Barcelona Chair & Ottoman
Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair
For the 80+ years since it was designed, the Barcelona chair has stood out as an object of timeless elegance, and as a symbol of wealth and social ascendency. These chairs contribute an air of luxury & class to many different types of rooms - from expensively decorated lobbies, to small New York apartment living rooms.
Reupholstery with Mod
Mod Restoration's goal is to keep the integrity of the original Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair. We reupholster the chair and ottoman using only high quality leather, in a wide variety of colors. We use Spinneybeck's belting leather for the straps. You can get an instant quote and select leather by clicking the link below.
Reupholstered in Spinneybeck leather
How to tell if you have an original Barcelona Chair
History
The Barcelona Chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona (hence the chair's name). The first Barcelona Chair was made in 1929, and later redesigned in 1950 by Mies van der Rohe himself. The chair is currently still widely produced by Knoll. Knoll currently produces the chair in both stainless and chromed steel configurations. The tufted leather cushions are now offered in a variety of colors.
Variations
While it can be difficult to tell the difference between the vintage Barcelona Chairs and the more recent reproductions, here are a few indicators:
Barcelona Chair Frame
Vintage: The metal frame was built using a relatively low-grade, chromed steel, with multiple pieces bolted together. These original, bolted configurations are very rare, but ensure the chair is a pre-1950 vintage.
Modern: The frame was redesigned by Mies in 1950 using seamless, stainless steel. The chrome-plating offers corrosion resistance, and adds the glossy, mirrored finish. Newer technology and metallurgic knowledge have allowed for greater structural integrity and corrosion resistance, but it would be very difficult to distinguish between older and newer frames without doing a chemical analysis. Knoll currently offers the frame in both chrome-plated and stainless steel.
Upholstery
Vintage: The upholstery on the original Barcelona Chairs of the 1930s was of pig skin leather, and ivory in color, like the one sitting in the Barcelona Pavilion today.
Modern: When the chair was redesigned in 1950, the pig skin was replaced with bovine leather. Pig skin tends to be softer than bovine leather.
Originally, the piping in between the buttons was made with rope, and continues to be made this way by Knoll. Using plastic tubing instead of rope has become common manufacturing practice today, as it creates a more perfectly consistent tube, and is less expensive. However, it is also feels "cheaper" to many.
Less is more
— Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
How much leather or fabric is needed to reupholster the Barcelona Chair & Ottoman?
The Barcelona Chair cushions require 2 leather hides or 5 yards of fabric. The Barcelona ottoman cushion requires 1 leather hide or 2.5 yards of fabric.
The straps require a different type of leather called Belting Leather, which comes in a variety of colors. We can also have straps made in a custom color if needed.
Ready to restore this piece?
Get a free estimate for restoring your Barcelona Chair & Ottoman. Upload photos and receive an estimate range.