Elegance describes the designs of Jan Vanek.
Influenced by his family’s furniture company, Vandek studied woodworking. Following a stint in Germany, where he advanced his skills at established firms in Munich, Stuttgart and Heilbronn, he returned home to the former Czechoslovakia and took over the family business, which in 1920 became known as Spojené Uměleckoprůmyslové Závody, or UP Závody.
Vanek's early friendships and collaborations with architectural and design greats like Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Adolf Loos and others likely had much to do with his graceful style, best exemplified by his 1930s bentwood chairs, with the arabesque curves of their arms and legs conjoining to form open, dynamic loops.
True to Czech standards for uniformity, Vanek scarcely altered the design over decades of production, though he did gradually modernize his frames: His 1950s models are more angular, industrialized — and very definitely modern.
Find a collection of vintage Jan Vanek furniture today on 1stDibs.
$3,481 / set
H 30.71 in W 23.63 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Bent Beechwood Armchairs, Design Jan Vaněk, 1930's.
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Fabric,Beechwood Good Original condition
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$3,599 / set
H 30.71 in W 24.41 in D 26.78 in
Pair of Restored Art Deco Armchairs, Designed by Jan Vaněk, Oak, Czech, 1940s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Introducing an iconic pair of armchairs in the Art Deco style from the 1940s, originating from Czechoslovakia. These armchairs are the work of the renowned architect Jan Vaněk and ar...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Oak
Pair Of Art Deco Czech Lounge Chairs By Jindrich Halabala
Located in Westport, CT
Iconic pair of lounge chairs in a dark walnut stained beechwood with a streamline design by Jindrich Halabala for UP Zavody. Recently wood refinished in a low lustre walnut finish a...
Chenille, Cotton, Linen, Walnut
$4,130 / set
H 35.63 in W 23.43 in D 19.3 in
Two Modernist Art Deco Armchairs by Bas van Pelt for My Home, 1930s
By My Home Furniture 1, Bas Van Pelt
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare pair of Modernist Art Deco armchairs. Design by Bas van Pelt for My Home Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s. Solid oak frames with original rattan se...
Rattan, Oak
$1,829 / set
H 31.5 in W 24.41 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Original Mid-Century Armchairs, by Jan Vaněk, Ash, Czech, 1950s
By Jan Vanek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
In pristine original condition, the upholstery has been professionally cleaned, and its polish revived by our refurbishing team in Czechia. Designed by renowned Czech interior arch...
Fabric, Wood, Ash, Upholstery, Lacquer
Mid century armchairs, set of 2, 1950's
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Set of 2 mid century armchairs Fully reupholstered. Very confortable and elegant !
Fabric, Wood
$2,596 / set
H 32.68 in W 26.38 in D 34.65 in
Art Deco armchairs designed by J. Halabala, Czechoslovakia, 1930s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Armchairs designed by J. Halabala from the 1930s. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seats have been covered with a new fabric, the seat and backre...
Fabric, Oak
$5,192 / set
H 33.86 in W 28.35 in D 35.04 in
1930s Rare Restored Adjustable Art Deco Armchairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered - Adjustable backrest 86-95 cm - Height of seat 39 cm
Fabric, Wood
$5,758 / set
H 31.11 in W 28.75 in D 30.32 in
Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Armchairs in the Style of Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Beautiful pair of Scandinavian modern armchairs in the style of Ib Kofod-Larsen, dating from the 1950s–1960s. The chairs feature an elegant solid-wood frame with slender, sculptural ...
Faux Leather, Hardwood
$3,304 / set
H 30.71 in W 26.38 in D 33.08 in
Art Deco Armchairs, 1930s Czechia, Beech, Designed by Koželka and Kropáček
By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco armchairs made out of beech, fully restored by our team. Designers: Kozelka and Kropacek These armchairs were designed by a pair of...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
