Bauhaus armchairs: Wassily, cantilever and tubular steel classics

The armchair is where the Bauhaus shows itself most clearly: tubular steel instead of ornament, leather or webbing instead of a mountain of padding, form from function.

Here you will find used Bauhaus armchairs and classics of tubular steel modernism: the Wassily by Marcel Breuer, cantilever chairs after Mart Stam and Mies van der Rohe, plus armchairs from the workshops that carried this language forward. Every piece is individually checked and described with photos of its true condition, traces of use included. The whole era is in our Bauhaus design collection, more seating among the armchairs.

How do you recognise a genuine Bauhaus armchair?

By the tube: seamlessly bent tubular steel with even radii, chromed or lacquered, and joints without decoration. Original editions carry maker marks from Thonet, Knoll or Gavina. What we know about maker and year is stated with every armchair; replicas without provenance are not taken in.

Wassily or cantilever, which suits you?

The Wassily is a chair for leaning back, open and light despite its presence. Cantilever chairs flex as you sit and also work at the dining table or in the study. Both need little floor space because they let the room show through instead of blocking it.

Why buy second-hand?

Tubular steel barely ages, leather only gets better with the years. A used Bauhaus armchair costs far less than the reissue, carries patina instead of factory shine and stays in circulation instead of being produced anew. And should it stop fitting one day, you can sell it on without much loss.

Bauhaus armchairs: Wassily, cantilever and tubular steel classics

  • This page is the armchair selection from our wider Bauhaus range. The whole era is under Bauhaus design, related seating among the lounge chairs and the armchairs with armrests.

    The key designs

    • Wassily B3 by Marcel Breuer: the first armchair made of tubular steel
    • Cantilever chairs after Mart Stam and Mies van der Rohe, with and without armrests
    • Armchairs from the tubular steel workshops such as Mücke-Melder, Thonet and Kovona

    Bauhaus is an attitude, not a decor

    The school lasted only fourteen years, its rule still holds: show the material, show the construction, add nothing without a task. That is why these chairs sit well next to almost any modern furniture and never look out of place in a period flat.

  • Sustainability: steel stays steel

    A tubular steel frame outlives several covers and generations. A used armchair saves new production and barely loses value, because these designs have been in demand for decades.

    How to style Bauhaus armchairs

    Place a tubular steel chair freely in the room, not in a corner: it works from every side. Against warm wood chrome makes the finest contrast, against concrete and glass it is the logical continuation.

    What connoisseurs look for

    • Even tube radii without kinks or dents
    • Maker mark on frame or webbing
    • Original covering: Eisengarn and thick leather age better than replacements
    • The cantilever flex: it should give, not wobble

    Keep browsing

    More from the era: Bauhaus design and the design classics.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Which Bauhaus armchairs does 2nd home carry?

Mainly tubular steel armchairs in the tradition of Marcel Breuer and Mart Stam, plus cantilever chairs with armrests and pieces from workshops like Mücke-Melder, Thonet or Kovona. Stock changes constantly.

What does a used Wassily chair cost?

It depends on maker, leather and condition. Licensed editions sit well above later reproductions, and second-hand you usually stay clearly below the new price. The current price is on the product page.

How do I care for tubular steel and leather?

Clean chrome with a soft cloth and a little water, no abrasives. Treat leather with leather care once or twice a year and avoid direct sun. Small scratches in the chrome can be polished out.

Are cantilever chairs sturdy enough for daily use?

Yes, the principle is designed to flex and has held up for almost a hundred years. Look for straight frames without kinks and firm joints; we check both before sale and record them in the description.

Does a Bauhaus armchair fit a small flat?

Especially well. Tubular steel chairs look light because you see under and through them. They do not visually fill a room even though they define it. Exact dimensions are listed with every piece.

Are these armchairs vintage or used?

Both: from early editions with collector value to more recent used pieces. Age, maker and condition are listed with every armchair, so you know exactly what you are getting.

Can I sell my Bauhaus armchair through you?

Yes, tubular steel classics are in demand. Submit your chair with photos through our sell page, we check condition and demand and come back with an assessment.

How is an armchair delivered?

Armchairs ship insured by freight carrier, smaller pieces as parcels. Measure door and stairwell beforehand, the narrowest point decides; for questions our service team will help.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our Bauhaus armchairs - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you don't have to wait long for delivery, our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available for immediate delivery. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Although we offer vintage and second-hand furniture, we carefully inspect each piece.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • sustainability

    By selling second-hand furniture, we promote reuse and reduce the consumption of resources. At the same time, we reduce CO2 emissions.

    You can find out more on our sustainability page.

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