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.
Bar Cabinet with Footrest by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, c. 1955, Forma S.A
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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
Round Coffee table, by Susi Aczel and Martin Eisler, Forma S.A., brazil, 1953.
By Forma Brazil, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This Round Coffee Table in Caviuna was designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) and Susi Aczel (1931-) for Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. This piece is one of the most iconic pie...
Glass, Wood, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Set of 5 High Stools, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, c1954
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous high stool was designed by Martin Eisler and manufactured by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in circa 1955. The piece is composed of an iron structure with brass ti...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1960s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful bar cart produced by Forma, the renowned company founded by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, two of the most influential figures in Brazilian modern design. Crafted in ca...
Wood, Formica
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
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
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood & Metal, Forma, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a stunning bar cart that seamlessly combines style and functionality. This exquisite piece boasts a sleek chrome frame, elegantly complemented by two removable trays. One...
Chrome
Brazilian Modern Dining Table in Black Painted Iron, Chrome & Glass, Forma, 1970
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modern dining table, designed by Forma in the 1970s in Brazil, is available today. Painted in black iron, with chromed metal accents and a 10 mm glass top, it is not...
Iron
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Round Brazilian Wood and Glass Coffee Table
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Coffee table Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Ebonized wood, glass top Midcentury design Brazilian coffee table. Mea...
Glass, Wood
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Round Brazilian Wood and Glass Coffee Table
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Coffee table Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Ebonized wood, glass top Midcentury design Brazilian coffee table. Measurements 60 cm diameter x 49 height cm. 23.50 in diameter x 19.3 height in. Literature Brazil Modern, the rediscovery of 20th century Brazilian furniture – Aric Chen, 2016. Martin Eisler (Vienna, Austria, 1913 - São Paulo, Brazil, 1977), was an architect and furniture designer. He was part of a group of European architects and designers who left Europe during the chaos of the Second World War and went to live and work in Brazil. Eisler stood out amongst this group of creatives, his work was at the forefront of modern furniture design in Brazil which flourished through the 1950s and 1960s in the region. The work of Martin Eisler in partnership with Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) was of particular significance. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Argentina, where he was settled and worked as an architect, set designer and interior designer, he opened up an interior design firm Interieur Forma. In 1940, he married Rosl Wolf, the daughter of German immigrants. Born in Brescia in 1927, Carlo Hauner studied technical drawing and drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan, Italy. In 1948 he successfully participated in the Venice Biennale after which he moved to Brazil, where he dedicated himself to the design of textile, ceramics, furniture and architecture. In only a very short time he founded a furniture production company and purchased a factory from Lina Bo Bardi and her husband Pietro Bardi, renaming it Móveis Artesanal. In 1953 Hauner met Martin Eisler, who was looking for help to produce furniture for the home of his brother-in-law, Ernesto Wolf. Eisler reached out to Hauner and the rest is history. The two men connected and with Wolf’s financial backing, they opened Galeria Artesanal (a store for their company Móveis Artesenal) on a busy street in São Paulo. Being highly ambitious and with an eye on the international market as well as the upcoming office market, Móvies Artesanal later changed into Forma. Along with Oca, Forma became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture production. Even managing to attract an exclusive license to sell Knoll furniture, bringing big names in international design such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian furniture market. Hauner and Eisler’s designs are characterized by the use of Brazilian woods, thin tubular frames and a range from furniture, to ceramics and textiles. Some of their most famous designs are the “rib” lounge chair...
Glass, Wood
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
$3,600Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 18.9 in W 18.51 in D 12.6 in
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Pair of Stools
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful and interesting pair of iron and cane stools by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. Can also be used as side tables.
Metal
$1,683
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern French Maison Baguès Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Bar Cart, 1960s
By Maison Baguès
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern French gilt metal faux bamboo bar cart with smoked glasses by Maison Baguès. This cart could be used as a side table and it can become a living room set together ...
Brass
$5,750 / item
H 18 in Dm 48 in
Round Wood and Cast Bronze 4' Round Coffee Table in White Oak by Alabama Sawyer
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Inspired by Japanese shou sugi ban finishes, that we use on our hyo table and beam bench. We developed our own hardware to enhance the beauty and function to start a new lineage of work. A recent collaboration with resident Birmingham metal artists, along with our bounty of unique lumber from the local urban forest, imbues this round wood and bronze table with a richness and tactile pleasure. White oak from the urban forest has interesting grain and a warm hue for a modern living room or sitting area. A full 48" in diameter provides plenty of surface area. This piece works for a luxe, residential living room or indoor sitting area. Urban wood species like walnut and sweet gum, as well as square and rectangular designs work with these unique bronze features and monolithic table...
