The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line.
As a founder of the Vienna Secession — a union of artists and designers determined to upend Austria’s artistic conservatism — and later, a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life.
Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question — and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light.
As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s — but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms.
Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality.
Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair — the Sitzmaschine (1905) — that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on 1stDibs — which range from enameled silver jewelry, to silver flower vase baskets and other decorative objects, to sofas, lighting pendants and sconces — testify to the astonishing breadth of Hoffman’s creative pursuits. He was truly a giant of design.
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and masterfully produced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, Austria, in the 1980s. Upholstered in beautiful, supple cognac-brown leat...
Leather, Wood
Salon Set by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s, Excellent Condition
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Art nouveau sofa set Thonet, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, Austria, completely restored, newly ...
Leather, Bentwood
Customizable Wittmann Club 1910 Leather Lounge Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
This 1910 design is testimony to the diversity of Josef Hoffmann’s work. Wittmann has created a matching sofa. Price listed for starting leather, also available in fabric - starts at...
Leather, Fabric
Black Leather Kubus Sofa Model “8020” by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An icon of early modernist design, the Kubus sofa model “8020” stands among Josef Hoffmann’s most celebrated creations—an architectural composition of perfect cubes, conceived in 191...
Leather, Wood
Fledermaus bench no.728 by arch.Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Fledermaus bench no.728 by arch.Josef Hoffmann in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Leather
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Customizable Wittmann Allegasse Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Design: Josef Hoffmann This upholstered suite was designed in 1912 for Dr. Hugo Koller’s music room as part of the furnishings at his Vienna apartme...
Fabric, Leather
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Leather
Customizable Wittmann Villa Gallia Sofa Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
This suite was created in 1913 for the Gallia family’s apartment in Wohllebengasse, Vienna.
Fabric
$1,392Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.25 in W 16.25 in D 18.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus Bat' Chair Model No.728
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Basel, BS
Designed by the renowned Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann in 1907 for the Fledermaus Cafe in Vienna, this single "Fledermaus" Model number 728, aka "Bat" Cafe chair features black upholstery covering the seat and backrest. The chair is supported by four cylindrical legs with spherical elements, showcasing a tub back with a horseshoe form base. Crafted from bent beech wood, this rare chair was specifically created for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna as one of Hoffmann's iconic designs. Representing a significant moment in design history, the chair is featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. With its sleek bentwood frame, swooping armrests, and curved backrests, the chair exudes elegance and sophistication. The Fledermaus chairs embody Hoffmann's renowned Viennese Secessionist style, known for its simple geometric shapes and use of high-quality materials. Considered a bold departure from traditional European nightclubs, the design quickly gained popularity for its iconic and innovative aesthetic. This is an authentic Hoffmann chair manufactured by Wittman, the authorized manufacturer of the Fledermaus starting in the 1970s. This chair was sold by "Teo Jacob...
Leather, Faux Leather, Beech
$4,424 / set
H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Restored Art Deco Seating Set, by J. Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Czech, 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Sofa dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 120 cm (47.2 in) Depth: 60 cm (23.6 in) Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in) Chair dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Depth:...
Wood, Walnut, Beech, Lacquer
Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970
By Wittmann
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super cool Wittmann Atrium modular leather sofa manufactured in Austria 1970. This sofa is made of dark brown leather and consists of a 2-seater and 2 sin...
Leather
$2,444 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
2 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria (Customizable)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Set di due sedie modello "Fledermaus" (che significa "pipistrello" in tedesco), progettato dall'architetto e designer austriaco Josef Hoffmann nel 1907. Originariamente concepito per...
Bentwood
$2,328
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Armchair by Fischel
By Fischel, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- wooden parts made of beechwood has been refurbished and finished by shellac - original springs - needs to be reupholstered - made in Czechoslovakia - labeled by producer
Fabric, Beech
$2,950
H 37.41 in W 35.44 in D 33.08 in
Josef Hoffmann "Haus Koller" Armchair for Wittmann – Viennese Secession Elegance
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dronten, NL
A stunning Haus Koller Armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann and produced by the esteemed Austrian manufacturer Wittmann. Originally conceived in 1911 for the Koller House in Oberwalte...
