Are you looking to furnish your home with stylish, high-quality mid-century modern furniture without breaking the bank? Look no further than Barcelona Designs. This online retailer specializes in reproductions of iconic pieces from renowned designers at a fraction of the cost of the originals.
But with so many furniture companies out there, you may be wondering if Barcelona Designs is worth your time and money. Can replicas really compare to the real thing in terms of quality and durability? Is the company legit and trustworthy?
I decided to do a deep dive into Barcelona Designs to help you make an informed decision before you buy. I examined their products, policies, and customer reviews to give you all the important details. By the end of this article, you‘ll know if Barcelona Designs is the right choice for your mid-century modern furniture needs.
About Barcelona Designs
First, let‘s start with some background on the company. Barcelona Designs was founded with the mission of making iconic mid-century designs accessible to everyone. Theypartner with skilled artisans to create high-quality replicas using the same materials and techniques as the originals. From sofas and lounge chairs to dining tables and office desks, they offer a wide range of furniture to fit any room in your home.
One of the main draws of Barcelona Designs is the affordable price point. Their furniture costs significantly less than the designer originals sold at high-end retailers. This allows you to achieve the coveted mid-century modern look without overspending. They also offer frequent sales and discounts to help you save even more.
Customer service is another area where Barcelona Designs shines. Their team is friendly, responsive, and dedicated to ensuring you have an excellent shopping experience from start to finish. They offer support via phone, email, or live chat to answer any questions or concerns.
Product Line
Now let‘s take a closer look at the furniture Barcelona Designs has to offer. Their product catalog spans several categories:
Seating
Barcelona Designs carries a variety of chair styles including:
– The famous Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
– Eames lounge chair and ottoman
– Egg chair designed by Arne Jacobsen
– Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer
– Womb chair and ottoman by Eero Saarinen
They also have sofas, loveseats, and sectionals to complete your seating arrangement. You can customize the fabric color and type (leather or boucle textile) on many designs.
Tables
To pair with your stylish seating, Barcelona Designs offers:
– Noguchi coffee table
– Eames wire base table
– Saarinen tulip tables in dining and side table sizes
– Nelson pedestal table
– Barcelona coffee and side tables
Lighting
No room is complete without proper lighting. Barcelona Designs carries:
– Arco lamp designed by Achille Castiglioni
– George Nelson bubble lamps
– Artichoke lamp by Poul Henningsen
Outdoor
Want to extend your living space outdoors? Barcelona Designs has weather-resistant furniture including:
– Acapulco lounge chair
– Van der Rohe Barcelona daybed
Office
Working from home? Furnish your office with:
– Eames aluminum group executive chair
– Eames Desk Unit (EDU)
– Nelson swag leg desk
From entertaining guests to working and relaxing, Barcelona Designs has furniture for every area of your home. You can mix and match pieces or buy a full set for a coordinated look.
Quality and Materials
Of course, the big question is how do these reproductions compare to the originals in terms of quality? Barcelona Designs prides itself on using premium materials and a high level of craftsmanship.
Many of their products use:
- High quality top grain Italian leather
- Polished stainless steel frames
- Solid wood construction
- High density foam cushions
Customers have raved about the attention to detail and accuracy to the original designs. In some cases, it‘s very difficult to distinguish between the replica and the real thing. Barcelona Designs carefully studies the dimensions, proportions, and materials to get as close to the designer‘s vision as possible.
That said, there are some differences to be aware of. Being reproductions, they may not last quite as long as the originals or appreciate in value. Replicas also may not have the same brand name prestige, if that is important to you. But in terms of look, feel, and functionality, Barcelona Designs offers a very close match at a more accessible price.
Pricing
Speaking of price, let‘s talk numbers. Barcelona Designs furniture ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. While not cheap, it is significantly less expensive than the $5,000+ you can expect to pay for an original from Design Within Reach or Knoll.
Prices vary depending on the specific piece, materials, and customization. For example, an Eames lounge chair replica starts at $1,495, while an aluminum group management chair is $595. You can browse their website to get an idea of the price range for different items.
