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.
Find vintage Forma seating, tables and storage pieces for sale on 1stDibs.
Pair Mid Century Modern Leather sling safari chairs Carlo Hauner Forma Italy
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair Mid Century Modern Leather sling safari chairs designed by Carlo Hauner for Forma Made in Italy. Pair of Brown leather and off white Lacquer painted wood frame low sling safari ...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Safari Armchairs by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1970s, set of 2
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of cognac leather and wood armchairs by Carlo Hauner. Seat height: 25 cm. Wear due to age and use. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Lounge Chair Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner - "Costela" Forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This rare Costela Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, produced by Forma in the 1950s, features solid wood ribs paired with a vintage leopard-patterned teddy fabric. A tru...
Steel
Brazilian Modern Dining Chairs in Rosewood by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Troy, MI
Exceptional and rare set of dining chairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte Brazil circa 1956 Sculpted Brazilian rosewood frames w...
Cane, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
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
Carlo Hauner, Console Table, Wood, Formica, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green formica console table designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1950s. In unrestored original condition with lively wear and patina. Overall Dime...
Formica, Wood
Mid-Century Semainier Dresser by Hauner & Eisler for Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roma, RM
A refined mid-century semainier dresser designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for their influential furniture company Forma, dating from the 1950s–1960s. Hauner and Eisler play...
Brass
Martin Eisler Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Rattan, Steel, Forma, Brazil, c. 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and steel lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1955. Seat Height (inches): 15" All items ship from High Poin...
Steel
$18,884 / item
Reversivel chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Fauteuil Reversibel par Carlo Hauner et Martin Eisler pour Forma. Métal, laiton et textile Édition Forma Modèle créé vers 1955 H 68×L 103×P 71 cm Bibliographie : - M. Vasconcellos, ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Rattan Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in New York, NY
Rattan and black-painted iron lounge chair designed by by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, produced in Brazil, c. 1950s.
Iron
Armchair in Metal and Wood with ebony finish, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for their company Forma, this armchair reflects a pivotal moment in Brazilian modernism during the country’s mid-century industrial expansi...
Metal, Iron
Carlo Hauner. Suite of 4 Rattan chairs, c. 1950. Metal and Rattan
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in PARIS, FR
The suite of 4 rattan chairs designed by Carlo Hauner, dating from about 1950, is a superb example of timeless design. Made from rattan and metal, these chairs combine elegance and d...
Metal
Scarce coffee table by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rarissime table basse à deux tiroirs latéraux par Carlo Hauner et Martin Eisler. Cette table fut peu produite par Forma.
Glass, Imbuia, Paint
Carlo Hauner. Pair of "Concha" armchairs, c. 1950. Metal and fabric
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in PARIS, FR
Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) Pair of "Concha" Armchairs, c. 1950 Metal and fabric Dimensions: 78 x 62 x 78 cm (30 71/100 x 24 41/100 x 30 71/100 in) This pair of iconic "Concha" ...
Metal
Carlo Hauner. Headboard (piece on order), c. 1950. Edition Forma
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in PARIS, FR
Made of Caviuna wood, with a matching veneer and a delicate cane, this piece combines the robustness of the wood with the delicacy of the cane. The generous dimensions of 82 x 257 x ...
Straw, Laminate, Hardwood
Coffee Table for Record Player by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in bruxelles, BE
White wooden coffee table with a compartment for a record player, a compartment for storing vinyl records and two storage spaces, one of which is glass. Holes are made for the record...
Wood, Glass
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Rattan Lounge Chairs Brazil 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs in rattan by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, made by Forma Móveis in Brazil in 1955. The chairs are in fully original condition and have never been ...
Metal
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Concha lounge chairs Brazil 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Pair of ‘Concha’ Lounge Chairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma Móveis, Brazil, 1955. Authentic Frames, Expertly Reupholstered in Sand Bouclé. A masterful balance of s...
Iron
Showcase Coffee Table, Brazilian Rosewood, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, C. 1955
By Forma
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) designed this rosewood coffee table for Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It belongs to a furniture category commonly found during the midcentury period ...
Glass, Rosewood
Pair of "Concha" Armchairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Brasil, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Echt, NL
Set of beautiful ‘Concha’ chairs in very good condition. Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler in 1955 Manufactured by Forma Moveis, Brazil The ch...
