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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Stools

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
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...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Barcelona Ottoman Stool in bright yellow Leather for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona ottoman or stool for Knoll studio. The classic design that helped define Mid-Century Modernism. Premium leather in a Rare bright yellow...
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Midcentury Barcelona Ottomans / Stools in Black Leather for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona ottomans / stools for Knoll. The classic design that helped define Mid-Century Modernism. Premium leather in a black color. As you can s...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Dallas, TX
Barcelona stools in polished stainless steel and patinated brown leather. Designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Priced and sold individually.
Category

1970s Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Mid Century Barcelona Pouf by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern white leather Barcelona pouf or footrest by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s. Pouf or footrest mod. Barcelona with polyurethane foam seat covered in whit...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus White Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll, 1970s
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1st-Gen Knoll 'Barcelona' Stool by Mies Van Der Rohe, c. 1968, Double-Signed
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Lilly Reich, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic collectors example of a double-signed 1st-Generation "original" Barcelona stool / ottoman by Knoll International labelled (on the cushion) and stamped (on the frame) and in its original gorgeous cognac brown color leather. What is special about this piece is that it was produced between 1968 and 1969 just after Knoll Associates became Knoll International, at the height of their ascent in modern designs and production and just before they moved to their future location on Fifth Ave in 1970. Shortly after this period they changed production on the Barcelona line thus making these rare collectors examples from the end of Knoll's 1st Generation production run of the Barcelona series and for collectors, often the most desirable. *Note, we have a pair of Barcelona Chairs with two ottomans in another listing. We acquired this set from the daughter of the original owner who had two chairs and three ottomans. This listing is only for the single ottoman. See our other listings or contact us if you wish to purchase as a combined set. Being one of the most copied designs (and a timeless classic), we never purchase unsigned Barcelona chairs and we suggest you be hesitant when considering unsigned examples, so of course we were delighted to acquire this fantastic set of signed originals. In addition - people often add Knoll stickers to fakes, so the entirety of details is vastly more important than just a sticker label alone. This stool / ottoman possess its original Knoll International paper label stitched into the cushion with the 320 Park Ave New York address. We have confirmed these paper labels have not been removed and reattached via the stitching which is a great sign that the leather and underside canvas are original. And the frame has the Knoll Production KP-stamp which Knoll used in their early years to identify their stainless steel frames. The correct strap fasteners are apparent indicating they have not been replaced. The leather straps exhibit correct age and via its details we have determined the straps are original as well. And even the foam inside of the cushions are original - there is slight firmness and hardening to them which is actually a good thing, it shows that it is original which collectors prefer. All in all, this is a fabulous all-original double-signed example with original frame, original straps and hardware, original leather cushions, original inner foam, and original canvas fabric on the undersides of the seat cushion. Collectors and art/design investors... eat your hearts out. With this early 1st Gen example you'll feel pride in that you have the "real thing", and rare early production examples to boot, while your friends boast either a knock-off, reproduction or brand-new production-line versions which do not have the collectability value as the earlier originals such as this one - you can feel pride in having one of the most desirable examples out there. Considered to be the epitome of modern design, Ludwig 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. The frames were made with polished chrome hand-ground and hand-buffed to a mirror finish with leather upholstery straps attached with aluminum rivets. The upholstery is fabricated from a single cowhide with each individual panel being cut, hand-welted and hand tufted with leather buttons. Whether you're a designer seeking a quintessential piece or a collector adding to your modern design collection, this iconic Knoll International Barcelona...
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Pair of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Stools
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, often in collaboration with Lilly Reich, designed modern furniture pieces using new industrial technologies that have become popular classics, such as the Barcelona chair and table, the Brno chair, and the Tugendhat chair. His furniture is known for fine craftsmanship, a mix of traditional luxurious fabrics like leather combined with modern chrome frames, and a distinct separation of the supporting structure and the supported surfaces, often employing cantilevers to enhance the feeling of lightness created by delicate structural frames. The Barcelona Chair was designed for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition of 1929 by Mies and Lilly. Since 1953, Knoll has manufactured the Barcelona chair in both chrome and stainless steel. The stool was introduced in 1960. This stool has been exhibited in stools: The JF Chen...
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Materials

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Mies ban der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Ottoman
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully patinated leather Barcelona stool designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll.
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Pair of Mies van der Rohe "Four Seasons" Bar Stools in Black Leather
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Located in Dallas, TX
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Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe stools 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 stools, although yellow editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider stools by Jens Risom, Paul Evans, and Cleo Baldon. Prices for Ludwig Mies van der Rohe stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,305 and can go as high as $4,250, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,750.

Creators Similar to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Questions About Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Stools
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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