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.
1930s Bauhaus Nickel-Plated Table Lamp, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Original 1930s Bauhaus table lamp from Czechoslovakia, distinguished by its compact proportions, geometric construction and characteristic Machine Age aesthetic. Executed in nickel-p...
Metal, Nickel
Architectural Design Chrome Table Lamp 20th Century Modern
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Architectural design table lamp from the 20th century, crafted in chromed metal forming two tilted cubes that create an incredible sense of movement. Inside, two points of light with...
Chrome
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
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
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
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
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
Bauhaus Maison De Verre-Style Caged Glass Lamp with Natural Paper Pleated Shade
By Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Pierre Chareau, Walter Gropius
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
Christian Dell Bauhaus Industrial Table Clamp Wall Lamp, Koranda Austria, 1930s
By Koranda Austria, Christian Dell
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful articulating industrial Bauhaus design task lamp from the 1930s, designed by Christian Dell and produced by Koranda Austria. This versatile light is fully adjustable in a...
Metal
Pair of Bauhaus Chrome Bedside Table Lamps from Napako, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
By Napako
Located in Żory, PL
Pair of adjustable chrome bedside/table lamps, model type 3530 by Napako. Functionalist Bauhaus-inspired design with tilting clam-shell shades, curved arms, and round bases. Good vin...
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Vintage Bauhaus-style industrial orange desk lamp, with black foot.
Located in Oostende, BE
Bauhaus-style industrial desk lamp in funky orange, with black foot.
Metal
Kaiser Idell by Christian Dell Model 6632 President White Desk Lamp
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Vienna, AT
Bauhaus table lamp white lacquered from the 1930s model 6632. Lamp is repainted.
Aluminum, Brass
German Bauhaus Desk Lamp by Christian Dell, Modell Polo Popular
By Christian Dell, Bünte und Remmler
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
Series01 Desk Lamp, Hand-Dyed Charcoal Navy Leather, Polished Unlacquered Brass
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in polished unlacquered finish, hand-dyed and waxed leather wrapped wood, soft unstructured pivoting leather shade, hand-dyed braided cotton cord. All material f...
Brass
Series02 Table Lamp, "Smoke" Patinated Brass, Stitched Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in "Smoke" acid patinated finish, 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
Charles Martin, Bauhaus, Art Deco Swivable Brass Desclamp, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A real beauty with a mobile, swivable arm. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Christian Dell ”President” Bordeaux Desk Lamp
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Wonderful desk lamp designed by Christian Dell in an elegant and exclusive burgundy and chrome color.
Metal, Chrome
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
$720Sale 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
Model 6630 Table Lamp By Kaiser Idell Circa 1930s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model 6630 Table Lamp By Kaiser Idell Circa 1930s - Chrome S shaped arm - Steel shade with Kaiser Idell relief branding - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Original dark Olive green paint -...
Steel
$1,170Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1930s Black Bauhaus Articulating Desk Lamp in Metal and Wood
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Step back into the style and practicality of the 1930s with this Black Bauhaus Articulating Desk Lamp. Its robust construction ensures durability, while its elegant lines exude class...
Metal
Christian Dell Bauhaus Table Lamp Model 6607, Germany, 1930s
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Munich, DE
Rare Christian Dell table lamp model no. 6607, manufactured by Gebrüder Kaiser & Co., Neheim-Hüsten, Germany 1930s. Executed in black painted wood, lacquered metal, chrome-plated met...
Metal
Kaiser Desk Lamp by Christian Dell, 1950
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original ivory enameled steel desk/ task lamps model '6556' by Christian Dell for Kaiser Idell, with a curved pivoting arm and a broad dome shade, marked. Wired for US standards, one...
Metal, Steel
Series02 Table Lamp, Dark Patinated Brass, Goatskin Parchment Ultra Suede Trim
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined dark patinated brass, goatskin parchment shade with ultra suede trim, 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
"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
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
Red Bauhaus Desk Lamp by Helo Leuchten Germany, 1940s
Located in Beirut, LB
Original unrestored Bauhaus desk/table lamp by Helo Leuchten. Beautiful red exterior with brass accents. Can be delivered and wired for American or European use.
Steel
Daalderop KDM Royal Holland Bauhaus Desk-lamp 1930s
By Daalderop KDM Royal Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Modernist desk lamp by Kurt Versen for Daalderop, 1930s. Original period Desk lamp. Bauhaus in style .
