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.
Constructivist Abstract Gouache by Boris Alepkow, Geometric Forms, Signed, 1960s
Located in San Francisco, US
This Constructivist abstract gouache by Boris Alepkow, circa 1960s, features layered geometric forms in teal, red, orange, dark green, and white arranged across a textured, sand‑tone...
Paper
$292Sale Price|50% Off
Midcentury Acrylic Leopard Painting, Gold Wood Frame, 1960s, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Acrylic painting with Leopard. Hand painted in Italy. In the set of gold wood frame. Very nice decoration for every interior. Only one unique piece.
Wood, Paint
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Austrian Socialism Realism Graphic Penting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Socialist realism painting buy R. Kovach . Graphic painting and walnut original frame .Panting shipping continental USA in home delivery $285 2-4 weeks . if shipping UPS 5-10 days s...
Wood
$695Sale Price|40% Off
Gouache Painting of an Bauhaus/ Art Deco Interior Scene, Impressionism Frame
Located in Hamburg, DE
In interesting combination of a Modern Bauhaus style gouache, combined with an impressive Impressionism frame. The gouache painting is made by an artist from Berlin and shows a timel...
Wood, Paper
Surrealist Oil on Canvas Painting of Furniture Leg
Located in Round Top, TX
Unique, original oil on canvas painting with surrealist-treatment to room interior. We love the neutral color palette with hint of Yves Klein blue. 32.63ʺW × 1.25ʺD × 47.75ʺH Creat...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Dmitry Samygin 'Architectural Delusion 3' Contemporary Painting in Bauhaus Style
Located in Paris, IDF
"Architectural Delusion 3" Gouache on paper Measures: 68 x 53 cm, frame included (Signed on the back). Bauhaus style and geometric abstraction style. Geometric shapes in ...
Paint
Henri PFEIFFER (1907-1994), "Step of two", 1931
Located in Paris, FR
Henri Pfeiffer joined the Bauhaus at the age of 17, where he became a student of Paul Klee. He created numerous abstract works with a renewed vision of color use and perception. From...
Paper
Small Oil Painting, White Wood Frame, The City, Ray Bai, 1995
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Small oil painting, the city on it. Signed Ray Bai 1995. Hand painted in Denmark. In the set of white wood frame. Very nice small decoration for ...
Wood, Paint
Vintage Geometric Tile Pattern Serigraph
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vibrant Mid-Century Modern serigraph features a precise composition of interlocking geometric shapes, beautifully emulating a classic architectural tile pattern. Expertly render...
Paper
Dmitry Samygin 'Architectural Delusion 1' Contemporary Painting in Bauhaus Style
Located in Paris, IDF
"Architectural Delusion 1" Gouache on paper Measures: 68 x 53 cm, frame included (Signed on the back) Bauhaus style and geometric abstraction style. Geometric shapes in b...
Paint
Henri PFEIFFER (1907-1994), shacks under fireworks, 1928
Located in Paris, FR
Henri Pfeiffer joined the Bauhaus at the age of 17, where he became a student of Paul Klee. He created numerous abstract works with a renewed vision of color use and perception. From...
Paper
Midcentury Abstract Painting by Arnold Taraborrelli
By Arnold Taraborrelli
Located in Atlanta, GA
Midcentury abstract painting by Arnold Taraborrelli, American, circa 1959. It is entitled "Break-Away" and is executed in gouache on artist board and retains it's original frame. Tar...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Austrian Leutnant Miniature Portrait, c.1840
Located in Savannah, GA
Austrian Leutnant portrait miniature oil on board, circa 1840. Half-length portrait of Leutnant wearing white infantry tunic with high collar and order ribbon cross at breast. ...
