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.
$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
Rare Brazilian Mid-Century Sculptural Executive Desk with Tambour Pedestal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking and highly sculptural Brazilian Mid-Century Modern executive desk featuring an extraordinary combination of organic form, dramatic wood grain, and finely crafted details. Th...
Wood
'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
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
Brazilian Designer, Desk, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered wood, and black-lacquered brass desk designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Some staining to desktop and inside drawers. Wear consistent with age and use. Ove...
Brass
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
Jorge Zalszupin Foldable Patchwork Rosewood Desk & File Cabinet, Brazil, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
A rare two-piece office set designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L’Atelier in Brazil during the 1970s, comprising a foldable executive desk and a separate rolling file cabinet...
Metal
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
Brazilian Modern Desk in Cerejera Hardwood, Geraldo de Barros, 1970s Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto in the 1970s, this desk reflects the designer’s enduring commitment to rational construction and democratic modern design. De Barros—an infl...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Desk with Eight Drawers in Rosewood, Ava, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A substantial Brazilian modern desk produced by Ava in the 1960s, distinguished by its architectural construction, generous storage, and richly figured Brazilian rosewood. The expan...
Rosewood
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
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
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
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
Large Executive Desk by Anonima Castelli, Italy 1950s
By Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Wood, veneered surfaces, stained wood plinth. An elegant and architecturally balanced executive desk attributed to Anonima Castelli, Bologna, dating from the late 1940s to early 195...
Wood
$3,450
H 29 in W 87.75 in D 39.5 in
Dyrlund Danish Teak Executive Desk with Rounded Drum Pedestal Base, c. 1970s
By Dyrlund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking Danish modern executive desk by Dyrlund, crafted in rich teak with the brand's signature soft, rounded edge detailing along the top. The rectangular top floats above a sub...
Teak
$6,543
H 29.14 in W 72.05 in D 69.3 in
DANISH MID CENTURY MODERN BRAZILIAN WOOD OFFICE LEFT CORNER DESK PART OF SUiTE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Mid Century Modern, very large Brazilian wood left corner desk that can be fully dismantled for ...
Hardwood
$3,400
H 45 in W 35 in D 21 in
Magic Box Desk by Mummenthaler & Meier, Switzerland, 1955 / Folding Desk
By Mummenthaler and Meier
Located in Buffalo, NY
A fold-down secretary desk that closes completely to resemble a small cabinet. When open, it offers a large work surface, numerous storage compartments, This is a highly sought-afte...
Birch, Teak
Alma Mid Century Rosewood and Leather Executive Desk
By Alma Desk Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Alma Mid Century Rosewood and Leather Executive Desk This desk measures: 78 wide x 36 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches Fair Vintage Condition - Desk has Stain ...
Leather, Rosewood
$1,653
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
$2,399Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 66 in D 36 in
Rare 1950s Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Inspired Walnut Rounded Top Desk
Located in Lafayette, IN
Stunning 1950s desk by the Shelbyville Desk Company of Indiana. Desk features a 66" rounded-end top, walnut veneer and wonderful Art Deco hardware. T...
Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Walnut Writing Desk with Three Drawers, 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
The wide tabletop is presenting a fine walnut wood. Right beneath the top there is wide shelf. Three drawers are attached on either side. Each of the drawers has “bow” shaped handle....
Walnut
Magic Box Desk from Ateliers Genestar in Paris - 1960s
By Ateliers Genestar
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Ateliers Genestar "Magic Box" Folding Desk Cabinet Measures : 83.5x56cm H:114cm Mid-century, 1950s "Magic Box". Made by the French manufacturer "Ateliers Genestar". This piece is ac...
Faux Leather, Wood
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...
Metal
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut low bench with modular desk and drawer cabinet designed by Merton Gerhsun for American of Martinsville's Dania line circa 60...
Brass
$3,495
H 28.75 in W 52.5 in D 26.25 in
Maurice Villency Style Mid Century Teak Desk with Bookcase Front
By Maurice Villency
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Maurice Villency Style Mid Century Teak Desk with Bookcase Front The desk measures: 52.5 wide x 26.25 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearan...
Teak
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 Stamford, CT
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
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
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
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