Bauhaus Interior Design: How to Achieve the Look at Home

You step into a room that feels open and deliberate, as if every line and surface has been carefully chosen. Light floods in through wide, steel-framed windows, catching the polished concrete floor and bouncing off smooth white walls. The air feels clear, uncluttered—there’s space to breathe. Against the simplicity, a single chair of gleaming tubular steel and taut canvas commands attention, its geometry sharp yet inviting. A low table of glass and metal reflects a splash of color from a vivid red cushion on a nearby sofa, the only bold note in an otherwise neutral palette of black, gray, and white. Shapes repeat themselves—squares in the shelving, circles in a wall clock—so the eye moves easily from one element to the next. Nothing is decorative for its own sake; everything belongs. The atmosphere is quiet but alive, a harmony of utility and beauty that feels at once modern and timeless. That is Bauhaus Design.
"In fact, the influence of Bauhaus on contemporary design is so pervasive that it has an impact on everything I do."Terence Conran, British designer and restaurateur
In a world full of visual noise and trend overload, Bauhaus interior design offers something different. It offers purposeful choices that feel lived-in and add meaning. It’s a style that adds clarity and brings a subtle sense of calm to the everyday. And whether you're furnishing your first apartment or reimagining a longtime space, Bauhaus gives you the framework to do more with less.
This isn’t minimalism for the sake of minimalism. At its core, Bauhaus is about balance: a space that works well and looks considered. It leans into clean lines and clear intentions, where every piece is chosen for how it contributes to the whole. There’s no need for over-styling or constant updates. With just a few thoughtful elements, you can create a room that feels steady and uncluttered.
What Is Bauhaus Interior Design and Why It Still Shapes Modern HomesWhat is Bauhaus Interior Design
The Bauhaus movement was founded in 1919 in Weimar, Germany, by architect Walter Gropius. Originally a design school, the Bauhaus evolved into a cultural and architectural force, blending fine art, industrial design, and architecture into a unified discipline.
“The doctrine of functionalism is at the core of Bauhaus’ creative expression. Form follows function. Its abstract and geometric designs with sleek, clean lines celebrate both rationality and functionality.”Alexa Armstrong, senior specialist of design at Carpenters Workshop Gallery
At its core, Bauhaus interior design adheres to a set of clear principles: design must serve a function, simplicity prevails over decoration, and visual balance is achieved through the use of geometric forms and thoughtful proportion. These ideas were radical at the time, rejecting the ornate and embracing the accessible. Today, they serve as the foundation for modern minimalist interiors.
In an era of design overload, Bauhaus provides clarity. It prioritizes utility without compromising on beauty. This makes it particularly appealing for today’s interiors, where calm and thoughtful spaces are more sought-after than ever.
Key Elements of Bauhaus Interior Design
Clean Lines and Functional Furniture
Bauhaus furniture is designed for use. It doesn’t ask for attention, but it holds its place with quiet confidence. Shapes are straightforward, and the design feels considered without being showy. That same idea carries through to the details in a room. In a bedroom, the Levtex Cross Stitch Quilt Set reflects this idea with its understated texture and simple silhouette. It complements the surrounding space rather than competing with it, making it a natural fit for a home that values clarity and ease.
Bold Yet Balanced Color Palettes
Bauhaus interiors rely on clean neutrals like black, white, and grey to create balance. These colors help keep the space feeling organized and intentional, so that any pops of color don’t feel random or overwhelming. Levtex’s Loden Quilt Set fits right into this approach with its deep yet calm shades, adding a touch of Bauhaus-inspired base colors that complement the room without taking over. It’s an easy way to bring in that classic style while keeping things comfortable.
Geometric Patterns and Shapes in Décor
Geometry is a key element in Bauhaus interiors, acting as a visual language that guides the entire design. Shapes are woven into textiles, artwork, and furniture in a way that feels deliberate and balanced. The focus is on creating harmony between these forms, avoiding any sense of clutter or chaos, so that every piece feels like part of a unified whole.
Mixing Materials - Metal, Glass, Wood, and Fabrics
Contrasting materials are a hallmark of Bauhaus design, where sleek metal surfaces meet the warmth of natural wood and the softness of fabrics. Each material brings its own texture and presence, contributing to a layered and dynamic feel in the room. This careful combination adds depth and interest, making the space feel thoughtfully composed rather than flat or one-dimensional.
How to Achieve a Bauhaus Look in Your Home
Choosing the Right Furniture for a Bauhaus-Inspired Space
When choosing furniture for a Bauhaus-inspired space, focus on pieces designed for practical use, such as a bench with built-in storage or a coffee table with a simple steel frame. Look for designs with clean lines and balanced shapes that allow open space to breathe. Bauhaus furniture usually sits low and feels light in the room, never bulky or overpowering.
