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.
Bacelona Daybed, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Barcelona daybed, design Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll, Early 2000s. Mahogany frame, leather upholstery. Steel legs. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina co...
Steel
Midcentury Modern Barcelona Daybed by Mies Van Der Rohe, Vintage Camel Leather
By Knoll, Lilly Reich, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful, authentic original daybed for a designer collection. The daybed is in good vintage condition. Several pieces of leather in the patchwork were replaced in the 1980s. The ...
Metal, Chrome
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch daybed for Knoll International, USA, 1980s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist des...
Chrome
Oxblood Leather MR Adjustable Chaise Lounge by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Intl
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully preserved example of the iconic MR Chaise Lounge, originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1927 and later produced by Knoll International. This particular piece is best attributed to Knoll’s mid to late 1980s to 1990s production, distinguished by its seamless heavy-gauge tubular steel frame with a continuous bend, stitched (as opposed to riveted) saddle leather support straps, exposed button-head cushion straps, and its original deep oxblood / burgundy leather upholstery. Unlike earlier two-position examples from the 1970s, this model features Knoll’s three-position reclining system, a refinement introduced in the late 20th century to enhance comfort and usability. The original leather cushion presents beautifully, with a rich, even patina consistent with careful use in a well-maintained environment. As expected of Knoll International’s production in the 1980s and 1990s, the leather is of exceptional quality, supple yet robust, complemented by thick matching saddle-leather straps with stitched detailing that reinforce the chaise’s luxurious character. The polished tubular steel retains its bright luster with only minimal signs of age, while the upholstery remains supple, surface-rich, and clearly consistent with Knoll’s late-20th-century construction methods. Highly versatile, this MR Adjustable Chaise...
Chrome
Vintage circa 1985 Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Daybed with Zebra Rug
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
We collected this cult-favorite, vintage Mies Van Der Rohe daybed at auction. The stainless steel legs, walnut base, and black leather upholstery are all in excellent condition. See ...
Leather, Zebra Hide
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, Vintage Barcelona Daybed Knoll 1975 Black Leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe in warm patinated classic black leather, all original with original label (KNOLL November 1975) The Barcelona Chair by Ludwig ...
Metal
Daybed Barcelona Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed in the 1930s by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll in the 1950s, the Barcelona Daybed is one of the great classics of modern design. With its essential...
Steel
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. The Barcelona chair epitomizes functional minimalism, initially crafted in 19...
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus White Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and leather. Fully restored in Italy. The Barcelona cha...
Chrome
2005 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Daybed in Spinneybeck Espana Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Barcelona Daybed / Couch, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the United States and dates to 2005. It feature...
Steel
Ludwig mies Van Der Rohe Daybed For Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Daybed Manufactured By Knoll 1970s Production Walnut frame Beautiful Black Leather Cloth Manufacturers label
Leather
Barcelona Daybed Sofa Model 258L by By Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
Barcelona Daybed Sofa, Model 258L, designed by Lilly Reich and Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This example was produced by Knoll Associates in the 1980s. It features a tubular polished s...
Stainless Steel
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Brown Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and coffee brown leather. Fully restored in Italy. The ...
Chrome
Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Brown Leather, 1990s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brussels, BE
Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Brown Leather, 1990s
Metal
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage condition. ...
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972, Set of 2
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage co...
Chrome
H 30.25 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair and Stool
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Dallas, TX
Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona chair with stool. Stamped Knoll.
Metal
H 15.5 in W 24.5 in D 22.25 in
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona stools or ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. Retains Knoll tag underneath. They have been cleaned and a leather condit...
Metal
H 31.11 in W 21.66 in D 25.2 in
4 Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Knoll, MR50 BRNO leather dining chairs
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A set of 4 vintage Mies van der Rohe Knoll, MR50 BRNO tubular satin chrome and dark burgundy leather dining chairs. The price listed is for the 4 chairs as shown. Designed by Ludwig...
Chrome
H 30 in W 29.5 in D 29.5 in
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair circa 1979
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Lounge Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 1979. Signed with Knoll label underneath. The leather retains it's warm original patina...
