Jindrich Halabala (1903–1978)

Few names are as closely associated with Czech furniture design as Jindrich Halabala. As one of the leading designers of the twentieth century, Halabala helped define the appearance of modern interiors in former Czechoslovakia and created furniture that remains highly sought after by collectors around the world.

Today, his work is celebrated for its elegant proportions, practical functionality and timeless modernist aesthetic. From iconic bentwood armchairs to sophisticated Art Deco cabinets and dressing tables, Halabala's designs continue to feel remarkably contemporary nearly a century after they were first introduced.

Halabala and UP Brno

Jindřich Halabala spent much of his career working for UP Závody, the influential furniture manufacturer based in Brno. During the 1930s and 1940s, UP became one of the most progressive furniture producers in Central Europe, bringing modern design to a wider audience through innovative manufacturing techniques and extensive catalogue distribution.

Under Halabala's artistic direction, UP produced furniture that combined beauty, comfort and affordability. His designs reflected international modernist trends while retaining a distinctive Central European character.

Iconic Designs

Among Halabala's most famous creations are the H-269 armchair, the H-70 lounge chair and a series of elegant cabinets, dressing tables and coffee tables produced by UP Brno during the interwar period.

His furniture often features flowing bentwood forms, carefully balanced proportions and thoughtful functional details. Whether designing a comfortable armchair or a practical storage piece, Halabala consistently sought harmony between form and function.

Many of these designs appeared in original UP Brno catalogues, several examples of which are shown below alongside pieces that have passed through our collection at By Barnabas.

Original UP Brno Catalogues

The catalogue pages presented here offer a fascinating glimpse into how Halabala's furniture was originally marketed and displayed. They document a period when modern living, functional design and high-quality craftsmanship were becoming increasingly important elements of everyday life.

By comparing these historical catalogues with surviving examples, we can better appreciate the enduring quality and timeless appeal of Halabala's work.

Jindrich Halabala at By Barnabas

At By Barnabas, we actively seek out original furniture designed by Jindřich Halabala and produced by UP Brno. Over the years we have restored and delivered Halabala pieces to collectors, architects and design enthusiasts across Europe, North America and Asia.

Below you will find examples of both currently available and previously sold pieces from our collection, helping to illustrate the breadth and lasting popularity of Halabala's designs.

UP Brno Extendable Dining Table by Jindrich Halabala, 1930s

This extendable dining table by UP Brno is a practical and well-designed piece, made for both everyday use and larger gatherings. Whether it’s a family meal or a dinner with friends, it adapts easily to the occasion. Shop this piece here

Pair of H-353 Chairs by Jindrich Halabala, UP Brno, 1930s

This extremely rare pair of H-353 chairs was designed by Jindřich Halabala and produced by UP Brno during the 1930s, a period widely regarded as the golden age of Czech modern furniture design. Shop this set here

1930s Dressing Table by UP Brno

This dressing table is a rare 1930s piece, believed to be designed by Jindřich Halabala for UP Brno in the late functionalist period. It reflects the clear formal language of interwar Central European modernism, where proportion, material clarity, and functional composition were central principles. Shop this piece here