More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
$904Sale Price / item|63% Off
The Lore Lamp. Brazilian Solid Wood and 1960s traffic signal lenses.
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Lore floor lamp is a sculptural lighting piece crafted from solid Brazilian hardwood and fitted with an authentic vintage traffic light lens dating from the 1950s–1960s. Bridging...
Glass, Wood
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
$1,120Sale Price / item|25% Off
Arco Lamp, Silver, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Arco Lamp, Gold, by RAIN, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 180cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão Lamps are composed of a metalic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also ser...
Aluminum
Arco Lamp, Black Edition, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Joaquim Tenreiro Attribution, Floor Lamp, Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered wood, beige-lacquered metal and white acrylic floor lamp attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, c. 1960. Moderate staining to metal shade. Dimensions of Lamp wit...
Metal
$928 / item
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 15 x D 10 x H 30 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast...
Metal
Alta Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Floor Lamp, Solid Ebonized Wood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Alta is a floor lamp whose upward light creates a diffused illumination that hangs over the piece. The design seeks inspiration in the characteristic monumentality of the Brazilian M...
Wood
$4,232Sale Price / item|20% Off
Profana Sculptural Floor Lamp • Handmade Edition Steel • by Pedro Paulo-Venzon
By Pedro Paulo Venzon
Located in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
According to Giorgio Agamben, to profane is to bring into the human realm that which was only devoted to the gods. This discussion about inversion is the point of departure for Prof...
Steel
$733 / item
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 7 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast ...
Metal
$819 / item
Tabu P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabu P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 10 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast Bras...
Metal
$4,941 / item
Conca Pendant Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Conca Pendant Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 150 x D 12 x H 119 cm, H: Custom made. Materials: Polished Cast Brass. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass Weight: 3 kg. Also available in...
Metal
Brazilian contemporary minimalist prewashed linen pendant - medium
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Acítara. It has three layers, one longer than the other, and it is made in prewashed white linen. The structure of the product is made of white alumnium. The ...
Aluminum
Brazilian Contemporary Sculptural Steel Pendant Light - Max
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Sacurá Max. It is a Sculptural light pendant in steel. It can be paited in black, white ou brown (corten). It has 6 domes. The mall cotton domes in various colo...
Steel
Brazilian Contemporary Sculptural Brass Pendant Light - Max
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Sacurá Max. It is a Sculptural light pendant in brass with natural finish without varnish. The finish on this sculptural pendant light darkens over time. The ma...
Brass
"Rotula" Minimalist Style Floor Lamp in painted steel and natural wood
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
This floor lamp in painted steel and natural wood has a minimalist style. For the "Rotula" floor lamp, Alessandra Delgado was inspired by the subtle elegance of the human body. You c...
Steel
Brazilian Contemporary Sculptural Steel Pendant Light
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Sacurá Max. It is a Sculptural light pendant in steel. It can be paited in black, white ou brown (corten). It has 6 domes. The mall cotton domes in various colo...
Steel
Brazilian contemporary minimalist prewashed linen pendant - small
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Acítara. It has two layers, one longer than the other, and it is made in prewashed white linen. The structure of the product is made of white alumnium. The li...
Aluminum
Brazilian contemporary minimalist prewashed linen pendant - oval
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Acítara. It has two layers, one longer than the other, and it is made in prewashed white linen. The structure of the product is made of white alumnium. The li...
Aluminum
$7,521 / item
Delphi II Pendant Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphi II Pendant Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 11 x W 186 x H 33 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
Brazilian contemporary minimalist prewashed linen pendant - large
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Acítara. It has three layers, one longer than the other, and it is made in prewashed white linen. The structure of the product is made of white alumnium. The ...
Aluminum
$13,500 / item
Delphi I Pendant Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphi I Pendant Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 60 x W 145 x H 42 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can ...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,542 / item
Artemis I Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Artemis I Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 15 x H 40 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be w...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$757 / item
Artemis IV Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Artemis IV Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 5 x W 10 x H 5 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be w...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,538 / item
Ânfora M Table/Floor Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Ânfora M Table/Floor Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm Materials: Milky resin. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will ...
Resin
Mid-Century Modern Pair of table lamps by Brazilian Designer, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of table lamps by Brazilian Designer, Brazil, 1960s Pair of vintage Brazilian table lamps featuring a sculptural composition of stacked wooden rods arranged ...
Metal
$735 / item
Lauder II Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Lauder II Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 8 x W 9 x H 20 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired accord...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,627 / item
Quartz Wall Lamp III by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz Wall Lamp III by Aver Dimensions: D 23 x W 23 x H 13 cm. Materials: White quartz, ceramic, metal. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired according to ea...
Quartz, Metal
Brazilian Contemporary Sculptural Steel Pendant Light
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This pendant is named Sacurá Max. It is a Sculptural light pendant in steel. It can be paited in black, white ou brown (corten). It has 6 domes. The mall cotton domes in various colo...
Steel
$1,301 / item
Candela IV Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Candela IV Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 15 x W 17 x H 17 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired acc...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$13,115 / item
Green Quartz Chandelier Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Quartz chandelier lamp by Aver Dimensions: Diameter 68 x Height 75 cm Materials: Aluminum with gold leaf. Natural Quartz Crystals. Ligh...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Aluminum
$1,466 / item
Lasca Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Lasca Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 26 x D 18 x H 37 cm Materials: Cristallo quartzite and cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also availabl...
