I’m considering buying a Barcelona Chair from Knoll. Is it worth it to buy? Is a reproduction a better, more practical route? I can do the Knoll original one but also don’t want to spend that kind of money if not worth it or a repro is almost as good.

by Anonymous

reply 22

February 25, 2020 3:58 PM

I used to sit in one regularly for 15 minutes or so a few times a week. I found it uncomfortable. I think it was the Knoll, because they were in the lobby of a company where I used to work, and Knoll did all the contract furnishings.

Have you sat in one on a regular basis? Can you test-sit the knockoff?

by Anonymous

reply 1

February 25, 2020 3:23 AM

There are good knockoffs and bad. I don't find even the original very comfortable.

by Anonymous

reply 2

February 25, 2020 3:26 AM

Don’t spend that money on the brand name Knoll. Plenty of good non-Knoll and you can’t tell the difference, I have a great pair I bought at a thrift store. Solid well-made leather and steel. Sturdy and have lasted 10 years. I paid $75 each.

They look better than they function. Not the most comfortable chair. They work in my small 1BR apartment because their openness helps the room feel bigger.

by Anonymous

reply 3

February 25, 2020 3:31 AM

They just look uncomfortable--no support unless you sit prim and proper.

by Anonymous

reply 4

February 25, 2020 3:39 AM

If not that style, what’s another sophisticated style you would recommend? I have shit for talent when it comes to decorating, but I’m trying to attain a more sophisticated look than middle-American taste. I like Ray Booth’s aesthetic. I’ve bookmarked him and the following: Barbara Barry, Charlotte Moss, Chris Barrett, Michael Smith, Summer Thornton, Thomas Pheasant, Timothy Whealon, and Vicente Wolf.

I guess these are all over the map on style. But I know what I like when I see it, but, like many, lament, I can’t get there on ny own.

Can primo decorators be hired for places in the hinterlands like Houston area?

by Anonymous

reply 5

February 25, 2020 3:59 AM

Forgot to sign ^Op immediately above.

by Anonymous

reply 6

February 25, 2020 4:00 AM

I'd check out Room & Board. There's a showroom in Dallas.

Offsite Link

by Anonymous

reply 7

February 25, 2020 4:03 AM

Browse Wayfair for ideas. They have good prices too. Don’t waste money on high end furniture. It’s crazy to pay $2,000 for a chair when you can get one for $100.

by Anonymous

reply 8

February 25, 2020 4:06 AM

IMO, the Barcelona chair is uncomfortable. The upper part of the back rest pushes your head and neck forward, like how an airplane seat does. It's the opposite of relaxing.

People have different ways of thinking about furniture. Some people see furniture as disposable and only want to spend a little. Other people want to have something they can have for a long time and are willing to spend more.

OP, if you can tell us what you have liked, besides the Barcelona chair, maybe it would be easier to give advice.

If there is a Design Within Reach store in your area, maybe check out that store. Kind of pricey, but since you said Barcelona chair ...

by Anonymous

reply 9

February 25, 2020 4:11 AM

[quote]If there is a Design Within Reach store in your area, maybe check out that store. Kind of pricey, but since you said Barcelona chair ...

There is a DWR in Houston.

Offsite Link

by Anonymous

reply 10

February 25, 2020 4:13 AM

Design Within Reach is overpriced. Find what you like there then search for it online.

by Anonymous

reply 11

February 25, 2020 4:18 AM

Six years ago, I spent $7500 at DWR. The saleswoman still calls a couple times a year to "check in".

by Anonymous

reply 14

February 25, 2020 4:29 AM

Does that make it “worth it,” R14?

by Anonymous

reply 15

February 25, 2020 4:31 AM

Thank all of you for suggestions. I like Chairish. Thanks, R12!

by Anonymous

reply 16

February 25, 2020 4:32 AM

FWIW, I think you should go with a knock off. Here’s a decent looking one that’s leather.

Offsite Link

by Anonymous

reply 17

February 25, 2020 4:46 AM

Get the reproduction. Most can't tell the difference.

by Anonymous

reply 18

February 25, 2020 4:50 AM

Thanks, R17! That looks like a great reproduction. Can’t go wrong with that price!

If I go with the Barcelona, I’m taking all of your advice and getting a repro. I’d rather spend the $6,000+ that an original costs on a work of art.

by Anonymous

reply 19

February 25, 2020 7:18 AM

I'd just buy La-Z-Boy, so comfy and practical.

by Anonymous

reply 20

February 25, 2020 7:29 AM

Co-signing that I found a knock off more comfortable than an original.

by Anonymous

reply 21

February 25, 2020 12:01 PM

Club chairs are more comfortable. And you can get one that sits up off the ground so you get the sense of space.

Personally, I love wingback chairs for comfort. But appreciate it’s a “look” that may seem dated or classic.

by Anonymous

reply 22

February 25, 2020 3:58 PM