Tugendhat Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Photo – courtesy of Knoll ©
Knoll has reintroduced the Tugendhat Chair, a masterful design by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe that combines minimalist elegance with the comfort of a lounge chair. This reissue brings Mies’ timeless vision into the modern world, showcasing his ability to create furniture that feels both refined and human. With its relaxed, cantilevered form, the Tugendhat Chair fits seamlessly into today’s living and working spaces, proving its enduring appeal.
Blending playfulness and sophistication, the Tugendhat Chair features untufted cushions and armrests that put the sitter at ease. Its leather strap back and plush cushions offer the same comfort as Mies’ famous Barcelona Chair, yet with a crucial difference: the Tugendhat’s cantilevered frame allows for movement, adapting to the sitter’s shifting positions. The leather straps on the back enhance both the visual appeal and craftsmanship of this iconic piece.
Designed specifically for Villa Tugendhat—a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brno, Czech Republic—the chair reflects the architectural brilliance of Mies and Lilly Reich, who designed the villa in 1929. Villa Tugendhat, often described as a ‘total work of art,’ blends architecture, interiors, and landscape in a seamless flow, and the chair is a natural extension of that philosophy. It embodies the villa’s mission to create harmony between nature, art, and life, offering both beauty and functionality to its users.
To inform the reissue, Knoll revisited Villa Tugendhat, studying the chair in its original setting. The villa’s bold cantilevers and uninterrupted flow between indoor and outdoor spaces are echoed in the chair’s design—its slim profile almost disappears from a side view, mirroring the villa’s clean lines and hillside positioning.
Perfect for today’s interiors, the Tugendhat Chair is a striking piece that fits comfortably in both casual and formal spaces, making it a favourite for design enthusiasts of the next generation. “When you sit in the chair, there’s a subtle bounce that brings the design to life,” says Jonathan Olivares, Knoll’s Senior Vice President of Design. “It engages the user in a way that influences how the whole space feels.”
Highly customizable, the chair offers options to suit any style: choose from a range of stainless steel finishes, upholstery, and leathers for the cushions. You can even opt for a version with or without arms, tailoring the design to your personal vision.
