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.
Joaquim Tenreiro, Desk, Rosewood, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s. Designed and produced for Bloch Editores S.A. Building, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.75"H x ...
Rosewood
$3,187Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk Magic Box Made in Brazil with Key
By Jean Gillon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning closable and lockable rosewood writing desk. The piece closes completely and can be key-locked to protect all your documents. Opened, it has a large teak writing top that ex...
Rosewood
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
Jean Gillon Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in New Windsor, NY
Large and roomy Brazilian Jacaranda executive desk. Chrome legs and drawer hardware. The four drawers are flush right of the user. High and wide enough from the desk top for loads o...
Chrome, Nickel
Teak Wood Desk with 55-Inch Top and Graphite Metal Base - Class Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
The Class desk by Uultis is a streamlined, modern writing desk that balances warm natural textures with clean-lined industrial elements. Featuring a 55-inch...
Metal
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Writing Desk att. to Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Hardwood, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992), this sculptural writing desk stands as an exceptional example of the designer’s refined vision for Brazilian modern furniture. Widely rega...
Wood
Jorge Zalszupin, Desk, Brazil 1976.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR
Jorge Zalszupin Desk by Atelier Moveis. São Paulo, Brazil Rare because it's the large model. Labeled and dated December 1976. Perfect condition, restoration done by a cabinetmaker. ...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin. Rare Desk "Diplomate", c. 1960. 72 x 210 x 110 cm
By Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier
Located in PARIS, FR
Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) Rare Desk "Diplomate", c. 1960 This rare and sculptural “Diplomate” desk, designed by Jorge Zalszupin circa 1960, is a striking example of Brazilian mode...
Metal
Lia S – A Plug-In Ready Statement for Work
By Gisela Simas
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
A desk table that has everything you need handily available, lining up practicality and beauty. The Lia S is a perfect workstation. Thoughtfully equipped with built-in electric plugs...
Wood
Customizable Chocolate Oak Desk with Two Storage Drawers, Class Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Class desk designed by Uultis Studio in Chocolate oak with chocolate metallic base. The Class desk is a refined marriage of functionality and elegance, featuring a chocolate oak ve...
Metal
Rare Desk, c. 1950 .Historical piece. 69 x 130 x 82 cm
Located in PARIS, FR
Atelier Glebo Rare Bureau / Desk, c. 1950 Historical piece Bois pin massif, Bois Pau Marfim et contreplaqué Solid pine wood, Pau Marfim wood and plywood 69 x 130 x 82 cm 27 17/100 x ...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Desk with Eight Drawers in Rosewood, Ava, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A substantial and beautifully resolved Brazilian modern desk produced by Ava during the 1960s, exemplifying the period’s focus on functionality, material richness, and architectural ...
Hardwood
Geraldo de Barros writing desk Unilabor Brazil 1956
By Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice minimalistic small writing desk designed by Geraldo de Barros and manufactured by Unilabor, Brazil 1956. The desk is made up of three main parts. The black iron frame, rosewood finished top and the drawer cabinet. The drawer fronts have the characteristic white laminated finish with metal handles. Unilabor could use these same parts to create different furniture designs, following the company's standards. This approach was part of a methodical way of making things, and the design style was common to other factories of that time. The most unique idea was how they thought about the production process in an organised way. In very good condition with beautiful grain to the rosewood. The chair on the pictures is not included. Literature; Brazilian Modern Design Alberto Vicente Marcelo Vasconcellos 2017, page 264-281 The most profound conceptual experience in the production of modern furniture in Brazil was led by Geraldo de Barros, a major artist of the Concrete Art movement in the country. Interested in new technologies and processes, Geraldo's career was consistently permeated with artistic experiments, particularly in photography and painting. His affiliation with design was influenced by the "gute form" principle advocated by Max Bill. Bill was the founder of the Ulm School...
Metal
Brazilian Modern Desk in Cerejera Hardwood, Geraldo de Barros, 1970s Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this Mid-Century Modern Desk designed by Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto is is gorgeous! The desk is entirely made in Cerejera wood and features two floating drawers...
Hardwood
'Nido' Mid-Century Modern style Desk in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Nido desk is comprised of an ample work area and a slim drawer all enclosed by delicate slats and suspended upon four slender legs. The offset drawer pull breaks the symmetry of the ...
Wood
18th Century Brazilian Desk Chest of Drawers from Sabará Minas Gerais
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This rare and monumental desk / chest of drawers, hails from the 18th century, a period marked by the flourishing of the Brazilian Baroque in the his...
Wood
Pedra Desk by Gustavo Neves, Brazilian Contemporary Furniture
By Gustavo Neves
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian Contemporary Furniture Designer: Gustavo Neves AEon Collection Pedra desk Materials: stone (limestone), metal (brass) darkened with manual treatment, manually sanded ac...
