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.
Vintage Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 Table Lamp in Chrome & Opaline Glass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Based upon a design from the late 1920s this PH 3/2 desk lamp was relaunched by Louis Poulsen in Denmark in 1999. This particular table lamp is from that series. It features a 3-tier...
Metal, Chrome
White Opaline Glass Vintage Industrial Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opaline glass pendant. White Bakelite and brass top 2 meter black wire Weight: 2.00 kg / 4.4 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international stand...
Brass
Bauhaus Maison De Verre-Style Caged Glass Lamp with Natural Paper Pleated Shade
By Pierre Chareau, Walter Gropius, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer
Located in Round Top, TX
A wonderful Bauhaus-style caged glass lamp with a vintage pleated, natural paper shade. This clean design defies the skill employed in the creation of...
Metal
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
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
Top Art Deco Design Nutwood and Three Alabaster shades Pendant Light / Fixture
Located in Lisse, NL
This also unique and good size, eye pleasing Art Deco chandelier, stands out for several reasons: Firstly, it has a stunning nutwood veneer body, which is in good condition. Second...
Alabaster, Metal, 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
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
3-Armed Bauhaus Ceiling Light with Light Green Shades, Germany, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish 3-shaded chandelier featuring 3 light green gourd shades, a nickel plated frame, hand-weaved/rolled rod with two-colored resin rattan and its original nickel canopy. It was...
Steel, Nickel
Art Deco Bauhaus Chrome Chandelier from Napako, Czechoslovakia, 1940s
By Napako
Located in Żory, PL
Hanging lamp by Napako, made in Czechoslovakia in the 1940s. It has three arms with original glass shades and a chromed metal structure. A stylish and authentic piece of vintage Czec...
Steel, Chrome
Series01 Floor Lamp, Hand-Dyed Gochujang, Red Leather, Smoke Patinated Brass
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated brass finish, hand-dyed and waxed leather wrapped wood, soft unstructured pivoting leather shade, hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material f...
Brass
SERIES04 Pivot-Arm Desk Lamp, Polish Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass and goatskin parchment shade with hand-dyed braided cotton cord. Adjustable pivot arm. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment, hand-selected for each ...
Brass
Patinated Bronze Art Deco Table Lamps – Bauhaus Inspiration – France 1930's
Located in New York, NY
Patinated bronze Art Deco candlesticks converted into lamps – Bauhaus style – France, 1930s. Cylindrical base and stem, featuring decorative rings at the intermediate and upper secti...
Bronze
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
Series02 Table Lamp, Dark Patinated Brass, Stitched Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined dark patinated brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade, with hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use. 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. Base is lathe turned from a heavy solid ingot...
Brass
Pair of Bauhaus Chrome Wall Lights by Napako, Czechoslovakia, 1940s
By Napako
Located in Praha, CZ
An exceptional pair of original Bauhaus wall lights produced by Napako in Czechoslovakia during the 1940s. These rare chrome-plated fixtures embody the clean geometry and refined pro...
Metal, Chrome
Series 02 Pendant, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Large Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade with diffuser. Goatskin parchment is an excellent diffuser of light and is natura...
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
Otto Müller Highly Original 'P3' Bauhaus Pendant for Sistrah 1931
By Otto Müller, Megaphos/Sistrah
Located in Tilburg, NL
Otto Müller 'P3' Bauhaus Pendant for Sistrah / Megaphos, Germany, 1931. This is a wonderful and highly original Bauhaus pendant lamp by designer Otto Müller. Designed in 1931, this ...
Metal
Bauhaus Black Brass Industrial Ceiling Lamp by Kaiser & Co., 1930s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Art Deco Brass Industrial Ceiling Lamp by Kaiser & Co. with 3 fluorescent tubes, 1930s, Germany Industrial ceiling lamp with 2 fluorescent Tubes Lampshade is in very good vintage c...
