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.
1940s Bauhaus-Inspired Wardrobe by Hynek Gottwald – Czechoslovakia
Located in Żory, PL
A functional wardrobe designed in the spirit of Bauhaus modernism by Hynek Gottwald, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1940s. The piece combines utilitarian design with a clean i...
Steel
Hynek Gottwald Bauhaus Oak Wardrobe with Chromed Tubular Legs, 1930s
Located in Żory, PL
Original Bauhaus wardrobe designed by Hynek Gottwald, manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s/1940s. Features three doors, two interior clothing rails, two shelves, and the i...
Steel, Chrome
John Hagemann Three-Door Walnut Wardrobe for Thonet-Mundus, Early 1930s
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Prof. John Hagemann for Thonet-Mundus in the early 1930s, this rare three-door wardrobe is an outstanding example of Central European Classical Modernism. Hermann John Ha...
Metal, Steel
Modernist Three Door Wardrobe, Chrome Plated Metal and Walnut Veneer, circa 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist Wardrobe designed by Hermann John Hagemann and manufactured by Thonet or Mücke-Melder, circa 1930. The wardrobe is made of chrome plated tubular steel and walnut veneered w...
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Two Door Wardrobe, Chrome Plated Metal and Walnut Veneer, circa 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist two door wardrobe designed by Hermann John Hagemann and manufactured by Thonet or Mücke-Melder, c. 1930. The wardrobe is made of chrome plated tubular steel and walnut vene...
Metal, Chrome
$8,269
Armoire Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Moutier, CH
Cette armoire signée Roche Bobois témoigne du savoir-faire d’exception de la maison française, réputée pour son mobilier haut de gamme alliant design et élégance. Conçue en merisier ...
Fruitwood
Bauhaus Four Door Wardrobe, Walnut Veneer, Chrome Plated Metal, Made-to-Measure
By GMD Berlin, Hermann John Hagemann
Located in Berlin, DE
Made-to-measure Bauhaus wardrobe designed by Hermann John Hagemann and Manufactured by GMD Berlin. The four door wardrobe is made of chrome plated metal and walnut veneer.
Metal, Chrome
Exceptional Thonet Bauhaus wardrobe , luxury mahogany edition by Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
This rare and exceptionally well-preserved Bauhaus wardrobe was designed by architect and furniture designer John Hageman for Thonet-Mundus and produced in the company’s renowned Fra...
Steel, Chrome
1930s Bauhaus Wardrobe by Vichr & Spol in walnut Finish, Czechoslovakia
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Minor signs of use - Chrome plated legs with some signs of use - can be disassembled for transport
Chrome
Walnut Bauhaus Wardrobe Made in Czechia by Robert Slezak, 1930-1939
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original walnut wardrobe made in Czechia by Robert Slezak Period: 1930-1939 Condition: Original Material: Walnut and Chrome-plated steel.
Steel, Chrome
Hollywood Regency Real Argentinian Leather Waste Paper Basket, Italy, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Waste bin paper bin Origin: Italy (design and production), Argentina (leather) Age: 1970s This original vintage Hollywood Regency waste bin paper bin was produced in th...
Metal
Restored Oak Bauhaus Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Oak Bauhaus wardrobe. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel Revived polish. Our professional refurbishing team in Cz...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Vichr a spol., Chrome, Steel, Oak, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant three-door wardrobe is a representative piece from the renowned manufacturer Vichr a spol. in Lysá nad Labem, originating from 1940s Czechoslovakia. The structure is cra...
Steel, Chrome
Walnut Bauhaus Wardrobe Made in Czechia by Vichr a Spol, 1930-1939
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original walnut wardrobe made in Czechia by Vichr a Spol. Period: 1930-1939. Condition: Original. Material: Walnut and Chrome-plated steel.
Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by H.J.Hagemann, Mücke-Melder, Czech, 1930s
By Mücke & Melder, Hermann John Hagemann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This unique wardrobe (clothing cabinet) in the Bauhaus style originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s and is a masterpiece attributed to the architect Hermann John Hagemann for ...
Wood, Lacquer
$1,142Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency Gilded Metal Umbrella Stand by Li Puma, Firenze, Italy, 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: umbrella stand Origin: Italy Age: 1950s Design and Producer: Li Puma, Florence in Italy This original vintage Hollywood Regency umbrella stand was produced in th...
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Vichr a spol., Original Paint, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The chrome parts have been cleaned and professionally restored. This wardrobe from the 1930s is a fine example of Bauhaus design, crafted in Czechoslovakia by the renowned company ...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Slezak, Chromed Steel, Walnut, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This three-door knockdown wardrobe is a unique testament to 1930s Czechoslovak Modernism, merging top-tier cabinetry with the industrial aesthetics of the Bauhaus school. The furnitu...
Steel, Chrome
$1,142Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency Gilded Metal Umbrella Stand by Li Puma, Firenze, Italy, 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: umbrella stand Origin: Italy Age: 1950s Design and Producer: Li Puma, Florence in Italy This original vintage Hollywood Regency umbrella stand was produced in the 1950s ...
Metal
Vintage Art Deco Oak Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A 1930s Art Deco wardrobe in figured oak with a serpentine front. The doors feature a bold tiger oak veneer with a strong flowing grain, finished with a carved detail across the top....
Wood, Oak
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An elegant 1930s Art Deco wardrobe in beautifully figured walnut, with carved floral detailing, original handles and cabriole-style feet. Internally fitted with a hanging rail and sh...
Wood, Walnut
Italian Art Deco 1940s Wardrobe
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1940s Art Deco wardrobe.
