Forma stands at the forefront of a revival of Brazilian modern furniture. Fashioned from high-grade regionally sourced hardwoods, leather and iron, even Forma's earliest creations have stood the test of time. The company’s alluring mid-century modern works appealed to homeowners at its peak, from the 1950s through the ’70s, and given the broadening interest in Brazilian furniture and the likes of designers such as Sérgio Rodrigues, vintage Forma is making a major comeback today.
Forma began in São Paulo, under the leadership of Italian designer Carlo Hauner and Austrian architect and interior designer Martin Eisler. Hauner studied drawing and technical drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan. After participating in the Venice Biennale, he emigrated to São Paulo, where he established the furniture manufacturer Móveis Artesanal, for which Carlo and Martin — as well as Carlo’s brother Ernesto Hauner — would create a range of pieces for the home.
In 1936, Eisler earned a degree in architecture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he studied under Oskar Strnad and Clemens Holzmeister. With World War II looming, he left Austria immediately after graduating. He first went to Czechoslovakia, to which some of his family had already fled. In 1938, he moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and opened his interior design firm Interieur Forma.
Eisler relocated to Brazil in the early 1950s, where he met Hauner. At the time, Eisler had been looking for help producing furniture for his brother-in-law, Ernesto Wolf, and contacted Hauner. The two found that they had a shared vision, and with financial help from Wolf, they opened Galeria Artesanal as a storefront for Móveis Artesanal.
Looking to expand into international sales, the duo rebranded the company Forma. Sérgio Rodrigues, who helped launch a branch of Artesanal in Curitiba, was put in charge of interiors at Forma. That company soon became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture — it sold its own sculptural rattan lounge chairs, bookcases and other case pieces crafted with rosewood or jacaranda, and Forma was eventually distributing furniture licensed from iconic American manufacturer Knoll, thereby bringing works by noted designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian market.
The Forma furniture company continued producing masterfully crafted furniture into the 1970s, until Eisler's death in 1977. Forma folded soon after, but Eisler's company in Argentina, Interieur Forma, is still in business today.
On 1stDibs, explore Forma seating, tables and storage pieces.
Brazilian Modern Credenza in Caviúna Hardwood by Forma, Brazilian Modern, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This refined Brazilian Modern credenza was produced in the 1960s by Forma, a leading manufacturer associated with the maturation of modern furniture production in Brazil. Executed en...
Hardwood
Sideboard - Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Forma Moveis, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
A rare and exquisite four-door buffet designed by Martin Eisler and Carlos Hauner, founders of the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma Móveis. Crafted in Brazil in the 1950s, th...
Cane, Wood
Bar Cabinet with Footrest by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, c. 1955, Forma S.A
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This Bar cart is a rare and elegant piece designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It presents a chrome structure an...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This Bar cart is a rare and elegant piece designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It presents a chrome structure and loose trays of solid Rosewood and Formica. This gorgeous piece has wheels, allowing it to be easily moved around the house – indeed, the best support your drinks could have. In 1955, the pioneer company Móveis Artesanal, founded by Carlo Hauner in partnership with Martin Eisler e Ernesto Wolf, changed the name to Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The purpose was to make the company more attractive to the business market, which was rapidly developing. Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Art manufactured a few icons of Brazilian design history, such as the Costela Armchair...
Chrome
Stellar Bamboo Buffet or Credenza in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Completely installation ready. A fabulous meticulously restored four-door ca...
Bamboo, Hardwood
$9,200 / set
H 19.69 in W 22.45 in D 15.75 in
Hauner & Eisler - Moveis Artesanal - Rare Pair of 1950s nest table in wood
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, SP
This set of nesting tables, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Móveis Artesanal in the mid-1950s, is a rare and iconic example of modern Brazilian design. Made from solid wood, the tables stand out for their light forms and sophisticated use of materials. The thin, tapered legs add elegance, while the white Formica tops create a striking contrast with the warm tone of the wood. Móveis Artesanal was a company that preceded Forma, where the design duo became more widely recognized. The functional and versatile design of the nesting tables reflects the designers’ ability to combine aesthetics with practicality, allowing the tables to be used separately or grouped together. This set is a classic example of Brazilian modernist furniture...
Formica, Wood
$4,995
H 32.25 in W 66 in D 16 in
Vintage MCM to Modern Rosewood Buffet Credenza Lucite Legs Attr Bernhardt Flair
By Milo Baughman, Flair, Bernhardt
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Mid-Century Modern to modern Rosewood buffet or credenza with Lucite legs & chrome accents attributed to Bernhardt Flair. This pi...
Metal, Chrome
Small Cabinet with Bar and Internal Light - Italy - 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Refined Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet attributed to Umberto Mascagni, 1950s. A timeless piece of design that embodies the elegance and creativity of 1950s Italian design. This gorg...
Brass
Credenza in Parchment and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Nomon Bar Cabinet with Marble Top by Andres Martinez
By ANDRÉS MARTÍNEZ, Nomon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We create a space to enjoy a drink in good company. Marble top and suspended glasses from the Golden rods evoke classical bar cabinets. Available in: ...