Giltwood
Eduardo Miguel Abela Torras surrealist Oil on Canvas
Located in Charleston, SC
This painting appears to be in a fantastical surrealism or whimsical fantasy style. The artwork features an imaginative, dreamlike cityscape with intricate architectural details, org...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$4,212
H 20.87 in W 18.51 in D 1.19 in
Abstract Geometric Graphic in Blue, Red and Black Ink on Paper by A. Luiz Piza
Located in Salzburg, AT
Abstract, geometric graphic in blue, red and black ink on paper by Arthur Luiz Piza. His style combines drawing and graphic techniques. Handcrafted wooden frame black patinated with ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$1,850 / set
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 1.25 in
Pair of Art Deco Industrial Scene Painting, Signed J. Hollister
Located in Stockton, NJ
A pair of Art Deco painting of industrial scenes. Both signed J. Hollister. Measures: Sight 12" W x 13.5" H Framed 13.5" W x 15" H x 1.25" D.
Wood, Paint
Antique Italian Oil Painting of Musketeers in an Interior by Novelli
Located in Tarzana, CA
This amusing Italian genre oil painting on canvas by Novelli depicts a gallant courtship that captures the romanticized image of musketeers. Novelli illustrates four musketeers, thre...
Canvas
Raymond Wendell, 'Dream World' surrealist oil on canvas, 1948
By Raymond Wendell
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A large surrealist oil on canvas titled 'Dream World' signed 'RJ Wendell' for Raymond John Wendell (1917-2005), and dated 48 lower left. This particular work was featured in life Ma...
Canvas
$750
H 14.18 in W 17.33 in D 3.15 in
French 1960s Abstract Geometric Painting, Oil on Canvas, Mid-Century
By Artistics
Located in London, GB
Small French abstract geometric painting. Oil on artist board original frame. Minor damage paint loss.
Canvas, Paint
Vintage 1960 Geometric Abstract Painting- Signed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage abstract painting featuring colorful geometric shapes against a dark background. The painting is signed on the bottom right corner by the artist dated 1966. Acquir...
Paint
Oil on Canvas Ship Painting
Located in Batley, GB
A Large oil on canvas painting of a ship in heavy seas. With a god frame and thick applied paint with some flaking and losses. Scribed on the rear of the painting has 'Alex Cromarty...
Canvas
$772Sale Price|40% Off
H 16.93 in W 21.07 in D 0.79 in
Contemporary Abstract Georges Mathieu Style Painting
Located in Roma, IT
Very interesting French painting in the style of the important artist Georges Mathieu Oli on panel Signed at lower left This painting, never before on the market, comes from a private collection and is beautified by an impressive modern frame in silvered metal, in almost perfect condition. The painting is also protected by glass Unframed dimensions cm 35.5 x 26 Georges Mathieu (27 January 1921 – 10 June 2012) was a French abstract painter...
Metal
Abstract Painting Contemporary
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Intriguing contemporary painting by May Oosthoven. May is a Belgian painter which work has a strong meditative charge. Trough basic materials and forms she expresses her inner world ...
Acrylic
Sold
H 24.02 in W 18.9 in D 1.19 in L 24.02 in
Bauhaus-Influenced Abstract Geometric Composition, Signed Bayer, 1954
Located in Berlin, DE
This striking abstract oil on canvas, signed Bayer and dated 1954, exemplifies the refined visual language of postwar European modernism. The composition is built from overlapping ge...
Canvas
Sold
H 12.6 in W 10.24 in D 0.2 in
Abstract Art Collage - Painting Bauhaus Style - "Mobile N.10" by Soizic MENUT
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Abstract Art Collage - Painting Bauhaus Style - "Mobile N.10" by Soizic MENUT "Mobile N.10" is an original and one-of-a-kind collage artwork (this is not a print). This original a...
Paint, Paper
Sold
H 12.6 in W 10.24 in D 0.2 in
Abstract Art Collage - Painting Bauhaus Style - "Mobile N.9" by Soizic MENUT
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Abstract Art Collage - Painting Bauhaus Style - "Mobile N.9" by Soizic MENUT "Mobile N.9" is an original and one-of-a-kind collage artwork (this is not a print). This original art...
