The Barcelona Chair: An Iconic Chair in All Continents

Always in the trends, the Barcelona Chair is constantly mentioned in every recount of design achievements, as something not only functional and beautiful but as a cosmopolite symbol of status.

Even though the Barcelona Chair was created in Europe and popularized in America in the 1950s, its fame is nowadays worldwide. In every market of furniture, when it comes to excellence in design, the Barcelona Chair comes out as a landmark for other creators to follow.

That is the case in the far east, in countries like Malaysia, where style magazines take the Barcelona Chair as one of the Top Designs in furniture.

Making reference to its sleeker design, the Malaysian Tatler refers to the creation of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as a symbol of the modernist movement, and the very embodiment of that famous phrase attributed to van der Rohe: “Less is more” (Words that wasn’t quoted really by the German figure but coined by an employee).

In the article, a Top 5 of the better furniture design for Savvy home-owners, the Barcelona Chair is paired with other classic designs, like the Eames Lounge Chair, and the Louis Ghost Chair, by Philippe Starck. But the items in the list are mostly Mid Century Modern style.

The Malaysian Tatler is an luxury stylish magazine, targeting the best of Asian, and Maylasian Society and elite. 

It has to do with the mastermind behind the design, of course, but that wasn’t the only factor used to explain such an extended journey.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich designed, not only the Barcelona Chair, but the entire Barcelona Collection between 1928 and 1929, to release it in the Barcelona International Expo of 1929. It has by that time, revolutionary conceptual and manufacturing innovations that paved the way for what turns to be called modernism in the 1920s and 1930s. 

Minimal ornaments,  a distinctive “X” shape frame; the combination of metal (stainless steel) and leather, and a focus on the functional side of the pieces, were the main features of this proposal were combined with other major works of legendary figures like Le Corbusier, to send an avant-garde message.

The Barcelona Chair complements and grows with the Barcelona Loveseat (Two seats) and the Barcelona Sofa. The popularity of this piece, along with the others by the Barcelona Collection into the American culture is such that they even appeared in several blockbuster movies (American Psycho and Casino Royale, just to name a couple), and is still today.

For inspo, info, and great offers in furniture, don’t miss the opportunity in Barcelona Design, the alternative for Mid Century Modern style furniture, with masterpieces like the Barcelona Chair or the Hans Wegner Shell Chair.