Metal
H 30 in W 57 in D 27 in
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Krefeld Settee
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful small sofa or settee designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll circa 2004. The original design of these was from the 1920s. Very well made and comfortable with a class...
Leather, Ash
H 30 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Vintage Cream Leather Knoll Barcelona Chair By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Las Vegas, NV
An authentic late 20th century Barcelona Chair by Knoll, originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This iconic modernist lounge chair features the classic hand-tufted leather...
Chrome
H 16 in W 79 in D 39 in
1970s Barcelona daybed In The Style of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and iconic Barcelona daybed. Not signed but in the Style of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll. Very high quality. Black leather...
Chrome
H 24.02 in W 77.96 in D 39.38 in
Daybed Barcelona Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed in the 1930s by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll in the 1950s, the Barcelona Daybed is one of the great classics of modern design. With its essential...
Steel
H 17 in W 78 in D 40 in
Barcelona Daybed Sofa Model 258L by By Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
Barcelona Daybed Sofa, Model 258L, designed by Lilly Reich and Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This example was produced by Knoll Associates in the 1980s. It features a tubular polished s...
Stainless Steel
H 15.75 in W 24.41 in D 23.63 in
Barcelona Footstool / Taburet by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 2000s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Praha, CZ
- Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - Very good original condition - circa 1990s - Maker: ? - Leatherette. - signs of use
Textile
H 25.6 in W 77.17 in D 38.59 in
Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Brown Leather, 1990s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brussels, BE
Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Brown Leather, 1990s
Metal
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 77.96 in
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. The Barcelona chair epitomizes functional minimalism, initially crafted in 19...
Chrome
H 16.25 in W 77 in D 38 in
Knoll Barcelona Daybed or Couch by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Mid Century Modern
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Couch or Daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohde for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist designs, the Barcelona daybed ...
Stainless Steel
H 25.6 in W 77.17 in D 38.59 in
Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International, 2021
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in LYON, FR
Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International Barcelona Daybed designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International in cognac-coloured leather. A Kn...
Chrome
H 17.33 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Original Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Daybed Midcentury Sofa Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Daybed von Knoll aus dem Jahr 1987 vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Knoll zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Mies van der Rohe, einem der einflussr...
Steel, Chrome
H 25.6 in W 77.17 in D 38.59 in
Cognac Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 2000s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brussels, BE
Cognac Barcelona Daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 2000s
Metal
H 16.5 in W 38 in D 78 in
Brown Mies van der Rohe Knoll Barcelona Daybed
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mies van der Rohe Knoll Barcelona Daybed in rich brown offers a timeless blend of modern design and luxurious comfort. With its s...
Chrome
H 24.81 in W 78.75 in D 38.59 in
Daybed "Barcelona" by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rhode for Gavina, 1960s
By Gavina, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in bruxelles, BE
Daybed, black leather cushion and wooden frame by Ludwig Mies Van der Rhode. Model: Barcelona. Stamped Gavina. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST...
Leather, Wood
H 25 in W 39 in D 78 in
Barcelona Daybed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic Barcelona daybed from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe originally designed in the 1930s and remade for Knoll International in the 2000s, this daybed is timeless. The daybed or cou...
Stainless Steel
H 36 in W 26 in D 68 in
MR Adjustable Chaise Lounge by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Intl, 1970s, Signed
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic collectors example of an early production signed 'MR Adjustable Chaise Lounge' by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International, 19...
Chrome
H 24 in W 39 in D 78 in
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
One of the most important and iconic modern chair designs, the Barcelona daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is as stylish and relevant today as when it was first designed in 1929 for...
Chrome
H 25 in W 77 in D 38.25 in
Mies van der Rohe Knoll Mid Century Barcelona Daybed
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mies van der Rohe Knoll Mid Century Barcelona Daybed This daybed measures: 77 wide x 38.25 deep x 25 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 in...
Metal
H 25 in W 77 in D 39 in
Knoll Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Day Bed, 2010
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic modern Barcelona Day Bed designed by Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll. This designer day bed is from 2010 and was originally priced new for $14,0...
Steel, Stainless Steel
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 77.96 in
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll, 1970
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage condition. The B...
Chrome