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.
Mid century Brazilian Leather Safari Sling Low lounge Chair by Michel Arnoult
By Jean Gillon, Percival Lafer, Michel Arnoult
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Brazilian modern Michel Arnoult leather sling with Brazilian wood frame Safari Sling Lounge Chair. Brazilian Modern jacaranda hardwood frame safari sling chair with light...
Leather, Hardwood
Jorge Zalszupin (1922– 2020) Pair of Cadeira Ouro Preto Chairs 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in CA, CA
An icon of 1950s Brazilian design the Ouro Preto armchair is celebrated for its modernist architectural lines and meticulously refined carpentry. Constructed entirely by hand and cra...
Rosewood
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather Brazil 70s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather, Brazil, 1970s Exceptional pair of MP-41 lounge chairs designed by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, Brazil, 1970s, ...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and white fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Restored and reupholstered in recent history. Pre restorat...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Bo Bardi & Carlo Palanti, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Peroba, Brazil, 1948
By Studio d´Arte Palma, Lina Bo Bardi
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of peroba wood and blue fabric lounge chairs, model P9 Tridente, designed by Lina Bo Bardi & Carlo Palanti and produced by Studio D'Arte Palma, Brazil, c. 1948. Provenanc...
Fabric
$20,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs by Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores, 1960s
By Fatima Arquitetura Interiores (FAI)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and substantial pair of Brazilian modern lounge chairs produced by Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores, Brazil, circa 1960s. Executed in richly figured solid rosewood, these lounge...
Leather, Rosewood
Mp 81 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman Brazil, circa 1970s An iconic MP-81 lounge chair with matching ottoman designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Móveis Lafer, Brazil,...
Leather, Imbuia
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood, plywood, metal and beige leather lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Design inspired by the Boomerang chair by Richard Neutra. Provenance: ...
Leather, Wood
Móveis Cimo, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown grey fabric lounge chair or slipper chair designed and produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Fabric distressed, reupholstery recommended. Wear to wood frame co...
Fabric, Wood
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and floral-printed fabric lounge chairs designed and produced by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condi...
Fabric, Wood
Percival Lafer Post Modern Brazilian Black Leather Reclining Pony Lounge Chair
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Troy, MI
Percival Lafer "Pony" recliner in original black leather circa 1980s Super comfortable and innovative design with relaxed leather cushions and metal front T leg support Reclines org...
Metal
Liceu de Artes e Oficios Cognac Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Brazil 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Liceu de Artes e Oficios Cognac Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Brazil 1960s Founded in 1873, Liceu de Artes e Ofícios de São Paulo is a Brazilian institution inspired by the Euro...
Leather, Jacaranda
Percival Lafer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and wood lounge chair designed and produced by Percival Lafer, Brazil, c. 1970s. Fabric distressed. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25...
Fabric, Wood
Martin Eisler, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Martin Eisler
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of grey fabric and wood lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally reupholstered. Overall Dim...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green velvet fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.75” H x 30” W x 32.5” D Seat Height (inches): 18.5” Arm Heig...
Fabric, Wood
Alexandre Rapoport, Lounge Chair, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and vinyl lounge chair designed and produced by Alexandre Rapoport, Brazil, c. 1960s. Vinyl with tears, reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall D...
Faux Leather, Wood
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Brazilian Modern lounge chairs crafted of stunning Brazilian Rosewood with new fabric. W 36’’ x D ...
Rosewood
José Zanine Caldas, Side Chair, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue vinyl side chair designed and produced by José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, c. 1950s. Upholstery shows some distress. Dramatic patina on brass details. Wear consistent wit...
Faux Leather, Wood
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Rosewood
By Jean Gillon, Italma, Paltrona Frau, Italma Wood Art
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Highly sought after and ultimately collectible, this beautiful example of a Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair and Ottoman is an EARLY model in RARE ...
Leather, Rosewood
$17,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues 'Kilin' Lounge Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, OCA, Brazil 1970s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and authentic pair of Kilin lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil, circa 1970s. These are original period examples, not later reproductions, crafted in sol...
