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.
Grey Bauhaus Sofa Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Designed by Thonet
By Robert Slezák, Thonet
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
Restored Bauhaus Sofa Barcelona, by L.M. van der Rohe for Knoll Inc., USA, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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
$4,466 / item
Tom Sofa Designed by Ahmet Kaleli
By Norde
Located in Alemdağ, TR
The TOM Sofa by Norde, designed by Ahmet Kaleli, is a contemporary leather sofa defined by its minimalist structure and refined industrial character. Featuring a polished metal frame...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Black Stool, Beech, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus black stool. Source: Czechia (Czehoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Beech, Chrome-Plated Steel Our professional refurbishing team in Czechia has fully r...
Metal, 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
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
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
Bauhaus Three-Seater Tubular Sofa by Slezák, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
A rare Bauhaus three-seater sofa produced by Slezák in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. The sofa features a chrome-plated tubular steel frame combined with wooden elements, embodying...
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
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
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
$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
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
Le Corbusier 2 Seater LC2 Vintage White Leather Sofa by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This LC2 two seater sofa in white leather was designed by Le Corbusier and produced by Cassina. It features a black colored tubular steel frame. The leather has some patina. Some...
Leather, Upholstery, Lacquer
Two-seater straw sofa by Giuseppe Pagano
By Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig
Located in Milano, IT
This two-seater sofa, designed by the visionary Giuseppe Pagano during the Italian Rationalist era, embodies the principles of functionality and simplicity that defined this movement...
Straw, Wood
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
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
Fully Restored Blue Bauhaus Chrome Sofa, 1930s Czechia
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. New upholstery...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Chrome, Leather, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant sofa, crafted by Slezákovy závody, represents the iconic Bauhaus design. The structure, made of chrome-plated steel, has been professionally cleaned and fitted with new ...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Black Bauhaus Sofa, Designer Robert Slezak, High-Quality Leather, 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...
Steel, Chrome
Design-Klassiker Brühl Moule in Schwarz, Metallgestell, guter Zustand
By Brühl
Located in Garching a. d. Alz, DE
Hersteller & Design Marke: Brühl Modell: Moule (2-Sitzer) Designer: Addy W. H., 1995 Herkunft: Deutschland Beschreibung Dieses Brühl Moule 2-Sitzer Sofa in tiefschwarzem Leder v...
Metal
Bauhaus Ivory Tubular Chrom Sofa, Mücke-Melder, 1930s, High Quality Leather
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus style sofa with a chrome tubular steel frame. Manufactured by Mücke-Melder in the 1930s. Chrome tubular steel is in perfect original condition. Newlly upholstered to high ...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Mücke-Melder, Chrome, New Upholstery, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Made by Mücke Melder, an influential modernist furniture manufacturer specializing in tubular steel designs. Our professional refurbishing team in Czechia has fully restored it acc...
Chrome, Steel
Original Hans Kaufeld Sofa RH 302 Robert Haussmann Bauhaus Couch
By Robert Haussmann, Hans Kaufeld
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Dreisitzersofa von Hans Kaufeld aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design (Modell: RH 302) stammt von Robert Haussmann und wu...
Steel, Chrome
Robert Haussmann De Sede Rh 302 Sofa and Armchair Black
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Robert Haussmann RH 302 2-seat sofa and armchair manufactured by De Sede. The sofa and chair were reupholstered some years ago in black Kvadrat Halingdal fabri...
Chrome
Bauhaus Armchair by Mücke Melder, Restored, New Upholstery, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair by Mücke - Melder. New Upholstery In High-Quality Fabric. Source: Czechia (Czehoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Upholstery, Chrome-Plated Steel, ...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Mücke, Melder, New Upholstery, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair by Mücke - Melder. New Upholstery. Source: Czechia (Czehoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Upholstery, Chrome-Plated Steel Made by Mücke Melder,...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Thonet, Marcel Breuer, Czechia, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair Designed by Marcel Breuer and made by Thonet. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Thonet Designer: Marcel Breuer Material: Chrome-Pla...
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
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
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
Bauhaus Side Table, John Hagemann, Thonet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s
By Thonet, Hermann John Hagemann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus side table by John Hagemann and made by Thonet. Source: Germany Period: 1930-1939 Architect: John Hagemann Maker: Thonet Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Lacquered Wood Original paint. Professionally cleaned chrome. Made by influential Austrian furniture...
Metal, 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 Small Bauhaus Cabinet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Wood, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Small Bauhaus Cabinet. Revived Original Paint. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Lacquered Wood It has been fully res...
Steel, 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
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
Restored Bauhaus Sofa by Robert Slezak, High-Quality Leather, Chrome, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Fully Restored Bauhaus Sofa with Chrome Tubular Steel Frame by Robert Slezak. Maker: Robert Slezak Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1...
Chrome
Fully Restored Chrome 1960s Seating Set Made by Kovona, in Czech Republic
Restored Pair of Oak Writing Desks, Hynek Gottwald, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Pair of Oak Writing Desks by Hynek Gottwald. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Maker: Hynek Gottwald Period: 1930-1939 Material: Oak, Chrome-plated Steel Leg space: Height:...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Fully Restored Bauhaus White Leather Tubular Chrome Sofa by Robert Slezák, 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 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 Pair of Chairs, Robert Slezak, Chrome, Beech, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Pair of Chairs by Robert Slezak. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Maker: Robert Slezak Period: 1930-1939 Material: Beech, Chrome-plated Steel Revived polish. The ch...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Original Bauhaus Armchair, Very Well Preserved Condition, Czechia, 1940s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original Bauhaus Armchair. Very Well Preserved Condition. Source: Czechia (Czehoslovakia) Period: 1940-1949 Material: Upholstery, Chrome-Plated Steel Professionally cleaned uph...
Metal, Steel, 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