Barcelona Designs offers a best price guarantee – they will match the price if you find the same product for less within 30 days of purchase. They also have regular sales where you can score discounts of up to 40% off. It‘s a good idea to sign up for their email list to stay on top of promotions.
Shipping and Delivery
Barcelona Designs ships for free within the contiguous United States. In-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 weeks, though COVID-related delays are possible. For customized pieces, lead times may be longer.
The furniture comes carefully packaged to avoid damage. Some assembly is required for most products using included tools and instructions. Reviewers have said the assembly process is relatively straightforward, though certain pieces like the Eames lounge chair can take longer. White glove delivery is not available, so be prepared to put in a bit of elbow grease.
If you live near their showroom in Jersey City, NJ, you can schedule an appointment to see products in person before purchasing. They also offer local pickup at their warehouse if you want to avoid shipping costs.
Returns and Warranty
If you‘re not completely satisfied with your purchase, Barcelona Designs accepts returns within 30 days for a full refund (minus return shipping costs). Items must be in original condition. For any defective or damaged products, they will arrange a replacement at no cost to you.
Barcelona Designs backs their furniture with a 2 year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. If anything breaks due to normal usage, they will repair or replace the item free of charge within the warranty period.
Keep in mind the warranty does not cover general wear and tear, improper assembly or care, or purchases from unauthorized sellers. Be sure to follow the care instructions to keep your furniture in tip-top shape.
Customer Reviews
To get a sense of real customer experiences, I scoured reviews of Barcelona Designs on independent third-party websites. On the whole, customers have had very positive things to say about the company and products.
Common things customers love:
- Stylish, high-quality furniture at a reasonable price
- Comfortable seating with durable leather and sturdy frames
- Responsive and friendly customer service
- Fast shipping and easy assembly
- Products look nearly identical to photos
There were a handful of negative reviews citing issues like:
- Inconsistent packaging leading to some dented pieces
- Leather not wearing evenly over time
- Backorders/delays due to supply chain and COVID disruptions
- Rare instances of missing hardware or defective parts
Fortunately, it seems Barcelona Designs works hard to quickly resolve any problems that arise to the customer‘s satisfaction. The vast majority of buyers have had wonderful experiences and are thrilled with their purchases. The replicas live up to the hype in both form and function.
Alternatives to Consider
If you‘re looking for mid-century modern furniture, Barcelona Designs is a fantastic choice but not your only option. Here are some other online retailers to check out:
- France & Son – Specializes in Danish and American mid-century furniture with customization options. Known for their beautiful teak wood pieces.
- Rove Concepts – Offers designer reproduction pieces including many of the same ones as Barcelona Designs. Also a good selection of lighting.
- Wayfair – Has a category dedicated to mid-century modern furniture. Wide variety of brands and price points with frequent sales.
- Article – Well-regarded for their sofas and chairs inspired by mid-century designs. Offers full room furniture sets with solid wood construction.
There are also the original designer retailers like Knoll, Herman Miller, and Design Within Reach if you‘re looking to splurge on the authentic icons. The prices are exponentially higher but may be worth it for collectors or design purists.
Conclusion
After taking a thorough look, I believe Barcelona Designs is an extremely reputable company that offers excellent value for the price. They have an impressive selection of mid-century modern replicas that look and feel very close to the real thing.
While there are occasional hiccups, the company goes above and beyond to make things right for the customer. With affordable prices, quality construction, and attentive service, they earn high marks across the board.
Of course, replicas have their limitations compared to the prestigious originals. But for those who love the mid-century aesthetic on a budget, Barcelona Designs is a fantastic way to achieve the look. Their 2 year warranty and 30 day return policy provide peace of mind.
All in all, I highly recommend Barcelona Designs for anyone looking to add iconic, comfortable, and well-crafted mid-century furniture to their home. Order with confidence knowing you‘re getting a great product at an unbeatable price.
Your living room will thank you!
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