Even if the name “The Bauhaus movement” doesn’t immediately ring a bell, its profound impact on modern design, architecture, and art is undeniable. You’ve almost certainly encountered its distinctive aesthetic in furniture, interior decor, and iconic buildings, and may even be familiar with some of its pioneering artists and designers. The Bauhaus was a revolutionary modernist art school, established in Weimar, Germany, in 1919. Born from the ashes of post-World War I Germany, it sought to rebuild society through design, heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement’s reverence for craftsmanship, while simultaneously embracing the potential of industrial production.
For a mere 14 years, until its forced closure by the Nazis in 1933, the Bauhaus fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of design education and practice. Its ambitious goal was to bridge the chasm between art, architecture, and industrial design, fostering a holistic approach where all creative disciplines converged. This philosophy gave rise to a signature visual language characterized by clean lines, geometric precision – notably circular shapes and angular frames – and bold, abstract blocks of primary colors. This aesthetic was not merely about style; it was a deeply considered response to the complexities of modern life, aiming to create functional, beautiful, and accessible designs for everyone.
At its core, the Bauhaus championed the idea of a level playing field for all artistic endeavors. Historically, disciplines like architecture, interior design, and woodworking were often relegated to “practical arts,” perceived as less refined than “fine arts” such as painting and sculpture. The Bauhaus sought to dismantle this hierarchy, elevating the practical to the sublime. The school itself offered specialized courses in building construction, meticulously laying down the foundational principles of architectural design, engineering, and construction. Crucially, while embracing industrial methods, it maintained an unwavering emphasis on personal craft and meticulous workmanship, skills it saw as vital and threatened by the rapid industrialization of the era. The movement believed that mass-produced objects could still possess the beauty and integrity traditionally associated with handmade goods, provided they were designed with thoughtful intent and functional purity.
The oppressive political climate in Germany ultimately led to the school’s demise. Deemed “degenerate art” by the Nazi regime due to its internationalist outlook and progressive ideals, the Bauhaus was forced to close its doors in 1933. However, its closure marked not an end, but a new beginning for its global influence. Many of its visionary teachers and practitioners, including Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, and Marcel Breuer, were compelled to flee Europe. They found new homes and teaching posts in the United States, particularly at institutions like Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and the Illinois Institute of Technology. There, they introduced their groundbreaking design concepts to a fresh audience, effectively transplanting the Bauhaus ethos into American modernism and beyond. Today, the enduring legacy of the Bauhaus is visible worldwide, from the sleek lines of contemporary buildings to the ergonomic simplicity of everyday furniture and the graphic clarity of modern branding.
While 2019 marked the centenary of this profoundly influential movement, its principles remain as relevant as ever, continuing to inspire designers and architects across the globe. The interiors world frequently pays homage to its foundational ideas, which masterfully marry practicality with timeless style. To celebrate this enduring spirit, we’ve curated a selection of five contemporary pieces that beautifully embody the core tenets of Bauhaus design, proving that good design truly stands the test of time.
1. Bauhaus Hexagonal Drawer Knobs, Dowsing and Reynolds
Embodying the Bauhaus principle of functional elegance, these slimline hexagonal handle knobs by Dowsing and Reynolds offer a touch of minimalist sophistication to any space. Their geometric simplicity and clean aesthetic make them perfectly suited for a wide range of applications, from updating kitchen cupboards to enhancing bedroom drawers. The design strips away unnecessary ornamentation, focusing instead on pure form and utilitarian beauty, a hallmark of Bauhaus philosophy. Available in three distinct metallic finishes – lustrous silver, warm brass, and rich bronze – these knobs allow for creative customization. You could choose a single finish for a cohesive look or mix and match the colors to create a contemporary and unique visual statement. Meticulously designed and manufactured in the UK, these exquisite pieces of hardware are priced at £13.99 each and can be purchased directly from Dowsing and Reynolds. They are a testament to how small details, when designed with intention, can significantly elevate an interior, echoing the Bauhaus belief in holistic design.
