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Branco & Preto Furniture

Brazilian

Six young architects joined forces in the 1950s to create Branco & Preto in São Paulo. Together, they created high-end modern furniture inspired by the spirited reinvigoration of art and architecture in Brazil.

The six founders — Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plínio Croce, Roberto Aflalo, Carlos Millan and Chen Y Hwa — all attended Mackenzie Architecture University, a school led by architect and modernist critic Cristiano Stockler das Neves who prioritized neoclassicism. As progressive students, the founders rebelled against this status quo in their work.

During the 1950s, there were few designers of modern furniture based in Brazil aside from Brazilian furniture firm Mòveis Artisticos Z and Portuguese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro. Branco & Preto helped fill a wide gap in the market.

Brazilian modernist pioneers Rino Levi and Gregori Warchavchik were important early connections. Through them, Ruchti and Forte met American architect Philip Johnson and German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; meanwhile, Croce, Alfalo and Millan drew inspiration from the works of Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra and Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer.

As a proponent of “Rio modernism,” Branco & Preto often combined glass, iron and calacatta marble with Brazilian woods like jacaranda and caviuna to make its handcrafted furnishings. Free from plywood and screws, this furniture required the expertise of skilled woodworkers, especially for the MF5 armchair and slatted coffee table. Both designed by Millan, they are among Branco & Preto’s most recognized works.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Branco & Preto tables, seating and case pieces and storage cabinets.

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Mid-Century Modern Duas Cores Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern Duas Cores Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern Duas Cores Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

The Duas Cores Coffee Table, designed 1952 by Branco & Preto, embodies the pioneering spirit that redefined Brazilian interiors in the mid-20th century. Made of solid Pau-Marfi...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Dining Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's

Mid-Century Modern Dining Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

This dining table is a creation by Branco & Preto, one of the pioneers of Brazilian modernism. Crafted in Pau Marfim, it reflects the studio’s signature, clean lines, and archite...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Wood

Branco & Preto, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Cane, Brass, Brazil, 1960s
Branco & Preto, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Cane, Brass, Brazil, 1960s

Branco & Preto, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Cane, Brass, Brazil, 1960s

By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of wood, cane and brass lounge chairs designed and produced by Branco & Preto Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte, Brazil, 1960s. Model commonly outfitted with seat cushion. W...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Brass

Round “Spider” Coffee Table, Roberto Aflalo for Blanco e Preto, 1952
Round “Spider” Coffee Table, Roberto Aflalo for Blanco e Preto, 1952

Round “Spider” Coffee Table, Roberto Aflalo for Blanco e Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

Designed in 1952 by Roberto Aflalo for Branco & Preto, this iconic “Spider” coffee table is an early and expressive example of Brazilian Modern experimentation. Executed in solid...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Brazilian Bar with Side Table in Hardwood and Glass by Branco e Preto, c. 1950’s
Brazilian Bar with Side Table in Hardwood and Glass by Branco e Preto, c. 1950’s

Brazilian Bar with Side Table in Hardwood and Glass by Branco e Preto, c. 1950’s

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

Produced by Branco & Preto in the 1950s, this bar cabinet with integrated side table exemplifies the studio’s disciplined approach to proportion, material richness, and functiona...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955
Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955

Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955

By Branco & Preto

Located in West Hollywood, CA

An archetypal example of Branco & Preto’s rational elegance, these side tables exemplify the group’s pursuit of harmony between proportion, material, and function. The transparen...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà
1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà

1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà

By Branco & Preto

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The name chosen by the young Brazilian architects Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plinio Groce, Roberta Aflalo, Carlos Millan and the Chinese Che Y Hwa for their design company literally...

Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern set of 8 Cane Chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern set of 8 Cane Chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern set of 8 Cane Chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An example of Brazilian modernist craftsmanship, the Cane Chair was designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for Branco & Preto, one of São Paulo's most influential architecture and design s...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950
Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950

Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950

By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan

Located in Barcelona, ES

Branco e Preto (Carlos Milan). Coffee table. Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia, Brazil, 1950s. Solid jacaranda, ebonized wooden structure. Measurement...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Brazilian Midcentury side table designed by Branco & Preto; Brazil 1950s
Brazilian Midcentury side table designed by Branco & Preto; Brazil 1950s

Brazilian Midcentury side table designed by Branco & Preto; Brazil 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in Whitstable, GB

Brazilian Midcentury side table, designed by the architecture office Branco & Preto. São Paulo, Brazil 1950s The frame is in solid caviúna wood in minimalistic design. The table ha...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

The M3 sofa by Branco & Preto, crafted in solid wood and recently reupholstered with suede. Founded in São Paulo in 1952, Branco & Preto became a landmark in the history of...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Dining Table by Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s
Dining Table by Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s

Dining Table by Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in Whitstable, GB

Branco & Preto Designed and manufactured in the 1950s by Branco & Preto This stunning solid wood dining table by Branco & Preto was part of the personal collection of Miguel Forte, o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in Deerfield Beach, FL

Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s Center table structured in solid wood, with a nested glass top. A classic design by Estúdio Branco & Preto,...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

This glass-top coffee table is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that helped define Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. The minimalist stru...

Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

A pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, one of the pioneering studios of Brazilian modernism. Designed in the 1950s, these pieces exemplify the studio's signature craft. The ...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

Designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte for Branco & Preto, the MF5 Armchair stands as an important piece of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a han...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's

Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

This coffee table by Branco & Preto embodies the pioneering spirit of Brazilian modernism. Its slender proportions, clean geometry, and precise form reveal the studio's pursuit of fu...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of M1 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953
Mid-Century Modern Pair of M1 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

Mid-Century Modern Pair of M1 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

The M1 Armchair was designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and produced by Branco & Preto, a pioneering architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. This armchair has a ...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

This pair of glass-top coffee tables is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that defined Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. Their minimalist...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, 1950's

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

This pair of glass-top coffee tables is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that defined Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. Their minimalist str...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional example of Brazilian modernist craftsmanship, the Cane Chair was designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for Branco & Preto, one of São Paulo’s most influential architect...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3
Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3

Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3

By Branco & Preto

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Branco & Preto (1952-1965) Model n°R3 Pair of armchairs Imbuia wood and fabric Edited by Branco & Preto Creation date: circa 1952 H 75 × L 62 × P 75 cm Bibliography: Movel moderno no...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Imbuia, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

Designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte for Branco & Preto, the MF5 Armchair stands as an important piece of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a handwoven cane seat and backrest, the piece reflects the studio's precision and craft. The loose cushions...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Silk, Cane, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern "R3" Armchair by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern "R3" Armchair by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern "R3" Armchair by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An iconic R3 Armchair by Branco & Preto, one of the pioneering studios of Brazilian modernism. Designed in the 1950s, these pieces exemplify the studio’s signature harmony between s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s
Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s

Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s

By Branco & Preto, Luiz Pássaro

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Branco & Preto Brazilian Mid-Century Modern side table with glass top set in Caviuna wood frame. 21.5" H x 25.5" W x 25.5" D. Listing is for single table. Caviuna is a Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy, hard dark-coloured wood streaked with black. Table features glass top effortlessly embedded in the wooden frame. Gorgeous sculptural rectangular recessed legs. The strong lines and masterful proportions, sculptural yet unassuming - effortlessly stylish. Made by Luiz Pássaro...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s

Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Designed for the pioneering São Paulo collective Branco & Preto, the R3 armchairs embody the group’s synthesis of architectural rigor and understated luxury. Their geometric stru...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Coffee table by Branco e Preto
Coffee table by Branco e Preto

Coffee table by Branco e Preto

By Branco & Preto

Located in Barcelona, ES

Coffee table Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia Brazil, 1950s Wood, ebonized wooden structure Measurements 180 cm x 90 cm x 33h cm 70,86 in x 35,43 in x 13h in Literature Branco e ...

Category

1950s Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Wood

Branco e Preto Pair of  Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric
Branco e Preto Pair of  Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric

Branco e Preto Pair of Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric

By Branco & Preto

Located in Barcelona, ES

Branco e Preto (Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plinio Groce, Roberta Aflalo, Carlos Millan & Che Y Hwa) Pair of armchairs model “R3” Sold as individual it...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Jacaranda

Branco & Preto 'Coffee table'
Branco & Preto 'Coffee table'

Branco & Preto 'Coffee table'

By Branco & Preto

Located in Barcelona, ES

Branco & Preto Coffee table Measurements 180 cm x 90 cm x 33h cm 70,86 in x 35,43 in x 13h in

Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Branco & Preto Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs, "R3"
Branco & Preto Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs, "R3"

Branco & Preto Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs, "R3"

By Branco & Preto

Located in Whitstable, GB

The Lounge armchairs model “R3", were designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for the Brazilian collective Branco & Preto, and manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia in Brazil. Frame in Peroba...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Branco & Preto furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Branco & Preto furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Branco & Preto furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Branco & Preto were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Forma, OCA Brazil, and Mòveis Artisticos Z. Prices for Branco & Preto furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,400 and can go as high as $65,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,695.

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