Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
American, German, 1886-1969
Architect, furniture designer and educator, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a central figure in the advancement and promotion of modernist design and architectural theory and practice. Like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, he was a hugely influential presence in the field, who shaped the course of 20th-century architecture both through his buildings and his teaching of rationalist design principles.
Born in the medieval German city of Aachen, Mies found an interest in architecture as a boy while working for his father, a master stonemason. He had no formal education as an architect, but learned his skills as an apprentice to the designer Bruno Paul, and as a staffer in the office the proto-modernist architect and designer Peter Behrens. Following World War I, Mies rose to prominence in his field amid the liberal atmosphere of the Weimar Republic. His reputation was secured by his work on the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona (commonly referred to as the Barcelona Pavilion) — which Mies codesigned with Lilly Reich, his creative and romantic partner — a radically simple, poetic, open-plan building pared down to its architectural essentials. Mies would go on to direct the Bauhaus from 1930 until 1933, when Nazi-government interference forced the closure of the progressive art and design school. Later that decade, he made his way to Chicago, where he remained for the rest of his career as a practicing architect and a dean of the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Mies’s famed dictum “less is more” grew from his belief that architecture both guides and expresses the spirit of the times, and he envisioned the 20th century as open-minded, logical, transparent and liberated by technology. His best-known buildings — residences such as the Villa Tugendhat in Czechoslovakia and the Farnsworth House in rural Illinois; skyscrapers like the 860–880 Lake Shore Drive apartment towers in Chicago and the Seagram Building in New York — reflect that philosophy. As do the most famous furniture designs authored by him or codesigned with Reich.
Pieces designed by Mies and Reich such as the Barcelona chair (the authorized version is produced by Knoll today), stools and daybed, or the cantilevered Brno chairs, deliver a maximum of comfort and support from a minimum of materials: their “lavishness” derives from the precision with which they are engineered and constructed. For the collector, the allure of Mies’s furniture is at once practical and idealistic. Useful and functional, his works embody the highest aspirations of modernism.
Find vintage Mies van der Rohe chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Dove Velvet, Lunar Gloss by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno flat-bar chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary ite...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Steel
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Velvet, Lunar Gloss by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 6
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno Flat-Bar chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary ite...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Steel
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs Velvet, Obsidian Gloss by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 10
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno flat-bar chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary ite...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Steel
One Brass Flat-Bar Brno Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage Brno chair designed by Mies van der Rohe. These chairs were a special order with bronze flat bar frames for a prominent law firm in Texas....
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Mint Brno Chair in Leather by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
One midcentury Brno chair in gray leather on a polished chromed steel frame. Produced by Knoll. Has never been used and in excellent condition. This is the Thin-seat version, modeled...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Velvet, Lunar Gloss by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 10
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno flat-bar chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary ite...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Steel
Brno Tubular Chairs in Navy Velvet Polished Brass by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno Flat-Bar Chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary iteration authentic originals in a way that’s never been done before.
We have been restoring Brno Tubular Chairs...
Category
1960s American Bauhaus Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair Black and Chrome Brno Chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Thonet
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Bauhaus design pair of Brno chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Thonet. The chairs feature polished chrome-plated tubular steel cantilevered frames, seats upholstered in a black ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Set of Mid-Century Mies van der Rohe Dining Chairs by Thonet
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of four flat chrome Brno dining chairs feature the exquisite vintage cantilever design that so adeptly mixes comfort and style. Heavy chrome, unique style, and vintage fabri...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Mies van der Rohe Three-Seat Sofa
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mies Knoll Production three-seat sofa, reupholstered with Spinneybeck leather aniline dyed hides, tufted seats backs with down and foam filled inside.
Rosewood plinth...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 4 Black Leather and Chrome "Brno" Armchairs
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set of 4 black leather and chrome "Brno" armchairs. Nice original condition, unknown maker, possibly Italian, quality construction,.
Category
20th Century Unknown Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Sofa Designed by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare sofa designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Reupholstered in Maharam wool with down filled cushions.
Category
1960s Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Fabric
Vintage Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe Knoll 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare Barcelona chair was designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 and produced by Knoll in the 1960s.
The piece features an amazing hand dyed black leather upholstery with on a c...
Category
1960s German Bauhaus Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chairs by Mies van der Rohe, Ivory Leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll Barcelona Chairs, set of 2.
Designed by Mies van der Rohe, originally in 1929.
Volo "Ivory" leather
This set is Knoll's latest production.
