Barcelona by Design
A shopper's guide for design lovers
Barcelona has been known as a design city since the early 1990s, when creative thinking helped reinvent the city for its dazzling Olympic debut. Today, design permeates everyday life here. From world-class design schools and architecture studios to showrooms, events and beautifully curated shops, Barcelona offers of-the-moment inspiration for anyone with an eye for aesthetics.
D-Shop, Plaça de les Glòries 37
The official shop of Barcelona’s Design Museum is (almost) as impressive as the collection inside – with one key difference: everything here is for sale. Browse Catalan design icons such as Miguel Milá lamps and the BFK Butterfly Chair, alongside covetable homeware and playful knick-knacks that make perfect gifts or stylish accents for your space.
RS Barcelona, C/ Còrsega 365
Few brands embody the playful spirit of contemporary Spanish design like RS Barcelona. Known for reimagining the foosball table – including a Barbie pink edition with female players – the studio also repurposes miniature footballers statuettes into quirky hooks and racks. Expect vibrant décor and accessories designed to spark joy.
OMG, C/ Corders 7 & C/ de la Palla 19
For visitors seeking locally made treasures, point them in the direction of these two colourful Old City boutiques. The selection is strictly Barcelona-based, from cult Olend nylon backpacks to minimalist fans by women-led start-up A Fan Of. Don’t miss Octaevo’s Mediterranean-inspired paper vases – suitcase-friendly and super cool.
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Bon Vent, C/ de la Argenteria 41
This El Born gem feels like stepping into a Provençal country villa. Think chic linen tablecloths, bottle-green glassware, olive-wood chopping boards and hand-painted French ceramics. Collectors will swoon over the rare cabeza de moro vases from Seville’s Exvotos workshop – collectible since their cameo in The White Lotus.
Aura, C/ Banys Nous 11
Run by the Official Crafts Centre of Catalonia, Aura highlights contemporary craft at its finest. Discover handwoven throws from Teixidors’ 18th-century looms, textile sculptures by Eliurpi, Ibiza-made espadrilles by Ball Pagès and striking art ceramics. The rear gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of craft masters from across Spain.
Pilma, various locations
A Barcelona design institution for more than 50 years, Pilma is where locals shop for refined furniture, kitchenware and lighting. The flagship stores (Diagonal 403 and C/ València 1) are treasure troves, while the outlet at Llanca 33 is for savvy hunters of stylish bargains.
Kave Home, Diagonal 488
This Girona-based brand has carved out a niche as a warmer, more design-led alternative to Ikea and Sklum. Its pieces blend quality craftsmanship with a cosy Mediterranean sensibility. For serious deals, make the trip to its huge outlet in Martorell ((Avinguda de Congost 39).
Cubiñá, C/ Mallorca 291
Set within the modernista landmark Casa Thomas, once a printing press, Cubiñá continues the site’s design legacy. Housed beneath soaring ceilings and intricate tiled floors, the showroom showcases leading European brands in an unforgettable setting. Don’t miss the back room, complete with the original brick chimney, for outlet bargains.
Curated By, C/ Enric Granados 95
Minimalism meets quiet luxury in this gallery-like boutique run by an interior design studio. Shelves reminiscent of a Greek theatre display a handpicked edit: sculptural candles, crocheted doorstoppers, oversized leather shoppers and organic cotton apprarel basics free of logos. Each object whispers understated cool.
This article first appeared in The Barcelona Edit - scoot on over for more Barcelona tips, tricks and intel.
I love Cubina. I want to live IN it.