The 8 Best Bauhaus Coffee Table Books That Define Modern Design

The Bauhaus movement, which flourished from 1919 to 1933, fundamentally transformed how we understand art, design, and architecture. Founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany, the Bauhaus school brought together leading artists, architects, and designers under one revolutionary philosophy: the marriage of art, craft, and technology. Today, nearly a century later, the influence of Bauhaus design principles continues to shape our modern aesthetic landscape.

For design enthusiasts, architects, and anyone passionate about modernist culture, a carefully curated Bauhaus coffee table book serves as both inspiration and education. These visual compendiums capture the essence of geometric simplicity, functional beauty, and innovative materials that defined the movement. Whether you're looking to understand the foundational principles of modern design or simply want to display stunning visual examples of Bauhaus architecture and objects, the right coffee table book can transform your understanding of 20th-century aesthetics.

In this comprehensive guide, we've selected eight essential Bauhaus coffee table books that represent the finest scholarship, photography, and design thinking about this influential movement. From comprehensive overviews to focused studies on individual masters, these books offer different perspectives on the Bauhaus legacy and its enduring impact on contemporary design.

The 8 Best Bauhaus Coffee Table Books

1. Bauhaus by Magdalena Droste (Taschen)

Publisher: Taschen | Pages: 400+ | ISBN: 9783836572828 | Price: $80

Created in collaboration with the Bauhaus-Archiv/Museum für Gestaltung in Berlin, this comprehensive volume stands as the definitive visual survey of the Bauhaus movement. Magdalena Droste, a leading Bauhaus scholar, has crafted an authoritative exploration that spans the school's entire 14-year history.

What makes it special: With over 550 illustrations including architectural plans, photographs, sketches, and models, this book captures both realized works and the foundational principles that drove the Bauhaus community. From Walter Gropius's group gymnastics sessions to Marianne Brandt's sleek metalwork, every image vividly represents the colors, materials, and geometries that defined the Bauhaus vision.

Visual highlights: The book features stunning photography of the Dessau Bauhaus building, complete workshop documentation, and rare archival materials. Particularly impressive are the full-page spreads of textile designs by Anni Albers and the architectural drawings of the Masters' Houses.

Perfect for: Serious design students, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting the most comprehensive single-volume introduction to Bauhaus design. This is the book that belongs on every modernist's shelf.

Value proposition: At $80, this represents exceptional value given its scholarly depth, print quality, and comprehensive scope. It's essentially a portable museum collection.

2. Breuer by Robert McCarter (Phaidon)

Publisher: Phaidon | ISBN: 9781838668167 | Release Date: October 2024 | Price: $150

The most comprehensive monograph on Marcel Breuer, this recently published volume covers both his groundbreaking architecture and his revolutionary furniture designs. Robert McCarter provides expert analysis of Breuer's evolution from Bauhaus student to international master.

What makes it special: This book uniquely balances Breuer's architectural achievements (Whitney Museum, UNESCO Headquarters) with his iconic furniture pieces (Wassily Chair, Cesca Chair). McCarter's scholarship reveals how Breuer's Bauhaus training influenced his entire career trajectory.

Visual highlights: The book showcases newly photographed architectural projects alongside rare archival images from Breuer's workshop years. The furniture photography, shot specifically for this publication, reveals the sculptural beauty of his tubular steel designs.

Perfect for: Mid-century modern enthusiasts, furniture designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of architecture and industrial design. Essential for understanding how Bauhaus principles translated into postwar American design.

Value proposition: As the newest and most comprehensive Breuer study available, this book offers fresh insights and previously unpublished material that make it invaluable for both scholars and collectors.

3. Walter Gropius: Buildings and Projects by Carsten Krohn (Birkhäuser)

Publisher: Birkhäuser | Pages: 208 | ISBN: 9783035617287 | Release Date: 2019 | Price: $67-75

This comprehensive monograph documents all 74 known buildings by Walter Gropius, including many early works he never publicized, alongside critical examination of his unbuilt projects. Author Carsten Krohn provides both historical context and contemporary photography.

What makes it special: Beyond the famous Bauhaus buildings, this book reveals Gropius's complete architectural evolution, from his early work in Pomerania influenced by Peter Behrens to his later American projects with The Architects Collaborative. Krohn's original photographs show many buildings in newly restored conditions.

Visual highlights: New architectural photography by the author, historical figures, and newly drawn plans provide a complete visual record. The book includes detailed documentation of lesser-known projects like the Siemensstadt Housing Development and the Harvard Graduate Center.

Perfect for: Architecture historians, Bauhaus scholars, and anyone interested in Gropius's complete architectural legacy beyond his most famous works. Essential for understanding the breadth of his design thinking.

Value proposition: This scholarly approach, combined with high-quality contemporary photography, makes it the definitive Gropius architectural reference for both professionals and enthusiasts.

