Barcelona-Style Lounge Chair – Tan Brown Italian Leather

A centrepiece of Bauhaus design for your space. The form was created in 1929 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exposition, and it has barely changed since — which is why it sits as easily in a period room as in a new build. Our interpretation puts hand-tufted Italian aniline leather panels on a hand-polished stainless steel frame with the signature “X” profile, in five colours, and epitomises the famous maxim: “Less is more.”

Independent reproduction: This Barcelona-style furniture is inspired by the 1929 modernist design associated with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich. It is not an original Knoll product and is not made, licensed or endorsed by Knoll.

Barcelona-Style Lounge Chair – Tan Brown Italian Leather

Hand-Tufted Cushions & Support Straps

• Hand-polished stainless steel frame with a seamless mirror finish
• 12 mm thick, single-piece frame — nothing to build
• High-resilience, fire-retardant foam cushions with a comfort topper
• Italian aniline leather, hand-stitched in a quilted grid pattern
• Heavy-duty support straps, double-riveted for lasting durability
• Five leather colours — Black, Tan Brown, Cream, White and Red

Barcelona-Style Lounge Chair Dimensions

• Chair: W 79 x D 79 x H 85 cm
• Chair frame: W 75 x D 77 x H 75 cm

The seat is firm and upright rather than deep and reclining — a chair designed for posture and presence, not for sinking into.

Modernist Accent Chair for Contemporary Interiors

The open frame means this chair takes far less visual space than its 79 cm footprint suggests. Because it does not recline, 20 cm of clearance behind it is enough — against roughly 110 cm for an Eames-style lounge chair. That makes it one of the few full-size lounge chairs that will work in a wide hallway, on a landing, in a bedroom corner or beside a fireplace. A pair either side of a small table is the classic arrangement, and needs roughly 200 cm of wall.

Choosing a Colour

All five share identical construction, so the decision is entirely about how the leather reads in your room.

• Black — the most graphic. The tufting reads as shadow and pattern rather than colour. Easiest to place.
• Tan Brown — warms the polished steel and sits naturally with walnut, oak and other mid-century timber.
• Cream — shows the stitching and button detail most clearly. The lightest option visually.
• White — the sharpest contrast against the frame, and the most demanding to keep looking new.
• Red — the one statement colour in the range. Best in a room that is otherwise restrained, where the chair is meant to be the focal point.

Mirror-polished stainless steel is the dominant visual element — bright and reflective, so try to match it to the other metals already in the room, as it can clash with brass or matte black fittings.

Barcelona-Style Chair vs Chair & Ottoman Set

Prefer the complete pair? The Barcelona Style Chair & Ottoman includes the matching footstool in Black, Cream and White.

Craftsmanship and Leather Care

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Frame: Premium-grade stainless steel, hand-ground and buffed to a flawless mirror finish
• Cushion fill: High-resilience, fire-retardant urethane foam with a comfort topper
• Upholstery: Italian aniline leather, with matching material on the back and sides
• Support straps: Reinforced straps riveted securely to the frame
• Construction: Handmade by skilled artisans using traditional techniques

Care & Maintenance

• Stainless steel frame: Wipe with a soft damp cloth; use standard glass cleaner for best shine
• Leather cushions: Clean with a damp cloth; condition with leather balm every 6–12 months
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or prolonged direct sunlight

Delivery, Assembly & Warranty

Packaging & UK Delivery

• Arrives part-assembled — the one-piece frame needs no building; the cushions fasten to it, typically in under 10 minutes
• Ships as a single L-shaped package containing frame and cushions
• Frame securely wrapped in thick bubble wrap for transit protection
• Cushions individually wrapped and packed in the same box
• Free UK delivery. Orders are typically processed and dispatched within 1–3 business days; delivery usually takes 5–10 business days after dispatch.

Warranty & Returns

• 2-year manufacturer's warranty included at no extra cost
• 14-day returns: items must be unused, in their original condition and original packaging, with all tags and labels attached. Change-of-mind return shipping is paid by the customer. See our Returns & Refunds policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add the Barcelona ottoman later?

Unlike some designs, the Barcelona ottoman is not sold separately. If you want the complete pair, please see the Barcelona Style Chair & Ottoman set, which includes the matching footstool in Black, Cream, and White.

How much space does the chair need without the ottoman?

Just 79 x 79 cm of floor space, plus about 20 cm of clearance behind it. Because the Barcelona frame does not deeply recline, it can sit much closer to a wall or bookshelf than a traditional reclining lounge chair.

What is the difference between the Barcelona chair and the Eames chair?

The 1956 Eames lounge chair features a warm wooden shell and a deep recline designed for ultimate relaxation. The 1929 Barcelona chair features a sleek, mirror-polished stainless steel frame and quilted leather, offering firmer, upright support that is perfect for conversation, reading, or executive spaces.

Explore this range

• Barcelona Style Chair & Ottoman - the complete set with the matching footstool.
• Barcelona Collection - all configurations and colours.
• Space Planning Guide - exact clearances and layouts for mid-century furniture.
• UK Price Tier Guide - what to look for in premium quilted leather and steel frames.