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.
Modernist Tubular Steel Desk, Chrome Plated Steel, Walnut Veneer, ca. 1935
By Vichr & Co.
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk, walnut veneer, chrome-plated steel, circa 1935
Metal, Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by André Lurçat, Manufactured by Thonet, circa. 1935
By André Lurcat
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by André Lurçat and probably manufactured by Thonet. Chrome plated tubular steel, stained oak veneer, circa 1930.
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Tubular Steel Desk, Stained Wood, Chromium Plated Metall, c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk model PS 10, stained wood, chromium plated metal, c. 1930. The wood finish can be customized. This desk is restored on request, delivery time 8-10 weeks.
Metal, Chrome
Serge Chermayeff One-of-a-Kind Curved Desk from the BBC Building 1930s
Located in Coronado, CA
Spectacular one-of-a-kind curved desk designed by Serge Chermayeff circa 1933 for the BBC building in Manchester, England. This is the original desk t...
Copper
Modernist Desk in Solid Wood 40s / 50s Bauhaus Style Vintage
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French desk from the 40s / 50s in modernist Bauhaus style. Structure of the desk in veneered and solid Rio rosewood with a triple tubular base in chromed steel quite rare. The desk i...
Chrome
Small Modernist Writing Table, Chromed Steel, Veneered/ Lacquered Wood, Bespoke
Located in Berlin, DE
Small modernist writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel, stained/ veneered/ lacquered wood. The table can be customized and is available in different amounts. Delivery time...
Metal, Chrome
Bauhaus Desk by Mücke-Melder, Steeltubes and Oak Veneer, Czechia circa 1935
By Mücke & Melder, Marcel Breuer
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful, large modernist Bauhaus Steeltube Desk by Mücke-Melder, Czechia circa 1935. Oak solid wood and veneer. Chrome-plated, polished tubular steel frame with original patina. Left and right each 4 long drawers. By locking the top drawer all 4 drawers are locked. Very functional with much storage space and very good legroom. The desk can also be used as a 'partners desk' and be worked on from two sides. In the style of Marcel Breuer’s steel tube desks...
Steel
Marcel Breuer B21 Thonet Bauhaus Tubular Steel Typewriter Table
Located in Sharon, CT
Important early piece (1928) of Breuer's revolutionary tubular furniture.
Steel
1930s Bauhaus Style Modernist Desk in Black Lacquered Metal and Glass
By Bruno Weil, Thonet
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
1930's modernist desk in black lacquered metal, nickelplated handles and surmounted by a thick slab of Saint-Gobain glass. With working lock on the drawers! In the style of Bruno Wei...
Metal
$530Sale Price|23% Off
H 24.02 in W 45.28 in D 10.24 in
Bauhaus Chrome-Plated Tubular Steel Étagère / Flower Stand, 1930s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Chrome-plated tubular steel étagère made in the 1930s with glass shelves. Chrome plating is in original condition.
Steel, Chrome
French Art Deco Walnut Writing Desk, Hand-Crafted, Paris, 1930s
Located in Astoria, NY
Sourced in Paris, this French Art Deco desk dates to the 1930s and features a clean, architectural silhouette with slab side supports and a balanced three-drawer layout. The proporti...
Metal
Red Lacquered Wood Desk from the 50s, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our Argentina galleries are shipped directly to your address via air freight. • Simplified Customs Management: We handle the processing of export permits and the payment of customs duties. You will receive your purchase without additional paperwork or surprise costs. • High-Security Packaging: Following FedEx international standards, each piece is protected in custom-made wooden crates, designed to withstand 1-meter impacts and ensure the integrity of the object during transit. • Note for shipments to the USA: To comply with shipping company regulations and ensure delivery at the destination, a valid tax ID (EIN, SSN, or ITIN) is required. • Domestic US Shipping: For those pieces available in our United States storage, logistics are managed through 1stdibs. Personalized Restorations Our team of expert artisans offers restoration services tailored to your aesthetic preferences and design needs: • Cabinetry and Polishing: We perform polishing work on woods, allowing for transitions from light to dark tones (including deep black finishes). • Upholstery: We reupholster chairs and armchairs with fabrics or leathers of your choice, guaranteeing a high-quality finish. • Lighting: We adapt ceiling lamps by shortening smooth rods to adjust them to the height of your rooms. • Metal Treatment: * Restoration of chromed or silver-plated bronze pieces to their original state. o Chroming or silver-plating services for bronze objects. Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. Red lacquered wood desk...
