Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026.
Are Barcelona chairs still made? Yes — very much so. The licensed version is still produced by Knoll, and quality replicas are made by specialists worldwide. Here’s who makes them today and what a genuine, well-made Barcelona chair is actually made of.
Yes — still in production
Mies van der Rohe designed the chair in 1929, and Knoll has produced the licensed version continuously since the 1950s. Because the design is now nearly a century old, independent manufacturers also produce replicas to the same specification — so the chair is more widely available now than ever.
What a Barcelona chair is made of
- Frame: a single-piece brushed stainless steel (or chrome-plated) X-frame, hand-polished to a seamless mirror finish on quality pieces.
- Leather: top-grain or semi-aniline leather — the original uses full-aniline; quality replicas use semi-aniline; cheap copies use bonded leather or PU.
- Cushions: 40 individually cut, hand-welted leather panels over high-resilience foam (40–45 kg/m³).
- Straps: leather belting straps that support the cushions and add a subtle suspension.
How to tell a quality one from a cheap one
Weight is the quickest tell: a properly made chair is 35–45 kg. Light chairs use hollow plated steel and low-density foam. Real leather develops a patina; PU stays flat and cracks. A seamless single-piece frame beats welded segments every time.
Every chair in the Decomica Barcelona collection is made to the original spec — Italian semi-aniline leather, single-piece stainless frame, 40-panel cushions — with free UK & EU delivery and a two-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Are Barcelona chairs still in production?
Yes — Knoll makes the licensed version, and many specialists make quality replicas.
What is a Barcelona chair made of?
A stainless or chrome steel frame, top-grain/semi-aniline leather, high-resilience foam and leather straps.
Who makes Barcelona chairs today?
Knoll (licensed) and independent replica manufacturers. Quality varies, so check materials before buying.
Comparing options? See our guide to the best Barcelona chair replicas.
