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 Sofa by Hynek Gottwald, Circa 1930s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Bauhaus sofa by Hynek Gottwald, Circa 1930s - Chromed tubular steel frame - Sprung seat - Upholstered in deep blue velvet - By Hynek Gottwald - Czech ~ 1930s - 195cm long x 85cm dee...
Steel
Bauhaus Style S3002 Club Tub Armchairs by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Bauhaus style S3001 club tub armchairs Design by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet. Striking German design from the 2000s. Original plywood and tubular steel frame, r...
Chrome
Eileen Gray “Monte Carlo” Red Leather and Chrome Sofa for ClassiCon
By Eileen Gray
Located in Miami, FL
The Monte Carlo sofa was originally designed by Eileen Gray in 1929 during the Bauhaus movement and was later licensed and produced by ClassiCon. This example is from circa 1990s an...
Chrome
$10,700Sale Price|30% Off
Early Year LC2 Black Leather Three-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier for Cassina, Signed
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly comfortable Le Corbusier for Cassina 'LC2' three-seat sofa (authentic signed and earlier year production example with low number production number stamped on the fram...
Steel
Bauhaus Style S3002 Club Tub Armchairs by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Bauhaus style S3001 club tub armchairs Design by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet. Striking German design from the 2000s. Original plywood and tubular steel frame, r...
Chrome
Bauhaus Style S3002 Tub Sofa by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Bauhaus style S3002 sofa. Design by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet. Striking German design from the 2000s. Original plywood and tubular steel frame, reupholstered ...
Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Armchair + 3-Seat Sofa Set in Black Leather & Chrome, Alivar
By Alivar, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Timelessly iconic Le Corbusier LC2 set of 3-seater sofa and armchair in chrome tube steel and black leather. Made in Italy by Alivar, a highly collectible licensed / authorized produ...
Steel, Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. The Barcelona chair epitomizes functional minimalism, initially crafted in 19...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Chrome, Steel, Leather, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This functionalist sofa is a monumental and exceptionally rare piece of furniture designed in the pure Bauhaus style from the 1930s. This extraordinary model was manufactured in Czec...
Steel, Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus White Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and leather. Fully restored in Italy. The Barcelona cha...
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972, Set of 2
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage co...
Chrome
Fully Restored Chrome 1960s Seating Set Made by Kovona, in Czech Republic
Czech Bauhaus Black Tubular Chrome Sofa by Hynek Gottwald, New Upholstery, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome-plated steel tubular frame. Manufactured by Hynek Gottwald in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect origina...
Chrome
Werner Max Moser Sofa for Wohnbedarf, Switzerland, 1930s
By Werner Max Moser, Wohnbedarf
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Architect Werner Max Moser sofa for Wohnbedarf, Switzerland, 1930s.
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, Chrome, Steel, Original Upholstery, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This sofa is an authentic representative of Functionalism and the Bauhaus movement in 1930s Czechoslovakia. During this era, tubular steel became a symbol of modern hygiene and livin...
Steel, Chrome
$7,909
Sofa DS-142, de Sede
By De Sede
Located in Neuss, NW
Multifunctional DS-142 sofa from the 1990s by Winfried Totzek for de Sede with the original leather cover in black. The back- and armrests can be infinitely moved to different positi...
Leather
$18,000 / set
"Le Blu Lagoon" Hand-painted Three-Piece Sofa
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Yves Klein, this hand-painted three piece sofa by Naomi S. Clark features abstract brushstrokes to evoke the choppy Mediterranean sea. As...
Abalone, Canvas, Foam
ClassiCon Eileen Gray Daybed Original Vintage Day Bed
By Eileen Gray
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage daybed with the name Day Bed by Eileen Gray. Manufactured by Classicon. Classic all time piece of furniture by the original producer. Black leather and chrome tubular steel ...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Sofa by Hynek Gottwald, 1930s
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
An iconic artifact of interwar functionalism, this rare Bauhaus tubular steel sofa was produced by Hynek Gottwald in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. Its gracefully curved chr...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Chrome Sofa with Original Upholstery by Hynek Gottwald, Prague 1930s
Located in Almelo, NL
Bauhaus Chrome Sofa with Original Upholstery by Hynek Gottwald, Prague 1930s This is a Bauhaus chrome sofa designed by Hynek Gottwald, crafted in Prague during the 1930s. It feature...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Vichr a Spol., Chrome, Leather, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic sofa from the 1930s is an exceptional example of Bauhaus design, crafted in Czechoslovakia by the renowned manufacturer Vichr & Co. The frame is made of tubular chrom...
