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.
Set of Two Bauhaus Cantilever Chrome Woven Rattan Side Chairs 1960s Italy
Located in Antwerp, BE
This pair of chairs was made in the 60s. It consist of a tubular chrome structure with cantilever base.The seat and the back are in woven rattan. A pretty classic reminiscent of the Cesca B32 model by Hungarian designer...
Chrome
Solid Wood Outdoor Modernist Armchair, Designed in the 20th Century
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Miguelito armchair is an iconic design by the Bauhaus trained American designer Michael van Beuren, realized during his lifetime in Mexico. It is meticulously handcrafted in Irok...
Teak
Pair of Gerrit Rietveld Steltman chairs - Netherlands, 1963
Located in London, GB
Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964) was a key figure in the De Stijl movement, known for his radical use of geometry, line, and primary colour. A trained cabinetmaker, he brought a sculptura...
Pine
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Beech Wood B-751 Thonet Style Folding Chair
PH Chair - Steel tube frame in dark copper gloss Leather seat in indianred
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH Chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as the frequently encountered...
Chrome
Marcel Breuer Design Style Black Leather and Matte Black Frame "Wassily" Chair
Located in Miami, FL
Rare black leather and matte black tubular steel frame Wassily arm chair using the original design of Marcel Breuer. Stamped "Made in Italy". Manufactur...
Steel
René Herbst "Sandow" Chair, Plated Steel & Elastic Rope, France, 1928
By René Herbst
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
René Herbst, 'Sandows' chair, model N.5, plated steel, elastic rope, France, design 1928, produced 2000's. The 'Sandows' chair epitomizes the industrial advancements of the twenties...
Steel, Chrome
PH Chair - Steel tube frame in chrome with wool fabric seat in blue and white
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH Chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as the frequently encountered...
Chrome
'Avant Garde' Chair, Bauhaus Style 'One Arm', Color of Your Choice
Located in Paris, IDF
Geometric and Minimalist chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by Gerrit Rietveld and Bauhaus style. Editions Savannah Bay Gallery Plywood Measures: 88.5 x 45 x 45 cm ...
Plywood
$6,111 / item
PH Pope Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Walnut
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional pope’s hat provided the inspiration for the shape of the chairs back, which is noted for its superior support and comfort. The pope chair is designed in 1932 and is a clear statement that fits so well into all settings, whether it is at the lobby or lounge area, in the office for meeting purposes or in the home interior. It adds style and refinement to all settings! The PH pope...
Chrome
Pair Made Italy Bauhaus Style Bistro Café Chairs Chrome Cane Seat After Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely vintage Bauhaus style made in Italy after Thonet chrome frame with wood & cane seat bistro or café chairs, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The wood ring on one of the chair seats was split in the back and has been repaired. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. Isn’t this a charming pair of chairs? We sure think so! This is a wonderful pair of Italian bistro...
Chrome
'Avant Garde' Chair, Bauhaus Style 'One Arm' Color of Your Choice
Located in Paris, IDF
Geometric and Minimalist chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by Gerrit Rietveld and Bauhaus style. Editions Savannah Bay Gallery Plywood Measures: 88.5 x 45 x 45 cm ...
Plywood
'Avant Garde' Chair, Bauhaus Style 'Two Arms' Color of Your Choice
Located in Paris, IDF
Geometric and Minimalist chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by Gerrit Rietveld and Bauhaus style. Editions: Savannah Bay Gallery Ply...
Plywood
$1,508 / item
PH Chair, chrome, leather extreme walnut
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH Chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as th...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Walnut, Full Leather Upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
Pair of Willis Ohler for Erich Schultz Worpsweder Easy Chairs
Located in London, GB
A rare pair of Worpsweder Easy Chair designed by Willis Ohler for Erich Schultz, crafted in Germany circa 1920. This beautifully proportioned chair features a solid oak frame paired...
Rush, Oak
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Natural Un-Dyed, Leather Upholstery, Visible
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
Bauhaus Armchairs by Adolf Gustav Schneck No. A 64 F Austria 1927
Located in Almelo, NL
Armchairs by Adolf Gustav Schneck No. A 64 F Austria 1927. Beech bentwood armchairs model No. A 64 F was designed by Gustav Adolf Schneck and m...
