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 Bauhaus desk made of wood and chrome-plated steel, France, 1950s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Bauhaus-style executive desk with a veneered and solid wood top, featuring a frame consisting of a triple tubular base made of chrome-plated steel. The desk consists of a chrome-plat...
Steel, Chrome
rare Writing Lady Desk mod. no. B 21/1, designed by Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare writing desk, model B 21/1, designed by the influential architect and designer Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Frankenberg, Germany, in the 1930s. The desk exemplifies Breuer’s pion...
Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Desk by Pastoe – Dutch Functionalism from the 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Beerse, VAN
Not every vintage desk needs to be oversized to make an impression. This compact Pastoe desk proves that thoughtful design and well-balanced proportions can be just as striking. Pro...
Metal
Small Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk, Oak Veneer and Chromium Plated Metal c 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Small Bauhaus tubular steel desk, so-called 'typewriter desk', with 4 drawers. The desk is made of chromed tubular steel and oak-veneered wood. Germany/Czechoslovakia/Austria, circa ...
Chrome
PH Dressing Table in steel - with elegant drawers and optional mirror with light
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Dressing Table in steel with the PH Mirror reinterprets Poul Henningsen’s 1919 dressing table for a contemporary, steel framed expression. Light in presence yet strong in cons...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant writing desk is a premier example of Bauhaus functionalist design, dating back to 1930s Czechoslovakia. It was manufactured in the renowned Robert Slezák factory, one of...
Steel, Chrome
Black Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome parts have been cleaned a...
Steel, Chrome
PH Dressing Table, black oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luxurious as well as practical and functional, the PH Dressing Table is the perfect place to take a moment for oneself every day. Timelessly elegant, the Poul Henningsen designed Dressing Table will sit harmoniously in every bedroom and is set to become a design classic of the future. Designed in 1919, the PH Dressing Table is the first piece of furniture designed by Poul Henningsen. The body rests on the edges of eight legs and makes a clear design distinction between what is carrying and what is being carried. It is a beauty floating or dancing on high heels, like a ballerina dancing, yet at any time standing strong and solid on her many legs...
Wood, Oak
Oak Writing Desk Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Bauhaus Style, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s. Wood is completely restored. The original veneer is preserved. Tubular steel with ...
Chrome
Modernis Tubular Steel Desk, Chrome Plated Metal, Stained Wood, Germany, c. 1930
By Bruno Weil, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil and manufactured by Thonet or under Thonet license, c. 1930. The desk is made of chrome-plated tubular steel and black-stained wood.
Metal
PH Office Desk, Chrome, Black Painted Polished, Leather on Panles, Satin Matt
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bold and colorful, this desk will add style and character too your working day. Poul Henningsen designed this masterpiece in 1935. A harmony of striking aesthetics and practicality, PH’s design features a desktop painted in high gloss, six swing drawers, panels covered in leather, together with chromed legs. The story behind this avant-garde design is simply that Poul Henningsen wished to create an alternative to the traditional wooden desk, designed to capture the imagination of the user beyond the use of standard design and materials. The PH office desk...
Leather, Wood
Original Bauhaus Avant-Garde Desk in Tubular Steel – One-Off Design, ca. 1934
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional desk originates from the estate of a doctor in Hradec Králové, former Czechoslovakia, and represents a rare custom-made Bauhaus piece from the 1930s. Originally conc...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Thonet, Chrome Plated Metal, Lacquered Wood, 1930
By R. C. Coquery, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk B 282 designed by R. C. Coquery and manufactured by Thonet, c. 1930 Delivery time c. 8 weeks
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Chromed Steel, Lacquered Wood, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This visually clean and shape-inventive writing desk in the spirit of Bauhaus functionalism dates from the 1930s in Germany. The architectural concept of the entire piece is built up...
Chrome, Steel
1930s Lacquered Bar Console Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer
Located in New York, NY
Original 1930s black lacquered table with tubular metal legs in the style of Marcel Breuer. Has a variety of uses, console, bar, small desk or vanity.
Aluminum
PH Office Desk, Red Painted, Emerald Green Leather, Chrome, Satin Matte Drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bold and colorful, this desk will add style and character too your working day. Poul Henningsen designed this masterpiece in 1935. A harmony of striking aesthetics and practicality, PH’s design features a desktop painted in high gloss, six swing drawers, panels covered in leather, together with chromed legs. The story behind this avant-garde design is simply that Poul Henningsen wished to create an alternative to the traditional wooden desk, designed to capture the imagination of the user beyond the use of standard design and materials. The PH office desk...
Leather, Wood
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
PH Grand Dressing Table, brass legs, natural oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1920 by Poul Henningsen (PH), the PH Grand Dressing Table is the larger relative of the PH Dressing Table, sharing all of the beautiful design features of its narrower co...