Wood
$2,573
H 65.75 in W 37.01 in D 19.69 in
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1930'S ENGLISH BURR WALNUT ART DECO TWO DOOR WARDROBE WiTH SHELVES
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London A beautiful circa 1930s English Art Deco wardrobe, crafted in richly figured burr walnut with stunning book-matched grain patterns that flow across the doors. T...
Walnut
$535Sale 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
1980s Mirrored Armoire
Located in Denton, TX
1980s mirrored armoire with brass accents in the style of Ello. Giant storage space for clothes, shoes, and purses while also a full size functional m...
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A striking 1930s Art Deco compactum wardrobe, beautifully finished in richly figured burr walnut. The stepped design features two central doors with narrower compartments on either ...
Wood, Walnut
French Art Deco Two-Door Wardrobe, Patinated Pine, 1930s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French Art Deco Two-Door Wardrobe, Patinated Pine, 1930s. This wardrobe is built from solid pine with framed and paneled doors and a stepped, architectural cornice typical of the Ar...
Pine
Antique French Art Deco Mahogany Wardrobe Armoire Cabinet, 1940s
Located in Detroit, MI
This antique French Art Deco wardrobe armoire was made in France circa 1940. Beautifully handcrafted with mahogany veneer over a solid wood frame, the cabinet features clean geometri...
Metal, Brass
Paolo Buffa Large Highboard or Wardrobe in Cherry 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or large cabinet, cherry, brass, Italy, 1940s This rare wardrobe exudes subtle decorative charm and is the work of the talented Italian designer and architect ...
Brass
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A superb quality compact wardrobe dating from the 1930s, featuring beautifully figured burr walnut doors with contrasting banded borders. Internally, the wardrobe offers a pull out...
Wood, Walnut
$42,832
H 68.71 in W 45.48 in D 22.05 in
Gio Ponti Italian Walnut Wardrobe with Horizontal Striped Veneer, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The wardrobe reads as a sequence of horizontal bands: the entire carcase, both front and sides, is veneered in walnut in a tight rhythm of lighter and darker stripes that runs withou...
Walnut
Sold
H 72.45 in W 47.25 in D 21.46 in
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Vichr a spol., Chrome, Steel, Oak, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant two-door wardrobe is a representative piece from the renowned manufacturer Vichr a spol. in Lysá nad Labem, originating from 1940s Czechoslovakia. The structure is craft...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 71.26 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
Walnut Bauhaus Wardrobe with Chrome Legs by Robert Slezák, 1930s Czechoslovakia
Located in Żory, PL
Authentic two-door Bauhaus wardrobe designed by Robert Slezák, model SK-9, made in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. A classic catalog example of Central European interwar functionali...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 46.86 in W 47.64 in D 22.84 in
Restored Bauhaus Cabinet, by H.J.Hagemann, Mücke-Melder, Czech, 1930s
By Hermann John Hagemann, Mücke & Melder
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This unique drawer cabinet (chest of drawers) in the Bauhaus style originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s and is a masterpiece attributed to the architect Hermann John Hageman...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 70.28 in W 43.71 in D 20.87 in
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by H.J.Hagemann for Slezak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Hermann John Hagemann, Slezak Company
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Slezak Catalog number: SK2 This unique Bauhaus wardrobe originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s. It is an authentic piece from the renowned Slezákovy závody, model designation...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 59.06 in W 47.25 in D 24.02 in
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, Maple, Macassar Ebony, Polished, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This exceptional Art Deco wardrobe with functionalist elements originates from Czechoslovakia in the 1920s. It is a testament to precise craftsmanship and the use of luxurious materi...
Wood, Ebony, Maple, Lacquer
Bauhaus Chromed Tubular Steel Wardrobe by Hynek Gottwald, 1940s
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus-style wardrobe was designed by Hynek Gottwald and produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1940s. It features two doors, an internal clothes rail, and a shelf. The wardrobe sta...
Steel
Mid-century Bauhaus Style Ash Wardrobe, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful 1950s Bahaus-style (Germany) ash veneer wardrobe in excellent condition. Several removable shelves. Two heart-shaped keys. Very high-quality furniture.
Ash
Sold
H 67.33 in W 45.67 in D 22.05 in
Restored Bauhaus Chromed Tubular Steel Wardrobe from Hynek Gottwald, 1930s
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus-style wardrobe in walnut was manufactured by Hynek Gottwald in Czech Republic in the 1930s. Features clothes rail and four shelves. The wardrobe stands on chrome tubular...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 70.87 in W 70.87 in D 23.63 in
Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Vichr a spol., Chrome-Plated Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Vichr & Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Oak Bauhaus wardrobe. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our ...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Chromed Tubular Steel Wardrobe by Hynek Gottwald, 1940s
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus-style wardrobe was designed by Hynek Gottwald and produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1940s. Features three doors, an internal clothes rail and five shelves. The wardrobe ...
Steel
Rare Three Door Bauhaus Wardrobe by Vichr & Co., 1930s
By Vichr & Co.
Located in Praha, CZ
A very rare three-door wardrobe in light green made by Vichr & Co. in the 1930s. Labelled. Original condition with signs of use. Sturdy and stable construction. Original light green ...
Metal, Nickel
Bauhaus Functionalism Chrome Wardrobe by Rudolf Vichr - 1930s
By Rudolf Vichr
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoslovakia - maker: Rudolf Vichr Prag - green color right according to R. Vichr sample book colors (see the pictures) - hand polished, high shine - interior refurbished ...
Chrome