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 Barcelona chair recalls the ancient folding stools of Egypt and Rome and was designed with swooping lines and a luxe contrast of materials between the chrome-plated frame and quilted leather cushions. Like the pavilion surrounding it, the chair distilled Mies’s “less is more” aphorism.
By all accounts, King Alfonso XIII never got around to sitting on this modern throne. The pavilion, too, stood for only seven months before it was demolished. Nevertheless, the Barcelona chair was regarded as a masterwork of modernism, influencing countless buildings that followed with its minimalist aesthetic of marble, glass and steel, which gracefully flowed together from the exterior to the interior spaces. Out of all the pavilion’s components, the Barcelona chair had the most longevity as a stand-alone piece.
Shortly after the close of the pavilion, the Barcelona chair went into production, first handcrafted by the Berliner Metallgewerbe studio. It became popular in private residences, debuting in America in 1930 in the New York apartment of architect Philip Johnson, who had met Mies during his work on the German Pavilion in Spain.
Fleeing the Nazis’ rise to power in Germany, Mies, too, soon moved to the United States. He relocated to Chicago, where he became the director of the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1938. It was there that he met designer Florence Knoll, who would help bring the Barcelona chair into mass production.
The earliest models of the Barcelona chair from Knoll were released in 1947. The design company and furniture manufacturer made slight updates to the chair over the years in response to new technology, including in 1964 changing the frame to stainless steel. Prevalent in office lobbies and architects’ homes, the Barcelona chair has seen numerous imitators, so in 2004 Knoll finally received a federal trade dress protection for it and four other pieces by Mies.
Knoll continues to produce the chair, and although the 21st-century version differs slightly from the 1929 original, it still embodies Mies and Reich's vision of design elegance in its balance of function and form.
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...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
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...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Knoll Mies van der Rohe leather on chrome Barcelona chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
Mies van der Rohe designed Barcelona chair has been produced by Knoll since 1940s . These chairs are of later 20th century production . Signed Knoll in the frame on right rear leg . ...
Chrome
$2,212Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Cream Leather Knoll Barcelona Chair By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
Pair of Knoll Barcelona Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of Barcelona chairs manufactured by Knoll. These have a polished stainless steel frame with tan or saddle colored leather. These were purchased in the 1970's. The chair frames s...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Gerald R. Griffith Barcelona Chairs and Ottomans, Set of 4
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Gerald R. Griffith
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A collector's pair. This stunning pair of Barcelona chairs with ottomans were made by Gerald R. Griffith under the close supervision of Mies van der Rohe. The Griffith chairs have ex...
Stainless Steel
Pair of knoll Barcelona Chairs Stainless Steel with ottoman
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless Steel
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
Barcelona lounge chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in amstelveen, NL
Early edition Barcelona chairs in cream leather, Mies van der Rohe, Knoll International Originally designed in 1926 for the International Exposition, the Barcelona chair was reconfi...
Leather
$3,030Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 'Barcelona' chair for Knoll made in USA 1965
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Paris, IDF
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 'Barcelona' chair for Knoll made in USA 1965Chrome steel base , detachable cushions with bone white leather upholstery. This pais Is an original Mies Van der...
Steel
Mid Century Brown Leather Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1983
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern brown leather Barcelona chair designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll was manufactured in 1983. This iconic Bauhaus chair originally designed by Ludwi...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Cognac Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe Knoll 1970s Ex Estée Lauder
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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. From the company property of Estée Lauder. The piece features a...
Stainless Steel
Pair of MR90 Barcelona chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe for Alivar
By Alivar, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of MR90 Barcelona chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International Designed in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exposition. Dimensions: 75 W x 73 H...
Metal
Barcelona lounge chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International (Signed)
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Argelato, BO
Early edition Barcelona chairs in black leather, Mies van der Rohe, Knoll International Originally designed in 1926 for the International Exposition, the Barcelona chair was recon...
Metal
Mid Century White Barcelona Chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Detroit, MI
This pair of vintage mid century modern white Barcelona chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe were manufactured by Knoll International, Inc. circa...
Steel, Chrome
Brown Leather Barcelona Lounge Chair & Ottoman By Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
Barcelona Lounge Chair and Ottoman, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA and dates to the 1960s in its original ...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Knoll Black Leather and Stainless Steel Barcelona Chairs, Signed
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair / Two black leather and stainless steel Barcelona Chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll. Each example is signed with the Knoll Studio markings. Very few signs of use...
Stainless Steel
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...
Steel, Chrome
$14,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Early Barcelona Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe by Stiegler 1950s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Aachen, NW
These rare Barcelona chairs were designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 for the famous Barcelona pavillon and produced by Stiegler in the 1950s. Stiegler was a small company who c...
Stainless Steel
$3,500 / set
Leather Barcelona Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of iconic mid-century modern low profile chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Simple design with timeless appeal. Two tufted leather cushions rest on a strong and heavy ...
Chrome
Mid Century Cream Barcelona Chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1980s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Detroit, MI
This pair of vintage mid century modern leather Barcelona lounge chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe were manufactured by Knoll circa 1980. This pair of chairs feature heavy, polish...
Steel, Chrome
Extremely Rare Triple Signed Knoll Barcelona Chairs, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exceptional early production Barcelona chairs manufactured by Knoll. These are from the 1960s and are considered a rare find due to the fact that there's three distinct Knoll signatu...
Leather
Pair Barcelona Chairs, Black Leather and Stainless Steel, Mies for Knoll, Signed
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Kansas City, MO
All original timeless classic pair of black leather and hand polished stainless steel Barcelona chairs. Designed by Mies van de Rohe in 1929, this pair was produced in the 1970s. Ver...
