Bauhaus-style tubular steel sofa with hand-painted veneer pattern, 1920s.

Multifunctional tubular steel sofa in Bauhaus style from the 1920s with hand-painted veneer, attributed to Franz Singer, Austria. Multifunctional sofa in Bauhaus style from the 1920s with hand-painted veneer. Possibly designed for Metz & Co, Amsterdam. This exceptional multifunctional sofa from the early 1920s showcases the refined materiality and logical construction characteristic of the Bauhaus movement. It features a fully hand-painted veneered wooden frame with warm tones and a unique surface pattern — a highly expressive example of decorative craftsmanship from the early 20th century. The bent tubular steel frame is both stable and visually light. The foldable armrests allow for quick transformation of the sofa into a daybed, reflecting modernism's emphasis on versatility and spatial efficiency. Its compact dimensions and transformable design align with the functionalist ideals promoted by Viennese design circles in the 1920s, such as those of Franz Singer and Friedl Dicker. Singer advocated for "the economy of time, space, and money" as the foundation of modern life — a philosophy embodied in this piece. New custom-made seat and back cushions have been covered in high-quality Italian cotton fabric with a stylised leaf pattern, carefully selected to complement the warm tones of the veneer. The metal structure has been cleaned and treated with natural beeswax, preserving its patina while enhancing its durability.