Rating and value of Baumann chairs and furniture

An emblematic piece of 20th-century design, the Baumann chair has become a true classic of decorative art. With its simple, uncluttered aesthetic, the Baumann chair has stood the test of time and remains highly appreciated by contemporary furniture enthusiasts. 

If you own a Baumann chair model and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you.

Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your chair, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your object, we will guide you towards the best possible device to obtain an optimal price.

The market rating of Baumann chairs

By their timeless design, manufacturing quality, comfort, historical value and aesthetics, Baumann chairs are in great demand from furniture enthusiasts. They are therefore highly prized on the market. Their price varies according to their years of production and state of preservation.

Today, it's impossible to find new Baumann chairs. Nevertheless, their price can soar at auction, especially for the understated and timeless Pegasus series. The price at which they sell on the auction market ranges from 50 to €1,150. In 2019, a series of 6 Pegasus model chairs with black seats sold for €1,150 while they were estimated at between €900 and €1,000.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

The Baumann company and its must-have chair

The history of the Baumann chair began in 1901 when Émile Baumann, the company's founder, set out to create furniture suitable for children. The company then specialized in the design and manufacture of chairs for children. La chaiserie Baumann quickly becomes one of the most important chair manufacturers in France, specializing in bentwood furniture of all kinds.

As part of its business strategy, the Baumann company quickly extends its production to local authorities, hotels, offices, brasseries, theaters, hospitals, in addition to private individuals. The Baumann chair offers good value for money, and the after-sales service offers spare parts, including replacement seats, which contributes to its success.

The Baumann company uses the quality label "La chaise de France" to promote its successful furniture. All production is carried out industrially, using steam-powered machines. Beech wood from the surrounding forests is the raw material: it is bent by steaming or used as glued and pressed plywood. Baumann chair finishes are natural or stained in light oak, dark brown walnut or teak, as well as mahogany burgundy.

The great success of "La chaise de France" bentwood prompted the company to expand its range with coat racks, rocking chairs, pedestal tables, as well as several new chair models. 

Why are they so popular?

In France today, private individuals have a renewed interest in vintage furniture. The price may seem high at first, but bidders are willing to spend more when they know they're buying a quality piece of furniture at auction, thus preferring a responsible and sustainable approach to buying a new piece of furniture from a major retailer.

Moreover, furniture from the designer's time is of a higher quality than furniture marketed today on the whole. TheFrench provenance of the wood and other materials, as well as the prospect of keeping these pieces of furniture for many years, while knowing that they are less susceptible to moisture and shock make them appreciated and prized items of furniture.

Less expensive than Perriand furniture, Chapo or Subes, Baumann pieces have the advantage of being original creations - which appeals to private customers.

As a result, the auction market is seeing just as much interest as it did when Baumann first marketed its furniture.

The different Baumann chair models

The Baumann company has gone through different eras, producing over 250 chair models. Each model has undergone slight evolution over time. Thus, it's impossible to talk about the different variations of the Baumann chair without mentioning this diversity through the ages. 

●     The model from 1901 to 1950: 

At the beginning of the 20th century, the first Baumann chairs were made in bentwood, in the characteristic Thonet style. Among these creations were high chairs for babies, made entirely of wood and of exceptional quality. In 1903, it was the famous "charrette", a small folding carriage for children, that made the company's reputation.

These models were distinguished by the game balls present on the top and the meticulous designs created by decalcomania.

From the 1930s onwards, the structure of the chairs became slightly more rectilinear, marking the gradual abandonment of bentwood.

The back bands were now cut from sheets of plywood or solid wood planks. The uprights adopted a square cross-section, and these changes continued.

●     The model from 1950 to 1970:

In the 50s and 60s, Baumann chairs adopted clean lines and were inspired by Scandinavian style, with tapered, compass-shaped legs.

Baumann also incorporated plastic materials into its furniture, as evidenced by the vinyl cushions attached to the seats. Between 1953 and 1959, lino and formica coverings were available. Subsequently, Baumann innovated with a number of seating models featuring original designs, organic shapes and evocative names.

●      From the 70s to the present day:

In the 70s, a few chairs were to stand out, such as the "Traineau" and "Menuet" models. A few plastic Baumann chairs would also appear, but would struggle to compete with powerful American rivals such as Knoll.  

Still today, you can find a range of Baumann chair models on the market. They have survived the test of time remarkably well, thanks to the quality of their assembly and their great solidity. These pieces generally come from the furnishings of bistros, businesses or sleep in some French attics.

Expertise your property

If you own a Baumann chair, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and chartered auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your Baumann chair.

If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.