Stone
$2,393
H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 23.63 in
Oak desk with three solid oak drawers in mid century modern style
Located in SULECHÓW, -
Oak desk in mid-century style with three drawers and brass handles. The tapered legs are finished with brass plated aluminum feet. Desk made of solid oak wood and wood covered with n...
Brass
Large Floating Walnut Modern Executive Desk on one inch Lucite Base.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Amazingly cool, mid century modern desk. Rectangular form with rounded corners. Heavyweight construction floating on a super sturdy one inch thick acrylic base. Expertly restored ...
Steel
Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...
$3,751Sale Price|29% Off
H 30.32 in W 51.19 in D 29.53 in
Italian Mid Century sculptural Desk Table designed by Vittorio Dassi in 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This elegant mid-century Italian design desk was designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s. The piece is characterized by a refined design that alternates soft and rounded lines with a...
Brass
$2,021Sale Price|30% Off
H 27.96 in W 41.54 in D 19.69 in
Italian Vintage Writing Desk Attributed to Vittorio Dassi (circa 1950s)
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in London, GB
Italian vintage writing desk attributed to celebrated furniture maker, Vittorio Dassi (circa 1950s). This represents iconic design along with a gorgeous marquetry exterior and iconic...
Wood
Sykkylven Brode Blindheim Rosewood Slant Front Desk, Norway 1960s
By Brode Blindheim
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning and very beautiful Rosewood Desk for Brode Blindheim by Sykky Iven circa 1960s. This amazing slant front desk is structured on a refined stretcher base. The cabinet has wo...
Rosewood
$32,000
H 32.7 in W 102.4 in D 18.5 in
Brazilian Modern Rosewood Credenza with Brass Details, Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1965
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
represents a rare private commission executed at the highest level of Brazilian Modern craftsmanship. Constructed from Brazilian rosewood, the rectangular structure is supported by t...
Brass
$1,650
H 29.53 in W 48.23 in D 24.41 in
Lovely Vintage Writing Table Desk in Hardwood with Silk Embroidered Glass Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage writing table with silk embroidered top and glass protector A very good looking and well made p...
Silk, Glass, Hardwood
$4,813Sale Price|30% Off
H 28.15 in W 53.94 in D 31.5 in
Rare Hampton & Son's Pall Mall Hardwood Twin Pedestal Writing Partners Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare Hampton & Son’s Pall Mall Victorian, circa 1870 twin pedestal partner writing desk A very good looking well-made mahogany desk with a leather top made by the highly coveted Hampton & Son’s The top left and right drawers are fully stamped Hampton & Son’s Pall Mall, all other drawers have Hobbs & Co locks, the handles are all period correct and original The top has multiple patina marks and colour variations, the timber on the desk is in a similar order, we have deep cleaned hand condition waxed and hand polished it Dimensions Height 71.5 cm Width 137 cm Depth 80 cm Legroom Height 56 cm Width 60 cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point In 1830 William Hampton opened a shop for the sale of general household furniture in Cranbourn Street. He was subsequently joined by his two sons George and William Powell (the sons of George Hampton; Harold, Fred and Clarence also later entered the business). In 1869 the business expanded with new premises on the corner site comprising 8 Pall Mall East and 1-3 Dorset Place (now Whitcomb Street). Throughout its history the firm suffered a number of serious fires, the first of which occurred in 1890. As the firm continued to expand it took over control of a number of other firms, beginning with James Coulson and Co of Lisburn, Northern Ireland in 1898, and in the early 1950's Goodall, Lamb and Highway of King Street, Manchester and Robson and Sons...
Hardwood
$3,968
H 44.89 in W 32.68 in D 21.46 in
Mid-Century Magic Box Desk by Mummenthaler & Meier, Switzerland, 1955
By Mummenthaler and Meier
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Magic Box Desk by Mummenthaler & Meier, Switzerland, 1955
Wood
Alma Style Mid Century Leather and Chrome Executive Desk
By Alma Desk Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Alma Style Mid Century Leather and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 72 wide x 38.5 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches All pieces of furniture can be had...
Chrome
$2,272 / item
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Walnut desk with two solid walnut drawers in mid-century modern style
Located in SULECHÓW, -
Desk in mid-century style with two drawers and brass handles. The tapered legs are finished with brass plated aluminum feet. Desk made of solid American walnut wood and wood covered ...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 49 in D 31.5 in
Jean Gillon, Brazilian Modern, Jacaranda, Chrome, Writing Desk, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Manhasset, NY
Jean Gillon, Brazilian Modern, Jacaranda, Chrome, Writing Desk, Brazil, 1960s A Jacaranda wood and chrome writing desk designed by Jean Gillon and produced in Brazil in the second h...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.1 in W 53.9 in D 21.7 in
1950's Brazilian Modern Three Legged Desk in Hardwood by Moveis Fratte
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this mid-century Brazilian modern desk, designed by Moveis Fratte in the fifties, is absolutely magnificent! This desk is made with naval plywood and features three ...