Leather, Rosewood
Joao Freire, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 2010s
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood, steel and off-white fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Joao Freire, Joao Pessoa, Brazil, c. 2010s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Fabric, Wood
Móveis Cimo, Lounge Chairs, Leather, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beige leather, wood and brass lounge chairs produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.0"H x 38.5"W x 34...
Brass
Midcentury Brazilian modernist lounge or easy chair by Acacia Gil Borsoi, 1950s
By Acácio Gil Borsoi
Located in Zaandam, NL
This rare lounge chair by renowned architect and one of the founders of modernism in North Brazil, Acacia Gil Borsoi is a true example of midcentury Brazilian furniture. This chair i...
Wood
$7,063 / set
Earth Chair MP-163 by Percival Lafer 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in VENLO, NL
Rare Brazilian Earth Chair – MP-163, designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. This lounge chair is upholstered in cognac-colored leather and set on a distinctive chrome tubular frame...
Metal
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Leather, Brass, Iron, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown leather, wood, brass and iron lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Design after model "Costella" produced by Forma that was produced by multiple makers co...
Brass, Iron
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of iron and rattan lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Apartamento 61, São Paulo. Dramatic patina on metal. Wear consistent with age and use...
Iron
$68,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Oscar Niemeyer Rosewood 'ON' Lounge Chairs for Hotel SESC Rio de Janeiro, c 1980
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and historically important pair of 'ON' lounge chairs designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the Hotel SESC in Rio de Janeiro. This set comprises the pair of sculptural...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern- Costela Armchairs by Hauner & Eisler, Forma, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner
Located in São Paulo, SP
**Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela Armchair for Forma, Brazil, 1953** Exceptional and highly rare original Costela armchair, designed by C...
Stainless Steel
Kilin Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Saddle Leather, Brazi
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kilin armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1973 and produced by Oca, a sculptural lounge chair in solid wood and saddle leather. The Kilin armchair pairs a curved, solid caviúna ...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Lounge Chair from Brazil, Rosewood & Leather, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare Brazilian lounge chair from the 1960s, attributed over the years to designers Jorge Zalszupin and Lina Bo Bardi, as well as the workshops of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. To date,...
Brass
Percival Lafer 'MP 87' Lounge Chair in Beige Suede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair, model ‘MP-87’, leather, chrome-plated steel, rope, Brazil, 1971 The MP-87 lounge piece is conceived by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer in the 1970s....
Steel, Chrome
$723Sale Price|70% Off
Padiola Lounge chair by Filipe Ramos for GESTU in metal and - ready to ship
By Filipe Ramos
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Padiola lounge chair pays homage to textiles. Its structure draws inspiration from modern masters and is specifically designed as a framework for displaying various textiles. Th...
Metal
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Iron, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An iron and beige floral-printed fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, reupholstery recommended. Heavy oxidation to...
Iron
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
$5,850 / item
Trama G Lounge Chair
By Humberto da Mata
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Trama collection was created around the concept of tress. Started in 2014 today it has a variety of pieces with different typologies . Trama Lounge Chairs 22 made with fabric an...
Wool, Foam, Plywood
Celina Decorações, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and light grey fabric sofa produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, c. 1960s Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Pé Palito, Belo Horizonte. Some fading of wood. Wear consistent with age and use. Model to be configured ...
Wood
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, stainless steel and white bouclé fabric lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed José Zanine Caldas by and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z Brazil, 1950s. Armless ...
Steel
Jean Gillon for Italma Amazonas Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon for Italma Amazonas Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 30.5 wide x 35.5 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 15 inches and arm height/chair cle...
Leather, Wood
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair, Imbuia Plywood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, in 1949. It features Imbuia plywood, brass, and black-dyed leather webbing. Wood frame presents with l...
Leather, Imbuia
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, stainless steel and yellow fabric lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed José Zanine Caldas by and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1950s. Armless versi...
