Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1904 for the D. D. Martin House in Buffalo, New York, this iconic chair was an embarkation from his earlier linear furniture designs, due to its round shape.

Original features included a flared backrest, square spindle supports and a cushioned double-sided circular seat. In 1937, Frank Lloyd Wright re-created the Barrel Chair design in a larger version with other design modifications for the residence of Herbert F. Johnson, known as »Wingspread«, to accommodate the expansive rooms and towering ceiling heights.