Quartz, Metal
$865 / item
Delphi I Small Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphi I Small Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 4 x W 8 x H 13 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can ...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$9,547 / item
Winter IV Pendant Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter IV Pendant Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 25 x W 210 x H 13 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired ...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$4,170 / item
Quartz Wall Light I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall light I by Aver Dimensions: W 7 x D 4 x H 100 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Black...
Stone, Crystal
Brazilian Contemporary Sculptural Brass Pendant Light
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Sacurá - Sculptural light pendant in brass with natural finish without varnish. The finish on this sculptural pendant light darkens over time....
Brass
$1,334 / item
Tabu G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabu G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 17.5 x D 16 x H 35 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast Br...
Metal
$8,222 / item
Winter III Pendant Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter III Pendant Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 25 x W 188 x H 13 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,562 / item
Presa Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Presa Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 14 x D 8 x H 65 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also...
Metal
"Sino Meio" Contemporary Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Aluminum by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This outdoor wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite di...
Aluminum
$1,579 / item
Quartz Wall Sconce II by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall sconce II by Aver Dimensions: W 14 x D 16 x H 55 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Bl...
Stone, Crystal, Other
$4,135 / set
Set of 2 Natural Stone Wall Light 70 by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Natural Stone Wall Light 70 by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 11 x H 70 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Aver Design...
Stone, Crystal, Other
Pair of Natural Rock Crystal Lighting, Demian Quincke
By Demian Quincke
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of natural rock crystal hand assembled with 180 brut rocks hand assembled on casted brass base. Internal 3.5W Led light and two external Led 9W lamps. Total 12.5 W on each wi...
Quartz, Rock Crystal
$2,885 / item
Delphi V Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphi V Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 8 x W 11 x H 102 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be w...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$10,146 / set
Set of 2 White Quartz Wall Light 120 by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 White Quartz Wall Light 120 by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 11 x H 120 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Aver Des...
Stone, Crystal, Other
$3,115 / item
Bamboula Contemporary and Original Lamps
By Noemi Saga Atelier
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The rhythm of the blues inspired the line of Bamboula lamps. Bamboula is the name given to a type of Primitive drum made of the barrel of rum and covered by a skin at one end. It is also the name of the dance of African origin, brought to the United States and danced to the rhythm of the same drums. The pendant lamp has some variations. One is a central part formed by 03 heights of pendants that interconnects to the other individual pieces that are sold individually. The Bamboula line was designed to Cristiana Bertolucci Estúdio...
Wood
$1,036 / item
Meia Lua Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Meia Lua Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 28 x D 10 x H 28 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum ...
Metal
Oslo I Wall Lamp with White Quartz And Hand-Blown Glass Details by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Oslo I Wall Lamp with White Quartz And Hand-Blown Glass Details by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 12 x H 76 cm. Materials: Smoked glass, white quartz, and metal. Available in different fi...
Quartz, Metal
$15,019 / item
Quartz Pendant Light V by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz pendant light V by Aver Dimensions: D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, o...
Stone, Crystal, Other
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Aluminum
$1,256Sale Price / item|20% Off
Handmade Minimalist Round wall light, Natural, Raw, Ceramic and Brass, Brazil
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Handmade Minimalist Geometric wall light enhances the beauty of slowliness into daily process and the raw beauty of Brazil's natural landscapes. 85g is our raw minimalist wall lig...
Brass
$1,579 / item
Quartz Wall Sconce I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall sconce I by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 17 x H 35 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Blac...
Stone, Crystal, Other
Sacurá - Brazilian contemporary wall lamp made of brass
By Cristiana Bertolucci
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Brazilian sculptural wall lamp in brass with natural finish without varnish. The brass darkens over time. Small cotton domes in various colors. Its design refers to cherry trees wit...
Brass
"Sino Meio" Max Version Contemporary Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Brass
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This outdoor wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make identical items. The brass casting is produced by formation of a mold from a mixture of sand and the liquid alloy of copper and zinc. The projects are based on a contemporary appropriation of traditional methods from Brazilian artisans and reinterpreted through the integration of new forms and noble materials. An aesthetic infused with “beauty of imperfection" is obtained by the expressive potential of each material, generating works that recall nature and rationality. Estúdio Orth...
Brass
$9,445 / item
Table Lamp by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli’s new collection synthesizes the foundational aspects of his practice, bringing together techniques and resources that have long inhabited his repertoire, but now achi...
Brass
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Aluminum
Brazilian Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Metal, Glass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, white-lacquered metal and opaline glass chandelier designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Casa Teo, São Paulo. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.5"H x 16.75...
Metal, Brass
Giro Minimalist Floor Lamp In Painted Steel, in natural wood and concrete base
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
The Giro (Portuguese for spin) minimalist floor lamp fixture plays with the concept of movement and function. It presents a side table that spins around the stem fixed into a concret...
Cement, Steel
Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.
Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
The 1920s design is a thrilling combination of saturated colors, ancient motifs and modern aesthetics.
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.