Mp 81 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Lafer, Percival 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
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.
Leather, Jatoba
MP-81 Armchair by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in VENLO, NL
Rare MP-81 lounge chair by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, designed in the 1970s, an iconic example of Brazilian mid-century modern design.
Leather, Jatoba
Vintage MP-111 Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
This model was loosely based on the formal concept of the MP-81, with a more brutish shape. The feet, which incilne towards the inside, resemble the supports for a hammock. The cover...
Leather
Unavailable
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair & Ottoman, 1970s – Original Mustard Yellow Leather & Solid Jacaranda Wood Frame Discover an exceptional piece of mid-century modern Brazilian ...
Leather, Hardwood
Percival Lafer MP-81
By Percival Lafer
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Rare pair of MP-81 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer, Brasil.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33 in W 37.5 in D 36 in
1970s MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP in Brazilian
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
This MP-81 lounge chair and ottoman were designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Lafer MP in Brazil during the 1970s.
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Super Rare MP-81 by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in London, England
Probably Percival Lafer’s most iconic piece, this beautiful pair of MP-81 was designed in the 1970s and is made of Brazilian walnut and leather.
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 32.68 in W 37.41 in D 34.65 in
Stunning & rare MP-81 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer for LAFER S.A.
By Percival Lafer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
These rare vintage MP-81 lounge chairs exude comfort and sophistication.
Leather
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair with ottoman, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible MP-81 Lounge chair with ottoman in suede by Percival Lafer, Brazil 1970s A highly comfortable an striking design.
Leather, Wood
1970s Pair of MP-81 lounge chair and ottoman by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
A 1970s MP-81 lounge chair and ottoman designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Lafer MP in Brazil.
Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful MP-81 lounge chair in original cognac leather and a jacaranda wood frame, designed by Percival Lafer for Lafer S.A.
Leather, Jacaranda
Sold
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 lounge chairs in yellow leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible MP-81 pair of lounge chairs in original mustard yellow leather by Percival Lafer, Brazil 1970s A highly comfortable an striking design.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 27.5 in W 37.5 in D 35 in
1970s MP-81 Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer in original mustard leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1970s, the MP-81 lounge chair remains one of the defining icons of Brazilian modern design.
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 35.44 in D 39.38 in
Lounge Chair "MP-81", by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, 1960's
By Percival Lafer
Located in São Paulo, SP
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair with Headrest in Jatobá and Suede, Brazil, 1960s This rare MP-81 lounge chair by celebrated Brazilian designer Percival Lafer is a remarkable examp...
Suede, Hardwood
Percival Lafer "MP81" Lounge Chair in Hardwood, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Single lounge chair, iconic design by Percival Lafer. Everything is in original condition, but refinishing and restoring can be done to buyer's tastes. Fabric is the original Leather...
Sold
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chairs With Ottoman In Black Leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible MP-81 pair of lounge chairs with ottoman in black leather by Percival Lafer, Brazil 1970s A highly comfortable an striking design.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 81.11 in D 34.65 in
Stunning MP-81 lounge sofa in cognac leather by Percival Lafer for Lafer S.A.
By Percival Lafer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Designed by Percival Lafer in Brazil and manufactured by Lafer S.A.
Leather
Sold
H 33.47 in W 81.11 in D 34.65 in
Stunning MP-81 lounge set in cognac leather by Percival Lafer for Lafer S.A.
By Percival Lafer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very nice vintage MP-81 sofa set exude comfort and sophistication.
Leather
MP-81 2-seater Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Wien, AT
The MP-81 sofa by Percival Lafer, designed in the 1970s, is an exceptional and incredibly rare two-seater example of Brazilian mid-century modern design - nearly all surviving pieces...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.38 in W 37 in D 35.5 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Brazilian Rosewood & Leather Lounge Chairs and Ottoman Set
By Percival Lafer, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian rosewood or jacaranda lounge chair and ottoman by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, 1960s. Impeccably crafted and beautifully designed, hand-tufted and ...
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Leather MP-81 Ottoman by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Voorburg, NL
A beautiful 1970s Brazilian ottoman, model MP-81 designed by Percival Lafer. This amazing comfortable ottoman has a solid wooden frame and a soft Brazilian chocolate brown leather cu...
Leather, Wood
Three Seat Sofa by Percival Lafer (Model MP-81)
By Percival Lafer
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three Seat Sofa by Percival Lafer executed in leather upholstery as well as a Brazilian Jacaranda Rosewood frame Percival Lafer is a Brazilian furniture designer known for his sign...
Leather, Jacaranda
Lounge Chairs 'MP-81' by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
MP-81 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer, designed in the 1970s, exemplary pieces of Brazilian mid-century modern design.
