Characteristic features of Bauhaus interior design

Characteristic features of the style

The Bauhaus style in design was formed at the beginning of the 20th century and immediately became recognizable. Main characteristics:

• Functionality. The main task of interior design is to make the house comfortable and livable. This is exactly what they think in Germany.
• People-oriented. The core of the concept is the needs of residents. Every detail of the interior is adapted to their lifestyle.
• Minimalism. Only the most necessary furniture – this is both about preserving space and about frugal consumption. There should not be a lot of decor either – instead of bright prints, it is better to choose a solid color finish.
• Aesthetics. Elements of style should be not only functional, but also beautiful.
• Modern materials. Initially, the production of furniture and other interior items began with the introduction of industrial textures (metal, glass, plastic).
• Geometric shapes. The simplicity of straight lines gives a special artistic quality to the Bauhaus style in the interior.

Color scheme

The unshakable principle of the Bauhaus is to maintain harmony. In the palette of the style, this is expressed in the unification of two opposites – in color, temperature, texture.

The main range is neutral. White, sand, graphite, black. These shades were inspired by nature itself – gray plaster, dark cold stone, warm brown wood, black metal.

You can’t do without bright tones. The main ones were and remain pure yellow, red, blue, green. At the same time, the philosophy of the Bauhaus style explores them not only from a visual point of view. For example, the founders of the style believed that red objects seem closer, blue ones, on the contrary, further away. Or that sounds in a light room are louder, while dark ones muffle them.

The photo shows a living room with bright orange accents

Finishing and materials

The neutrality of the main elements continues in the finishing. Decorative plaster, paint, and calm wallpaper are used for the walls. By the way, the latter were even made specifically for the needs of the style – the usual monograms and bright flowers were replaced by manufacturers with geometric patterns, imitation of natural textures.

Suitable ceilings are simple single-level or complex multi-level. Preferably high, light. The floor is as simple as possible. Linoleum, laminate, and parquet are used in finishing.

When choosing finishing materials, combine eco and high-tech: glass, plastic, metal, wood, leather, and textile surfaces are a feature of the Bauhaus style.

The photo shows a classic hall in the Bauhaus style

Furniture

It is not for nothing that the ideologists of the Bauhaus style are considered trendsetters – they looked for and found completely new forms, putting simplicity, attractiveness and functionality together. Furniture production was distinguished by correct geometric shapes, clear lines, and the absence of decorative elements.

Built-in furniture is actively being introduced – bulky cabinets and shelves literally dissolve even in small apartments. Another invention is transformers. A fold-out sofa or table, modular upholstered furniture help save space in the house while maintaining its functions. Stackable tables and chairs are another idea of advanced designers, which is still popular.

Designers tried to visually lighten the overall interior – they removed armrests from chairs and sofas, and got rid of all decorative elements on cabinet furniture.

As for materials, Bauhaus easily combines previously incompatible furniture: expensive wood with cheap plastic, weightless glass with rough metal, natural leather with chrome pipes.

Bent pipes generally became a kind of flagship of that time (~20s of the XX century). What is the popular chair of Marcel Breuer made of chromed metal pipes with leather straps worth. The second example is open shelving, often used for zoning the space.

The photo shows a minimalist white built-in kitchen

Decor and textiles

Even such a pragmatic style as Bauhaus could not do without decorations. However, the decor is a continuation of the general principles.

A decorative element can be something functional – for example, a stylish lamp, a set of dishes, a teapot, a board game or the furniture itself. As well as a specific decoration – a painting, a carpet. But the pattern on them is exclusively abstract. Colored circles, squares, ovals, triangles and rectangles are the basis of many works of art that fit the Bauhaus interior.

By the way, geometric carpets are an integral element of the classical direction. The bright print on them perfectly complements the neutral decoration of the room.

The rest of the textiles – curtains, pillows, blankets, bed linen – could be bright, like rugs, or extremely simple, monochromatic. The main rule is moderation. That is, you should not put a multi-colored pillow on a colored chair.

The photo shows a geometric carpet on the floor

Lighting

Competent bright light is not just a decoration, but an integral part of any Bauhaus interior. The more lighting, the more spacious the space becomes. Light emphasizes the necessary zones, places accents.

The glow temperature is closer to industrial, cold. Brightness is high.

The lamps themselves were supposed to decorate the room. Their design combined simple forms, unusual duets. The most popular example is the combination of chrome metal and frosted glass, as in the famous table lamp by William Wagenfeld and Carl Jakob Jucker.

No less famous is the lamp by Marianne Brandt – a small metal model, reminiscent of modern versions in shape.

Photos in the interior of rooms

Living room in the Bauhaus style – several comfortable armchairs, a simple coffee table, a console for television equipment.

The bed is the center of the bedroom – simple, comfortable. The storage area is considered additional – a simple wardrobe is one of the best solutions implemented by the designers of the style.

The photo shows a spacious room with a frameless sofa

The kitchen is the most functional room in the house. When developing a set, not only ergonomics are taken into account, but also the needs of each family member. Furniture should simplify the performance of daily tasks.