You may not have heard of The Bauhaus movement, but you’ll have definitely seen its influence on furniture and interior design, as well as being familiar with some of the original artisans. The Bauhaus was a modernist art school founded in Germany in 1919, and it was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement in that it celebrated craftsmanship as well as design. As a school, it closed down in 1933 after just 14 years due to pressure from the Nazis, but its influence continued. It aimed to unite art, architecture and industrial design, and a signature look was comprised of circular shapes, angular frames and abstract blocks of primary colours.
The Bauhaus aimed to create a level playing field between what had previously been seen as the practical arts – architecture, interior design and wood working – and fine arts such as sculpture and painting, which had previously been seen as more refined and held in greater esteem. The school itself taught courses specialising in building construction, which established the essentials of architectural design, engineering and construction, though with an emphasis on personal craft and workmanship that was seen as being in danger of being lost to more industrial techniques.
After the school’s closure in 1933, many of the teachers were forced to leave Europe and chose to relocate to the US where they took teaching posts and started to spread their design concepts to a fresh audience. Today, The Bauhaus influence can be seen all over the world on buildings, furniture and more.
In 2019, the interiors world will be celebrating 100 years of this influential movement. We’ve picked out five pieces heavily influenced by The Bauhaus design concepts, marrying practicality with style.
1. Bauhaus hexagonal drawer knobs, Dowsing and Reynolds
These slimline hexagonal handle have with minimalist good looks and are suitable for both kitchen cupboards and bedroom drawers. Available in three finishes, silver, brass and bronze – you could mix and match the colours for a contemporary and individual look. Designed and made in the UK they cost £13.99 each from Dowsing and Reynolds.
2. Maze cushion bright, Margo Selby
Designed by leading textile designer Margo Selby this needlepoint Maze design will transform any sofa or bedroom in an instant with its eye-catching colour. It comes complete with a feather cushion pad and is made from needlepoint in wool. Also available in blue. £125, available from Fine Cell Work.
3. Bestlite BL9S pendant light, Gubi
This light has been in continuous production since 1930. It was first conceived by Robert Dudley Best who was highly influenced by The Bauhaus. The Bestlite remains close to its industrial roots and true to its original design and original examples are exhibited at both the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum in London. Available in a range of different finishes, prices start at £215 from Rume.
4. Neu grey stoneware geometric cup, Ferm Living
This grey glazed stoneware cup is part of the Neu range, inspired by Bauhaus classics. Surprisingly, it’s dishwasher safe so suitable for use in a modern kitchen, and the stoneware has a soft grey glaze that gives it a tactile feel. £15, available from Hurn & Hurn.
5. Flippa functional coffee table with storage, MADE
Multi-functional furniture is a boon for small spaces, and this coffee table turns into a supper table with hidden storage. The black legs raise up this piece to create a floating effect, so it doesn’t feel imposing for small spaces, and the bent metal Bauhaus look is right on trend. £299, available from MADE.
Main image: The Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany, designed by Walter Gropius, housed the school. Credit: Pixabay
Thanks for sharing the info. Would love to see more concepts and designs by The Bauhaus.
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