Steel, Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa in Chic Mango Fabric with Peach Tube Steel, Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Timelessly iconic Le Corbusier LC2 three-seater sofa in peach tube steel and herringbone-patterned mango fabric. Made in Italy by Cassina. Signed with serial number. The LC2 was des...
Steel
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Brown Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and coffee brown leather. Fully restored in Italy. The ...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa Barcelona, by L.M. van der Rohe for Knoll Inc., USA, 1960s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Maker: Knoll Inc./ Knoll International This Barcelona Daybed is one of the most iconic objects of 20th-century modern design. Although the origin...
Chrome, Steel
Restored Black Bauhaus Sofa, High-Quality Leather, Chrome-Plated Steel, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored black Bauhaus sofa. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Number of Seats: 3 Material: Chrome-plated steel, High-qua...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, Chrome-Plated Steel, High Quality Leather, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Elegant sofa from the early 20th century. Its frame is crafted from tubular chrome steel, which has been professionally cleaned to restore its original shine. The new upholstery, mad...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Chrome, Beech, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus sofa from the 1930s is an exceptional example of Czechoslovak functionalist design. It was produced by the renowned Slezákovy závody and has been meticulously re...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Style Two-Seater Leather Sofa, Switzerland 1970s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous, geometrical, minimalist two-seater done in leather, with tubular chrome frame. The armchair features the backrest with two cylinders and the...
Chrome
Restored Orange Bauhaus Sofa, Robert Slezak, High-Quality Leather, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Orange bauhaus sofa by Robert Slezak Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Number of Seats: 3 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel...
Steel, Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa in Black Leather & Chrome, Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Timelessly iconic Le Corbusier LC2 two-seater sofa in chrome tube steel and black leather. Made in Italy by Cassina. Signed with serial number. The LC2 was designed in 1928 by Le Co...
Steel, Chrome
Fully Restored Bauhaus Leather and Chrome Sofa by Vichr a Spol, 1930s Czechia
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Vichr a Spol in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered to high quality l...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Chrome, Quality Fabric, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant sofa from the early 20th century originates from the renowned Slezákovy závody workshop. Its frame is crafted from tubular chrome steel, which has been professionally cl...
Steel, Chrome
Leather LC3 Grand Confort Sofa by Le Corbusier & C. Perriand for Cassina (1/2)
By Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Izegem, VWV
The LC3 sofa is an iconic piece of modernist design, designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. The sofa is a symbol of timel...
Chrome
MW02 Sofa in Bauhaus style with PMMA panels designed by Olivier Santini.
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
Transforming furniture design into true art, the MW02 sofa enhances any space it inhabits. This version features tempered glass panels, signed and numbered to ensure authenticity and...
Stainless Steel
1930s Bauhaus Sofa Made by Hynek Gottwald, Czechia, Restored and Reupholstered
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome-plated steel tubular frame. Manufactured by Hynek Gottwald in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. New upholstery Sour...
Chrome, Steel
Robert Haussmann for Hans Kaufeld or De Sede RH 302 Leather Sofa First Edition
By De Sede, Robert Haussmann, Hans Kaufeld
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Robert Haussmann RH 302 3-seat sofa manufactured by Hans Kaufeld. This sofa is the first early production for Hans Kaufeld. Later it was manu...
Chrome
Fully Restored Bauhaus Yellow Leather Tubular Chrome Sofa, Robert Slezák, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus-style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Manufactured by Robert Slezák. Number of seats: 3 The sofa is...
Chrome, Steel
Grey Bauhaus Sofa Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Designed by Thonet
By Thonet, Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered with high qualit...
Chrome
Czech Bauhaus Black Tubular Chrome Sofa by Hynek Gottwald, New Upholstery, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome-plated steel tubular frame. Manufactured by Hynek Gottwald in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect origina...
Chrome
Brown and Blue Bauhaus Sofa Made in 1930s Czechia
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Fully restored by our professional refurbishers. The upholstery is completely original. It's made out of beech and tubular chrome plated steel. The bed can be folded up to take u...
