Six young architects joined forces in the 1950s to create Branco & Preto in São Paulo. Together, they created high-end modern furniture inspired by the spirited reinvigoration of art and architecture in Brazil.
The six founders — Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plínio Croce, Roberto Aflalo, Carlos Millan and Chen Y Hwa — all attended Mackenzie Architecture University, a school led by architect and modernist critic Cristiano Stockler das Neves who prioritized neoclassicism. As progressive students, the founders rebelled against this status quo in their work.
During the 1950s, there were few designers of modern furniture based in Brazil aside from Brazilian furniture firm Mòveis Artisticos Z and Portuguese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro. Branco & Preto helped fill a wide gap in the market.
Brazilian modernist pioneers Rino Levi and Gregori Warchavchik were important early connections. Through them, Ruchti and Forte met American architect Philip Johnson and German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; meanwhile, Croce, Alfalo and Millan drew inspiration from the works of Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra and Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer.
As a proponent of “Rio modernism,” Branco & Preto often combined glass, iron and calacatta marble with Brazilian woods like jacaranda and caviuna to make its handcrafted furnishings. Free from plywood and screws, this furniture required the expertise of skilled woodworkers, especially for the MF5 armchair and slatted coffee table. Both designed by Millan, they are among Branco & Preto’s most recognized works.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Branco & Preto tables, seating and case pieces and storage cabinets.
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This pair of glass-top coffee tables is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that defined Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. Their minimalist str...
Glass, Wood
Brazilian Modern Rectangular Side Table in Rosewood & Glass, Branco e Preto
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Branco e Preto in Brazil in the 1950s, this rectangular side table reflects the material refinement and proportional discipline of Brazilian modern design. Furniture of t...
Glass, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s Center table structured in solid wood, with a nested glass top. A classic design by Estúdio Branco &...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This glass-top coffee table is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that helped define Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. The minimalist stru...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This dining table is a creation by Branco & Preto, one of the pioneers of Brazilian modernism. Crafted in Pau Marfim, it reflects the studio’s signature, clean lines, and archite...
Wood
Coffee table by Branco e Preto
By Branco & Preto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Coffee table Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia Brazil, 1950s Wood, ebonized wooden structure Measurements 180 cm x 90 cm x 33h cm 70,86 in x 35,43 in x 13h in Literature Branco e ...
Wood
Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950
By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco e Preto (Carlos Milan). Coffee table. Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia, Brazil, 1950s. Solid jacaranda, ebonized wooden structure. Measurement...
Jacaranda
$13,889Sale Price|25% Off
Branco & Preto Mid-Century Modern Dining Table in Solid Hardwood
By Branco & Preto
Located in Whitstable, GB
Branco & Preto Designed and manufactured in the 1950s by Branco & Preto This stunning solid wood dining table by Branco & Preto was part of the personal collection of Miguel Forte, o...
Hardwood
Branco & Preto 'Coffee table'
By Branco & Preto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco & Preto Coffee table Measurements 180 cm x 90 cm x 33h cm 70,86 in x 35,43 in x 13h in
Jacaranda
$20,930Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Duas Cores Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, 1952
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The Duas Cores Coffee Table, designed 1952 by Branco & Preto, embodies the pioneering spirit that redefined Brazilian interiors in the mid-20th century. Made of solid Pau-Marfi...
Glass, Hardwood
Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955
By Branco & Preto
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An archetypal example of Branco & Preto’s rational elegance, these side tables exemplify the group’s pursuit of harmony between proportion, material, and function. The transparen...
Glass, Rosewood
Round “Spider” Coffee Table, Roberto Aflalo for Blanco e Preto, 1952
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1952 by Roberto Aflalo for Branco & Preto, this iconic “Spider” coffee table is an early and expressive example of Brazilian Modern experimentation. Executed in solid...
Glass, Hardwood
Brazilian Bar with Side Table in Hardwood and Glass by Branco e Preto, c. 1950’s
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Produced by Branco & Preto in the 1950s, this bar cabinet with integrated side table exemplifies the studio’s disciplined approach to proportion, material richness, and functiona...
Glass, Hardwood
Brazilian Midcentury side table designed by Branco & Preto; Brazil 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Whitstable, GB
Brazilian Midcentury side table, designed by the architecture office Branco & Preto. São Paulo, Brazil 1950s The frame is in solid caviúna wood in minimalistic design. The table ha...
Hardwood
$6,525Sale Price / item|25% Off
Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Branco & Preto Brazilian Mid-Century Modern side table with glass top set in Caviuna wood frame. 21.5" H x 25.5" W x 25.5" D. Listing is for single table. Caviuna is a Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy, hard dark-coloured wood streaked with black. Table features glass top effortlessly embedded in the wooden frame. Gorgeous sculptural rectangular recessed legs. The strong lines and masterful proportions, sculptural yet unassuming - effortlessly stylish. Made by Luiz Pássaro...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This coffee table by Branco & Preto embodies the pioneering spirit of Brazilian modernism. Its slender proportions, clean geometry, and precise form reveal the studio's pursuit of fu...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This pair of glass-top coffee tables is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that defined Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. Their minimalist...
Glass, Wood
$2,464 / set
H 17.72 in W 24.81 in D 16.93 in
Danish Modern Side Tables in Rosewood and Glass, 1960s. Set of 2.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Side Tables in Rosewood and Glass, 1960s. Set of 2. Elegant and stylish pair of Danish Mid-Century modern sidetables made in Denmark in ...
