Mies van der Rohe used: Barcelona chair and Bauhaus classics

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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed furniture like architecture: in 1927 the MR cantilever chair for the Werkbund exhibition at the Weissenhof in Stuttgart, in 1929 together with Lilly Reich the Barcelona chair for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition in Barcelona.

At 2nd home you will find Mies van der Rohe used and vintage: the Barcelona chair and its stool by Knoll, the Barcelona coffee table with its glass top, the Barcelona day bed, the MR coffee table and side table, the Brno chair and the cantilever chairs of the MR family that Thonet builds as the S 533, with cane or leather. Every piece is described with photos of its true condition. Related classics await in Bauhaus design and among the cantilever chairs.

Barcelona, MR, Brno: the classics at a glance

The Barcelona chair was meant as a seat for the Spanish royal couple at the opening, and its crossed legs echo Roman campaign chairs. Knoll still makes it with a stainless steel frame and leather cushions, and despite its strict form it takes a lot of handwork. The MR cantilever chair, built by Thonet as the S 533, flexes on a curved steel tube without back legs. Mies and Reich designed the Brno chair in 1929 and 1930 for the Villa Tugendhat in Brno, in a flat steel and a tubular steel version.

How do you recognise an original?

Since the mid-1990s the Knoll Barcelona chair has carried Mies' signature on the frame, newer pieces also the Knoll logo. With older pieces, the workmanship of steel, seams and leather and the provenance count. What we know about maker and year is stated in every description.

Why buy Mies van der Rohe used?

Because steel and leather are built for constant use and a used Barcelona chair costs far less than a new one. The leather gains patina over the years, stainless steel and chrome are easy to care for, and good originals stay in demand. If you like tubular steel and leather, you will find designs by his contemporaries under Le Corbusier.

Buying used Mies van der Rohe: designs, leather and steel

  • “Less is more” – hardly any quote shapes the modern understanding of design as strongly as this one fromLudwig Mies van der RoheAs a modern architect and last director of theBauhausHe also set standards in furniture design. His designs embody reduction, elegance, and precise proportions – ideal for anyone who appreciates clean lines and timeless forms.

    The most famous design: theBarcelona Chair, originally created for the German pavilion at the 1929 World Exhibition in Barcelona. Together withLilly ReichMies van der Rohe also designed the matchingBarcelona Stool, tables and other seating furniture – all made of fine leather, chrome-plated steel and in a perfect balance of form and function. Many of his designs are still used today byKnoll Internationalproduced – with the highest standards of authenticity and quality.

    Vintage furniture by Mies van der Rohe is not just furniture, but architectural objects in the room. They fit seamlessly into modern, minimalist, or classic interiors—whether in the living area, office, or formal space.

    → Discover now:

    •Lounge chair

    •Knoll design classics

    •Mid-Century Furniture

    •Dining tables

    •More about design history

  • All Mies van der Rohe furniture at 2nd home is available.

    Do you have questions about authenticity or combining it with other design classics? We're happy to help:

    →Help & Contact

    →Shipping information

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Frequently asked questions and answers

What furniture did Mies van der Rohe design?

Famous are theBarcelona Chair, the matching stool, the Barcelona lounger, theBrno Chairas well as minimalist tubular steel tables – all expressions of functional elegance.

What distinguishes his furniture design?

Clarity, symmetry, and fine materials – Mies van der Rohe's furniture is reduced yet expressive. Perfect for architecturally inspired or minimalist spaces.

How do I recognize original furniture by Mies van der Rohe?

The originals ofKnolloften have an engraved logo or plaque on the frame. At 2nd home, the origin of each piece is stated where known.

How do I care for a leather and chrome Barcelona Chair?

Regularly dust the leather with a soft cloth and treat it with leather conditioner. Polish the chrome-plated frame with a dry microfiber cloth – do not use aggressive cleaners.

Which styles can Mies furniture be combined with?

Especially good withbauhaus,Mid-Centuryor minimalist interior design styles. They also work perfectly as a contrast to warm wooden furniture.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe .

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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