Steel
Percival Lafer Black Leather and Chrome Swivel Relax Recliner, Brazil, 2003
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Percival Lafer Leather Relax Recliner, Brazil, 2003 A striking swivel recliner designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Lafer S/A, Brazil. Upholstered in supple black leather, thi...
Chrome
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Lounge Chair, Iron, Rattan, Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in High Point, NC
An iron and rattan lounge chair designed by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler and produced by Forma S.A., Brazil, 1950s. Heavy oxidation to metal legs. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31” ...
Iron
Costela Armchair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Wood and Steel
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Costela armchair designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler in 1953, a lounge chair with a ribbed wood frame, a steel structure and upholstered cushions. The Costela, Portuguese for ...
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new velvet. Pre-restoration images available upon request. Overall D...
Velvet, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Rattan, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and green fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Cushions are reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches)...
Fabric, Rattan
Jean Gillon Brazilian Modernist Leather Lounge Chair Pair with Ottoman c.1970's
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modernist Scoop Lounge Chair Pair with matching Ottoman. Designed by Jean Gillon for Probel, and uncommon model, and HTF matched pair with one ottoman. Outfitted in ...
Leather, Imbuia
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood and red fabric lounge chair designed José Zanine Caldas by and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1950s. Provenance: Cristiano Ross, Curitiba. Fabric has some areas...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.0"H x 32.5"W x 30.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.5" Arm Height (inche...
Fabric, Wood
1970s Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Original Brown Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1970s, the MP-81 lounge chair is one of the most recognizable expressions of Brazilian modern design. This example is accompanied by its matchin...
Leather, Jatoba
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Paraná pine, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of carved Paraná pine and green fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.5"H x 30.575...
Pine
Móveis Provenzal Lounge Chair in Jacaranda & Champagne Mohair Velvet, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
A deeply architectural interpretation of Brazilian Modernism, this rare lounge chair by Móveis Provenzal balances disciplined geometry with a remarkably sensual material palette. Exe...
Mohair, Hardwood
Customizable Gray Upholstered Lounge Chair with Graphite Frame – Mono Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A bold, sculptural occasional chair with a graphite-finished metal frame and firm charcoal grey upholstery, the Mono chair offers a commanding yet streamlined presence. *Please check...
Metal
$7,950 / item
Trama G Lounge Chair - Leather
By Humberto da Mata
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Trama collection was created around the concept of tress. Started in 2014 today it has a variety of pieces with different typologies . Trama Lounge Chairs 22 made with leather a...
Wool, Foam, Plywood
Customizable Teak and Cane Lounge Chair with Gray Plaid Cushion, Soho Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Soho armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis in teak wood with gray plaid fabric and natural cane back. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Soho armchair in ...
Teak, Fabric, Upholstery, Cane
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted iron, wood and floral-printed fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Fabric presents with heavy wear and moderate discoloration thro...
Iron
Lina Bo Bardi deck chair Studio d´Arte Palma Brazil 1958
By Lina Bo Bardi, Studio d´Arte Palma
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare and exceptional deck chair, designed by Lina Bo Bardi and Giancarlo Palanti, is a striking example of mid-century Brazilian design. Manufactured by Studio d’Arte Palma in B...
Steel
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green velvet lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 43.25"H x 24.25"W x 24.5"D Seat Height (inches): 17.5" Arm Height (inc...
Velvet, Wood
Percival Lafer 'MP 87' Lounge Chair in Reddish-Brown Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair, model ‘MP-87’, leather, chrome-plated steel, rope, Brazil, 1971 The MP-87 lounge piece is conceived by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer in the 1970s....
Steel, Chrome
Two 1950s Brazilian "Peg-Lev" Safari Chairs in Sipo & Leather by Michel Arnoult
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A set of two Brazilian "Peg-Lev" safari chairs in sipo hardwood and tan leather by French designer Michel Arnoult for Mobília Contemporânea. This pair is comprised of the two varian...
Leather, Hardwood
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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In the Hudson Valley, Brett Miller is lathing wood into immaculate furniture that looks like nothing we've seen before.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.