4. Bauhaus Style by Mateo Kries (Assouline)

Publisher: Assouline | ISBN: 9781649802021 | Price: $120

Curated by Mateo Kries, director of the Vitra Design Museum, this volume showcases impactful images of architecture, art, objects, graphic design, and fashion spanning 100 years of Bauhaus influence. Part of Assouline's celebrated Style series.

What makes it special: Rather than focusing purely on historical Bauhaus, this book demonstrates the movement's enduring influence on contemporary design. Kries's curatorial expertise reveals surprising connections between 1920s Bauhaus principles and today's design trends.

Visual highlights: Stunning contemporary photography alongside historical images creates visual dialogues between past and present. The book features everything from classic Bauhaus posters to contemporary fashion inspired by geometric principles.

Perfect for: Design professionals seeking inspiration, collectors of design books, and anyone interested in how Bauhaus principles continue to influence contemporary aesthetics. The luxurious Assouline production values make it a perfect gift.

Value proposition: While more expensive than academic titles, the production quality and contemporary relevance justify the investment for design enthusiasts and collectors.

5. Marcel Breuer: Furniture and Interiors by Christopher Wilk (MoMA)

Publisher: Museum of Modern Art | Pages: 192 | ISBN: 9780870702631 | Publication: 1981 | Price: $35-150 (vintage/rare)

This first comprehensive study of Marcel Breuer's furniture and interior design work was published in conjunction with MoMA's groundbreaking 1981 exhibition. Based on extensive archival research and interviews with Breuer himself.

What makes it special: As the first major scholarly examination of Breuer's design work, this book includes previously unpublished material, including Breuer's own essay "The House Interior." Christopher Wilk's research includes interviews with Breuer and his manufacturers, providing unique insights into the design process.

Visual highlights: 199 black and white photographs document everything from Breuer's earliest wooden furniture to his revolutionary tubular steel pieces. Includes technical drawings, workshop photographs, and interior installations showing the furniture in use.

Perfect for: Design historians, vintage furniture collectors, and anyone seeking the definitive scholarly treatment of Breuer's furniture innovations. Essential for understanding the transition from craft to industrial design.

Value proposition: While harder to find and potentially expensive, this remains the most authoritative source on Breuer's furniture design and represents a crucial piece of design history scholarship.

6. Bauhaus Architecture by Axel Tilch (Prestel)

Publisher: Prestel | Pages: 152 | ISBN: 9783791384818 | Publication: 2018 | Price: $55

This expanded and revised edition contains outstanding photography by renowned architectural photographer Hans Engels, providing a detailed survey of surviving Bauhaus architecture across Europe. Features 65 building projects in Germany, Vienna, Barcelona, Prague, and Budapest.

What makes it special: Engels' contemporary photography shows many Bauhaus buildings in their newly restored conditions, revealing details often missed in historical documentation. The chronological arrangement helps readers understand the evolution of Bauhaus architectural thinking.

Visual highlights: Spectacular architectural photography captures both famous landmarks like the Dessau Bauhaus and lesser-known gems. Each building is shown with site plans and informative commentary about restoration and current condition.

Perfect for: Architecture photographers, travel enthusiasts planning Bauhaus tours, and anyone who wants to see how these historic buildings look today. Essential for understanding Bauhaus architecture's current state.

Value proposition: At under $40, this book offers exceptional photographic quality and comprehensive geographical coverage, making it an excellent value for architecture enthusiasts.

7. The Spirit of the Bauhaus edited by Olivier Gabet (Thames & Hudson)

Publisher: Thames & Hudson | Pages: 264 | ISBN: 9780500021804 | Publication: 2018 | Price: $70

Published in conjunction with a major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, this multi-author volume provides fresh perspectives on the Bauhaus legacy. Edited by museum director Olivier Gabet with contributions from leading international scholars.

What makes it special: Unlike single-author studies, this book brings together diverse scholarly voices to examine different aspects of Bauhaus influence. Contributors include Nicholas Fox Weber of the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation and other leading experts.

Visual highlights: The book explores all Bauhaus workshops in detail: ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, textiles, glass-painting, sculpture, printing, typography, theater, architecture, and photography. Each section includes both historical works and analysis of lasting influence.

Perfect for: Readers seeking multiple perspectives on Bauhaus legacy, students of design history, and anyone interested in comprehensive workshop-by-workshop exploration. Excellent for understanding the interdisciplinary nature of Bauhaus education.

Value proposition: The multiple author approach provides broader perspective than single-author volumes, while Thames & Hudson's production quality ensures excellent reproductions and design.

