Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

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.

Average Sold Price

$4,854

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Materials

Related Creators

Iconic Designs from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.

Brno Chair Tubular 245

Brno Chair Flat Bar 255

Barcelona Chair

Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Stool 251y

Set of 4 MR10 Rattan Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s

$6,993 / set

H 32.29 in W 18.71 in D 31.5 in

Set of 4 MR10 Rattan Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s

By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning and rare set of four iconic MR10 cantilever chairs in chromed tubular steel and hand-woven rattan. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll International d...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Steel

Green Leather Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll

$7,576 / item

H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in

Green Leather Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Green Leather Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll 4 Pieces Available Measurements : Height: 78 cm Width: 70 cm Depth: 70 cm Seat Height : 45 cm Please do not he...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Chrome

Rare Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Pair of Model 261 lounge chairs

$6,500 / set

H 31 in W 32 in D 32 in

Rare Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Pair of Model 261 lounge chairs

By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Round Rock, TX

Pair of Rare Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Model 261 lounge chairs c. 1970s Originally designed in the early 1930s, later refined by Mies in 1967 for executive interiors and introduce...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Leather, Oak

Set of Four Mies Van Der Rohe designed Knoll Dining Chairs c. 1981

$4,000 / set

H 31 in W 19.5 in D 26 in

Set of Four Mies Van Der Rohe designed Knoll Dining Chairs c. 1981

By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional set of four Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe designed dining chairs ( 3 MR 10 & 1 MR 20 ), made by Knoll circa 1981. These iconic chairs feature cantilevered tubular chrome fram...

Category

Late 20th Century American Bauhaus Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Chrome

Vintage 1970s Barcelona Lounge Chairs Set of 2 by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll

$6,410 / set

H 29.14 in W 29.53 in D 30.32 in

Vintage 1970s Barcelona Lounge Chairs Set of 2 by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll

Located in Antwerp, BE

This rare set of Barcelona chairs was designed by Architect Mies van der Rohe and Designer Lily Reich in 1929 and produced by Knoll International in the 70s labeled The Barcelona ch...

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Set of 5 "Brno" Chairs, Italy, 1970s

$5,245 / set

H 30.71 in W 22.84 in D 16.93 in

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Set of 5 "Brno" Chairs, Italy, 1970s

By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Naples, IT

A stunning and exceptionally elegant set of "Brno" cantilever chairs, a timeless icon of 20th-century design created by Bauhaus master Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930 for Villa Tuge...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Steel

Pair of Early Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, circa 1955

$11,200Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 29.5 in W 30 in D 27 in

Pair of Early Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, circa 1955

By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A rare and desirable pair of early Barcelona chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll during the formative years of auth...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Barcelona Chairs, 8 Pieces, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s

$8,392 / item

H 30.32 in W 29.53 in D 30.32 in

Barcelona Chairs, 8 Pieces, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s

By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Barcelona chair (8 pieces, sold separately), design Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll, Early 2000s. Chrome frame, leather upholstery. Marked. Good vintage condition, mi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Browse all Furniture from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$6,800	Chaise Longues, Daybeds	Leather, Chrome	1980s to 1990s
2026	$11,500	Daybeds	Leather	1970s
2026	$11,475	Daybeds	Metal, Leather, Wood	1975
2026	$750	Coffee and Cocktail Tables	Glass, Chrome	1970's
2026	$4,790	Lounge Chairs	Steel, Leather, Chrome	1983
2026	$6,840	Armchairs	Steel, Leather, Foam	1970
2026	$6,500	Lounge Chairs	Metal, Leather	Unknown
2026	$3,750	Dining Room Chairs	Metal, Fabric, Chrome	2000
2026	$2,340	Lounge Chairs	Metal	Mid-20th
2026	$3,060	Dining Room Chairs	Steel, Wicker, Cane, Chrome	Circa 1970
2026	$2,800	Lounge Chairs	Metal, Leather, Upholstery	1970s
2026	$2,000	Lounge Chairs	Leather, Chrome	1990's
2026	$1,360	Chairs	Leather, Chrome	1970/80's
2026	$5,567	Lounge Chairs	Metal, Leather, Upholstery	1980s
2026	$7,000	Dining Room Chairs	Steel, Stainless Steel, Leather, Chrome	C1980
2026	$14,040	Chairs	Steel, Leather	1990s
2026	$7,500	Chairs	Leather	2000s
2026	$3,240	Side Chairs	Steel, Cane	1970
2026	$9,800	Lounge Chairs	Steel, Leather	1960
2026	$7,200	Side Chairs	Steel, Cane, Chrome	circa 1970

