Branco & Preto Armchairs

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.

Creator: Branco & Preto

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

$72,800 / set

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 Armchairs

Materials

Silk, Cane, Rosewood

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

$15,600

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 Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

$17,500

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 Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

$19,064 / set

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 Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Jacaranda

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

$72,800 / set

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 Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

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

$41,600 / set

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 Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3

$22,594 / set

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 Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Imbuia, Paint

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

$41,600 / set

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 Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Rosewood

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

$10,461Sale Price / set|20% Off

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 Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Mid Century Modern Upholstered Armchair

$1,490

H 30 in W 27 in D 30 in

Mid Century Modern Upholstered Armchair

Located in Pasadena, TX

This chair is made of walnut. It's upholstered in a nice floral fabric. It's made is the style of Dux.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs, 1950s

$2,879Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 34.65 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in

Pair of Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs, 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Beautiful pair of armchairs with curved armrests, made by Paolo Buffa in 1950. The structure in curved and padded wood, the upholstery was redone more than twenty years ago but is in...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Satin Armchairs, 1950s

$1,482Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 34.26 in W 37.41 in D 33.47 in

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Satin Armchairs, 1950s

By Guglielmo Ulrich

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Pair of armchairs in the Ulrich style, structure and legs in solid wood, covering in satin, made in the 1950s Conditions as shown in the photos, it is advisable to redo the upholstery.

Category

1850s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Satin, Beech

Pair of Mid-century Modern Italian Design Armchairs, 1950s

$2,306Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 33.47 in W 29.14 in D 29.14 in

Pair of Mid-century Modern Italian Design Armchairs, 1950s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Pair of armchairs covered in eco-leather and brass feet, 1950s Italian design. The armchairs have original upholstery, as shown in the photos in good condition but with small signs o...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Brazilian Modern Pair of Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Fabric, Gelli, 1960s

$5,000 / set

H 29.53 in W 23.23 in D 24.41 in

Brazilian Modern Pair of Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Fabric, Gelli, 1960s

By Gelli Indústria de Móveis

Located in New York, NY

A sculptural and materially expressive pair of “Canoa” armchairs by Gelli, produced in Brazil during the 1960s — a period defined by structural experimentation and the confident use ...

Category

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

Materials

Hardwood, Fabric

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Black Walnut Lounge Armchairs, 1957

$2,595 / set

H 32 in W 25 in D 26 in

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Black Walnut Lounge Armchairs, 1957

By Edward Wormley

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Elegant pair of black walnut lounge armchairs. Totally restored including wood and all new upholstery and padding. Great style with wrap aro...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs By Gunlocke

On Hold|~~$1,800 / set~~

H 32 in W 22.75 in D 21 in

Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs By Gunlocke

By Gunlocke

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This pair of American Mid-Century Modern armchairs by the W. H. Gunlocke Chair Co. feature newly finished solid walnut frames and joinery with a beautiful wood grain, tapered legs an...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Beige Armchair, Edmund Homa, 1960s

$1,762 / item

H 30.32 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in

Mid-Century Modern Beige Armchair, Edmund Homa, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Beige armchair, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Goscieninska Furniture Factory. It is made from solid beechwood. The GFM type armchair is regarded ...

Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Beech

Choux Armchair with Bayes Sunshine Fabric and Natural Wood applications

$2,727 / item

H 28.35 in W 33.47 in D 28.35 in

Choux Armchair with Bayes Sunshine Fabric and Natural Wood applications

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

Located in Lisbon, PT

Choux armchair is proportional and sculptural, perfectly made to the human scale. It gathers strong upholstered shapes lightly supported on elegant stan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

$60,000

H 25.2 in W 37.8 in D 33.86 in

Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

By Joaquim Tenreiro

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Softly contoured and impeccably balanced, this pair of curved armchairs reflects Joaquim Tenreiro’s mature phase, when comfort and sculptural form reached perfect harmony. The envelo...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Walnut Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Boling

$1,400

H 27 in W 21.5 in D 19 in

Walnut Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Boling

By Boling Chair Company

Located in Highland, IN

This beautiful walnut armchair was made in Silver City, North Carolina by the Boling Chair Co. however, with it's subtle sculptural lines, leather seat and back and tapered stretcher...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid century modern easy armchairs, 1960's

$1,482 / set

H 31.5 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in

Pair of Mid century modern easy armchairs, 1960's

Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE

A bold and minimalist pair of lounge chairs straight from the 1960s. With a black lacquered steel frame, floating wooden armrests and crisp cream skai upholstery, they bring a refine...

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items

"R3" Armchair, Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury

Sold

H 28.35 in W 26.78 in D 24.41 in

"R3" Armchair, Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury

By Branco & Preto

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

Branco & Preto was a design studio created in 1952 by a group of recently graduated architects. Young modernist enthusiasts, they needed the r...

Category

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

Pair of Brazilian Jacaranda Cane Chairs by Studio Branco & Preto

Sold

H 31.5 in W 29.5 in D 27.5 in

Pair of Brazilian Jacaranda Cane Chairs by Studio Branco & Preto

By Branco & Preto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Brazilian jacaranda cane chairs by Studio Branco & Preto

Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Branco & Preto Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Jacaranda

Branco & Preto armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Branco & Preto armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Mòveis Artisticos Z, Geraldo de Barros, and Michel Arnoult. Prices for Branco & Preto armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $9,683 and can go as high as $50,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $17,740.