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.
Round Chrome & Smoked Glass Expandable Serving Tea Bar Cart Shepherd Castors
By Le Corbusier, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bauhaus Era Mid Century Modern Round Chrome & Smoked Glass Expandable Serving Tea Bar Cart Shepherd Castors MINT!
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Trolley, by J. Halabala for UP Závody, Oak, Czech, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant and highly functional serving trolley in the spirit of Bauhaus functionalism dates from the 1930s in Czechoslovakia and bears the unmistakable signature of prominent des...
Chrome, Steel
Vintage Mid-Century German Modern Bauhaus Chrome & Glass Serving Trolley
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist bar cart was manufactured in Germany during the 1960s. The bar is crafted from chrome-plated tubular steel with soft, flowing lines and three horizontal black glass to...
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Serving Trolley, by R.Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This functionalist Bauhaus-style serving cart originates from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and is a creation of the renowned Robert Slezák Factories. The c...
Steel, Chrome
Original Bauhaus Serving Trolley, Chromed Steel, Wood Imitation, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dimensions of the extended table: Height: 54 cm (21.3 in) Width: 75 cm (29.5 in) Depth: 41 cm (16.1 in) This architecturally clean and visually captivating serving cart in the spiri...
Steel, Chrome
Original Bauhaus Trolley, by Vichr a spol., Chromed Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Product number: 1200 This serving trolley, product number 1200, originating from the 1930s in Bohemia, represents a magnificent example of the interwar avant-garde and the functiona...
Chrome
$2,790
H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 20.08 in
Willy Rizzo Large Bar Cart in Chrome, Brass and Smoked Glass Trays, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and truly one-of-a-kind large Italian serving bar cart with removable trays, entirely crafted in a combination of chrome, brass, and smoked bronze glass. This incredibly ...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Midcentury Chrome Glass and Marble Bar Cart
Located in Houston, TX
A midcentury two-tiered chrome, glass, and marble bar cart on casters.
Marble, Chrome
$1,252
H 30.52 in W 26.58 in D 16.54 in
Space Age Vintage Bar Cart Serving Trolley Green Chromed Metal 1970s Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage bar cart or serving trolley from green formica plates and chromed metal frame 1970s. Throughout its foldable parts on eac...
Metal
$1,002Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 24.02 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
Set of Two Bauhaus Night Stands by Vichr & Co., 1930s
By Vichr & Co.
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare two night stands in light green color made by Vichr & Co. in 1930s. Original paint with some losses. Chrome in very good condition, only minor age patina. Sturdy and stabile.
Chrome
$2,124Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.34 in W 25.99 in D 15.75 in
Stunning Antique Italian circa 1950's Brass & Glass Tea Cake Serving Trolley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine, circa 1950’s Mid-Century Modern brass and glass Italian drinks trolley A good looking well made and decorative piece, the beauty...
Brass
$3,301Sale Price / set
H 30.52 in W 26.19 in D 15.75 in
Rare Bauhaus chrome Nesting Tables B9 atributed to Jindrich Halabala - 1930
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - Czechoslovakia - probably UP zavody - Designed by J.Halabala? - Model B9 - chrome completely polished, see the patina - wooden parts refreshed - tables are quite high
Chrome
$1,685
H 66.93 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Restored Dressing Table with Mirror by Jindrich Halabala for Up Zavody, 1940s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Żory, PL
Designed by Jindřich Halabala and made in 1940 by UP Závody in Czechoslovakia, this dressing table with mirror has a restored wooden frame with a satin varnish finish. The original m...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
$1,879
H 25.4 in W 30.32 in D 18.71 in
Chrome, Brass, Smoked Glass and Mirror Bar Cart/Serving Table, Italy, 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Attributable to Fontana Arte Superb linear service trolley. On two levels. One in smoked glass, the other is a smoked mirror. The frame is tubular in brass and chrome, rectangular ...
Brass, Chrome
$1,913
H 28.75 in W 36.62 in D 19.69 in
Cesare Lacca Midcentury Wood Italian Bar Cart with Glass Serving Trays 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic midcentury wood bar cart with glass serving trays. This piece is attributed to Cesare Lacca and it was designed in Italy during 1950s. ...