Leather, Walnut
Percival Lafer MP-81 Coffee Table Red Snakeskin Embossed Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rosewood coffee table from the MP-81 seating and table collection by famed Brazilian furniture designer Percival Lafer.
Faux Leather, Rosewood
Percival Lafer MP-81 Side Table In Black Leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful MP-81 side table with natural stone table top in black leather by Percival Lafer, Brazil 1970s A striking design which completes the seating area or your Percival Lafer set.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 81.11 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 three seater sofa in yellow leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible MP-81 three seater sofa in original yellow leather by Percival Lafer, Brazil 1970s A highly comfortable an striking design.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 81.11 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Three Seater Sofa In Black Leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible MP-81 three seater sofa in black leather by Percival Lafer, Brazil 1970s A highly comfortable an striking design.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 37.8 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer Pair of 'MP-81' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Rosewood and Black
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, set of 2 lounge chairs with ottoman model MP-81, in rosewood and leather, Brazil, 1972.
Leather, Rosewood
Percival Lafer Easy Chair Model 'MP-81' in Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair model 'MP-81', leather and Brazilian walnut, Brazil, 1972.
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 33.86 in W 36.03 in D 31.3 in
Pair of MP-81 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970, Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-81 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of seats and backs.
Leather, Fiberglass, Wood
Percival Lafer MP 041 and MP 81 Large Leather Living Room Set
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The model 041 consists a large leather sofa , a small sofa and the lounge Chair with ottomane- 4 items. The Model MP 81 consists a Sofa and the coffeetable with slate top- 2 items.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
MP-81 Lounge Chair, by Percival Lafer, Late Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1970
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-81 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of seats and backs.
Leather, Wood, Fiberglass
Sold
H 33.86 in W 33.86 in D 37.41 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Tarnowskie Gory, Sląskie
Brazilian rosewood lounge chair by Percival Lafer, 1960s. Solid rosewood legs, original hand-tufted leather seat. Minor traces of use and age.
Leather, Rosewood
Percival Lafer Sofa and Two Lounge Chairs MP-81 Brazil 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
Seating group by Percival Lafer model MP-81, Brazil, 1972. Very comfortable sofa and two lounge chairs in a very good condition.
Leather, Wood
DS-16 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
D-16 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by De Sede, Switzerland, circa 1970s. Upholstered in original dark brown leather.
Leather, Wood
Danish Modern Faux Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Faux Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Denmark, circa 1960s. Usually you get great design or you get super comfortable, but rarely both. This chair is both! Swivel and ...
Chrome
E. Cobianchi Insa lounge chair and ottoman Italy 1970s
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A lounge chair and ottoman designed by E. Cobianchi for Insa, Italy, in the 1970s. This sculptural and inviting set is a fine example of Italian postwar seating design, where comfort...
Leather, Ash
$5,093 / set
H 37.21 in W 36.23 in D 38.98 in
Restored 1970s Whisky Brown Leather Swivel Lounge Armchair & Ottoman Part Set
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restore vintage circa 1970's hand dyed Whisky brown leather swivel armchair with matching ottoman which is part of a small suit...
Leather
$2,004Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.23 in W 30.71 in D 37.8 in
Pair of Durlet lounge chairs brown leather Belgium 1960
By Durlet
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs manufactured by Durlet in Belgium during the 1960s. The chairs feature generous proportions and a distinctive high-backed silhouette, combining the ...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Leather Armchairs Roche & Bobois circa 1970
By Roche Bobois
Located in Grenoble, FR
A pair of beautiful armchair with new leather in perfect condition Roche& Bobois 1970 stainless steel.
Stainless Steel
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchair by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless...
Leather, Wood
$5,995
H 31.25 in W 30.5 in D 35.5 in
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
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
Lounge chair by E. Cobianchi for Insa Italy 1970
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
E. Cobianchi leather one-seater sofa, a beautifully sculptural piece that reflects the soft, generous forms typical of Italian design. Upholstered in its original rich cognac-brown l...
Leather, Wood
“Costella” Armchair in Hardwood & Fabric, Unknown, 1950’s Brazil
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the celebrated “Costela” (rib) lounge chair popularized by Martin Eisler, this example reflects the distinctive design language that made the model an icon of Brazilian m...
Fabric, Hardwood
$3,846 / set
H 33.47 in W 36.23 in D 33.08 in
Mid-Century Modern Cognac Leather Armchair and Ottoman Mod 915 by Carlo de Carli
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Cognac leather armchair and ottoman Mod 915 by Carlo de Carli, Italy.
Leather
$2,191 / set
H 36.23 in W 31.5 in D 33.86 in
MS68 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Madsen & Schubell, 1960s
By Madsen & Schubell
Located in Praha, CZ
Adjustable Mid-Century lounge chair with matching ottoman designed by Madsen & Schubell, model MS68, produced by Bovenkamp in Denmark in the 1960s. This iconic Scandinavian moder...