“I believe there is a certain level of voltage that happens when you pair objects that oppose each other. So whether your personal style is strictly minimal or layers of luxury, you may find a Bauhaus-inspired piece is a welcome addition to your home"Jordan Perry, founder and designer at Guest House
Using Levtex Home Textiles to Enhance the Bauhaus Interior Design Aesthetic
Textiles are essential in softening the sharp geometry and industrial feel of Bauhaus interiors. Quilts with simple stitching and understated, soft tones help create a comfortable layer that balances the harder surfaces. Levtex’s Mills Waffle Quilt Set captures this balance beautifully. Its clean lines and solid color add just the right amount of warmth, blending seamlessly into the room without distracting from the fluid architectural details.
Incorporating Functional and Artistic Décor Elements
In Bauhaus interiors, every accessory serves a clear purpose. Pieces like sculptural lighting and modular shelving not only add function but also contribute to the room’s geometric harmony. When selecting accents, it’s important to choose items that enhance both usability and the overall design. Levtex’s Cloud Waffle Euro Sham fits perfectly with the idea of function but stylish decor. Its simple design complements other elements while reinforcing the calm, modern atmosphere of the space.
Bauhaus Bedroom Styling with Levtex Home
Best Levtex Home Quilts and Bedding for a Bauhaus Look
To achieve a Bauhaus-inspired look, bedding should emphasize simplicity through tone, form, and material rather than relying on busy patterns or elaborate stitching. The goal is to create a calm, cohesive feeling that supports the room’s overall design. Levtex’s Reede Muslin Duvet Cover Set embodies this, with clean lines and a restrained color palette that brings understated elegance and harmony to the space.
How to Layer Throws and Pillows the Bauhaus Way
Layering in a Bauhaus-inspired space should feel intentional and restrained rather than cluttered. Choosing one or two pillows with different shapes or textures alongside a throw in a complementary shade creates depth without compromising the simplicity of the design. Every piece should have a purpose, whether visual or tactile, to uphold a harmonic symphony of style. Pairing the Loden Medallion Pillow with the Melange Stitch Quilt Set brings this careful layering to life, combining texture and tone in a way that’s minimalist yet thoughtfully composed.
Creating a Balanced, Clutter-Free Space with Bauhaus Principles
Creating a balanced, clutter-free space is really what Bauhaus is all about. It means paying attention to how different surfaces meet and how light and dark colors interact. It also involves mixing hard and soft textures in a way that feels comfortable. By keeping surfaces clear and decorations simple, the materials and proportions get to stand out on their own. The result is a space that feels calm, intentional, and perfectly put together.
Live Thoughtfully and Intentionally with Bauhaus Interior Design
Bauhaus isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a way of living thoughtfully. It’s about being deliberate with the things you choose and appreciating the beauty that comes from simplicity and purpose. When a space follows these ideas, it feels calm and confident, and creates a sense of order that makes it welcoming and easy to live in.
“I think every house should have a Bauhaus design piece. It’s so easy to integrate due to the simplicity.”Pieter Peulen, Belgian interior designer and art director
Adding a carefully chosen quilt, pillow, or throw can help bring that feeling into your own home. Pieces from Levtex Home blend flawlessly into a room, supporting the overall balance and simplicity without drawing too much attention. It’s a subtle way to connect with a design tradition that still feels fresh and meaningful today.
FAQ
What defines Bauhaus interior design?
Bauhaus interior design is defined by its balance of function, simplicity, and art. Originating from the Bauhaus school of architecture and design, it emphasizes clean lines, geometric forms, and practical furniture that serve a clear purpose. Every product, material, and décor element is designed to blend industrial precision with timeless style for a harmonious home interior.
How can I incorporate Bauhaus design principles into my home?
To create a Bauhaus interior at home, focus on furniture with simple shapes, industrial materials like metal and glass, and neutral tones balanced with primary color accents. Choose décor and products that highlight utility while maintaining artistic appeal. This approach keeps your interiors uncluttered and true to the Bauhaus movement’s principle of “form follows function.”
What materials and furniture work best for a Bauhaus-style interior?
Bauhaus furniture often combines metal, glass, wood, and leather to reflect its industrial yet refined character. A steel-framed chair, tubular light fixture, or glass coffee table are perfect examples of Bauhaus-inspired designs. The contrast of hard and soft materials creates a balanced, modern atmosphere that’s both functional and visually appealing.
Why is Bauhaus design still relevant in modern interiors?
Bauhaus design remains influential because it values simplicity, durability, and thoughtful use of space—qualities that define modern living. The movement’s focus on accessible materials and mass-produced furniture continues to shape today’s architecture and home décor. Its timeless balance of art and function ensures Bauhaus interiors never go out of style.
References
1. "Bauhaus Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know About the Geometry-Minded Style" on Architectural Digest - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/bauhaus-style-101
2. "The Bauhaus School May Have Been Short-Lived, but Its Influence on Design Has Endured — Our Editor Explores Why" - https://www.livingetc.com/features/bauhaus-design
3. "The Bauhaus, 1919–1933" on The Metropolitan Museum of Art - https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-bauhaus-1919-1933
4. "This Century-old Aesthetic isn’t going anywhere…Just as it was designed" On Eye Swoon - https://eye-swoon.com/blogs/living/bauhaus-design-movement