Rating and value of Baumann chairs and furniture

An emblematic piece of 20th-century design, the Baumann chair has become a true classic of the decorative arts. 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 and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will be happy to advise you.

Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your chair, and give you a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Then, if you wish to sell your object, we'll guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price.

The market value of Baumann chairs

Thanks to their timeless design, manufacturing quality, comfort, historical value and aesthetic appeal, Baumann chairs are in great demand among furniture lovers. They are therefore highly sought-after on the market. Prices vary according to the year 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 discreet 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 chairs from the Pégase model with black seats sold for €1,150, whereas they were estimated at between €900 and €1,000.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Baumann and its must-have chair

The history of the Baumann chair began in 1901, when company founder Émile Baumann began designing furniture for children. The company specialized in the design and manufacture of chairs for children. Chaiserie Baumann quickly became one of France's leading chair manufacturers, specializing in bentwood furniture of all kinds.

As part of its business strategy, Baumann is rapidly expanding its production to institutions, hotels, offices, breweries, theaters and hospitals, in addition to private customers. Baumann chairs offer good value for money, and the company's after-sales service offers spare parts, including seat replacements, contributing to its success.

Baumann uses the quality label "La chaise de France" to promote its successful furniture. All production is carried out on an industrial scale, 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, or mahogany burgundy.

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

Why are they so popular?

Today, in France, private individuals are showing 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 quality furniture at auction, preferring a responsible and sustainable approach to buying new furniture from a large retailer.

What's more, furniture from the designer's time is of a higher quality than furniture marketed today on the whole. The French provenance of the wood and other materials, as well as the prospect of keeping this furniture for many years, while knowing that it is less sensitive to humidity and impact , make it a much-appreciated and prized piece of furniture.

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

As a result, the auction market is just as popular as it was when Baumann first started selling furniture.

Baumann chair models

Baumann has produced more than 250 different chair models over several eras. Each model has undergone slight evolution over time. So 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 of 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 famous.

These models were distinguished by the game balls on the top and the elaborate decalcomania motifs.

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

The backrest bands are now cut from plywood sheets or solid wood planks. The uprights have a square cross-section, and these changes continue.

● The model from 1950 to 1970:

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

Baumann also incorporated plastic materials into his furniture, as evidenced by the vinyl cushions attached to the seats. Between 1953 and 1959, lino and formica coverings were available. Later, 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 stood out, such as the "Traineau" and "Menuet" models. A few plastic Baumann chairs also appeared, but struggled to compete with powerful American rivals such as Knoll.  

Even today, you can find a wide range of Baumann seating 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 and businesses, or lie dormant in some French attics.

Appraising your property

If you own a Baumann chair, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling out our online form. A member of our team of experts and certified 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.