Nickel
Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt, Kandem, 1930s
By Hin Bredendieck, Kandem, Marianne Brandt
Located in Praha, CZ
- marked - adjustable - bauhaus, art deco, functionalism - nice style of lighitng
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Table Lamp, by NAPAKO, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Napako
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus style desk lamp originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s and was manufactured by the renowned Napako. The lamp features a chrome-plated steel construction,...
Steel, Chrome
$1,800 / item
Kaiser iDell 6740 Task Lamps, 1930
By Kaiser Idell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Kaiser iDell 6740/121 task lamps, gooseneck flexibility, enameled metal, steel, bakelite table clamp, stamped, wired for US standards, one E27 socket, max. wattage 75w each...
Metal
Eduard-Wilfrid Buquet Table Lamp EB 27 in Sterling Silver for Tecnolumen
By Tecnolumen
Located in Tilburg, NL
Eduard-Wilfrid Buquet Table Lamp EB 27 in Sterling Silver for Tecnolumen. Current production, hand-made on request. When you are searching for somethi...
Sterling Silver
$1,800 / item
Curt Fischer Task Lamps for Midgard, 1920
By Midgard, Curt Fischer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful 1920s articulating table-mounted desk lamps by Curt Fischer for Midgard in original grey-green hammer finish and on/off turn switch on the shade, arm lengths of the smaller...
Metal
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
$195Sale Price / item|75% Off
Rare Table Lamp in White Bakelite by Bauhaus Team, 1930s
By ESC Company
Located in Zohor, SK
This beautiful black little lamp combines functionality and smart design. Designed in 1930s by the Bauhause team. Produced in Czechoslovakia as a type ESC TYP 11641. Manufactured by the ESC company. The lamp is smartly designed. The shade has a wire clip which grips the bulb and can be easily oriented to any direction. The lamp is made of black bakelite and is in a beautiful condition with almost no wear showing. Works on one E14 bulb, European electric plug. We have two of these available. Price par lamp.
Bakelite
Adjustable Bauhaus Table Lamp or Desk Light by SIS Germany 1930s
By SIS, Bünte und Remmler, Kaiser Leuchten, Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in München, BY
Elegant Bauhaus / Modernist table lamp or desk light. Adjustable, rotating and removable lamp shade. Designed and manufactured by SIS-Leuchten, Germany, 1930s. Manufacturers logo on ...
Steel, Aluminum, Iron, Nickel
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. Round shade version with handstitched goatskin parchment shade. Hand-dyed braided cotton co...
Brass
$1,290Sale Price|38% Off
Bauhaus Table or Desk Lamp Designed by Marianne Brandt
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful iconic Bauhaus desk lamp designed by Marianne Brandt for Kandem Leuchtenbau Leipzig. It has the typical glass base which makes this model the much sought after one fitted w...
Steel
Very Rare Wooden and Chrome Bauhaus Floor Lamp, 1930s / Functionalism
Located in Praha, CZ
- Functionalism, Bauhaus - Czechoslovakia, 1930s - Original condition, patina - original green colour!! - new electricity - washed and refreshed by proffesional jt.
Chrome
1930s PH 3, 5/2 Table Lamp by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
PH 3½-2 desk light by Poul Henningsen. Original yellow lacquered zinc top-shade, matté yellow single layered glass middle and bottom shade, patinated brass stem and Bakelite detailin...
Brass, Zinc
Industrial Taske Table Lamp Midgard by Curt Fischer, 1950s
By Curt Fischer
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A jointed fully adjustable German table light by Industrial designer Curt Fischer who was hugely inspired by the Bauhaus Movement and Walter Gropius in particular. This light came ou...
Steel
Desk lamp, Bauhaus, Germany, 1930's
Located in Stockholm, SE
A modern desk lamp attributed to Christain Dell. Made for Bünte und Remmler. Bauhaus. Produced in Germany, in the 1930's. Overall good condition. Visible marks from wear. Missing th...
Metal
German Model DS 28 Piano Table Lamp by De Stijl for Tecnolumen
By De Stijl
Located in Hamburg, DE
Timeless table lamp from the german manufacturer tecnologies after a design that was created in the netherlands around 1928. A functional design that draws its elegance from the red...
Metal
Karl Trabert, Diffuna Table Lamp, Nickel, Parchment Paper, Germany 1930s
By Karl Trabert
Located in High Point, NC
A nickel and parchment paper table lamp designed by Karl Trabert and produced by Schanzenbach & Co., Frankfurt am Main, Gemany, c. 1930s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 18.5” H x 12.3...
