, not over restored!
Metal
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Austrian Bauhaus Silverplated Brass Frosted Glass Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Austrian Bauhaus Silverplated Brass Frosted Glass Sconces Austria, 20th Century Pair of Austrian Bauhaus Silverplated Brass Frosted Glass...
Brass
Bakelite Wall or Ceiling Industrial Lamp from 1940s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare bakelite wall of ceiling industial or factory lamp from late 1940s up to 4 pieces available
Bakelite, Glass
Exceptional Articulated Bauhaus Workshop Wall Lamp or Task Light 1920s Germany
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and articulated Bauhaus functionalist workshop lamp or task light. Designed and manufactured in late 1920s, Germany. The lamp can be mounted on workshop table or wall....
Aluminum, Steel
Bauhaus Porcelain Base and Opaline Glass Wall/Ceiling Light, Germany, 1930s
Located in Almelo, NL
Bauhaus Porcelain Base and Glass Globe Wall/Ceiling Light, Germany, 1930s This original Bauhaus-era light fixture from 1930s Germany embodies the core principles of modernist design...
Porcelain, Glass
Rare & Huge Adjustable Bauhaus Scissor Wall Lamp by Wilhelm Bäder Germany 1930s
Located in Munich, DE
Huge, articulated Bauhaus scissor wall lamp. Adjustable and extendable arm. Lamp shade adjustable in every position. Extendable between 18.11 – 66.93 in. (46 – 170 cm) A real work s...
Metal
$1,485 / item
LUglo Sconces by Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Geometrical and iconic globe sconces. Playing with the balance of weight perception and strength, these sconces show the tension created by a sphere rolling over a an edge. The soft ...
Aluminum, Brass
$1,900 / set
Pair of Industrial Wall Lights, 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great pair of German indoor/outdoor industrial wall lights with bakelite housings, enameled metal shades and a metal cages enveloping glass domes, currently wired with external j-box...
Metal
Bauhaus Porcelain Base and Opaline Glass Wall/Ceiling Light, Germany, 1930s
Located in Almelo, NL
Bauhaus Porcelain Base and Glass Globe Wall/Ceiling Light, Germany, 1930s This original Bauhaus-era light fixture from 1930s Germany embodies the core principles of modernist design...
Porcelain, Glass
Big Chrome Bauhaus / Functionalist Wall Lamp with lampshade- 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930S, Czechoslovakia - polished, new electricity - patina(see the details) - adjustable chrome lampshade - US wiring compatible - two bulbs any wattage - can be used bot vertical...
Chrome
Design Bauhaus Chrome Wall Lamp / Scone, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930 - good original condition with patina - opaline glass shade - Rewired. jt.
Chrome
Adjustable 'Megaphos' Wall Applique by C.F Otto Mueller, Sistrah, Germany, 1930s
By Megaphos/Sistrah, C.F. Otto Muller
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A rare Megaphos adjustable wall applique by C. F. Otto Meuller for Sistrah Licht GmbH Beautiful construction and functional Bauhaus wall applique This lamp features a left to right...
Brass, Nickel