The German company Bretz is a traditional, owner-managed family business based in Gensingen. Founded in 1895, Bretz can look back upon 130 years of eventful company history. After a radical transformation from a former furniture maker to a multi-award-winning manufacturer, the traditional brand now stands for distinctive design and impressive comfort of the highest quality. Each piece of upholstered furniture is also unique and is handmade in Germany from selected materials. The courage to realise extravagant ideas coupled with the highest creative standards results in individual, valuable character pieces.
© Bretz
Today, the company is led by Norbert and his niece Carolin Kutzera, representing the fourth and fifth generation of family leadership.
In 2025, German furniture brand Bretz marks an extraordinary milestone: 130 years of daring design, craftsmanship, and family legacy. Since its founding in 1895, Bretz has defied convention with expressive, emotion-driven furniture that prioritises individuality over conformity. Now in its fifth generation, the brand remains as bold and visionary as ever, celebrating its heritage while looking confidently to the future.
'130 years, that's a really special feeling,' says a member of the Bretz family leadership. 'For us as a family, it's like a big chapter written together over generations. There's so much passion, courage and a good dose of craziness in Bretz, and that's what makes it special. This milestone shows us that it's worth going your own way and never losing the fun in the process.'
Bretz has long been celebrated for its fearless approach to design, blending maximalist aesthetics with deep emotional resonance. According to the company, staying true to its design DNA while evolving with the times has always been a balancing act, and one that's driven by authenticity, not trends.
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Manyara Collection
'At Bretz, we believe that evolution and identity are not contradictions, but partners in a creative dialogue,' they explain. 'Our bold, expressive design is rooted in craftsmanship, artistic freedom, and the courage to be different. That foundation gives us the freedom to experiment and reinterpret, while always staying grounded in who we are.'
This philosophy is embodied in Bretz's latest release: the Manyara collection. Named after the vast, dreamlike landscapes of Lake Manyara in Africa, the modular sofa is described as both wild and serene: a place of retreat, inspiration, and emotional depth.
'With Manyara, we've created a piece that reflects our core philosophy: to inspire the imagination with furniture,' says the brand. 'It brings together two fundamental yet contradictory desires: the longing for distant worlds and the desire for security. When both can coexist, everyday magic is created.'
The design is anchored by sumptuous, seemingly effortlessly stacked cushions that serve as both visual focal point and tactile invitation. 'Manyara is a safe haven from which freedom sets sail,' they say. Its generous, flowing design language is not only functional and modular, but expressive and intuitive, mirroring a free-spirited, adaptable lifestyle. 'The modularity and choice of covers make it intuitive, communicative, and deeply personal.'
Like all Bretz pieces, Manyara is more than just a product: it's a character with a story. 'We don't refer to our furniture as products, but as "true characters",' they explain. 'Each one reflects the social context of its time and the human desires we see emerging. What unites all our models is their ability to combine opposites: to transport you to faraway dream worlds, while making you feel at home.'
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The iconic "Wildcat"sofa became an instant symbol of the brand's rebellious spirit and helped propel Bretz to international recognition.
Defining moments in the history of Bretz
The company's journey began in 1895 with Johann Bretz, a farmer's son who left behind the security of rural life to establish a small slatted frame factory in Gensingen. His son, Alexander, later added upholstered furniture to the offering, laying the groundwork for the Bretz we know today.
After the Second World War, the company faced one of its greatest challenges when its factory was completely destroyed. But with resilience and vision, the Bretz family rebuilt from scratch. The next major transformation came in the 1990s, when Norbert and Hartmut Bretz steered the brand away from rustic, traditional furniture toward a radically new design language.
'They consciously chose to abandon the traditional look and embraced colorful, imaginative upholstered furniture with expressive shapes,' the family recalls. 'It was a bold move, many thought it was crazy at the time. But that decision gave Bretz its new identity.' The iconic "Wildcat" sofa, complete with zebra print, paws and hooves, became an instant symbol of the brand's rebellious spirit and helped propel Bretz to international recognition.
Today, the company is led by Norbert and his niece, representing the fourth and fifth generation of family leadership. 'We've developed Bretz into a premium brand,' they say. 'I bring my passion for colours, fabrics, and fashion into the design process. We focus on modularity, soft, rounded forms, and expressive upholstery, which for us is the clothing of the sofa, a true expression of personality.'
Despite the evolution, the company's values remain unchanged: courage, innovation, and unity within the family and team. 'These values have carried us through every challenge, and continue to drive us today.'
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The company's journey began in 1895 with Johann Bretz (at the right).
Vision for the future of the brand
Looking forward, Bretz is embracing sustainability, technology, and talent development. 'Our vision is to stay deeply connected to our heritage while moving boldly into the future. We will continue to produce in Germany, not just out of tradition, but because it guarantees the quality we stand for.'
With a new photovoltaic system in place and a growing focus on eco-friendly materials and production methods, Bretz is committed to responsible design. At the same time, the brand is investing in the next generation, inviting young artisans to shape the future of character-rich furniture.
Digitally, Bretz is making strides too. 'We're bringing our vibrant, modular designs closer to customers through tools that help them visualise pieces in their own space.'
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Debut in Copenhagen
But perhaps the most exciting development this year is Bretz's participation in 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, its debut at the renowned Scandinavian design festival. The brand will open the doors to its new showroom in central Copenhagen, showcasing the Manyara collection alongside classic icons that have shaped its legacy.
3daysofdesign
📍 June 18–20
📍 Bretz Store Copenhagen – Shielding Spaces ApS, Palaegade 4, st. 1261 Copenhagen
'We are so excited to welcome visitors and celebrate 130 years of Bretz with them,' the brand says. 'It's the perfect moment to look back, but also to dream boldly forward.'
More information:
Bretz
info@bretz.de
www.bretz.de
Germany