Manufacturer's stamp/ signature o...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Vintage Barcelona Chairs by Mies van der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic Vintage Pair of Barcelona Lounge Chairs by Mies van der Rohe!
Timeless pair of Barcelona lounge chairs, a design classic by the legendary Mies van der Rohe! These chairs ar...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Leather
Vintage Olive Green Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe Knoll 1970s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare Barcelona chair was designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 and produced by Knoll International in the 1970s.
The piece features an amazing hand dyed olive green leather up...
Category
1970s German Bauhaus Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
BRNO Flat Bar Chair by Mies van der Rohe, 1930s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
- 32"h, 23"w, 23"d, 18"h seat
- BRNO chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
- Chrome cantilever frame with blue, gray, and green geometric -patterned upholstery
- Sold individual...
Category
1930s Bauhaus Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Mies van der Rohe Armchair Barcelona by Knoll International, 1980's
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Barcelona Chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1920-1949.
The base is in chrome metal and black leather upholstery.
Labeled on the base: Knoll, Knoll International,...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Mies Van Der Rohe Leather MR10 Chair for Knoll, 1970
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mies van der Rohe leather MR10 chair for Knoll, 1970. Original leather.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Knoll White Leather Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Dronten, NL
This pair of gorgeous white leather 'Barcelona' lounge chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Studios is double-signed on each piece, with Knoll on the bottom of the seat cushi...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Stainless Steel Flat Bar Brno Chairs with Cadet Blue Leather Upholstery
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Kensington, MD
Designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930 for his renowned Tugendhat House in Brno, Czech Republic, the Brno Chair reflects the groundbreaking simplicity of its original environment. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Barcelona Daybed by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International, 1960s, Signed
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic and authentic (both the leather cushion and the Mahogany frame is signed with Knoll International labels) daybed is the 'Barcelona Daybed' also referred to as the 'Barcelona Couch' by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International and is considered an 'early original production collectors example' as it is from Knoll's earlier years of producing this design in the 1960s and 1970s before they changed to different manufacturing processes during the 1980s.
This example is signed with a Knoll International label that has the 320 Park Ave address and is dated on the back of the label July 9, 1975. To determine the estimated production year we note that the date most likely corresponds to the retailer or possibly the Knoll sold/ ship date. The address of 320 Park Ave changed to Fifth Ave in 1970 and Knoll Associates did not become Knoll International until 1968. Therefore we would pinpoint the production year to be between 1968 and 1970. It is possible that it was slightly after 1970 that this example was produced as it is believed that Knoll continued to use labels with the older 320 Park Ave for several months to a couple years after changing addresses, however generally speaking 1970s examples will be labelled with their Fifth Ave address. All construction details also indicate a 1st-Generation 'original' production by Knoll as their production did not change throughout the Knoll Associates years and through the first half of the Knoll International years.
This rare original 1st-Generation 'Barcelona Daybed' features its original brown leather upholstery with subtle patina and wear throughout. These traces of age and use bring more vibrancy to the leather, giving this piece an on-trend lightly distressed look. The original bolster pillow in matching brown leather is secured to the cushion and platform via straps and lock snaps. The platform is crafted from stained Mahogany and supported by polished tubular stainless steel legs and the original leather straps are all in-tact. Both the cushion is labelled and the platform frame as well with a partial Knoll International sticker label as can be seen in the photo gallery.
Considered to be the epitome of modern design, Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich originally designed the Barcelona chair in 1929 to serve as seating for the king and queen of Spain in the German Pavilion. This was Germany's entry for the International Exhibition, hosted by Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed in 1930 the Barcelona daybed (also referred to as the Barcelona Couch) emanates this seminal design, paralleling the same simplicity and elegance of the iconic Barcelona chair.
This Barcelona couch by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International is ideal for a living room, family room, study, den or lounge. It would also be an Apt choice in a corporate, retail or hospitality location such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, executive office or in a retail boutique...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Two Gordon International Flat Bar Brno Armchairs in Orange Leather, circa 1970s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two wonderful circa 1970s flat bar Brno armchairs in orange leather, designed by Mies Van der Rohe.
Made by Gordon International, in the country of Argentina.
The chairs are a Cl...
Category
1970s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mies van der Rohe MR20 Armchairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 1960s MR20 armchairs designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Original leather and stainless steel frames are in great shape. Chairs have early K...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ultra Rare 30th Knoll Anniversary Limited Edition Barcelona Chair No 45 & No 81
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Aachen, NW
These very rare Barcelona chairs were designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 and produced by Knoll in 1981 for the 30th anniversary of Knoll International.
With this backround, Kn...