$4,854

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$475-$14,040

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

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More Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Designs

Brno Chair Tubular 245

Average Price

$2,673

Number Available

Brno Chair Tubular 245

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Metal, Fabric, Chrome, Steel, Upholstery

Styles

Mid Century Modern

Shop All

Brno Chair Flat Bar 255

Average Price

$7,450

Number Available

Brno Chair Flat Bar 255

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Metal, Fabric, Steel, Upholstery, Velvet, Animal Skin

Styles

Bauhaus, Mid Century Modern

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Barcelona Chair

Average Price

$10,191

Number Available

Barcelona Chair

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Animal Skin, Leather, Metal, Chrome, Steel

Styles

Mid Century Modern

For the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, German-American architect and furniture maker Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) — in collaboration with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich (1885–1947) — created a chair fit for royalty. The Spanish king, Alfonso XIII, was expected to attend the opening of the World’s Fair, and as Mies later stated, the chair needed to be “monumental . . . you just couldn’t use a kitchen chair.” In its X-shaped structure, the...

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Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Stool 251y

Average Price

$3,761

Number Available

Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Stool 251y

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Materials

Animal Skin, Leather, Metal, Chrome, Steel

Styles

Mid Century Modern

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The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

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Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood

The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.

Kule and Forsyth Give Iconic Furniture a Bold Makeover with Stripes

Maggie and Anne Genovese, of Forsyth, teamed up with fashion designer Nikki Kule to reimagine some classic pieces.

How Chicago, Mies van der Rohe’s Adopted Home, Remembers the Architect

The Windy City's Matthew Rachman Gallery takes a deep dive into the designer's practice.

Rooms We Love: 11 Splendid Living Rooms

Common wisdom used to declare the kitchen the hub of the house. These days, the living room seems to have assumed the role of domestic focal point. Unlike the Victorian parlor, stiffly furnished and reserved for guests, today’s living room is a central place for reading, conversation and, well, living, with furnishings that lend themselves to both casual lounging and elegant entertaining.

Tour an Ultramodern 1930 Villa by Mies van der Rohe

While designing Villa Tugendhat, the visionary architect also created some of his most iconic furniture pieces.

Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe furniture, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 222 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 5 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Vladimir Kagan, Craft Associates, and Century Furniture. Prices for Ludwig Mies van der Rohe furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $142 and can go as high as $65,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,162.

Questions About Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

What is Mies van der Rohe known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Mies 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.
Who is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Ludwig 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.
Where did Ludwig Mies van der Rohe live in Chicago?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Ludwig 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.
Is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe famous for being a formalist?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
How do I pronounce Mies van der Rohe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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.
Is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe famous for Gothic architecture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
Was Mies van der Rohe a landscape architect?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
Is Mies van der Rohe in De Stijl?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
Did Mies van der Rohe win a competition?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
Is Mies van der Rohe famous for international style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes. 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.
Is Mies van der Rohe famous for the industrial style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
How many Mies van der Rohe buildings are in Chicago?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
There 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.
Who designed tubular steel furniture with Mies van der Rohe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Marcel 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.
Is everything Mies van der Rohe produced considered Bauhaus architecture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.