Bentwood, Plywood
PH Snake Chair, chrome, red painted satin matt, wood seat/back, visible tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Snake Chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any room at home, in the apartment, i...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, chrome, yellow painted satin matt, wood seat/back, visible tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Snake Chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any room at home, in the apartment, i...
Chrome
$1,508 / item
PH Chair, Chrome, Leather Natural Un-Dyed
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of Classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as th...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Indianred, Full Leather Upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
$1,508 / item
PH Chair, chrome, leather extreme indianred
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH Chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as th...
Chrome
$1,508 / item
PH Chair, chrome, leather extreme mocca
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH Chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as th...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, chrome, black painted satin matt, wood seat/back, visible tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Snake Chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any room at home, in the apartment, i...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Green Painted Satin Matt, Wood Seat/Back, Visible Tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any room at home, in the apartment, i...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Black, Full Leather Upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
$1,425Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Leather Tubular Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chairs with original leather from the 1970's Seat height 16" Located in Brooklyn
Metal
$790Sale Price|28% Off
Rare Large Side or Easy Tubular Chair with Original Painted Wood, circa 1930
By Bauhaus
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,check last five pictures, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Very rare and comfortable high tubular side chair...
Metal, Chrome
'Avant Garde' Chair, Bauhaus Style 'One Arm' Color of Your Choice
Located in Paris, IDF
Geometric and Minimalist chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by Gerrit Rietveld and Bauhaus style. Editions Savannah Bay Gallery Plywood Measures: 88.5 x 45 x 45 cm ...
Plywood
$1,162Sale Price|31% Off
1935, W.H. Gispen by Gispen Culemborg, 413 Easy Chair in Terra Corduroi Fabric
By Willem H. Gispen, Gispen Culemborg
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Metal, Chrome
1931, Mart Stam for Thonet, Turquoise Wooden S43
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal, Chrome
$632Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Bauhaus Folding Chairs B751 by Ligna, Czechoslovakia 1930s
By Ligna
Located in Praha, CZ
Pair of Bauhaus folding side chairs model B751, produced by Ligna in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s, following the design tradition of Thonet. The chairs feature a beautifully curve...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
$373Sale Price|33% Off
Bauhaus Thonet Folding Chair, B 751
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoslovakia - Original (well-) preserved - Marked by maker - Straight and simple design - Publicated in books and catalogues.
Beech, Bentwood
$1,080 / item
Bauhaus Very Rare Chrome Cantilever Pagholz Chairs
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare cantilever Pagholz chairs the seat and back was made at the Pagholz manufacture in Germany. The frame is beautifully chromed tubular with feets that come forwards to prevent tip...
Chrome, Metal
Very Rare Jan van Ettinger for D3 Tubular Armchair 1930s Set of 3
Located in Tilburg, NL
Very Rare set of 3 Jan van Ettinger for D3 Tubular Armchairs. The Netherlands, 1932-1936. These chairs are downright museum pieces and Dutch industrial design history. The short lived company D3 only existed for four years, but remains relevant as one of the early examples of makers of tubular furniture...
Metal, Chrome
'Avant Garde' Chair, Bauhaus Style ‘Two Arms’, Color of Your Choice
Located in Paris, IDF
Geometric and minimalist chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by Gerrit Rietveld and Bauhaus style. Editions Savannah Bay Gallery Plyw...
Plywood
'Avant Garde' Chair, Bauhaus Style 'One Arm', Color of Your Choice
Located in Paris, IDF
Geometric and Minimalist chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by Gerrit Rietveld and Bauhaus style. Editions Savannah Bay Gallery Plywood Measures: 88.5 x 45 x 45 cm ...
Plywood
Set 4 Classic Bauhaus Thonet Style Folding Chairs manufactured by Stakmore
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set 4 Classic Bauhaus Thonet Style Folding Chairs manufactured by Stakmore..Wonderful original condition.. Great patina ,color and surface,, Extreamelly well made,,
Wood, Bentwood
Dining Chair in Solid Walnut with Leather and Fabric Upholstered Seat
Located in Ballard, CA
The solid walnut classic French dining and desk chair is handcrafted with traditional joinery. The upholstery features a combination of leather and fabric and is an homage to 1940s F...
