Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026.
Who made the Barcelona chair? It was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe — with collaborator Lilly Reich — in 1929, and the licensed version has been manufactured by Knoll since the 1950s. Here’s the full story of its design and who makes it today.
The designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (and Lilly Reich)
Mies van der Rohe, one of the pioneers of modernist architecture, designed the Barcelona chair for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona — conceived as a seat of honour for the King and Queen of Spain. His long-time collaborator Lilly Reich is widely credited for her role in the design and material choices. Mies drew on the form of ancient Roman folding stools, executed in chrome-plated steel and hand-welted leather.
The manufacturer: Knoll
Since 1953, Knoll has produced the Barcelona chair under licence, holding the rights to the design and the trademark. A licensed KnollStudio chair carries the company’s stamp and the designer’s signature on the frame, and retails from roughly €4,000–€6,000.
Who makes the replicas?
Because the design dates from 1929, many independent manufacturers produce Barcelona chair replicas to the same visual and functional specification. Quality varies enormously — the best use a single-piece stainless frame and genuine top-grain leather; the cheapest use welded chrome and bonded leather. A good replica is sold honestly as a reproduction, never as an original.
Why the design still matters
Nearly a century on, the Barcelona chair remains a fixture of design museums, architects’ offices and design-led homes — a benchmark of how restraint, proportion and honest materials produce something timeless.
Decomica’s Barcelona chair collection reproduces that design honestly — single-piece stainless frames, Italian semi-aniline leather, free EU shipping and a two-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Barcelona chair?
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, with Lilly Reich, in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition.
Who manufactures the Barcelona chair today?
Knoll produces the licensed version. Independent makers produce replicas of the now-historic design.
When was the Barcelona chair made?
It was designed in 1929; Knoll has produced the licensed version since 1953.
Is the Barcelona chair still in production?
Yes — Knoll still makes the licensed chair, and many manufacturers produce replicas.
Thinking of buying one? Compare options in our guide to the best Barcelona chair replicas.
