Barcelona chair
Knolls Barcelona Chair
Shop the Barcelona chair: Knolls Barcelona Chair
Knoll's Barcelona Chair is one of the most famous modern design furniture. Dating back to 1929, this armchair was designed for the World's Fair in - of course - Barcelona. The original name of the design was MR90, but this soon became the Barcelona Chair.
Original Barcelona ChairIf we are talking about one of the most iconic and famous objects of the last century and the modern movement in chairs, the Barcelona armchair is the top piece. A chair of simple elegance designed by Mies van der Rohe, it pays homage to the combination of modern design and excellent craftsmanship.
Barcelona Chair by KnollThe Barcelona Chair can be used for various purposes, for example in the dining room, bedroom and living room. A Barcelona Chair fits into any interior and can easily be combined with other pieces. Moreover, the Barcelona Chair is known for its high quality in terms of construction and materials. Shop the entire range of Barcelona chairs and other furniture by Knoll at Whoppah!
When was the Barcelona Chair by Knoll designed?Designed in 1929 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the chair consists of 40 individual panels, each cut from a single cowhide, hand-woven and hand-tufted with leather buttons. A chair with high-quality, highly elastic urethane foam and a down-like upholstery of Dacron polyester fibre. The straps are cowhide. The sides are dyed in the colour of the upholstery. 17 straps are used to support the cushion. The frame is made of polished chrome, hand-polished to a high shine. The KnollStudio logo and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's signature are pressed into the leg.
The Barcelona Chair is a design by German-American architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe. His credo? Less is more, and we see that reflected in his designs. The Barcelona Chair, for example, consists of a sleek, X-shaped chrome frame. The backrest and seat consist of over 17 straps of cow leather, topped with soft, bombed cushions. You can recognise a genuine Knoll Chair by the signature on the frame: Knoll Studio and Mies van der Rohe.
That just tastes better.What's unique about the design of the Barcelona Chair by Knoll is its inspiration: the armchair is based on the wooden seats of honour from Ancient Rome. These chairs symbolised royal power. And we have to admit: with a Barcelona chair in your home, you feel pretty royal too.
The design of the Barcelona Chair is often attributed to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, but Lily Reich also had a part in it. Lily Reich, like Ludwig himself, was a designer and supporter of modernism. For ten years, she worked side by side with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Together, they also designed the Brno Chair.
What is a used Barcelona chair worth?
On Whoppah, a used Barcelona chair typically sells for about €4,900 (median over the past two years, as of 2026-09-29). Condition, edition and materials move individual prices well above or below that. Current listings typically ask €3,500 to €6,848.
The Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1929). It is made by Knoll.
What drives the price
- Knoll production versus unlicensed copies.
- Leather or fabric and its condition.
- Frame finish: polished chrome or ultra-matte onyx on current production.
- Condition: wear, repairs and replaced parts lower the price; a well-kept original sells best.
Fact block (checked 2026-09-29): when your item sells on Whoppah, private sellers pay a 12.5% commission including VAT; business sellers pay 16% excluding VAT. Buyers can add Whoppah buyer protection at checkout for 5.9% of the purchase amount: the payment is held until the buyer confirms receipt, and Whoppah steps in if the item is not shipped, arrives damaged or differs clearly from the listing.
Got a Barcelona chair you no longer use? List it on Whoppah in a few minutes and reach design lovers across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a used Barcelona chair worth?On Whoppah, a used Barcelona chair typically sells for about €4,900 (median over the past two years, as of 2026-09-29).
How do I sell my Barcelona chair on Whoppah?Upload a few clear photos, including labels or stamps, add dimensions and condition, and set your price. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live.
How can I tell if my Barcelona chair is original?Look for the maker's label or stamp and check construction and materials. Our authentication guide for the Barcelona chair lists what to look for.
Is my Barcelona chair original?
The Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1929). It is made by Knoll.
What to check
- Designed for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exhibition in Barcelona; Mies granted Knoll the production rights in 1953.
- Knoll stamps the frame with the Knoll logo and the designer's signature; the Mies signature was added at the back right in the mid-1990s.
- The crisscross frame carries upholstery squares welted together by hand.
Common replicas
Copies are extremely common. On pieces from the mid-1990s onwards, look for the stamped Knoll logo and Mies signature on the frame.
How Whoppah checks: every listing is reviewed by our curation team before it goes live, and curators can ask the seller for extra photos or proof of purchase.
Find your Knoll Barcelona Chair or another iconic design
Dreaming of a real Knoll? On Whoppah you will find a wide range of Knoll designs. From a Tulip dining room set to the Barcelona Chair: with us you will find a lot of pre-owned Knoll designs, curated on brand authenticity, age and condition. This way you are assured of the best quality.
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