Marcel Breuer Furniture

Born in Hungary in 1902, Marcel Breuer was a pioneer of the famous Bauhaus school, where under the guidance of Walter Gropius he acquired the skills that shaped his career. His work blends modernity, functionality, and art – making it a perfect investment for collectors of vintage design.

Why Is Marcel Breuer’s Furniture So Unique?

Breuer was never afraid of innovation, transforming everyday materials into works of art. Inspired by the construction of a bicycle, he was one of the first to use bent steel tubing for furniture, a revolutionary move in 1925. His designs stand out through:

• Minimalist form and elegance – Industrial innovation combined with simplicity and clean lines, which became his signature.
• Durability and comfort – The use of steel tubing in chairs, such as the iconic Cesca chair by Marcel Breuer, ensured exceptional strength and support while giving the furniture a timeless silhouette.
• Use of natural materials – Breuer often combined metal with natural elements such as hand-woven cane (rattan), which added warmth and texture while beautifully contrasting with the industrial frame. The cross-woven cane through drilled holes – first introduced by Thonet in the 1930s – became a distinctive feature of authentic editions.

Marcel Breuer’s Most Famous Designs

At Futureantiques, you will find carefully curated original vintage furniture by Marcel Breuer. His most recognizable works include:

• Cesca Chair (model B64) – Designed in 1928, renowned for its innovative combination of a steel frame and a cane seat, enhancing comfort and elegance. The name “Cesca” was given by Italian manufacturer Dino Gavina, who introduced it to the market. These chairs were produced by Thonet (early 1930s, with a metal plaque confirming authenticity) and later by Gavina (from the early 1960s, with a signature maker’s mark under the seat).
• Wassily Chair (model B3) – Created in 1925 and inspired by the frame of a bicycle. Using nickel-plated steel tubes and taut fabric straps instead of traditional upholstery, it became the first tubular steel chair and an icon of Bauhaus design.
• Laccio Tables – Designed at the same time as the Cesca chair, they feature a simple form and clean lines, perfectly reflecting Breuer’s modernist approach to function and aesthetics. Produced by manufacturers including Gavina.

Marcel Breuer in the Context of Mid-Century Modern Design

Marcel Breuer (1902–1981) was not only a furniture designer but also a leading architect whose projects merged modernism with brutalism – from the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. His influence on design was immense. Although he never directly collaborated with Knoll, Breuer advised Florence Knoll, and in 1968 his furniture officially joined the Knoll collection when the company acquired the Italian brand Gavina. This underlines Breuer’s lasting legacy and importance in the history of design.

Marcel Breuer Furniture at Futureantiques

At Futureantiques, we offer authentic Marcel Breuer vintage furniture, often preserved in excellent original condition with only light traces of use typical for pieces from this period. Each item remains fully functional and adds a distinct mid-century modern character to any interior. Every piece is carefully packed and shipped worldwide to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Investing in Breuer’s designs means adding not only furniture but also a piece of design history to your home.