Bronze
Midentury Modern Wood Rolling Bar Cart, Italy 1960s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Wood and Brass Rolling Bar Cart, Italy 1960s Rare 1960s Italian vintage rolling bar cart features a solid wood frame veneered in dark walnut wood, it exudes warmth and sophi...
Iron
$2,104
H 30.32 in W 36.23 in D 18.9 in
Mid-Century Mahogany Wood and Brass Italian Serving Bar Cart, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Unique mid-century bar cart in mahogany wood and brass. This fantastic item was designed in Italy during the 1960s. This magnificent bar cart is amazing because of the shape of th...
Metal, Brass
$775
H 25.75 in W 28.5 in D 18 in
1960s Danish Modern Teak Bar Cart, Bar Trolley, Tea Cart by BRDR FURBO Denmark
By BRDR Furbo
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid Century Danish Modern teak bar cart by BRDR FURBO Made in Spøttrup Denmark, Tea Trolley. 1960s Danish Teak Bar Cart, Bar Trolley, Tea Cart. Made In Denmark. Note, Minor Wear Is Photographed. Marked Under Bottom Of Cart Is Original Labels. Made in Denmark by BRDR FURBO. Beautiful Danish Teak Cart...
Wood, Teak
$21,404
H 66 in W 71 in D 102 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Model "Reversible" modern Brazilian armchair 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler(1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Reversible” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Iron structure, brass, cotton upholstery Measurements: 10...
Iron
Nomon Bar Cabinet with Marble Top by Andres Martinez
By Nomon, ANDRÉS MARTÍNEZ
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
Bremshey Bar Cart Trolley 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Bremshey Folding Bar Cart Troliey Germany 1960s
Chrome
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
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
Dining Table in Caviuna Hardwood & Glass by Forma Brazil, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Dining Table in Caviuna Hardwood & Glass by Forma Brazil, 1960s is nothing less than gorgeous! The frame of the dining table is made with Caviuna hardwood and ...
Glass, 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 28.75 in W 35.24 in D 35.24 in
Forma S.A. Game Table in Rosewood by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, c. 1955
By Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This game table was produced by the Brazilian Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s. The piece is made of a Rosewood structure and the top can be used on both sides: one i...
Fabric, Rosewood
Sold
H 17.72 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
Carlo Hauner e Martin Eisler Modern Brazilian Wood Coffee Table by Forma, 1960s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Coffee table produced by Forma Brazil Furniture design by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler The coffee table has been polished with shellac Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler were the l...
Wood
Martin Eisler for Forma Coffee Tray Table
By Forma Brazil, Martin Eisler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Eisler for Forma, 1452 trolley table, stained beech, brassed metal, Formica, circa 1960. This small elegant coffee table and bar trolle...
Metal
Martin Eisler Coffee Table in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Martin Eisler
Located in Utrecht, NL
Martin Eisler coffee table in Caviuna wood and glass, Brazil 1950s This small coffee table is designed by Martin Eisler and Susi Aczel for Forma. The coffee table consists of a wooden base supported by three delicate tapered legs giving the table an elevated feeling. On top of the base are three rounded elements positioned round the top that support the round glass tabletop. The elements rise slightly upwards around the edge of the glass making the glass top fall perfectly into the frame. The outer sides of the caviuna table...
Glass, Wood
Mid Century Rosewood Conference Dining Table by Florence Knoll
By Forma Brazil, Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage dining or conference table in Brazilian rosewood designed by Florence Knoll. This piece features a boat shaped tabletop supported by a rectangular steel base finished in poli...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 34.65 in W 18.9 in D 37.8 in
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Tea Cart in Wood and Glass with Removable Trays
By Forma Brazil
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian tea cart in imbuia wood and glass by Forma manufacture. It has three removable trays. Two in glass framed by wood and one in solid wood. Wheels in chro...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Tea Cart by Forma Brazilian Manufacture
By Forma Brazil
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Beautiful organic Brazilian tea cart done in Imbuia wood. The trays are removable and are done in Imbuia wood, natural straw and covered in glass.
Straw, Glass, Wood, Imbuia
Sold
H 17.72 in Dm 15.75 in
Side Table Iron and Glass by Warren Platner for Knoll Inc., Brazilian Production
By Forma Brazil, Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Classic Platner side table, produced in Brazil by Forma S/A under license of Knoll Inc, circa 1960. Original glass top has a small chip, iron is in great shape and shows age. Can ...
Chrome
Sold
H 28.5 in W 91 in D 38 in
1960s Rectangular Brazilian Jacaranda Wood and Chrome Dining Table by Forma
By Forma Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brazilian Jacaranda wood rectangular dining table for eight by Forma from the 1960s with chrome pedestal leg.
Chrome
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner, Coffee Table, Brazil, 1955
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Coffee table Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Ebonized wood, glass top Meas...
Glass, Wood