Barcelona Chair Original
Vintage 1960s American Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Leather
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Deco Side Chairs
Beech, Elm
Vintage 1950s American Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Slipper Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s American International Style Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s American International Style Lounge Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1920s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1920s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
1990s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1920s German Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Metal
Vintage 1960s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Nickel
Vintage 1970s American Chairs
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen
Vintage 1920s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
20th Century American Slipper Chairs
Stainless Steel
20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
20th Century American Slipper Chairs
Leather
20th Century American Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
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Barcelona Chair Original For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Barcelona Chair Original?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe featured ivory upholstery made of pigskin leather. Modern incarnations come in a wide range of upholstery colors and are available from Knoll Furniture. You'll find a variety of Barcelona chairs 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The signature on a Barcelona chair is usually a stamp found on the base. In addition to the signature of Mies van der Rohe, the stamp typically includes an individual production number. You'll find a selection of expertly vetted Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The Barcelona chair is so popular for a couple of reasons. Many people prize the chair for its regal appearance. 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. Its minimalist design makes it a popular choice for professional settings like reception areas and offices. The chair also offers plenty of support and boasts durable, sturdy construction. Plus, many buyers appreciate the long history of the acclaimed chair, which was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, and debuted in 1929. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Barcelona chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as seating for the King and Queen of Spain in case they visited the German Pavilion at the International Exposition of 1929. Browse 1stDibs to find an array of Barcelona chairs from top sellers.
- How is a Barcelona chair made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Barcelona chair is a simple shape featuring a single curve bar to form the seat and another to form the back, with both intersecting at the center. A side profile of the chair will look like the letter ‘x’ with a curve. This simple design continues to be a favorite with home decor enthusiasts. Shop a range of Barcelona chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To spot an authentic Knoll Barcelona chair, first check the back cushion to make sure it retains its shape and doesn’t sag. The chair should be slightly taller than its steel frame and curved in shape. The upholstery should be excellent and even, with no signs of improper workmanship. For vintage chairs, look for a Knoll sticker or label on the bottom cushion. For chairs made after 1996, check for a “Knoll Studios” stamp on the frame. Shop authentic Knoll Barcelona chairs on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To spot a fake Barcelona chair, start by checking the base. A genuine chair will feature a production number and Mies van der Rohe's signature. You can compare these markings to images published by trusted online resources to evaluate the authenticity of a chair. Next, count the number of panels on the upholstery. A real Barcelona chair will have 40 panels, but replicas may not. Also, the upholstery on authentic Barcelona chairs is a single piece to which piping is then applied. If you notice seams that indicate the maker utilized multiple pieces of hide or fabric, you're likely looking at a reproduction. When in doubt, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore an assortment of Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The slipper chair originated in 18th century Europe. It was used in women’s bedrooms as seating for when maids would assist them in putting on their slippers. Today, a slipper chair refers to a low-slung chair. Browse a selection of modern and antique slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In 1949, Hans Wegner made the original Wishbone chair, a bentwood piece with a curved rail and Y-back. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn manufactures the chair based on Wegner's original design. You can find a variety of Hans Wegner chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify an original Wishbone chair, first look at the backrest. Originals feature bentwood frames, so the backrest will be a single piece of wood. Most later reproductions are composed of two or three pieces of wood and will display noticeable seams. Next, look at the seat. Authentic originals will have perfect 90-degree angles at all four corners and many lines in the center with a tight weave. Imperfect corners, a few central lines and loose weaving are all signs of a reproduction. Finally, measure the distance between the bottom of the Y on the backrest and the seat. On originals, the distance is 10 millimeters. Any variations will usually indicate that a chair is a reproduction. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Hans J. Wegner Wishbone chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The original Eames chair was made out of molded plywood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames designed the iconic mid-century modern chair for Herman Miller in 1958. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 14, 2024One way to spot an original Wassily chair is to look at the tubular steel frame. There will be no weld in the corners. The frame of an authentic Wassily chair is a single continuous piece of chromed tubular steel, with no cap on the end. Each original Wassily chair should feel lightweight but robust. It's a well-made chair and will feel like one. The material used for the seat and backrest, which was initially durable canvas — Knoll's Wassily chairs are available with leather slings — should feel equally substantial even if it's a vintage model. Lastly, the price of a real Wassily chair will also reflect the fact that this is a collectible design.
Inspired by bicycle handlebars, the Wassily lounge chair is one of Marcel Breuer's (1902–81) greatest achievements. Even though the tubular metal chair looked like an artifact from the future when the Hungarian-American designer and architect conceived it in 1925, Breuer could not have foreseen the significant impact that this would have on modern design.
Find original Wassily chairs for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are a number of ways that you can tell an original Marcel Breuer chair. One trick is to examine the frame. If you see end caps, you're likely looking at a replica. Authentic Breuer chairs featured polished, welded ends. Some chairs also feature stickers that identify the model name located under their seats. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.
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