Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a German-American architect and designer who profoundly shaped modern architecture and furniture design. He began his career in Berlin before emigrating to the United States in 1937. Van der Rohe''s minimalist aesthetic is epitomized by his motto "less is more." His iconic Barcelona Chair and Ottoman (1929) were designed with Lilly Reich for welcoming the Spanish King and Queen to the German Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exhibition. His Barcelona Daybed (1930) and MR Chair series (1927) further showcase his mastery of minimalist form with organic and industrial materials. Mies's architectural achievements include the Seagram Building in New York and the Farnsworth House . His work is characterized by clean lines, detailed craftsmanship, and innovative use of industrial materials.

Chair

Upholstery: Constructed of 40 individual, hand cut, welted and sewn panels in custom Premium Hide or Fabric Selection from Archetype Forms

Structure: Polished & Ground Chrome Steel or Other Premium Treated, Painted or Powder-Coated Option from Archetype Forms

Padding: Polyurethane Foam and Polyester Fibre

Ottoman

Upholstery: Constructed of 16 individual, hand cut, welted and sewn panels in custom Premium Hide or Fabric Selection from Archetype Forms

Structure: Polished & Ground Chrome Steel or Other Premium Treated, Painted or Powder-Coated Option from Archetype Forms

Padding: Polyurethane Foam and Polyester Fibre

Barna Lounge Chair & Ottoman Construction:

• Upholstery: Constructed of 40 (chair) and 16 (ottoman) individual, hand cut, welted and sewn panels in custom Premium Hide or Fabric Selection from Archetype Forms
• Structure:
• Padding: Polyurethane Foam and Polyester Fibre
• Attachment: Aluminum Rivets

Originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, the Barcelona Chair and Ottoman are considered iconic works of modern design. Inspired by the classical folding chairs used by Roman magistrates, Mies reimagined this form with modern materials and precision, creating a design that has endured for nearly a century.

The chair’s 40 individual quilted panels, each cut, hand-welted, and hand-tufted create the distinctive grid pattern that defines the chair's seat and backrest. Its cantilevered steel frame is polished and ground to achieve a seamless, mirror-like finish. The hide belting support straps offer durability and flexibility, while the polyurethane foam and polyester fibre upholstered cushions provide comfort and visual symmetry.

The Barna Ottoman Stool can be paired with the Barna Lounge Chair to function as a footrest, or be used on its own as extra seating or a side table as needed.

The original designs of the Barcelona Chair and Ottoman are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and were recognized with the Museum of Modern Art Award in 1977. Mies’s design reflects his philosophy of “less is more,” where every detail is carefully considered to achieve both simplicity and elegance.

Shop the Barna Lounge Chair & Ottoman, originally designed as the Barcelona Chair & Ottoman by Mies van der Rohe, online in Canada and the USA. Bring the history of Bauhaus Design and International Style into your space.