Bauhaus Tubular Steel Hand painted Sofa by Franz Singer, 1920s-Metz & Co

1920s bauhaus-style multifunctional sofa with hand-painted veneer imitation. Designed by franz singer, possibly for metz & co, amsterdam. This rare multifunctional sofa, designed by franz singer in the early 1920s, reflects bauhaus ideals of logic, efficiency, and expressive simplicity. Singer, a pioneer of viennese modernism, promoted the “economy of time, space, and money”—a principle embodied in this piece. The structure is made from bent tubular steel, hand-painted to simulate a warm wood veneer. This faux finish creates a unique visual texture without using actual wood—a rare example of early 20th-century decorative innovation. Fold-down armrests allow the sofa to convert into a daybed, emphasizing practicality and spatial efficiency. The compact format suits modern interiors and multi-use spaces. New seat and back cushions are upholstered in italian cotton with a stylized leaf pattern. The base color is bone white, though it may appear slightly pinkish in photos; in person, it has a soft, neutral tone. The metal frame has been gently cleaned and treated with natural beeswax to preserve its patina. Stylistic analysis and archival research suggest it may have been produced for metz & co, the progressive amsterdam store known for its avant-garde commissions. A rare, documented franz singer design—where form, function, and historical relevance converge. Open sofa: 188cm.