Room by Room – the Barcelona Chair

This week’s installation of Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a major shift – instead of looking at either a specific location in the home or a type of home accessory, I will be taking iconic modern furniture pieces and making some suggestions for handmade items that would complement such great works of art.

Today’s focus is the Barcelona Chair, created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion of the 1929 Expo. Originally created in ivory pigskin, it is most well-known in its 1950 iteration which shifted to black leather and a stainless steel frame. The licensed version is still available through Knoll, although unlicensed pieces abound. The sleek styling and simple design make it a great piece that is at once interesting but doesn’t overtake its surrounding area. It is a large chair, very comfortable and can sit one person with room to spare, two people very close together.

 
To complement the clean lines, simple materials and relaxed look of the chair, accessory items should be basic in color and form. Items with a busy look would detract from this piece, and would not create a cohesive look. A simple coffee table that echoes the black and silver color scheme and the gentle curve of the frame makes a great starting point for a modern vignette. An exciting glass bowl placed on the table adds a splash of color and gives a touch of dynamism to the tableau. A bamboo lamp with an undulating curve provides light for reading without drawing too much attention to itself. An art quilt in a mod pattern hang on the wall behind brings in a little retro feel along with a handmade touch that softens the black and chrome. A hand-printed pillow placed on the chair makes the space feel all the more inviting.

Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.