Nickel
Desk / Office Lamp by Waldmann Leuchten, West Germany, 1960s
By Wolfgang Tümpel 1, Waldmann Leuchten
Located in Barcelona, ES
Desk / office lamp model ST208z fabricated by Waldmann Leuchten, West Germany, 1960s. The lamp fits two fluorescent lamp tubes of 8W, included in ...
Metal
Vilhelm Lauritzen Flexible Desk Lamp of Brass with Patina by Lyfa Denmark 1940s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage desk lamp model B 187 by the Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894-1984) manufactured by Lyfa in the 1940s. Vilhelm Lauritzen was one of the greatest designers in Denmar...
Metal, Brass
Bauhaus Table Lamp Pendulum by Charles Martin for Woka, Austria 1930s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a sculptural table lamp "Pendulum" tabe lamp, a rare Bauhaus design by Charles Martin for Woka. It features a distinctive circular frame with a counterb...
Metal
Karl Trabert, Diffuna Table Lamp, Brass, Parchment Paper, Germany 1930
By Karl Trabert
Located in High Point, NC
A beige parchment paper and brass table lamp designed by Karl Trabert and produced by Schanzenbach & Co., Frankfurt am Main, Gemany, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19” H x ...
Brass
$2,331Sale Price|20% Off
original brass and paper bauhaus Table Light by PITT MÜLLER, Germany, 1950s
By Pitt Müller
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: table light Producer: Pitt Müller Werkstätten, Germany Design: Pitt Müller From the end of the 1930s to the mid-1950s, Pitt Müller was intensively involved in the des...
Metal
Art Deco Bauhaus Style Table Lamp, 1940s
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus style table lamp was produced in the 1940's in Czechoslovakia. The lamp is in working order, preserved in original, good condition with a visible patina. The lamp has a ...
Steel
$1,118Sale Price|20% Off
German Brass Kaiser Idell 6751 Bauhaus Desk Light Christian Dell, Germany, 1950s
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Desk light model: 6751 Producer: Kaiser Idell, Germany Design: Christian Dell (Bauhaus) Age: 1950s Original 1950s Kaiser Idell Bauhaus Light,...
Metal
Large Bauhaus Style Table Lamp in Patinated Brass 1930s
Located in Meer, VAN
Large Bauhaus Style Table Lamp in Patinated Brass 1930s A large modernist Bauhaus style table or desk lamp in patinated brass. Europe, 1930s. Wonderful and timeless Bauhaus inspire...
Brass
Industrial Bauhaus Art Deco Period Black Metal Desk or Banker's Lamp by Erpees
By Erpees
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful and stylish Erpees table lamp from 1920-1930. If you have an Art Deco or midcentury desk and you are looking for a lamp to make it even more stylish and authentic then thi...
Metal, Chrome, Iron
Art Deco Era Bauhaus Christian Dell Bakelite Table Lamp Germany circa 1930
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Bauhaus Christian Dell dark brown bakelite table lamp with an adjustable arm and an up and down shade. A fantastic table lamp or desk ...
Bakelite
Large Bauhaus Nickel plated table lamp, 1920s
Located in Balen, BE
Large Bauhaus Nickel plated table lamp, 1920s Germany This large Bauhaus table lamp from the 1920s embodies the minimalist elegance and functional design principles that define the ...
Steel
$376Sale Price|59% Off
Vintage Bauhaus Table Lamp
By Bauhaus
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Bauhaus table lamp. From the 1930s with a lovely wear and patina to the surfaces. Rewired and included in the sale is an antique carbon fi...
Steel
Marianne Brandt Bauhaus Tastlicht Table Lamp, 1932
By Ruppelwerk, Marianne Brandt
Located in Munich, DE
Marianne Brandt Tastlicht’ table light, Germany 1932 Made by Ruppelwerk, Gotha. Sheet metal, varnished white, partially chrome-plated, white plastic, glass shade, eggshell white, ma...
Steel
Kaiser Idell 6722-T table lamp by Christian Dell - 1930's Germany
By Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Kaiser Idell 6722-T Table Lamp, commonly known as the "Baby Dell," is an iconic design from the 1930s, created by the celebrated German designer Christian Dell. Produced by Kaise...
Metal, Brass, Chrome