8. Mies van der Rohe by Claire Zimmerman (Taschen Basic Art Series)

Publisher: Taschen | Pages: 96 | ISBN: 9783836560429 | Price: $20

Part of Taschen's accessible Basic Art Series, this compact volume presents over 20 Mies van der Rohe projects from 1906-1967. Written by Claire Zimmerman, who worked on MoMA's "Mies in Berlin" exhibition.

What makes it special: Despite its compact format, this book covers Mies's complete career arc, from early traditionalism through his revolutionary modernist phase to his American master period. Zimmerman's expertise ensures scholarly accuracy in an accessible format.

Visual highlights: Key projects like the Barcelona Pavilion, Farnsworth House, and Seagram Building are beautifully reproduced alongside lesser-known works. The book includes both architectural photography and historical documentation.

Perfect for: Budget-conscious buyers, students, and anyone wanting an accessible introduction to Mies's work. Excellent as a gift or travel companion for Bauhaus architectural tours.

Value proposition: At just $20, this represents extraordinary value for money while maintaining Taschen's high production standards. Perfect entry point for Mies van der Rohe enthusiasts.

Comparison Overview

Book Title	Publisher	Pages	Price Range	Best For	Unique Feature
Bauhaus (Droste)	Taschen	400+	$80	Comprehensive overview	550+ illustrations, definitive reference
Breuer (McCarter)	Phaidon	-	$79.95	Architecture & furniture	Most comprehensive Breuer study (2024)
Walter Gropius (Krohn)	Birkhäuser	208	$67-75	Architecture focus	All 74 known buildings documented
Bauhaus Style (Kries)	Assouline	-	$120	Contemporary relevance	100 years of influence shown
Breuer Furniture (Wilk)	MoMA	192	$35-150	Furniture design	First scholarly study (1981)
Bauhaus Architecture (Tilch)	Prestel	152	$55	Building photography	Contemporary photos of restored buildings
Spirit of Bauhaus (Gabet)	Thames & Hudson	264	$70	Multiple perspectives	Multi-author scholarly approach
Mies van der Rohe (Zimmerman)	Taschen	96	$20	Budget-friendly intro	Excellent value compact format

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great Bauhaus coffee table book?
The best Bauhaus coffee table books combine high-quality photography with scholarly insight. Look for books that include original archival materials, contemporary photography of restored buildings, and expert commentary that places the work in historical context. The most valuable books also demonstrate the continuing influence of Bauhaus principles on contemporary design.

Which book is best for beginners vs. experts?
Beginners: Start with "Mies van der Rohe" by Zimmerman (accessible and affordable) or "Bauhaus Style" by Kries (contemporary relevance). Experts: "Bauhaus" by Droste offers the most comprehensive reference, while "Walter Gropius" by Krohn provides scholarly depth on the founder's complete architectural output.

Are English or German editions better?
For international readers, English editions are generally preferable for accessibility. However, some German editions may include additional archival materials. Most major publishers now produce high-quality English translations with the same visual content.

What's the best budget option under $30?
The Taschen "Mies van der Rohe" by Zimmerman at $20 offers exceptional value, providing professional scholarship in an accessible format without sacrificing visual quality.

Which books are best for gifts?
"Bauhaus Style" by Assouline and "Breuer" by Phaidon represent luxury coffee table books with exceptional production values. "The Spirit of the Bauhaus" offers broad appeal with its multi-author approach.

Where should I buy these books?
Major online retailers, specialty architecture bookstores, and museum shops typically offer the best selection. For rare editions like the MoMA Breuer book, check antiquarian book dealers and auction sites.

Do any of these books focus specifically on Bauhaus women designers?
While not exclusively focused on women, "Bauhaus" by Droste and "The Spirit of the Bauhaus" give substantial coverage to figures like Anni Albers, Marianne Brandt, and Gunta Stölzl. For more specific coverage, consider supplementing with specialized studies.

Conclusion

These eight essential Bauhaus coffee table books represent the finest available resources for understanding one of the 20th century's most influential design movements. Whether you're drawn to Walter Gropius's architectural vision, Marcel Breuer's furniture innovations, or Mies van der Rohe's minimalist philosophy, there's a book here that will deepen your appreciation for Bauhaus principles.

Our top three recommendations:

1. "Bauhaus" by Magdalena Droste - The definitive comprehensive reference
2. "Breuer" by Robert McCarter - The most current and complete study of a Bauhaus master
3. "Mies van der Rohe" by Claire Zimmerman - Exceptional value for accessible expertise

The enduring appeal of Bauhaus design lies in its fundamental belief that good design should be both beautiful and functional, accessible yet sophisticated. These carefully selected books not only document this revolutionary movement but demonstrate why Bauhaus principles continue to shape our modern world nearly a century after the school's founding.

Start building your Bauhaus library today, and discover why this German design school's influence extends far beyond its brief 14-year existence to define the very essence of modern design thinking.