Brass, Metal
Series04 Pivot-Arm Desk Lamp, Dark Patinated Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass and goatskin parchment shade with hand-dyed braided cotton cord. Adjustable pivot arm. Shades are made from genuine goatskin parchment, hand-selected for each ...
Brass
Series01 Floor Lamp, Drink Tray, Putty Leather, Polished Unlacquered Brass
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, adjustable height drink tray with recessex hex-head fasteners, hand-dyed and waxed leather wrapped wood, soft unstructured pivoti...
Brass
$2,447Sale Price|50% Off
German 1930s Cubist Bauhaus Chandelier Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A rare original unique Cubist Bauhaus pendant chandelier with an unusual cube frame and decorative cube glass shades. Newly rewired.Located in our New ...
Chrome
Series01 Floor Lamp, Hand-Dyed Blush Pink Leather, Dark Patinated Brass
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated brass finish, hand-dyed and waxed leather wrapped wood, soft unstructured pivoting leather shade, hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material f...
Brass
Industrial Black Enamel Bauhaus Desk Lamp, 1930s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Industrial table lamp made in Bauuhaus era in Germany during the 1930s. It features a black enamel shade with white enamel interior, a cast iron base with original switch and an arm ...
Iron
$727Sale Price|20% Off
Egon Hillebrand Table Lamp - Bauhaus Desk Lamp - 'Gleibo', Germany, 1930s
Located in Schwerin, MV
A wonderful Bauhaus-style lamp from the 1940s: a large brass table lamp by Egon Hillebrand from West Germany – model 5302. This very solid lamp is distinguished by its large, domed s...
Metal, 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
Brass Bauhaus Art Deco adjustable floor lamp in the style of Marcel Breuer
Located in Zaandam, NL
Gorgeous patinated brass Bauhaus floor lamp, design attributed to Marcel Breuer. This floor lamp is in great vintage condition, the brass especially near the foot is heavily patinate...
Brass
Model 752 Table Lamp by Kandem, circa 1930s
By Kandem
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model 752 table lamp by Kandem Circa 1930s. - Original brown paint - Cast iron foot with curved steel arm - Adjustable shade and arm - Original bakelite On/Off toggle switch -...
Steel
Series 03 Table Lamp, "Smoke" Patinated Brass, Stitched Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Sculpted solid brass in "smoke" acid patinated finish, machined and mechanically fastened. handstitched goatskin parchment shade, with hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material fin...
Brass
Huge Adjustable Bauhaus Scissor Wall Lamp by Wilhelm Bäder Germany 1930s
Located in München, BY
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
Sistrah P4 Pendant Lamp by Otto Müller
By Otto Müller, Sistrah-Licht GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Large "Sistrah" P4 pendant with opaline and clear glass designed by Otto Müller 1931 in Germany in 1931. Fitted with one E27 socket up to 100 watts. Perfect original condition.
Steel
Luzette industrial modernist pendant lamp made from copper and glass, 1920s
By ASEA, Peter Behrens
Located in Forserum, SE
A Luzette pendant lamp, often attributed to the German architect Peter Behrens. The model was originally developed for Siemens-Schuckert around 1920, but this example was likely prod...
Copper
Original Vintage Gras Table Lamp Model 205, circa 1920, France
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare original Gras table lamp 205 model, France, circa 1920. Adjustable lamp, aluminium and black painted steel. One B22 bulb. Working condition, a professional electrician checked t...
Aluminum, Steel
Series01 Sm Pendant, Dark Patinated Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated finish, genuine goatskin parchment shade with stitched edge trim. All material finishes are living fini...
Brass
German Bauhaus Desk Lamp by Christian Dell, Modell Polo Popular
By Bünte und Remmler, Christian Dell
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Adjustable Christian dell lamp from the 1930's. Full restored lamp. Polished chrome and high gloss paint. the switch sometimes need to be stwitched...