Hardwood
Joaquim Tenreiro Bloch writing desk Brazil 1965
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful Bloch writing desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and manufactured in Brazil 1965. This desk was once used in the BLOCH EDITORES S.A. BUILDING, a well-known Brazilian publish...
Rosewood
Sold
H 30 in W 57 in D 28 in
Brazilian Modern Desk in Hardwood by Joaquim Tenreiro for Bloch, 1966, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Midcentury Modern Desk in Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda designed by Joaquim Tenreiro for Bloch Editores in the 1966 is nothing less than spectacular. ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 72.75 in D 38 in
Bodil Kjaer for E Pedersen & Son MCM Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Desk
By Bodil Kjaer, E. Pedersen & Søn
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Bodil Kjaer for E. Pedersen & Son Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Desk This desk measures: 72.75 wide x 38 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches All p...
Chrome
Jorge Zalszupin directors desk L'Atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Large sized desk from the componivel series designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured at his own company L'Atelier, Brazil 1959. The Escrivaninha or desk is a very sophisticated d...
Leather, Rosewood
De Couro, Set of Desk in Leather, 1980s
By De Couro
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
De Couro, signed. Desk set in rolled and sewn thick leather, chestnut color, consisting of a desk, an armchair and two chairs. Desk consisting of a glass slab standing on a rectan...
Leather
Sold
H 33.86 in W 36.61 in D 18.9 in
Desk, Móveis Cimo, C. 1950, in Imbuia's Wood Solid and Yellow Leather
By Moveis Cimo
Located in PARIS, FR
Originally designed for a child's room, this chest of drawers from the Moveis Cimo workshop in solid imbuia wood is one of the most playful pieces of furniture the workshop has produced. Opening with three drawers, the handles are circles inlaid in the drawer creating an optical game with the other circles in yellow leather in decoration. The delicacy of the finishes are visible throughout the piece and included in the covers of the screws and the assembly of wood. The charm is finished with the elegant and characteristic conical legs (or "pé palitos" in Portuguese) of the furniture of the 50s Brazilian. Founded in 1913 in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, initially by Jorge Zipperer (1879-1944) and Willy Jung (1879-1919) and "named Jung e Cia", Moveis Cimo was the largest furniture factory in Latin America from the 1930s until the 1970s. In 1919, with the death of Jung, Jorge Zipperer joined forces with his brother Martin Zipperer (1890-1971) who had a solid background in carpentry. From the beginning, Moveis Cimo had several different corporate names due to the changes in the partners and the growth of the company, the name "Moveis Cimo" was only used from 1954. Always very attentive to the technological novelties of the time, the products of the workshop have been marked by its modernization and optimization of the raw materials, always keeping the high quality know-how. Moreover, through the edition of their catalogs where the materials and techniques used were shown, the company allowed the diffusion of the knowledge of the modernist style. Beyond the technical aspect, the modernization has made possible the large-scale production of pieces in series, allowing the company to respond to many institutional orders, including for cinemas, theaters and schools. In addition, Moveis Cimo maintained a catalog for residential furniture, mainly from the 1950s, with the modernization of Brazil and the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, and its demand for furniture more suitable for the new architecture. The forms created by Moveis Cimo illustrate the passage from the aesthetics of traditional furniture with strong references to Portuguese colonial furniture...
Leather, Imbuia
Sold
H 29.5 in W 71 in D 31.5 in
Expertly Restored -Sergio Rodrigues "Redig" Rosewood Butterfly-Leaf Table / Desk
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sergio Rodrigues "Redig" rosewood butterfly-leaf table / desk Dimensions 25in H x 55-71in W x 31.50in D 1x Extension Leaf 16in. __________________...
Steel
Sold
H 30 in W 32 in D 55 in
Mid Century rosewood split folding table desk brazilian by karl heinz Bergmiller
By Escriba
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid Century rosewood split folding table desk brazilian by karl heinz Bergmiller. The top folds over and both legs swing out. Great design all ro...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin Attributed Desk in Rosewood, Brazil, 1965
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful rosewood patchwork desk attributed to Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960. This desk has a nice not to large size, but plenty of storage options because of the 2 large drawer cab...
Metal
Rare Rosewood Desk, 1960s Vintage Brazilian Design
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Modernist desk in rosewood. Incredible rosewood veneers, even the steel legs are veneer.
Rosewood
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