Brass
Rare Executive Tubular Steel Desk by Mücke-Melder, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Executive Tubular Steel Desk by Mücke-Melder, 1930s An exceptional and rare example of early Czech Modernism, this substantial executive desk was crafted in the 1930s by Mücke-M...
Steel, Chrome
Red Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome parts have been cleaned a...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Chrome-Plated Steel, Lacquered, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Made un 1930s Germany. Re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome parts have been clea...
Steel, Chrome
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
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930
By Bruno Weil, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil (Bèwè) and manufactured by Thonet, Germany, c. 1930
Metal, Chrome
PH Dressing Table, mahogany veneer, white ash wood drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luxurious as well as practical and functional, the PH Dressing Table is the perfect place to take a moment for oneself every day. Timelessly elegant, the Poul Henningsen designed Dressing Table will sit harmoniously in every bedroom and is set to become a design classic of the future. Designed in 1919, the PH Dressing Table is the first piece of furniture designed by Poul Henningsen. The body rests on the edges of eight legs and makes a clear design distinction between what is carrying and what is being carried. It is a beauty floating or dancing on high heels, like a ballerina dancing, yet at any time standing strong and solid on her many legs...
Wood, Mahogany
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Hynek Gottwald, Oak, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dimensions of the table: Height: 79,5 cm (31.3 in) Width: 140 cm (55.1 in) Depth: 80 cm (31.5 in) Leg space: Height: 74,5 cm (29.3 in) Width: 77 cm (30.3 in) This original desk ori...
Steel, Chrome
Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome Writing Desk from Germany 1930-1939
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Writing desk made in Germany Material: Chrome Completely restored. We guarantee safe a the cheapest air transport from Europe to the whole world within 7 days. The price is the same...
Chrome
Original Bauhaus Writing Desk with Chair, by R. Slezák, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Revived original varnish Professionally cleaned chrome Dimensions of the chair: Height: 84.5 cm (33.3 in) Width: 41 cm (16.1 in) Depth: 56 cm (22 in) Seat: 43 cm (16.9 in) Dimensio...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1940s
By Robert Slezák, André Lurcat
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This desk was designed by French modernist architect André Lurcat Catalog model: PS 8 Professionally cleaned chrome and re-chromed New polish Dimensions of the desk: Height: 80 cm ...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by André Lurcat, Walnut, New Polish, Czech, 1930s
By André Lurcat
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk Catalog model: PS 8 Material: Walnut, Chrome-plated Steel Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 This desk was designed by French modernis...
Steel, Chrome
Rare Mauser B65 desk after Marcel Breuer, Bauhaus tubular steel tube, Germany
By Mauser Werke
Located in Berlin, DE
This rare Mauser B 65 desk, produced in Germany around 1954, is a postwar interpretation of one of Marcel Breuer’s seminal Bauhaus designs, originally conceived in the late 1920s. Ma...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk With Chair, Chrome, Steel, Wood, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome parts have been cleaned and pr...
Steel, Chrome
PH Office Desk, Chrome, Mahogany Venee, Red Satin Matt, Solid Wood Edges
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bold and colorful, this desk will add style and character too your working day. Poul Henningsen designed this masterpiece in 1935. A harmony of striking aesthetics and practicality, PH’s design features a desktop painted in high gloss, six swing drawers, panels covered in leather, together with chromed legs. The story behind this Avant Garde design is simply that Poul Henningsen wished to create an alternative to the traditional wooden desk, designed to capture the imagination of the user beyond the use of standard design and materials. The PH office desk...
Mahogany
1930's Desk in chromed tubular with drawers on the side
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2602 Desk in chromed tubular with drawers on the side and a thick ground glass top. Manifactured by Colli Torino around 1930. 110 x 60 h 80 cm
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Mücke, Melder, Czechia
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Completely restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Maker: Mücke - Melder Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material: Beech, Chrome-plated steel. The woo...
Chrome, Steel
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 79 cm (31.1 in) Width: 110 cm (43.3 in) Depth: 63 cm (24.8 in) Leg space: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 68 cm (26.8 in) Made according to the design of Ma...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by R. Slezák, Chrome, Steel, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This writing desk is a fantastic example of interwar functionalism and Bauhaus style design from the 1930s. It was manufactured in Czechoslovakia by the renowned Robert Slezák compan...
Steel, Chrome
Bruno Weil B282 Tubular Steel Desk Designed for Thonet-Frères Paris, Early 1930s
By Bruno Weil
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Bruno Weil, also known under his artistic pseudonym “Bewe”, this B282 desk was created for the Thonet-Frères Paris programme in the early 1930s and represents a lesser-kn...
Steel
Restored Bauhaus Small Dissociative Table, by Mücke-Melder, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dissociative: 95 cm / 37.4″ It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome p...
