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Percival Lafer Sofas

Brazilian, b. 1936

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.

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Creator: Percival Lafer
Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's
Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's

Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's

By Percival Lafer

Located in Uccle, BE

Sofa Mod. MP-13, 1960's Made by Lafer S. e Co, Sao Paulo Rosewood, chrome and faux leather H 70 x L219 x W80 x Seat Height 41Percival Lafer Mid-Century Brazilian sofa made of Walnut ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Modern Sofa Mp-41 Designed by Percival Lafer in black leather
Brazilian Modern Sofa Mp-41 Designed by Percival Lafer in black leather

Brazilian Modern Sofa Mp-41 Designed by Percival Lafer in black leather

By Percival Lafer

Located in San Diego, CA

We have just reupholstered this gorgeous sofa with super soft black leather. This is a much loved and iconic design by Percival Lafer. This sofa encapsulates the spirit of Brazilian...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Brutalist  Sofa by Percival Lafer made in Brazil c 1970's
Mid Century Brutalist  Sofa by Percival Lafer made in Brazil c 1970's

Mid Century Brutalist Sofa by Percival Lafer made in Brazil c 1970's

By Percival Lafer

Located in New York, NY

Rare Brutalist Mid Century sofa, designed by Percival Lafer, made in Brazil, circa 1970's. The sofa features a frame constructed of rare hardwood, with original and extremely comfort...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Brutalist Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather

Rare Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa by Percival Lafer Brazil 1970
Rare Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa by Percival Lafer Brazil 1970

Rare Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa by Percival Lafer Brazil 1970

By Percival Lafer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Rare Amazing Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa Designed by Percival Lafer Made in Brazil. Cube designed Shaped 3 seat fully upholstered Burnt saffron yellow color Soft leather sof...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa
1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa

1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa

By Percival Lafer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

We are pleased to present this authentic Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in premium yellow leather. Ships from Philadelphia.

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather

1970s MP-211 Two-Seater Sofa by Percival Lafer in original black leather
1970s MP-211 Two-Seater Sofa by Percival Lafer in original black leather

1970s MP-211 Two-Seater Sofa by Percival Lafer in original black leather

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Lafer S.A. in Brazil around 1975, the MP-211 two-seater sofa stands among the most recognizable and technically sophisticated examples of B...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer
Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer

Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer

By Percival Lafer

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century leather and rosewood model no. MP-211 by Percival Lafer. Made circa 1970s, Brazil. A gorgeous mix of materials and incredible design showcase why Lafer is one of our favo...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass, Foam, Rosewood

Rare MP-61 Sofa, Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
Rare MP-61 Sofa, Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s

Rare MP-61 Sofa, Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s

By Percival Lafer

Located in Amsterdam, NL

The MP-61 series from 1972 were the first designs in which Percival Lafer used a fully visible fiberglass shell. The molded shell allowed greater freedom in shaping the form while si...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Percival Lafer Leather Patchwork Modular Sofas ca' 1960's Living Room
Percival Lafer Leather Patchwork Modular Sofas ca' 1960's Living Room

Percival Lafer Leather Patchwork Modular Sofas ca' 1960's Living Room

By Percival Lafer

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A rare set of six (6) seats and six (6) back rests by Percival Lafer. Brazil, ca' 1960's imported to New York. Made of patchwork brown leather where the pieces can be arranged in dif...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather

MP-81 2-seater Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP
MP-81 2-seater Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood
1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood

1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1970s, the MP-91 / MP-163 “Earth” sofa remains one of the most recognizable and comfortable seating designs produced during the golden era of Brazilian modernism. The design combines structural clarity with an unusually relaxed and immersive seating experience, reflecting Lafer’s unique ability to merge engineering, ergonomics, and material expression. The sofa is constructed around a robust Brazilian hardwood frame that creates a suspended visual effect, where the upholstered body appears to float lightly above the base structure. The proportions are low and architectural, while the generous cushioning and suspended support system create a remarkably comfortable sit. Lafer approached seating with a strong emphasis on long-term comfort and practical construction, qualities that became central to his international success during the 1970s export period. This example has been fully reupholstered in high-quality Spinneybeck leather, a material widely recognized for its durability and refined surface quality. The arm cushions feature an uncommon pillow configuration. While this may represent a later upholstery interpretation introduced during restoration, similar variations were also seen in certain export-market configurations produced through Brazil Contempo...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa

Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa

By Percival Lafer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Leather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original mustard yellow leather seat with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The back of the sofa showcases ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood

1960s MP-211 Sofa by Percival Lafer in black leather and rosewood
1960s MP-211 Sofa by Percival Lafer in black leather and rosewood

1960s MP-211 Sofa by Percival Lafer in black leather and rosewood

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1960s, the MP-211 sofa stands as one of the defining seating designs of Brazilian modernism. The piece reflects Lafer’s unique approach to furni...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Percival Lafer Sofa, Re-upholstered in Leather, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil 1970s
Percival Lafer Sofa, Re-upholstered in Leather, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil 1970s

Percival Lafer Sofa, Re-upholstered in Leather, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil 1970s

By Percival Lafer

Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest

A rare and beautifully preserved sofa by Percival Lafer, one of Brazil’s most celebrated modernist designers. Known for his innovative use of exotic woods and deeply comfortable upho...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa with Extended Headrest
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa with Extended Headrest

Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa with Extended Headrest

By Percival Lafer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Leather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original burnt rust leather with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The top of the seat back has an extended...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood

Mp-97 Tufted Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
Mp-97 Tufted Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer

Mp-97 Tufted Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer

By Percival Lafer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Modernist tufted sofa in brown aniline leather designed by Percival Lafer. Constructed with molded foam, rosewood, and nylon straps. Some original straps have been replaced or repair...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Rosewood

Percival Lafer MP-81 three seater sofa in yellow leather, Brazil 1970s
Percival Lafer MP-81 three seater sofa in yellow leather, Brazil 1970s

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. The structure of the seats is composed of two ...

Category

1960s Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-Century
Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-Century

Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-Century

By Percival Lafer

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Wonderful Percival Lafer rosewood and leather 3-seater S-1 sofa. The S-1 design features Brazilian exoticness paired with Scandinavian sensibility. Of Lafer's designs, the S-1 is a...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in rosewood and black leather
1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in rosewood and black leather

1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in rosewood and black leather

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

This Amazonas sofa was designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Wood Art in Brazil during the 1960s. The structure is crafted in solid rosewood, with a strong architectural frame defi...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cord, Wood

Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967

Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967

By Percival Lafer

Located in New York, NY

Designed as the “MP-13” model, this sofa reflects the disciplined material dialogue characteristic of Brazilian modern seating in the 1960s. The composition is anchored by a structur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958

Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958

By Percival Lafer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Percival Later three seat sofa in black leather. This beautiful piece of Brazilian Mid century is in good vintage condition with minimal wear and scuffing throughout. The foam interi...

Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Steel

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

One of the most comfortable sofas we’ve ever had the pleasure of offering, this stunning piece was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. It features a solid Brazilian hardwood fr...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Wood

Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa
Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa

Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa

By Percival Lafer

Located in Weesp, NL

Introducing the MP-13 Four-Seat Sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning sofa, designed in 1967, features a gorgeous ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Percival Lafer MP-97 Sofa
Percival Lafer MP-97 Sofa

Percival Lafer MP-97 Sofa

By Percival Lafer

Located in Washington, DC

A stunning example of Brazilian modernism, this **MP-97 sofa by Percival Lafer** features the designer’s signature combination of comfort, craftsmanship, and sculptural form. The so...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage MP-25 Sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1950s
Vintage MP-25 Sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1950s

Vintage MP-25 Sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1950s

By Percival Lafer

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Percival Lafer Vintage MP-25 Sofa Brazil, 1967 *Matching Armchairs Available* The MP-25 model, designed by Percival Lafer in 1967, combines elements from earlier models: the MP-13 ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

1960s MP 13 Sofa by Percival Lafer in Brazilian rosewood and grey fabric
1960s MP 13 Sofa by Percival Lafer in Brazilian rosewood and grey fabric

1960s MP 13 Sofa by Percival Lafer in Brazilian rosewood and grey fabric

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

The MP-13 sofa was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1960s and produced in Brazil. The design is defined by its horizontal lines and exposed solid Brazilian rosewood frame, with the ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design
Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design

Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design

By Percival Lafer

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

The MP-13 Sofa, designed by Percival Lafer, is a quintessential piece reflecting the Brazilian mid-century modern style, renowned for its emphasis on form, fun...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

One of the most comfortable sofas we’ve ever had the pleasure of offering, this stunning piece was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. It features a solid Brazilian hardwood fra...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather

Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather "Earth" Sofa, 1970s
Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather "Earth" Sofa, 1970s

Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather "Earth" Sofa, 1970s

By Lafer, Percival Lafer

Located in Coronado, CA

This Brazilian modernist "Earth" sofa was designed by Percival Lafer, and manufactured in Brazil in the 1970s. The incredibly comfortable settee features a "scoop" form seat with pat...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Steel

Pair of Percival Lafer Leather lounge chairs (Sofa and Loveseat also available)
Pair of Percival Lafer Leather lounge chairs (Sofa and Loveseat also available)

Pair of Percival Lafer Leather lounge chairs (Sofa and Loveseat also available)

By Percival Lafer

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a rare pair of Percival Lafer Lounge chairs. The set is upholstered in a brown leather fabric and was made in Brazil. 3 seat sofa and 2 seat loveseat also available. Need...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather

Percival Lafer 3 Seat Brown Leather Sofa and Loveseat  (lounge chairs available)
Percival Lafer 3 Seat Brown Leather Sofa and Loveseat  (lounge chairs available)

Percival Lafer 3 Seat Brown Leather Sofa and Loveseat (lounge chairs available)

By Percival Lafer

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a rare Percival Lafer sofa and loveseat. Its comprised of a 3 seat sofa and a 2 seat loveseat. The set is upholstered in a brown leather fabric. The set was made in Brazil. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design

Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design

By Percival Lafer

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

Crafted by the renowned master Percival Lafer in 1970, this exceptional piece of furniture boasts a striking and comfortable design. Its clean lines and unique details, such as elega...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Sofas

Materials

Steel

Percival Lafer sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Percival Lafer sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of animal skin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Percival Lafer sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Percival Lafer were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Sergio Rodrigues, Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, and Móveis Cimo. Prices for Percival Lafer sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,971 and can go as high as $35,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,500.

Creators Similar to Percival Lafer

Questions About Percival Lafer Sofas
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Percival Lafer is a leading contemporary Brazilian furniture designer most famous for his Mid-Century Modern sofas and chairs constructed with hardwood and luxurious leather. Lafer is a pioneer of the Brazilian Modernist movement. On 1stDibs, find authentic Percival Lafer furniture from top sellers.