Among Milan Direct’s bestsellers, the Barcelona Chair is one of the most stylish and elegant pieces of modern furniture of the 20th century – and probably the most recognized piece of modern furniture around.
So named because it was exclusively designed for the German Pavilion at the 1929 World’s Expo in Barcelona, Spain, the Barcelona Chair was a design collaboration between the famous Bauhaus architect Mies van der Rohe – widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture – and his long time partner and companion, the brilliant architect and interior designer Lilly Reich.
The Pavilion was the site of the inaugural ceremony for the German exhibits at the exposition, and the Spanish king was to preside. It had to be an "important chair, a very elegant chair," according to Mies. "The government was to receive a king; the chair had to be monumental. In those circumstances, you just couldn't use a kitchen chair."
The Barcelona Chair was immediately recognized for its great style by highly influential, educated and cultured exhibition visitors. Far more than any other piece of modern furniture, it has proved to be the primary, enduring icon of the "modern classical" style.
Supported on each side by two chrome-plated, flat steel bars, the chair achieves the serenity of line, refinement of proportions and materials characteristic of Mies van der Rohe's highly disciplined architecture. Seen from the side, the single curve of the bar forming the chair's back and front legs crosses the S-curve of the bar forming the seat and back legs, making an intersection of the two. This simple shape derives from a long history of precedents, from ancient Egyptian folding stools and folding chairs of the Romans to nineteenth-century neoclassical seating.
Although only two Barcelona chairs were made for the 1929 World’s Expo German Pavilion, the design was put into production and became so popular that, with the exception of one sixteen-year period, it has never ceased to be in production since then and has always been a 'must have' – some even say a ‘rite of passage’ – for both wealthy aficionados as well as architects and designers.
In line with the commitment from architects and furniture designers of the Bauhaus era to provide well designed homes and impeccably manufactured furnishings for the 'common man', Milan Direct enables you to own your own piece of design history – without blowing your budget…
Starting with prices as low as $199, the Milan Direct Barcelona range includes the Ottoman ($199 classic version or $249 premium version, in 100% top grain Italian leather, available in Black and White), the iconic Chair ($399 classic version or $579 premium version in 100% top grain Italian leather available in Black, White, Brown and Firetruck Red), the 3-Seater Sofa ($999, available in Black and White) and the über-chic, interior designer special Day Bed ($1299, available in Black).
Comments
Hear what our customer's have to say.
Carly Simmons says...
I have bought an MD Barcelona chair and ottoman and absolutely love it. An amazing quality chair, and the leather is just lovely! All my friends comment on my Barcelona as soon as they walk in our house. The Barcelona is a true design classic, and we are just rapt! Looking to adding the Barcelona 3 seater to our home in the near future too!
Posted at 8:50 p.m. on September 2, 2008
Deborah says...
Just beware of the quality for MD barcelonas chairs. Are they real leathers or just a chinese leather? I have seen Milan's copy of barcelona chair. It's "normal" range of products with leathers are where it is of synthetic/ chinese leathers. While its premium range of products... the sides are not made of leathers..Enjoy it now and you will realise only a year later whether it is worth the money...
Posted at 12:53 p.m. on September 15, 2008
Milan Direct says...
Hi Deborah, We would like to clear up for you the exact materials used in our Barcelona chairs as you are wrong in your description.
We stock 2 types of Barcelona chair.
2). Barcelona Chair CLASSIC Version, which is constructed 100% with a synthetic leather. This is a new addition to our range, as not everyone can afford $500+ for a chair and has proved to be quite popular.
We simply give our customers the choice, and at $299 (Classic) and $499 (Premium), nobody comes close to us on price and quality!
All the best - Milan Direct
Posted at 3:32 p.m. on September 15, 2008
Anthony says...
Deborah I bought 2 Barcelona chairs from Milan close to 2 years ago now and can certainly vouch for the quality! A top quality chair which has been great value. Ive seen the same chair at Kings furniture in Richmond which sells for 2k and there is not much difference at all!
Posted at 8:33 p.m. on September 15, 2008
Richard says...
I purchased a Barcelona Chair a year and a half ago, at that stage they didnt offer 2 versions of the chair, but i believe it was what is now the 'premium' version. After 18 months it still looks and feels as good as when i first got it.
No complaints from me... However I would love to see the Barcelona Bench though one day... hint hint:)
Posted at 1:44 p.m. on September 17, 2008
Milan Direct says...
Hi Richard, If you purchased a Barcelona Chair from us 18 months ago it was definitely our Premium Version, in Italian Leather. We only introduced the Classic Version with Synthetic leather a couple months ago, as a way to further drive down prices in the industry! Glad you are happy with it, and thanks for your feedback!
As for the Barcelona Bench. If you require an order of 5+ we can make up for you, send us an email if this suits. For one off purchases, stay tuned. We do add products to our range monthly.
All the best - Milan Direct
Posted at 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2008
Vicky says...
I am with Deborah. I am an interior designer, and purchased the 3 seater for my personal use 3 months ago and thought I was purchasing the "Premium version" a fully italian leather product and as it turned out it was only the top & buttons which are leather the sides and back are a VINYL. That not only being my concern, buttons kept falling off. Not to fault Milan direct totally, quickly they did replace the cushions.
Posted at 7:31 p.m. on September 29, 2008
Dean - Milan Direct says...
Hi Vicky, We only stock one type of Barcelona 3 Seater and that is the Premium Version. You are correct in that the all the main pieces are ITALIAN LEATHER (i.e the tops of each cushion) and the back and sides are a leather match (synthetic leather not Vinyl). We can make the sofa with Italian Leather on all sides, and if this suits let us know. We would have to sell such a sofa for $1600+ and we believe that majority of our customers would rather pay $899! As for buttons falling off, we are always more then happy to send out a replacement ASAP as we did with your order. All the best - Dean - Milan Direct
Posted at 9:21 p.m. on September 29, 2008
phuong says...
I've just bought a white 'premium' single seater Barcelona recently and its awesome. Can't be more happy with the purchase. Ever since learning of history of design at uni as a designer i have always listed this chair, Le Corbusier chaise and the Arco lamp as my must get. Now its achievable at places like MD.
Posted at 10:57 p.m. on September 29, 2008
Tina says...
For the Barcelona Chair to be produced exactly according to Mies’ original specifications it has to have been produced by the German company Knoll Studio who were given the exclusive manufacturing rights by Mies in 1953. All the chairs have the Knoll Studio logo and the Mies signature stamped onto the frame so it is easy to tell the real thing from an imitation.
Posted at 9:34 p.m. on October 24, 2008
Caz says...
Hi,
I am interested in the Barcelona chair for $299 but am unsure when you mention synthetic leather? What is it made out of?
thanks
Caroline
Posted at 8:34 p.m. on October 27, 2008
Milan Direct says...
Hi Caroline,
Synthetic leather is a man made leather and looks and feels very similar to genuine leather. We make several of our products in Synthetic leather as well as 100% Top Grain Italian Leather to offer customers 2 price points, thereby adhering to our mission of making designer furniture more affordable for all Australians. If you're located in Melbourne and want to see and feel synthetic leather in person and compare the difference, you are welcome to come by our head office as we have examples of chairs with both types of leather on display.
All the best, Milan Direct
Posted at 8:36 a.m. on October 28, 2008
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