Barcelona Ottoman: The Barcelona Chair

The Barcelona Chair and Ottoman are a benchmark for industrial design, architecture, and design in general. They illustrate the principles of “Less is more” and “Form follows function” – which are the basis of today’s digital design, architecture, industrial design, etc.

The Barcelona Chair and Ottoman were designed by Ludwig Mies van de Rohe and Lilly Reich. They were created for the International Exposition of 1929, which took place in Barcelona – more specifically, for the German pavilion in that exposition. They were meant for the Spanish King and Queen to sit on, while observing the opening ceremonies.

The Barcelona Chair and Ottoman were based on Roman folding chairs, used by the aristocracy in Ancient Rome. Rohe aimed at creating a harmony between the old and the new civilizations. Although the Barcelona Chair and Ottoman appear industrial, they are mostly handmade and require a great amount of craftsmanship.

In 1953, Rohe granted the production rights to a company called Knoll, and Knoll has been producing the chairs ever since. The Barcelona Chair and Ottoman are one of the most iconic and recognized objects of our time, yet they can find their way to anyone’s home. As they were created in the era of Bauhaus, they are a functional piece of art, available to everyone and not just the select few. Well, maybe not to everyone: to those who are able to afford it.

This state-of-the-art piece of furniture is rather on the expensive side. The Barcelona Chair costs $5271 and the Barcelona Ottoman costs $2492. Together, they add up to almost $8000. The Barcelona Chair and Ottoman have been replicated by multiple companies in different variations, and sold under many names. However, nothing says more about an aspiring architect or designer than owning a Barcelona Chair or Barcelona Ottoman.

The best place to get the Barcelona Ottoman is obviously Barcelona. Many people not only order Ottomans from the city but also come to visit the birthplace of the stool. People visiting normally seek Barcelona apartments for rent. Weekly rentals in Barcelona to see Ottomans are a common occurrence, especially in the Summer months.

There is also short term rental Barcelona Ottomans. There are firms that hire out these stools for special events. Short term rent Barcelona Ottomans are quickly becoming the latest craze of those trying to imitate the mega wealthy. Allowing people to rent these chairs short term lets Barcelona have another reason why it’s one of the greatest cities in the world.

The chairs are used in so quite a few homes around the world including Barcelona apartments for rent. Barcelona apartments rentals and architecture are some of the staples of the city and are as much a part of the culture as Sagrada Familia or the Dali Museum.