Category
1980s German Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Krefeld Lounge Chair Designed by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this arm chair in original ultrasuede fabric nice condition some light wear nice and comfy.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Ultrasuede
Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chair Mies van der Rohe, Black Leather, Stainless, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Koby Knoll Click
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Knoll Barcelona lounge chair Mies van der Rohe, black leather, stainless, 1960s
Labelled, Knoll Associates, circa 1964
Stainless steel, ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe MR20 Lounge Chairs in Wicker and Chrome
By Stendig Co., Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in London, GB
Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)
Maker: Stending 1970s
Country: Germany/Denmark
A set of four MR20 cantilevered chrome and wicker work seat chairs. This chair is a...
Category
1950s German Bauhaus Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
Materials
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of leather and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe seating, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Vladimir Kagan, Paul McCobb, and Thayer Coggin. Prices for Ludwig Mies van der Rohe seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $450 and can go as high as $65,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,925.
Creators Similar to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Questions About Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Seating
- Who is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was an architect and furniture designer who helped to define modernist design. He served as the director of the Bauhaus from 1930 to 1933 and moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1938. He designed many well-known buildings, including the Seagram Building in New York and the apartment towers on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, where he later lived. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Mies van der Rohe furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ludwig Mies van der Rohe lived in the Lake Shore Drive apartment towers in Chicago. He moved to the city in 1938. Once there, Mies worked as an architect. He also served as the dean of the Illinois Institute of Technology. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Mies van der Rohe furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was not famous for being a formalist. A formalist is a designer who adheres to strict rules of one particular style. Mies van der Rohe never attempted to work within the framework of one guiding architectural movement. Instead, he designed buildings and furniture to fit their purpose, always adhering to the principle of "less is more." Shop a range of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is not famous for Gothic architecture. The period of Gothic architecture ranges from the 12th to 16th centuries. Mies van der Rohe was active from the 1920s to the 1960s. Historians consider him a modernist designer and architect. You'll find a collection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Mies van der Rohe, say "meez van der roh." The architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe went simply by the name Mies, but you will often see him referred to as "Mies van der Rohe" or as the full "Ludwig Mies van der Rohe." His birth name was Maria Ludwig Michael Mies. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Mies van der Rohe furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Mies van der Rohe was known for many things. Some people associate him with the Bauhaus School, which he led from 1930 to 1933. Others associate him with his most famous architectural designs, including the Seagram Building in New York. In addition, Mies van der Rohe was an influential furniture designer and the dean of the Illinois Institute of Technology. Find a collection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Mies van der Rohe was not in De Stijl, an art movement active in the Netherlands from 1917 to 1931. However, the movement did influence his thinking about design and helped inspire his work as the director of the Bauhaus from 1930 to 1933. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Mies van der Rohe furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Mies van der Rohe was not a landscape architect. Although he had no formal architectural training, he designed many buildings around the world from the 1920s through the 1960s. Some of his most well-known designs include the Seagram Building in New York City, the Chicago Federal Complex and Farnsworth House, located in the suburbs of Chicago. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Mies van der Rohe furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Mies van der Rohe didn't win any major competitions. However, a well-known annual competition shares his name. The European Union awards the Mies van der Rohe Award for outstanding achievements in contemporary architecture every two years. Find a selection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes. Although he didn't restrict himself to that particular architectural style, Mies van der Rohe is famous for the international style. His work and buildings created by his students and followers heavily influenced the movement. You can see hallmarks of the style in the simplicity of his work, as well as in his use of steel and plate glass construction materials. You'll find a range of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are numerous Mies van der Rohe buildings. The campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology is home to 20 of his designs, such as the Minerals and Metals Research Building and the Engineering Research Building. Other Mies van der Rohe buildings found in Chicago include the Promontory Apartments, the 860-880 Lake Shore Apartments, the Chicago Federal Center and the Esplanade Apartment Buildings. Shop a selection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Mies van der Rohe is not most famous for the industrial style. However, many of his later buildings did employ materials typical in the style, such as industrial-grade steel and plate glass. You'll find a selection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Marcel Breuer designed tubular steel furniture with Mies van der Rohe. It was Breuer who came up with the idea for using the material as a base for chairs, tables and other furnishings after he became fascinated by the frame of his bicycle. You'll find a variety of vintage tubular steel furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, not everything that Mies van der Rohe produced is considered Bauhaus architecture. Generally, designs he created during the early 1930s, like the Villa Tugendhat in Brno, Czech Republic, fall under the category. Mies van der Rohe continued to design buildings for decades to come and experimented in a variety of styles. Shop a collection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.