Metal, Iron
Large Bauhaus wall lamp
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Very large and heavy wall lamp in the Bauhaus style; made in the 1930s. Chrome-plated brass; 2 original E14 lamp sockets Rewired
Brass, Nickel
Bauhaus Chandelier by Franta Anyz, Nickel-Plated Brass, 19" Diameter
By Franta Anyz
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare Bauhaus chandelier executed in nickel-plated brass designed by Frantisek Anyz in 1920s and produced by his company IAS. Upper and lower bulbs could be switched separately to pro...
Nickel
"Bauhaus Lamp" WG 24 by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Tecnolumen
By Tecnolumen, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this authentic model WG 24 "Bauhaus" lamp designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld in 1924, at the age of 24, when he was admitted as a journeyman to the Bauhaus works...
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
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
Early 1900 Rare Large Art Deco Pendant / Light Opaline Glass Shade & Brass Chain
Located in Lisse, NL
Highly stylish glass-art pendant light with stunning chain. This rare and stunning 1920s Art Deco pendant is of museum quality and condition. The combination of the beautifully d...
Brass
Series01 Floor Lamp, Hand-Dyed Sable, Brown Leather, Dark Patinated Brass
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patinated brass finish, hand-dyed and waxed leather wrapped wood, soft unstructured pivoting leather shade, hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material f...
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
Very Rare Bauhaus, Art Deco, Functionalism Wall or Ceiling Lamp, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type
Aluminum
Bauhaus Art Deco Style Pendant Lamp "Zwadela" Chandelier Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Bauhaus
Located in Vienna, AT
Uplighter which gives as well as downlight, mirroring shade, several versions. Total drop custom made! All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we wi...
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
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
Art Deco Bauhaus Floor Lamp, 1940s
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus floor lamp was manufactured in the Czech Republic in the 1940s. The lamp is preserved in its original, very good condition, fully functional.
Steel, Chrome
1930s Bauhaus Chrome and Glass Pendant Light from Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Elegant Bauhaus pendant light produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s, featuring a wide chrome-plated metal reflector and a large frosted glass diffuser. The fixture’s discipline...
Metal, Chrome
Series02 Table Lamp, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined polished unlacquered brass, handstitched goatskin parchment shade, with hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material finishes are livin...
Brass
Set of Two Rare Art Deco Bauhaus Bedside Sconces or Wall Lamps Germany 1950s
Located in München, BY
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
Black Enamel Bauhaus Factory Lights, circa 1930s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Black enamel Bauhaus Factory lights, circa 1930s - Price is per light - Vitreous black enamel shades - White enamel inner reflectors - Cast iron tops - Comes with 100cm of bla...
Enamel
Philips NWS 33 Bauhaus Geometric Wall Sconces, White and Gray
By Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Philips Model NWS 33 wall sconces in white enameled metal with a custom gray painted center band. The form is built from three staggered rectangular volumes arranged in a cross confi...
Metal, Enamel
Bauhaus Chrome Chandelier from Zukov, 1940s
By Zukov
Located in Żory, PL
A vintage Bauhaus-style chandelier from the 1930s–1950s, made of chrome-plated metal and yellow ribbed glass. It has a clean, geometric design typical of the Bauhaus movement, combi...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Chandelier, Chrome-Plated Steel, Opaline Glass, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This four-light chandelier is an exclusive example of early 20th-century Czechoslovak design, harmoniously blending the decorative elegance of Art Deco with the functional austerity ...
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Bauhaus Nickel Chandelier by Franta Anyz for IAS, 1920s
By Franta Anyz
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare Bauhaus chandelier executed in nickel-plated brass designed by Frantisek Anyz in 1920s and produced by his company IAS. Upper and lower bulbs could be switched separately to pro...
Nickel
Beautiful Chrome Bauhaus Pendant, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930 - Bauhaus, functionalism - Completely original condition - New electricity - The height can be shortened.
Chrome