Smoked Glass, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Macassar Dining Table, Brass Feet, France, 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Dining table from period mid-century modern France. This table is made of a beautiful Macassar of ebony parquetry top in a cubist pattern. The tapered legs are capped with brass feet...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Walnut Tiny Circular Walnut Side Table 1950s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage tiny side table or flower stand from walnut and solid beech in smoothly brown color 1950s Austria. A charming side table or flower stand with three (3) fee...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Oval Extendable Dining Table by Arne Vodder, 1950s
By Arne Vodder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern oval extendable dining table, crafted in pinewood with a mission edge. The table top is sitting on a single trapezoid base, giving it a distinctive archi...
Pine
$4,000
H 22.45 in Dm 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern "Janete" Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Janete side table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s. The Janete side tables, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, have a simple yet elegant design. Made of solid wood, ...
Metal
1950's Mid- Century Modern Sculptural Side Tables - a Pair
By Tony Paul, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of original 1950's Mid-century Modern side tables for sale. They have a faux marble formica top with a sculptural tripod base. The formica faux marble tops are in excellent cond...
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
A fabulous designer French Mid-Century Modern dining table handcrafted in France, circa 1950s Rosewood Finish 63"x35" without the leaf's 87"x35" with the leaf's
Rosewood
$1,680 / set
H 21.5 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of 1960s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables/Nightstands by Stanley Furniture
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Tables or Nightstands by Stanley Furniture. Dated 1965 Feature a beautiful walnut wood grain and two drawers and a side cabinet with round ...
Brass
French Mid-Century Modern 1950's Macassar Dining Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table featuring a striking geometric parquet-style rosewood veneer top with rich, dramatic grain. Elegant tapered legs with brass-capped feet complete the t...
Brass, Bronze
$3,433
H 25.6 in Dm 26.38 in
Mid Century Center Café Table in White Metal in style of Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century round dining garden table in white lacquered metal in style of Mathieu Matégot. Produced in France, 1950s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 65 cm / 25.60...
Metal
$2,950 / set
H 23.5 in W 20.75 in D 11.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables, Mahogany & Brass, France, 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of side tables from mid-century modern France. Each is made of solid wood construction with a flamed mahogany veneer. Each has two doors that open outward to an interior storage...
Brass
$2,741Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.49 in Dm 17.72 in
Spanish Alabaster Gueridon Side Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s-1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gueridon Side Table / Drinks Table in Turned Alabaster, Spain, 1950s-1960s Manufactured at the Mid-Century Modern Period. Elegant alabaster side table with round top and pedestal rou...
Alabaster, Brass
Branco & Preto — Side Table, 1960, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil
By Branco & Preto
Located in Curitiba, PR
Elegant modernist side table designed by Branco & Preto, São Paulo, circa 1960. The piece features a lacquered wood structure with a glass top, showcasing the refined simplicity and ...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 11.46 in W 47.25 in D 25.99 in
"Two Colors" Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury, circa 1950
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The "Two Colors" coffee table was designed in circa 1950 and produced by Branco & Preto, an architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. Branco & Preto was one ...
Marble
Sold
H 20.99 in W 25.99 in D 39.38 in
A Pair of Rectangular Branco and Preto Side Tables in Caviuna Wood, Brazil 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in a rational and geometric way, this pair of handmade Branco and Preto side tables have an open and elegant appearance. Both tables are made of a combination of solid and veneer caviuna wood with a beautiful grain. Caviuna is a Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy, hard dark-coloured wood streaked with black play that is also visible on this pair. These tables feature glass tops that are effortlessly embedded in the wooden frame adding modernism to the design. Underneath the glass tops are wooden shelves, which have a somewhat floating appearance thanks to the extending shelves that align with the tops. In combination with the recessed legs, these tables have a simple, refined look. The strong lines and proportions are light and simple at the same time, which is a returning characteristic of the work of the Brazilian design duo, Branco and Preto. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wooden veneer has some cracks / marks on one of the bottom plates. Dimensions: 25.99 in W x 39.38 in D x 21.07 in H 66 cm W x 100 cm D x 53.3 cm H Literature: Branco e...
Wood, Glass
Rectangular Branco and Preto Wooden Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in a rational and geometric way, this pair of handmade Branco and Preto side tables have an open and elegant appearance. Both tables are mad...
Glass, Wood
Rectangular Branco and Preto Wooden Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in a rational and geometric way, this pair of handmade Branco and Preto side tables have an open and elegant appearance. Both tables...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 29.34 in W 72.84 in D 39.38 in
Brazilian Modern Branco and Preto Dining Set in Ebonized Hardwood, 1952
By Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern dining set, designed by Jacob Ruchti of the Branco & Preto Collective, 1952. Catalogued in the book about the work of Branco & Preto on several differen...
Cane, Hardwood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 23.63 in D 51.19 in
Ivory and Glass Center Table, by Branco & Preto, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Branco & Preto
Located in São Paulo, SP
Branco & Preto was a design studio created in 1952 by a group of recently graduated architects. Young modernist enthusiasts, they needed the right furniture for their projects and so...
Ivory
Branco & Preto 'Duas Cores' Glass Top Bicolored Coffee Table
By Branco & Preto
Located in Astoria, NY
A 'Duas Cores' (two colors) coffee table, produced circa 1950s in Brazil by furniture company Branco & Preto, with glass top against moder...
Glass, Wood
Pair of Branco & Preto Glass Top Side Tables in Caviuna
By Branco & Preto
Located in Astoria, NY
A pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables by Branco & Preto, manufactured circa 1950s, glass tops against linear bases crafted of caviuna wood. Very good vintage condition, wear consi...
Glass, Wood