Steel, Chrome
Fully Restored Red Bauhaus Sofa, High-Quality Leather, Tubular Chrome, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Fully restored red Bauhaus sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Material: high-quality leather...
Chrome
Bauhaus Style S3002 Tub Sofa by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet, 2000s
By Thonet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Bauhaus style S3002 sofa. Design by Christoph Zschoke for Thonet. Striking German design from the 2000s. Original plywood and tubular steel frame, reupholstered ...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus White Leather Tubular Chrome Sofa, Robert Slezák, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus white leather sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Maker: Robert Slezák. Number of seats: 3 The sofa is ...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Beech, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This Bauhaus-style sofa originates from the first half of the 20th century and was manufactured by Robert Slezák. The frame is made of tubular chrome-plated steel, which has been exp...
Chrome, Steel
Fully Restored Bauhaus Leather and Chrome Sofa by Vichr a Spol, 1930s Czechia
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Vichr a Spol in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered to high quality l...
Chrome
Fully Restored Bauhaus Leather and Chrome Sofa by Vichr a Spol, 1930s Czechia
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Vichr a Spol in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered to high quality l...
Chrome
Czech Bauhaus Ivory Tubular Chrome Sofa by Hynek Gottwald, New Upholstery, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome-plated steel tubular frame. Manufactured by Hynek Gottwald in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. New upholstery Sour...
Chrome
Czech Bauhaus Blue Tubular Chrome Sofa by Hynek Gottwald, New Upholstery, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome-plated steel tubular frame. Manufactured by Hynek Gottwald in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. New upholstery Sour...
Chrome
Le Corbusier LC2 Armchair + 2-Seat Sofa Set in Black Leather & Chrome
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina, Alivar
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Timelessly iconic Le Corbusier LC2 set of 2-seater sofa and armchair in chrome tube steel and black leather. The LC2 was designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier; his cousin and colleague ...
Steel, Chrome
Red High-Quality Leather Bauhaus Sofa by Thonet, Chrome, Fully Restored, 1930s
By Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Red high-quality leather Bauhaus sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Period : 1930-1939. Source : Czechia (Czechoslovakia). Maker : Thonet Material : Beech, high-quality leat...
Chrome
Bauhaus Red Tubular Chromed Steel Sofa by Robert Slezák, Fully Restored, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholstered to high quality ...
Chrome
Fully Restored Bauhaus White Leather Tubular Chrome Sofa by Robert Slezák, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with a lacquered wood and chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholst...
Chrome
Bauhaus Red Tubular Chromed Steel Sofa by Robert Slezák, Design by Thonet, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with a lacquered wood and chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Upholst...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Mücke-Melder, Chrome, Quality Leather, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This two-seater sofa is an extraordinary and exclusive design masterpiece representing the absolute pinnacle of interwar functionalism and avant-garde Bauhaus style from the 1930s. M...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Hynek Gottwald, Chrome, New Upholstery, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This sofa is an exceptional example of interwar functionalism and avant-garde Bauhaus style design from the 1930s. It was manufactured in Czechoslovakia by the renowned Hynek Gottwal...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Vichr a Spol., Chrome, Leather, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic sofa from the 1930s is an exceptional example of Bauhaus design, crafted in Czechoslovakia by the renowned manufacturer Vichr & Co. The frame is made of tubular chrome-pl...
Chrome, Steel
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Chrome, Steel, Leather, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This functionalist sofa is a monumental and exceptionally rare piece of furniture designed in the pure Bauhaus style from the 1930s. This extraordinary model was manufactured in Czec...
Steel, Chrome
Eileen Gray Monte Carlo Sofa for ClassiCon, Black Leather and Chrome, Signed
By Eileen Gray
Located in Kansas City, MO
Monte Carlo Sofa designed in Eileen Gray in 1929 and produced by ClassiCon in the 2000s. Curved form in black leather and tubular chrome. This example...
Chrome
Restored Black Bauhaus Sofa, Robert Slezak, High-Quality Leather, Chrome, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored black Bauhaus sofa by Robert Slezak. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Number of Seats: 3 Material: Chrome-plate...
Chrome, Steel
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage condition. ...
Chrome