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 Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950's
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and refined, this coffee table by Branco & Preto embodies the pioneering spirit of Brazilian modernism. Its slender proportions, clean geometry, and precise form reveal the s...
Wood
$6,525Sale Price / item|25% Off
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
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
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
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
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
$1,927
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
$1,450 / set
H 20.25 in W 28 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - Pair of Mid-Century Modern Side Tables w/ Bookshelves
By Mersman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut
$4,010 / set
H 19.75 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lane “Perception” End Tables by Warren Church, 1955
By Warren C. Church
Located in Morristown, NJ
A sculptural and highly collectible pair of end tables from Lane Furniture’s iconic “Perception” line, designed by Warren Church and produced on January 24, 1955. Crafted in warm wal...
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian wooden Side table. Italy 1950s
Located in Catania, CT
This rectangular side table is a quintessential piece of Mid-Century Modern Italian design, presumably dating from the 1950s. Emanating the refined aesthetic associated with designer...
Wood
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 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
$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
Midcentury Side Table in Rosewood, Danish Design, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant side table in rosewood designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
$6,500 / set
H 19 in W 22 in D 21 in
Brazilian Modern Pair of Square Side Tables in Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This pair of square side tables, produced in Brazil during the 1960s, exemplifies the understated elegance characteristic of anonymous Brazilian Modern design. Crafted from rosewood ...
Glass, Hardwood
$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
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
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