Marble, Brass
Bar Cabinet with illuminated compartments, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Bar cabinet with illuminated compartments, 1940s Found in a noble apartment in my hometown, Palermo. Good condition, as per the descriptive photographs, with minor signs of aging. E1...
Wood
Móveis Paschoal Bianco, Sideboard, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood sideboard or cabinet produced by Móveis Paschoal Bianco, Brazil, c. 1950s. Minor wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.9"H x 98.75"W x 21...
Wood
Midcentury Post Modern Demilune Credenza or Cabinet in Glossy Laminate
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large substantial storage piece from the late 1980s. It features an elongated demilune form finished in a beautiful modern glossy laminate and four d...
Laminate
Mid-Century Modern Italian Brass Bar Cart, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Midcentury brass bar cart, circa 1970s. It is versatile in size and can be used as a bar or serving cart or as an additional storage space in an office. It has four bottle holders at...
Brass
George Nelson Style Mid Century Oak Bar Cart
By George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson style mid century oak bar cart Bar cart measures: 36.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 26 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Brass
$13,260
H 35.44 in W 36.82 in D 19.3 in
Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler, Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This Caviuna Record Player was produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s, whose designs were made by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. This typology was part of the storage furniture from the period, appearing in several interior projects published in the most known design and lifestyle magazines. It was part of modular furniture, commonly assembled with shelves, flower boxes, and bar compartments. Extraordinarily complex and hand-crafted, the wood pieces produced by Forma Móveis e Objetos de Arte in Brazil in the 1950s have unique construction details, very distinctive of any production of the time in Brazil. This Record Player is composed of two hanging doors...
Hardwood
Sold
H 26.38 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Small Cabinet in Wood by Forma Manufacture, Brazil 1970s
By Forma Brazil
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Small Cabinet in Wood by Forma Manufacture, Brazil 1970s. 1970's Small vintage wood cabinet by the Brazilian Forma Manufactur...
Wood, Glass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 108.67 in D 13.78 in
Mid-Century Modern Wall-Mounted Buffet by Forma Manufacture, Brazil, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Wall-Mounted Buffet by Forma Manufacture, Brazil, 1960s This Wall-Mounted Buffet by Forma Manufacture is structured in wood and finished with a natural varnish, e...
Wood, Cane
1950s Brazilian Modern Credenza in Hardwood & Caning by Forma
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian modern credenza, designed by Forma in the 1950’s, is a true masterpiece! The frame of the credenza is made with caviuna hardwood and the outside of th...
Straw, Wood, Hardwood
Sold
H 28.9 in W 28.15 in D 17.92 in
Cane Bar Cart by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1950s, Forma S.A., Brazil
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This Bar or tea cart is a rare and elegant piece designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It presents a solid Rosewood...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.1 in W 37.4 in D 20.5 in
Midcentury Chest in Hardwood & Chrome by Forma Moveis, 1965 Brazil, Sealed
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern Chest in Hardwood, designed by Knoll International and produced by Forma Moveis in Brazil in the 1960s is a shows...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 30.5 in W 16.5 in D 49 in
Credenza in Caviona Wood with Cane Front by Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960
By Forma Brazil, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in caviona wood with cane front. Designed by Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, 1960.
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 118.12 in W 26.78 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Bookshelf by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Stunning bookshelf by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960. Sophisticated minimal design out of chromed and black lacquered metal and fine Rio Rosewood shelves. The Rosewood ...
Steel, Chrome
Brazilian Rio Rosewood Desk for Forma, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Nice desk from Brazil made of Rio rosewood. Small piece of sticker under the top. Two pendant drawers.
Rosewood
Sold
H 31.75 in W 90 in D 20.5 in
Carlo Hauner for Forma Brazil Large Rosewood Credenza on Plinth Base, circa 1960
By Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly imported from a private collector in Brazil, this impressive credenza by Carlo Hauner for Forma Brazil emulates the quality and innovation of Brazilian Modern design. Fabricated from dark Brazilian rosewood which shows a dramatic grain, this expansive sideboard is punctuated with circular black chunky concave pulls on the drawers and finger holes on the sliding doors to allow for ease of movement. These sliding drawers reveal a shelves either side for storing table linens, crockery, glassware, liquor and other household items. Fragment of Forma Brazil manufacturing label on the back of the credenza. Brazilian Modern is fantastic alternative to the usual suspects seen in Mid-Century Modern design furniture. The use of clean lines and minimal form of this piece make it appropriate for a number of locations, from Classic and contemporary homes to elegant executive offices to hip startups. It would also be great in a hospitality, retail or corporate location, such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, director's office or in a luxe clothing emporium. Consider pairing with our Percival Lafer sofas and coffee tables or our Sergio Rodrigues Tonico chairs...
Rosewood
Rosewood Bar Cart by Forma Brazil Attributed to Carlo Hauner
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner
Located in Munich, DE
Beautiful Brazilian bar cart with three removable serving tablets by Forma Sao Paulo, 1955 attributed to Carlo with makers label. Measures: H 86 ...
Rosewood, Glass