Brass
$1,731Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 24.41 in
Midcentury Cesare Lacca Wood Italian Bar Cart with Serving Trays, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid century wood bar trolley. It was produced by Cesare Lacca in Italy during 1950s. This wonderful piece comes with two glass removable trays and an ergonomic bottle rack. The lines of this piece make it perfect for a midcentury-style dining room or bar. Born in Naples in 1929, Italian architect-designer Cesare Lacca created modernist furniture and metalwork throughout the 1950s. Though details of his personal life and professional training remain lost to history, there are sufficient surviving primary sources that document his many elegant designs in brasswork for which he is the best know and which fetch high prices from collectors. Like many Italian designers in the 20th century, Lacca moved to Milan after World War II to launch his career. Before he was even 21 years old, his work was selected by a group of American curators for inclusion in the landmark exhibition Italy at Work: Her Renaissance in Design Today that toured 12 US museums between 1950 and 1953—the first major exhibition of Italian design outside of Italy. The exhibition showcased the best and brightest of Italian designers who had embraced modernist principles and rejuvenated traditional Italian crafts, like Carlo Mollino , Franco Albini, and Gio Ponti In the exhibition catalogue, curator Meyric R. Roger’s spotlights Lacca's expert achievements in brass, noting “the variety and quality of his creations,” which “place him high among the architect-designers leading the current [Modernist] movement." Rogers adds, "The quality of his work...provide[s] all the decorative effectiveness needed without strain or exaggeration”. Lacca designed a great many tea carts and serving trolleys in his career—which make up a large proportion of what is available on the vintage market today—as well as magazine racks and coffee tables. Lacca’s most iconic tea cart was manufactured by Italian brand Cassina and features sculpted beech, cedar, teak, or walnut with brass details, a glass tabletop, and a removable glass tray. Lacca also designed high-backed lounge chairs, which were regularly featured in Arredoluce advertisements for Angelo Lelli’s lighting...
Brass, Metal
$3,188
H 29.14 in W 29.53 in D 18.31 in
George Coslin Rosewood and Chrome Serving Bar Cart with Drawers, Italy 1950s
By George Coslin, Bernini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century Italian bar cart, fully made of rosewood, chrome-plated metal, and white laminate. This incredibly elegant and unique piece was designed by George Coslin and pro...
Metal, Chrome
$1,469
H 25.6 in W 16.15 in D 18.9 in
Franco Albini Round Serving Bar Cart in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1960s
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera-style round serving bar cart entirely made of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This stunning organic cart is attributed to the mastery of Franco ...
Metal
Art Deco Chrome Trolley
Located in Barnstaple, GB
A fabulous Chrome and black mirror Art Deco Drinks Trolley in very good condition having been recently rechromed. The 2 black mirror shelves are in good condition with a few minor ma...
Chrome
$2,900 / set
H 70 in W 34 in D 16 in
1930s Bauhaus Dressing Table Mirror & Stool /green lacquer by R.Slezák, Czech
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning 1930s Bauhaus Dressing Table Mirror & Stool in it's original two-tone green lacquer finish..Designed by R.Slezák, Czech..Classic moder...
Chrome
$454Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.2 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
Coffee Table 'Spider' Model H259 by Jindrich Halabala for UP Závody Brno, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
Well-known coffee table 'Spider', model H 259 designed by Jindrich Halabala in 1930s for UP Závody Brno. Coffee table is in original very good condition. Original stain color ash.
Wood
Sold
H 34.65 in W 33.08 in D 16.54 in
Original Bauhaus Serving Trolley, Chrome-Plated Steel, Glass, Germany, 1940s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
In pristine original condition, the item has been professionally cleaned, and its polish has been revived by our refurbishing team in Czechia. The chrome parts have been cleaned an...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 34.65 in W 21.26 in D 16.54 in
Original Bauhaus Trolley, Chrome-Plated Steel, Glass, Germany, 1940s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
In pristine original condition, the item has been professionally cleaned, and its polish has been revived by our refurbishing team in Czechia. The chrome parts have been cleaned an...
Chrome, Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 41.34 in D 20.08 in
Bauhaus Oak Bar or Serving Cart by Robert Slezák for Kovona, 1940s
By Robert Slezák, Kovona
Located in Prague, New Town
Bauhaus wooden bar or serving cart designed by Robert Slezák for Kovona in Czechoslovakia, 1940s. Date of manufacture: 1940s Origin: Czechoslovakia Mat...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 34.65 in W 21.26 in D 16.54 in
German Chrome & Glass Trolley, Original Condition, Bauhaus, Made 1940s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Unique Bauhaus trolley Period 1940-1949.
Chrome
1930s Bauhaus Chrome-Plated Serving/Bar Table
Located in Praha, CZ
Wooden desk have been refurbished. Chrome in good original condition with minor signs of use.
Chrome
Sold
H 21.26 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
Czech Chrome Bauhus Green Trolley by Vichr, Original Condition, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Small green Bauhaus trolley. Period 1930-1939. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Material: Chrome Maker: Vichr a spol.
Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 41.34 in D 20.08 in
Chrome Oak Bauhaus Trolley, Completely Restored, Halabala, UP Zavody, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Early 20th century unique Czech Bauhaus trolley. Period: 1920-1929. Material: Oak and chrome-plated steel Source: Czech (Czechoslovakia) Maker: U...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 13.98 in D 19.89 in
20th Century Czech Chrome Bauhaus Trolley, Completely Restored, Glass
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Unique Bauhaus trolley Period 1920-1929.
Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 29.93 in D 32.88 in
20th Century Czech Chrome Bauhaus Trolley, Completely Restored, Oak Wood
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Unique Bauhaus trolley Period 1920-1929.
Chrome