Paint, Paper
Alexis-Louis Roche (1891-1961) Bauhaus Abstract Study, 1928
By Alexis-Louis Roche
Located in New Windsor, NY
Alexis Louis Roche (1891-1961, Switzerland) Bauhaus abstract oil on notebook paper. Clearly influenced by the Kandinsky's use of organic shape and form juxtaposed with the angle and ...
Paint, Paper
Suprematism Woman Painting Ukraine
By Kazimir Malevich
Located in Munich, DE
Study of a woman in front view, composed of high-contrast and geometric fields. Titled in ukrainian “жiнки ” meaning “women” at the top left, unsigned. In the style of Kazimir Malevi...
Canvas
Kandinsky Masterworks by Ramon Tio Bello Art Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Kandinsky: Masterworks by Ramon Tio Bello Collector hardcover book One of the first and most famous abstract painters, Wassily Kandinsky created a form in which color and shape have...
Paper
Contemporary Abstract Oil on Canvas Russian Painting Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Striking abstract on canvas in saturated colors with heavy paint application. Writing verso in Cyrillic. Measures roughly 30" by 38" and can be oriented vertically or horizontally be...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Juro Kubicek (Bauhaus Style) 1947 Oil/Canvas "Erotic Landscape"
By Juro Kubicek
Located in Sharon, CT
"Erotic Landscape", painted in 1947, signed and dated lower right and on the verso. Measure: 25.5" x 31.5". Ex: Lutzeier Collection. Juro Kubicek (1906-1970 German), an important Be...
Paint
1920s Oil Painting by A.Steinmetz "Evenings"
Located in Berlin, DE
This 1920s oil painting by A. Steinmetz was painted on cardboard. The Paintings has got very nice colors and a great depth. The painting without the frame ...
Paint
David Roth "Irreducible Motif #15"
By David Roth
Located in New York, NY
Transfer on tempered masonite, titled "Irreducible Motif #15," by David Roth, 2008. Roth (b. 1942) studied with Aaron Siskind and Harry Callahan at the Chicago Institute of...
Masonite, Paint
David Roth "Irreducible Motif #16"
By David Roth
Located in New York, NY
Transfer on tempered masonite, titled "Irreducible Motif #16," by David Roth, 2008. Roth (b. 1942) studied with Aaron Siskind and Harry Callahan at the Chicago Institute of...
Masonite, Paint
Sold
H 27.75 in W 24.25 in D 1.25 in
Jean 'Hans' Arp "Presque Vase et Fleur" Lithograph in Colors, 1955
By Jean Arp
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modernist Jean (Hans) Arp. "Presque Vase et Fleur" (A. 331), lithograph in colors, 1955, hand signed in pencil by the artist and numbered 197/200. Attractively matted and framed with a custom gallery partial gilt-wooden frame. Sheet: 19" H X 16.5" W. including frame: 27.75" H X 24.25" W. Depicting an abstract black vase with a grey flower on a yellow background, an iconic example of Arp's work. Jean Arp. B. 1886, STRASSBURG, GERMANY; D. 1966, BASEL Jean Arp was born Hans Arp on September 16, 1886, in Strassburg. In 1904, after leaving the Ecole des Arts et Métiers, Strasbourg, he visited Paris and published his poetry for the first time. From 1905 to 1907, Arp studied at the Kunstschule, Weimar, and in 1908 went to Paris, where he attended the Académie Julian. In 1909, he moved to Switzerland and in 1911 was a founder of the Moderner Bund group there. The following year, he met Robert and Sonia Delaunay in Paris and Vasily Kandinsky in Munich. Arp participated in the Erste deutsche Herbstsalon in 1913 at the gallery Der Sturm, Berlin. After returning to Paris in 1914, he became acquainted with Guillaume Apollinaire, Max Jacob, Amadeo Modigliani, and Pablo Picasso. In 1915, he moved to Zurich, where he executed collages and tapestries, often in collaboration with his future wife Sophie Taeuber (who became known as Sophie Taeuber-Arp after they married in 1922). In 1916, Hugo Ball...
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper