Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a great 20th-century German designer and architect. He designed one of the most iconic pieces of design and vintage furniture, the Barcelona armchair known as: the Barcelona warming cabinet. He designed it for the German pavilion at the Barcelona World Fair in 1929. It has been produced since 1953 by Knoll to its designer's original specifications. The logo of Knoll and the signature of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are engraved on the base of each chair. Opulent yet resolutely modern in appearance, this Barcelona heater takes its shape from the Roman folding curule chair. Its rectangular silhouette, wider than it is tall, captivates with its harmonious proportions. The prestige of royal guests is evoked by the slender chrome-plated flat steel base: its X shape is reminiscent of the "curules", the antique seats used by Roman dignitaries. Subtly, this design gives the chair the air of a modern throne. The structure and base of this Barcelona armchair by Knoll are made from bright chrome-plated drawn flat steel. The cushions are upholstered using 40 individual panels cut, hand-welted and hand-tufted from a single hide. The cushioning on the seat and backrest adapt to fit the curve of the frame. The side and edges of the upholstery straps are dyed to match the chosen upholstery colour. The Barcelona armchairfrom Knoll is available in black Velluto Pelle leather or white Volo leather.
Knoll, an iconic brand of contemporary design furniture, has embodied the perfect blend of innovation, modernism, and timeless aesthetics for over 80 years. Founded in 1938 in the United States by Hans and Florence Knoll, the company has established itself as a global reference in high-end design furniture. Among its most iconic creations are the Saarinen table and the Tulip chair, designed by the renowned designer Eero Saarinen, as well as the Bertoia collection, the Platner lounge, and the legendary Barcelona chair.