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.
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...
Glass, Rosewood
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...
Hardwood
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 iconic design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that defined the language of Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. Their ...
Glass, Wood
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 iconic design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that defined the language of Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. Th...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This elegant glass-top coffee table is an iconic design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that helped define the language of Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. I...
Glass, Wood
Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
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...
Glass, Wood
Branco & Preto — Side Table, 1960, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil
By Branco & Preto
Located in Curitiba, PR
Elegant modernist side table designed by Branco & Preto, São Paulo, circa 1960. The piece features a lacquered wood structure with a glass top, showcasing the refined simplicity and ...
Wood, Lacquer
Mid Century Modern Walnut Tiny Circular Walnut Side Table 1950s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage tiny side table or flower stand from walnut and solid beech in smoothly brown color 1950s Austria. A charming side table or flower stand with three (3) fee...
Walnut
Round Black Metal 1960s Italian Side Table with Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round black metal Italian side table from the 1960s with thick glass top.
Metal
$995
H 20 in W 25.5 in D 25.5 in
Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Side Tables/Nightstand- Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville Side Tables/Nightstand - Pair Featuring a pair of MCM black lacquer finish side tables/nightstands from American of Martinsville...
Brass
$3,847
H 21.86 in W 43.31 in D 24.81 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Walnut Brass Coffee Table Side Table 1950s Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage coffee table bean like. designed and made in Vienna, circa 1950. A charming coffee table or side table from pressboard and walnut veneers. The solid walnut...
Walnut
$3,907
H 27.56 in Dm 23.63 in
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Vereinigte Werkstätten Germany 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern tripod side table. Designed and manufactured by Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Germany, 1950s. Executed in glass and brass; polished a...
Brass
$5,800 / set
H 7.49 in W 48.82 in D 26.78 in
'MP-85' Side Table, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of MP-85 side tables embodies the essential qualities of mid-century modern Brazilian design, a period known for its innovative use of materials and clean, geometric lines....
Marble
$1,995 / set
H 12.5 in W 21.5 in D 23.5 in
Percival Lafer MCM Brazilian Rosewood and Smoked Glass Side End Table - Pair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Percival Lafer Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Smoked Glass Side End Table - Pair Each table measures: 21.5 wide x 23.5 deep x 12.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Smoked Glass, Rosewood
Pair of Side Tables by Brazilian Designer, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Pair of Side Tables by Brazilian Designer, 1960s The tables feature sturdy metal structures that provide a stable foundation, topped with veneer wood. The wood grain adds a natural...
Metal
$2,950 / set
H 22 in Dm 16 in
Pair, Side Tables Jacques Adnet Arrow Acid Nickel & Mirror Glass Top France 1960
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Round Mid-Century Modern Nickel in acid texture and Mirror Top arrow feet and connector buttons, made in France circa 1960. Insert new mirror glass tops which measure 13.75...
Nickel
$8,000 / set
H 25.6 in W 20.5 in D 13 in
Brazilian Modern Pair of Sergio Rodrigues “Yara” Jacarandá Side Tables, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of Sergio Rodrigues’ architectural restraint, the “Yara” side tables distill structure, proportion, and material integrity into a compact yet powerful form. Designe...
Chrome
$1,680 / set
H 10 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of 1960s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables/Nightstands by Stanley Furniture
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Side Tables or Nightstands by Stanley Furniture. Dated 1965 Feature a beautiful walnut wood grain and two drawers and a side cabinet with round ...
Brass
1950's Mid- Century Modern Sculptural Side Tables - a Pair
By Tony Paul, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of original 1950's Mid-century Modern side tables for sale. They have a faux marble formica top with a sculptural tripod base. The formica faux marble tops are in excellent cond...
Brass
Pair of Branco & Preto Glass Top Side Tables in Caviuna
By Branco & Preto
Located in Astoria, NY
A pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables by Branco & Preto, manufactured circa 1950s, glass tops against linear bases crafted of caviuna wood. Very good vintage condition, wear consi...
Glass, Wood