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Peter Behrens Bauhaus Industrial Tubular Steel Chair Germany, circa 1930
Located in Vienna, AT
Peter Behrens Bauhaus Industrial tubular steel chair, which was designed and manufactured in Germany circa 1930. Documented Design: Peter Behrens (1...
Steel
$1,508 / item
PH Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Black
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In creating the PH chair, Poul Henningsen sought to reinvent a number of classic furniture designs that had traditionally been constructed of wood, such as th...
Chrome
$2,821 / item
Midcentury Dining Chair, Teak
Located in Ballard, CA
Handcrafted with traditional joinery in teak for outdoor use. The Scandinavian midcentury chair is inspired by the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s. Cust...
Teak
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Walnut, Leather Upholstery, Visible Tube
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Mocca, Leather Upholstery, Visible Tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
Pair of Cantilever Visitor Side Chairs, Signed Matteo Grassi, Italy, 1970s
Located in Beirut, LB
Vintage Matteo Grassi cantilever stylish visitor side chairs, Italy, 1970s. Signed Matteo Grassi on the leather. It is a Bauhaus chair designe...
Steel
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, White Painted Satin Matt, Wood Seat/Back, Visible Tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any room at home, in the apartment, i...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Black, Leather Upholstery, Visible Tubes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Snake Chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Mocca, Full Leather Upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Indianred, Leather Upholstery, Visible
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
PH Snake Chair, Chrome, Leather Natural Un-Dyed, Full Leather Upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH snake chairs flowing lines within its steel tube design are inspired by the strong yet flexible body of a snake. It is multi-use and fits any roo...
Chrome
$6,111 / item
PH Pope Chair, chrome, leather extreme black
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional Pope’s hat provided the inspiration for the shape of the chairs back, which is noted for its superior support and comfort. The Pope Chair is designed in 1932 and is a clear statement that fits so well into all settings, whether it is at the lobby or lounge area, in the office for meeting purposes or in the home interior. It adds style and refinement to all settings! The PH Pope...
Chrome
$6,111 / item
Ph Pope Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Indianred
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional Pope’s hat provided the inspiration for the shape of the chairs back, which is noted for its superior support and comfort. The Pope Chair is designed in 1932 and is a clear statement that fits so well into all settings, whether it is at the lobby or lounge area, in the office for meeting purposes or in the home interior. It adds style and refinement to all settings! The PH Pope...
Chrome
$6,111 / item
PH Pope Chair, chrome, leather natural un-dyed
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional Pope’s hat provided the inspiration for the shape of the chairs back, which is noted for its superior support and comfort. The Pope Chair is designed in 1932 and is a clear statement that fits so well into all settings, whether it is at the lobby or lounge area, in the office for meeting purposes or in the home interior. It adds style and refinement to all settings! The PH Pope...
Chrome
$6,111 / item
PH Pope Chair, Chrome, Leather Extreme Mocca
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional Pope’s hat provided the inspiration for the shape of the chairs back, which is noted for its superior support and comfort. The Pope chair is designed in 1932 and is a clear statement that fits so well into all settings, whether it is at the lobby or lounge area, in the office for meeting purposes or in the home interior. It adds style and refinement to all settings! The PH Pope...
Chrome
1931, Mart Stam for Thonet, Black Wooden S43F
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal, Chrome
$1,348Sale Price|37% Off
1935, W.H. Gispen, by Gispen Culemborg, 413 Easy Chair in Original Black Vinyl
By Willem H. Gispen, Gispen Culemborg
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Metal, Chrome
$1,162Sale Price|20% Off
1932, Cor Alons, Hairpin Seat in Chrome and Grey Vinyl
By Cor Alons
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Metal, Chrome
1931, Mart Stam for Thonet, Set of Light Yellow Wooden S43
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Set of two tubular chairs with light yellow wooden...
Metal, Chrome
Original Early Vintage Tubular Side Chair, Black Manchester Fabric, circa 1930
By Gispen Culemborg, Willem H. Gispen, Paul Schuitema
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Chrome