Metal
$5,827
H 33.47 in W 31.5 in D 30.71 in
1970 "Bergere" Brown Leather Armchair & Ottoman Afra Tobia Scarpa for Max Alto
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare Berger leather armchair with ottoman Artona collection for Maxalto, 1975 Walnut and leather. Leather has a beautiful patina. Measures: Armchair H 85 x W 80 x D 78 cm Otto...
Leather, Wood
$6,643
H 31.89 in W 32.29 in D 36.62 in
Canada P110 Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s - Original Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Canada P110 Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s - Original Upholstery
Leather, Wood
$11,422 / set
H 29.93 in W 40.95 in D 36.23 in
Lounge chair with Ottoman "Sheriff" by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, 1960s
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in bruxelles, BE
Lounge chair with ottoman in black leather and wood by Sergio Rodrigues. Model: Sheriff. ISA stamped. Seat height: 37 cm. Ottoman dimensions: H: 38 cm W: 60 cm D: 60 cm. Wear due to ...
Leather, Wood
$13,000
H 25.6 in W 68.9 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” two-seater sofa for Cassina, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and A...
Bouclé
$2,800 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...
Brass
$2,167 / item
H 21.66 in W 19.49 in D 19.1 in
Arcate bedside table, in oak wood, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il comodino Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include settimanali e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Wood, Oak
$12,670 / item
H 30 in W 120 in D 33 in
Terrazza Divano (Terrace Couch) by Greg Palombo. Solid wood and leather
Located in Hurricane, UT
The Terrace Couch by Greg Palombo channels Adrian Pearsall's mid-century spirit in a solid wood sofa with leather upholstery and built-in side tables. Crafted entirely from solid sa...
Leather, Sapele Wood
Overstuffed Italian Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An overstuffed leather chair and ottoman in the style of De Pas, D'Urbino & Lomazzi. Camel leather chair features a back bolster with surrounding leather belt strap. Matching ottoman...
Leather
$79,259 / set
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Camaleonda Sofa 8 modules + Ottoman by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Roma, IT
Mario Bellini, Camaleonda Sofa Set 8 modules+ottoman, realized for C&B, first series 1970 ca. Original C&B Label. Wood, Metal and Leather Height: 65cm Width: 95cm Depth: 95 cm ...
Leather
$36,400
H 29.34 in W 43.31 in D 34.65 in
Vintage 'Mole' Rosewood Armchair with Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues created the "Mole'' concept between 1956 and 1957 at the photographer Otto Stupakoff's request, who wanted a two-seater sofa for his studio. The sofa should have cus...
Leather, Rosewood
Mario Bellini Bambole lounge chair B&B Italia 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic Bambole lounge chair and poof designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The Le Bambole collection marked a breakthrough in exploring the artistic possi...
Bouclé
$14,000 / set
H 28.35 in W 37.8 in D 36.23 in
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchairs for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 2
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” armchairs for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchairs by Percival Lafer embrace fluidity with a structure that appears weightles...
Leather, Wood
$50,819 / set
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini, Italy 70s, White Bouclé Reupholstered
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935) for C&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 4 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 1 small module ...
Bouclé, Wood
LUMfr Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The fantastic LUMfr Sconce is a patinated brass and champagne toned fringe wall sconce inspired by mid century Italian design. This sconce is created by Lumfardo Luminaires and made ...
Brass
$11,539 / set
H 26.38 in W 36.23 in D 29.93 in
Set of Percival Lafer Cognac Leather MP-13 Armchairs and a Footstool
By Percival Lafer
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of armchairs, model MP-13, with a footstool from circa 1960-1970 by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. Frame made of solid Jatoba wood, covers of cognac brown leather. Stool's di...
Leather, Wood
$1,806 / set
H 24.02 in W 14.18 in D 12.6 in
Two Art Deco Modernist Nightstands or Bedside Tables, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant pair of Art Deco Modernist nightstands or bedside tables. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid oak bases with oak veneered tops and doors. Solid macassar ...
Macassar, Oak
$6,060
H 28.35 in W 70.08 in D 38.59 in
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
$15,995 / set
H 32.75 in W 35 in D 41 in
Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Percival Lafer, Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Gillon
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Anchored in the bold horizons of 1960s Brazilian modernism, the Jangada lounge chair and ottoman by Jean Gillon stands as a testament to artful craftsmanship, organic structure, and ...
Leather, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Lounge Chair
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Red Lion, PA
"Sheriff" model. Solid pine, leather cover, leather straps. Design: Sergio Rodrigues, 1957. Manufacturer: Isa, Bergamo, Italy. Vintage condition
Leather, Wood
When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.
Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, Lafer introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career.
The silhouettes of Lafer lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.
Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.
Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.
Find vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.