Velvet, Beech
1907 Viennese Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Fledermaus Chair
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1907, Vienna. A bent beech chair designed in 1907 by illustrious Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus Cabaret in Vienna. This design, a bold and radical departure fro...
Mohair, Beech
$1,303Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 16.93 in D 17.72 in
Four chairs mod. Fledermaus, Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1910s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Four bentwood chairs mod. Fledermaus by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1910s It is one of the most famous creations of the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, one of the founding fathers...
Straw, Bentwood
$5,588Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" Bat Seating Group, Suite, Thonet, Art Nouveau, Deco
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" bat seating group. Suite. Thonet. Consisting of four chairs and matching table. The seating group is still in its original ...
Josef Hoffman Fledermaus Chair by Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Highland, IN
Originally designed by Josef Hoffman for the Café Fledermaus in 1907. This example was made by Wittmann of Austria in the 80s. The frame of beech has a seat and back upholstered in H...
Upholstery, Beech
$10,152Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Wittmann - Josef Hoffmann - Fledermaus - Chair (6) - Beech
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
This remarkable set of six **Fledermaus chairs**, designed by the visionary Austrian architect **Josef Hoffmann** in the early 1900s and masterfully crafted by **Wittmann**, represen...
Leather, Beech
$2,400
H 38 in W 46.75 in D 18 in
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Cane Loveseat Settee Bench by JJ Kohn 1880/1920's
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional bentwood settee, loveseat, bench, by J J Kohn. This charming bench is in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition, free of damage or repairs. Executed in Au...
Cane, Beech
Original Wittmann Kubus Sofa Josef Hoffmann Couch Leder braun
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Wittmann Kubus Sofa als Zweisitzer in braunem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Josef Hoffmann und gilt heute al...
Leather
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Beech wood wooden Skelet carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac - Original upholstery in good original condition with some signs of use
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.65 in D 33.47 in
PAIR OF BROWN SUEDE LEATHER JOSEF HOFFMANN 1905 STAMPED PALAIS STOCLET SOFAs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of original Palais Stoclet sofa's designed by the great Josef Hoffmann in 1905-1911 Please note the delivery...
Leather, Hardwood
Brown Leather Kubus Sofa and Matching Armchair by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann, Alivar
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful vintage chocolate brown leather Kubus sofa 8020 and matching armchair designed by Josef Hoffman and made by Alivar. This set is was lovingly cared for and is in wonderful all original condition. Alivar Museum catalog...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in
Restored Art Deco Sofa, by Josef Hoffmann, J&J Kohn, Beech, Austria, 1910s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included. Designed by Josef Maria Hoffman, renowed Austrian architect and industrial engineer. Stable construction in perfect cond...
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
Sold
H 28.75 in W 53.94 in D 27.96 in
Buenos Aires Set by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Buenos Aires Set by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century Designer Biography : "The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of m...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 63 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Kubus Sofa by Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann c.1980
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Renens, CH
The iconic Kubus sofa has been designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and produced by Wittmann, Austria around 1980. The shape of the cube is the central element of this emblematic s...
Leather, Wood
Fledermaus Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession Fledermaus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1905 for Cabaret Fledermaus executed by J&J Kohn.
Fabric, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Rare Beige Leather Wittmann Kubus Sofa
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Miami, FL
A classic example of Josef Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is this Kubus sofa. Originally designed in 1910 and hand...
Leather
Black Leather Kubus Sofa by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful vintage leather Kubus sofa 8020 designed by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann. This sofa is was lovingly cared for in the past 2 decades by one of the ...
Leather, Beech
Josef Hoffmann Black Leather Kubus Sofa for Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dallas, TX
Great geometric sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by Wittmann, Austria, circa 1999. The sofa was designed in 1910 and later Wittmann took it into production. This sofa is...
Leather
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.65 in D 33.47 in
Wittmann Palais Stoclet Vintage Living Room 2 Sofa & 4 Armchairs, Set of 6
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
From Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann comes this great Palais Stoclet sofa Living room set Design year between 1905-1911 through the time of Art Nouveau and Vienna Secession for the...
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