2. Maze Cushion Bright, Margo Selby
The textile workshops at the Bauhaus were vibrant centers of innovation, and Margo Selby’s ‘Maze Cushion Bright’ beautifully carries on this tradition with its dynamic interplay of color and form. Designed by the acclaimed textile artist Margo Selby, this needlepoint cushion features an eye-catching Maze design that draws inspiration from the abstract and geometric patterns frequently seen in Bauhaus art and textile work. Its bold use of primary and secondary colors, arranged in a structured yet lively composition, instantly enlivens any sofa or bedroom, transforming the space with a jolt of modern artistry. The cushion comes complete with a plush feather pad, ensuring both comfort and style. Expertly crafted from high-quality wool using needlepoint techniques, it speaks to the Bauhaus appreciation for the inherent qualities and textures of materials. This design is also thoughtfully available in a complementary blue colorway, offering versatility to suit different interior palettes. Priced at £125, this striking piece can be acquired from Fine Cell Work, proving that the geometric rigor and vibrant palettes of Bauhaus continue to inspire contemporary soft furnishings.
3. Bestlite BL9S Pendant Light, Gubi
The Bestlite BL9S Pendant Light by Gubi is a quintessential example of enduring Bauhaus design principles, boasting an impressive continuous production history since its inception in 1930. Its original creator, Robert Dudley Best, was deeply immersed in and highly influenced by the tenets of the Bauhaus movement, evident in the lamp’s industrial aesthetic and functionalist form. The Bestlite collection, and this pendant light in particular, remains remarkably true to its roots, preserving the essence of its initial design while adapting to modern manufacturing. Its elegant yet robust construction, characterized by clean lines and an emphasis on purpose, reflects the Bauhaus ideal that form should follow function. This timeless piece has earned its place in design history, with original examples proudly exhibited in prestigious institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum in London, underscoring its significant cultural and artistic value. Available in a diverse range of sophisticated finishes, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various interior styles, the Bestlite BL9S Pendant Light starts at £215 and can be purchased from Rume. It’s more than just a light source; it’s a piece of design heritage that continues to illuminate contemporary spaces with its iconic, industrially-inspired beauty.
4. Neu Grey Stoneware Geometric Cup, Ferm Living
The Neu range by Ferm Living offers a modern interpretation of Bauhaus classics, and this grey glazed stoneware cup exemplifies that design philosophy with its stripped-back aesthetics and practical appeal. Inspired by the geometric precision and material honesty championed by the Bauhaus, this cup showcases a refined simplicity. Its clean, angular lines and thoughtful proportions create a piece that is both visually striking and inherently functional. Despite its artful design, one of its most appealing features for the modern home is its surprising durability and ease of care: it is completely dishwasher safe, making it a perfect addition to a busy contemporary kitchen. The stoneware is finished with a soft grey glaze, which not only gives it a contemporary and understated look but also provides a delightful tactile feel, inviting interaction. This cup transcends mere utility, transforming an everyday object into a small work of art. Priced at a modest £15, this versatile and elegant cup is readily available from Hurn & Hurn, offering accessible design that embodies the Bauhaus ideal of bringing beauty and function to mass-produced items.
5. Flippa Functional Coffee Table with Storage, MADE
The Flippa Functional Coffee Table with Storage from MADE is a brilliant example of how modern design embraces multi-functional furniture, a principle that resonates deeply with the Bauhaus emphasis on practicality and space efficiency. For those living in smaller spaces, this innovative coffee table is an absolute boon, ingeniously transforming into a supper table with the added advantage of discreet, hidden storage beneath its surface. This versatility perfectly aligns with the Bauhaus vision of creating adaptable and utilitarian objects that serve multiple purposes in daily life. The table’s design is further elevated by its distinctive black legs, which raise the tabletop to create an elegant floating effect. This clever visual trick ensures that the piece doesn’t feel imposing, even in compact rooms, making it an ideal solution for urban living. The bent metal construction of the legs and frame echoes the industrial aesthetic and geometric forms favored by the Bauhaus, a style that continues to be highly on-trend and sought after in contemporary interiors. Priced at £299, this smart and stylish coffee table is available from MADE, offering a functional yet aesthetically pleasing piece that truly embodies the spirit of practical innovation.
Main image: The iconic Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany, designed by its founder Walter Gropius, which served as the school’s home during its most influential period. Credit: Pixabay