Steel, Chrome
PH Grand Dressing Table, brass legs, black oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1920 by Poul Henningsen (PH), the PH Grand Dressing Table is the larger relative of the PH Dressing Table, sharing all of the beautiful design features of its narrower co...
Brass
White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by renowned Czech designer Robert Slezak and made by Slezak Factories, a unique Czech furniture brand specialising on chrome and bent metal furniture. It has been re-pol...
Steel, Chrome
PH Office Desk, Chrome, Natural Oak Veneer, Green Satin Matt, Plywood Edges
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bold and colorful, this desk will add style and character too your working day. Poul Henningsen designed this masterpiece in 1935. A harmony of striking aesthetics and practicality, PH’s design features a desktop painted in high gloss, six swing drawers, panels covered in leather, together with chromed legs. The story behind this Avant Garde design is simply that Poul Henningsen wished to create an alternative to the traditional wooden desk, designed to capture the imagination of the user beyond the use of standard design and materials. The PH office desk...
Oak
Bauhaus Writing Desk and Chair, Thonet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus writing desk and chair. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Lacquered Wood Number of d...
Steel, Chrome
PH Dressing Table, Natural Oak Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luxurious as well as practical and functional, the PH dressing table is the perfect place to take a moment for oneself every day. Timelessly elegant, the Poul Henningsen designed Dressing Table will sit harmoniously in every bedroom and is set to become a design Classic of the future. Designed in 1919, the PH dressing table is the first piece of furniture designed by Poul Henningsen. The body rests on the edges of eight legs and makes a clear design distinction between what is carrying and what is being carried. It is a beauty floating or dancing on high heels, like a ballerina dancing, yet at any time standing strong and solid on her many legs...
Wood, Oak
Italian bauhaus style wood and steel desk, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian bauhaus style wood and steel desk, 1940s Desk with a rectangular brown wooden top and a central drawer with key. Chrome-plated tubular metal frame and legs, with lower connec...
Metal, Steel
PH Grand Dressing Table, Brass Legs, Mahogany Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1920 by Poul Henningsen (PH), the PH grand dressing table is the larger relative of the PH dressing table, sharing all of the beautiful design features of its narrower co...
Brass
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design. Designed by Marcel Breuer and manufactured by Thonet, it perfectly combines functionality with aest...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Oak Writing Desk, Hynek Gottwald, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Oak Writing Desk by Hynek Gottwald. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Maker: Hynek Gottwald Period: 1930-1939 Material: Oak, Chrome-plated Steel Leg space: Height: 74,5 cm ...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by A. Lurcat for Kovona, Walnut, Czech, 1940s
By André Lurcat, Kovona
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Maker:Slezák - KOVONA Architect: André Lurcat Model: PS 8 This writing desk is an absolutely exceptional and architecturally pure example of avant-garde furniture design in the Bauh...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Desk in Ash Veneer and Tubular Steel by Andre Lurcat
By André Lurcat
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular Bauhaus writing desk B327 designed by André Lurcat for Thonet. The desk features a cantilevered tubular steel frame and a wooden top with ...
Steel
$4,890 / item
Bauhaus Table by Jindrich Halabala for Up Zavody
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Vienna, AT
Softwood covered with walnut veneer with drawer designed by Jindrich Halabala in the late 1930s for UP Zavody.
Walnut, Softwood
$9,000Sale Price|34% Off
Rare Rundform Series Berlin Writing Desk by Mauser Werke 1940s
By Mauser Werke
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare and impressive Berlin executive desk from the Rundform series was designed in the 40s and produced by Mauser Werke in the late 40s. The impressive piece features 2 elemen...
Metal
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design. Designed by Marcel Breuer and manufactured by Thonet, it perfectly combines functionality with aest...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, 1930s, Czechia
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus oak writing desk designed by Jindrich Halabala. Period: 1930-1939. Source: Czechia. Maker: UP Zavody. Material: oak, chrome-plated steel. Colour: black. Th...
Chrome
White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome parts have been cleaned a...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Pair of Oak Writing Desks, Hynek Gottwald, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Pair of Oak Writing Desks by Hynek Gottwald. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Maker: Hynek Gottwald Period: 1930-1939 Material: Oak, Chrome-plated Steel Leg space: Height:...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Rupert Bevan Atomic Desk (in customer's own choice of leather)
By Rupert Bevan
Located in London, GB
Our contemporary desk with a top wrapped in customer's own leather and a steel frame. This desk features a soft close drawer with a waxed walnut finish to the interior. Upholstered ...
Steel
Contemporary Marco Guazzini Dining Table Carrara Marble Wool Effect Blue White
Located in Milano, IT
Fluent dining table. The table top is made in Marwoolus material with blue wool fibers and white Carrara marble powder base. The steel frame structure is blue powder coated. Mat...
Carrara Marble