Stainless Steel
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
Ultra Rare 30th Knoll Anniversary Limited Edition Barcelona Chair No 27/100
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Aachen, NW
This very rare Barcelona chair and ottoman were designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 and produced by Knoll International in 1981 for the 30th anniversary of Knoll International. The...
Stainless Steel
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972, Set of 2
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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
Pair of Burgundy Leather Barcelona Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1990s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Burgundy Leather Barcelona chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1990s
Leather
Pair of knoll Barcelona Chairs Stainless Steel with ottoman
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless Steel
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair and Stool
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona chair with stool. Stamped Knoll.
Metal
Pair of Vintage Barcelona Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Selig
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of Selig lounge chairs feature chrome and tufted vinyl lounge chairs feature comfortable proportions and stylish modern design. Paired with matching ottoman, uniquely shape...
Chrome
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
$2,765Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 30 in W 29 in D 30 in
Pair Italian Leather and Polished Steel Barcelona Lounge Chairs, 4 Available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of iconic “Barcelona” chairs in the style of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Initially created for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona exposition, each chair features a sturdy poli...
Leather
$1,650 / set
H 30 in W 31 in D 30 in
Vintage Chair and Ottoman Set in Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Chair Style
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chair and Ottoman Set in Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Chair Style Offered for sale is vintage Barcelona style chair and ottoman originally designed in 1929 by Mies Van der Ro...
Chrome
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
$1,300
H 30 in W 31 in D 30 in
Vintage Barcelona Style Chair after Mies Van der Rohe, Late 20th Century
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Barcelona Style Chair after Mies Van der Rohe, Late 20th Century Offered for sale is vintage Barcelona style chair originally designed in 1929 by Mies Van der Rohe. This is...
Chrome
$2,595 / set
H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Pair of High Quality Barcelona Lounge Chairs with Brown Naughahyde Vinyl Seats
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Chairs from the designs of the Bauhaus period by Ludwig Mies van DerRohe c1926. Heavy duty steel with more than adequate chrome plating...
Steel, Chrome
$4,950
H 30.25 in W 29.75 in D 29.75 in
Mid Century Brown Leather Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1983
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern brown leather Barcelona chair designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll was manufactured in 1983. This iconic Bauhaus chair originally designed by Ludwi...
Steel, Chrome
$4,000Sale Price / set|27% Off
H 31.13 in W 23 in D 22 in
Pair of Knoll International Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Brno Leather Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair Of Knoll International Mies Van Der Rohe Brno leather lounge chairs from 1971 If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contac...
Leather
$6,600Sale Price|44% Off
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
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch daybed for Knoll International, USA, 1980s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist des...
Chrome
Sold
H 31 in W 30 in D 29.5 in
Knoll Signed Barcelona Chair and Ottoman by Mies van der Rohe Mid Century Modern
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Chair and Ottoman, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, signed with Knoll label, American, circa 1980s. This chair was originally designed by Mies van der Rohe i...
Metal
Pair of Barcelona Chairs, Model 250LS and Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Lilly Reich, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Barcelona Lounge Chairs, model 250LS, designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929. These examples were produced by Knoll in the 1980s, in its original Whiskey Brown leather.
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 30.25 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Barcelona Chair & Ottoman in Green Leather by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Oceanside, US
An exceptional Barcelona Chair and matching Ottoman by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International, produced in the late 1960s–1970s (as confirmed by original Knoll tags reading...
Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 29.53 in D 30.32 in
Pair of Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in collaboration with Lilly Reich, the Barcelona chair remains one of the most iconic pieces of 20th-century design. Originally created in 1929 f...
Stainless Steel
Knoll Barcelona Glass Coffee Table
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for his 1929 German Pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona, the Barcelona Collection’s pure composition came to epitomise modern ar...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.5 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Mies Van der Rohe Choc. Brown Barcelona Chairs/ Stainless Steel Frames for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Mies Van der Rohe Chocolate Brown Leather Chairs with Stainless Steel Frames. New straps to bottom seat area seat straps are sli...
Stainless Steel
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chairs and Ottoman
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona Chairs and Ottoman, designed by Mies van der Rohde for Knoll, American, circa 1970s. The previous owners added snaps to the back of the backrest cushions so ...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 29.14 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Rare Barcelona Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe by Stiegler Knoll 1950s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Aachen, NW
These rare Barcelona chairs & 1x ottoman were designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 for the famous Barcelona pavillon and produced by Stiegler Marbach in the 1950s. Stiegler wa...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31.89 in W 18.51 in D 21.26 in
Bauhaus Spoleto Chair Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, Italy 70s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Lucija, SI
This iconic Chair, model Spoleto, was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll Italy in '70s. Chair is in perfect vintage condition. It is made of very thick genui...
Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Matching Pair of Black Leather Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chairs
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Dronten, NL
Pair of Barcelona chairs by Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll International in black leather. Engraved with signature in the frame and marked with Knoll logo at the bottom of the cushions....
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 29.25 in W 29.25 in D 29.25 in
Vintage Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Excellent pair of all original Barcelona lounge chairs designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll. Both chairs are labeled and have the original cushions, straps, and frames. Foa...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 29.93 in W 29.14 in D 29.93 in
Early Set of Barcelona Chairs with Ottoman by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
An exceptional early set of this design icon designed by Mies Van Der Rohe in 1929. This set consists of a pair of chairs with a matching ottoman manufactured by De Coene in Belgium ...
Steel
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
Of the million-plus items on 1stdibs, some seem to have transcended time, looking as fresh today as when they were first produced. The pieces highlighted on our new Iconic Designs page stand out for longevity, functionality and quality of design and manufacture — just the tonic for the present unsettled moment.
The Windy City's Matthew Rachman Gallery takes a deep dive into the designer's practice.