Wood
$3,051 / item
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
French writing Table 2 drawers in Solid Cherry Wood - Louis XVI Directoire style
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This writing table is part of the Mélanie collection, a modern interpretation of the French Directoire style of the late 18th century. This style is famous for its straight, classi...
Wood, Cherry, Oak
$6,500
H 31 in W 57.5 in D 27.5 in
Vintage American Art Deco Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk, 1930s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American Art Deco desk crafted in the United States, circa 1930s. Defined by its striking symmetry and luxurious mix of materials, this exceptional piece reflects the refined...
Leather, Rosewood, Walnut, Burl
Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 65 wide x 36 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches We take our photos in a controlled lighting stu...
Chrome
7ft Dunbar Roger Sprunger Rosewood Chrome Writing Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage midcentury Roger Sprunger rosewood chrome table writing desk by Dunbar 1970s Executive desk in rich rosewood veneer with three drawers over legs in polished chrome. We als...
Chrome
$3,498
H 28.35 in W 60.24 in D 29.14 in
Scandinavian desk designed by Svend Aage Madsen and manufactured by HP Hansen
Located in Genève, GE
Large Scandinavian teak desk, designed by Svend Aage Madsen and manufactured by HP Hansen. With a self-supporting construction that leaves no one indifferentIts wide, open curved tea...
Teak
Industrial Steel Standing Drafting Desk Table by Parent Metal Products
Located in West Chester, PA
Mid-Century Industrial Steel Standing Desk by Parent Metal Products of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Table height 39.75" at front edge and 44" at back...
Steel
$4,900
H 29.5 in W 72 in D 34 in
Modernist Rosewood Desk by Ste. Marie and Laurent in Chrome Leather Top
By Ste. Marie and Laurent
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Rosewood Vintage Desk by Ste. Marie and Laurent in Chrome and Leather Top This stunning Mid-Century Modern vintage desk by Ste. Marie and Laurent is a true statement piece...
Chrome
$6,200
H 45 in W 53 in D 45 in
Rare 1930s Antique Industrial Steel & Brass Roll Top Desk by the Art Metal Co.
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is an absolute stunner of a roll top! Rare 1930s Steel and brass Manufactured by the Art Metal Construction Co. of Jamestown, NY around ...
Brass, Steel
$6,400
H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in
Rare Warren McArthur Two-Tier Desk with Drawers, Reversible, Machine Age 1930s
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur two-tier desk with drawers Aluminum and black lacquered wood Warren McArthur Corporation, 1930s Measures: 48" x 24" x 30" desk height D...
Aluminum
Deco Bauhaus chrome 3 drawer desk by Wolfgang Hoffmann Desk for Howell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Deco Bauhaus chrome 3 drawer desk by Wolfgang Hoffmann Desk for Howell. Bent chrome tube structure with 3 drawers. Good vintage condition for its age shows wear and use to chrome and...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.93 in W 21.66 in D 49.22 in
Belgian Bauhaus Desk in Beech with 2-3-Piece Re-Nickeled Tubular Frame, 1930s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Belgian Bauhaus Desk in Beech with 2-3-Piece Re-Nickeled Tubular Frame, 1930s This piece, with its sleek and solid appearance, is both modern and timeless. The rounded shapes of the...
Metal
Sold
H 31.11 in W 63.39 in D 31.5 in
Restored Bauhaus Desk, Erich Dieckmann, Lacquered Rosewood, Germany circa 1925
Located in Regensburg, DE
Original, fully restored Bauhaus Desk, attributed to Erich Dieckmann, Germany, 1923-1925 at the Bauhaus in Weimar. Wonderful rosewood / Palisander veneer with excellent piano lacquer...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
Sold
H 26.78 in W 46.86 in D 18.9 in
Small Bauhaus Desk by Mauser Werke, Black Lacquer, Tubular Steel, Germany, 1954
By Mauser Werke
Located in Regensburg, DE
Small Mauser 'Typewriters' Desk with stool, Black Lacquer, Tubular Steel, Germany, 1954 Original, fully restored Mauser 'Rundform' desk ‚Model Frankfurt’ from Waldeck/Germany, 1954....
Aluminum, Steel, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 60.24 in D 39.38 in
Large Bauhaus Desk, Steeltube, Green Lacquer, Germany circa 1925
Located in Regensburg, DE
Large Bauhaus “Partners desk” (usable from two sides) from Germany around 1930 High gloss lacquered in the original green color (British Racing Green). Polished steel tube and partly...
Steel, Chrome, Sheet Metal
Bauhaus Era Kneehole Desk Attr. Thonet, Europe, 1930's
By Thonet
Located in Austin, TX
Bauhaus era kneehole desk with Thonet style bentwood frame. Solid maple trim with inset panels of book matched European walnut veneer. Finished on all sides with inset faux ink black leather writing...
Faux Leather, Walnut, Maple
Sold
H 26.78 in W 43.31 in D 18.9 in
Typewriter's Desk 'Model Frankfurt' by Mauser Werke, Waldeck/Germany, 1954
By Mauser Werke
Located in Regensburg, DE
Original streamline Mauser Typewriter's desk “Model Frankfurt” from 1954. * Metal relacquered in original cream white color * Asymmetrical shape * Streamline Moderne or Bauhaus style...
Steel, Metal
Czech Black Painted Beechwood and Tubular Chrome Bauhaus Desk
By Rudolf Vichr
Located in Vienna, AT
Very charming small desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured in Czech Republik, in the 1930s. It features a tubular chromed frame, a wooden top and one storage unit ...
Chrome
Sold
H 31.11 in W 63.39 in D 31.5 in
Bauhaus Desk by Erich Dieckmann, Rosewood, Lacquer, Maple, Germany circa 1925
Located in Regensburg, DE
Original, fully restored Bauhaus Desk, attributed to Erich Dieckmann, Germany, 1923-1925 at the Bauhaus in Weimar. Wonderful rosewood / Palisander veneer with excellent piano lacquer finish. Inside in bright maple in satin finish and high-gloss inside the doors. Polished stainless steel trims around the top and bottom. Nickel-plated metal fittings and details, galvanized and polished. Original locks repaired and galvanized. On the backside there are two book compartments...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
Cabinet-Table-Desk British Modern, 1930-1940
Located in Brussels, BE
Original British folded desk : Modern from 1930s-1940s. The body and the feet are in cream painted metal. Very original and rare drop-down desk-cabinet. Modernism in Britain. Desig...
Wood
Adolf Maier Blonde Bauhaus Desk Locking Tambour Doors, Germany
By Adolf Meyer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your pleasure: Vintage Möbelfabrik Desk in Blonde Wood by Adolf Maier. Made in Germany. The desk retains bronze maker's label, Adolf Maier, please see images. Vintage condition...
Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 57 in D 29.5 in
Restored Bauhaus Black Lacquered Wood Desk with Chrome Steel by Marcel Breuer
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Almelo, NL
Restored German Art Deco black lacquered wood desk with chrome steel designed by Marcel Breuer His friends and family affectionately called him Lajkó, but the rest of us know him ...
Chrome