Metal
'Showcase' Coffee Table by Eisler and Hauner for Forma, Brazil, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Antwerp, BE
This mid-century coffee table, designed by Martin Eisler for Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte, features a dual-layer design with a wooden base and an opaque glass top. Its geometr...
Glass, Wood
Pair of “Pollock” Armchairs by Forma, Aluminum & Leather, Brazil, 1970s
By Forma
Located in New York, NY
A striking pair of “Pollock” armchairs produced by Forma in the 1970s, reflecting Brazil’s embrace of international corporate modernism. With polished aluminum bases and generously u...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench from Forma Manufacture, Brazil, 1970s
By Forma
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Slatted bench produced in Brazil in the 1970s by Forma Manufacture. This beautiful piece's seating is composed of regularly arranged solid Brazilian hardwood slats, finished with n...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Forma, White Bouclé, Caviúna Legs, 1960s
By Forma
Located in New York, NY
Manufactured by Forma in the 1960s, this sofa reflects the studio’s commitment to refined modern forms and high-quality materials during a formative period of Brazilian mid-century d...
Fabric, Hardwood
Coffee Table by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in bruxelles, BE
White wooden coffee table with 4 storage compartments. There are 3 tops, one black and one white, and a tray. The whole unit is modular. Wear due to time and age of the coffee table.
Wood
Coffee Table by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden coffee table with 7 storage compartments. There's a large top, 2 small tops and 2 glass panels. The whole is modular. Wear due to time and age of the coffee table. For shippi...
Glass, Wood
$22,531Sale Price / set|40% Off
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Sofa & Armchairs Lounge Set, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Whitstable, GB
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler midcentury sofa and armchairs; 1950s Sofa designed for their manufacturing company, Forma around 1955. This model is an icon of Brazilian midcentury design and was used to illustrate some advertisements for Forma in the 1950s. We offer the set of sofa and matching armchairs. They are stunning together. The set has been newly reupholstered in beautiful blue velvet, feet in imbuia wood, lacquered finish. Sofa Dimensions: H28.35, W76.78, D30.32 in H72, W195, D77 cm Armchairs Dimenions: H 28.35, W30.32, D30.32 in H72, W77, D77 cm The creative duo were the leading designers behind the Brazilian furniture company Forma, and produced many celebrated pieces of Brazilian midcentury design. Martin Eisler (1913-1977) was born in Vienna, and studied architecture in his country. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Buenos Aires, where he settled and worked as an architect and designer. There here...
Velvet, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Red Synthetic Rope and Iron Armchair, Forma, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian mid-century experimentation, this 1950s armchair by Forma was originally conceived for outdoor use—where industrial materials met open-air living. T...
Iron
Contemporary Figural Marble Bust Depicting Heart Shaped Face Signed Forma
By Forma
Located in Manhasset, NY
Contemporary Figural Marble Bust Depicting Heart Shaped Face Signed Forma 15H x 12.5W x 10D
Marble
$40,600
H 29.3 in W 28.35 in D 31.5 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner "Costela" Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1953
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an iconic Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler (1913 - 1977) in 1953 and manufactured by the c...
Steel
$2,478
H 33.47 in W 42.52 in D 14.97 in
Italian Console Table 1950s In Ebonized Wood And Verde Alpi Marble
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant Italian console table from the 1950s, crafted from solid wood with an ebonized finish and featuring a fine “Verde Alpi” marble top. The demilune profile of the top, combined ...
Wood
$55
H 6 in W 13.5 in D 9.5 in
Vintage Mickey Mouse Walt Disney Blue Portable Record Player GE Turntable (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage General Electric Blue & White Mickey Mouse Walt Disney 1970's Portable Record Player Turntable in Carrying Case (B). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 13.5" W...
Plastic
1950s Jansen Style Console Table
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Sleek metal console in the style of Maison Jansen, featuring a black glass top and classic cross-stretcher design with central rosette medallion. The tapered legs and lower curved st...
Metal
$16,800
H 31.03 in W 26.78 in D 29.73 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner "Costela" Lounge Chair, Midcentury Brazil, 1953
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an iconic Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler (1913 - 1977) in 1953 and manufactured by the companies Móveis Artesanal and Fo...
Fabric, Hardwood
$35,000 / set
H 27.16 in W 30.31 in D 29.52 in
Rare Forma armchairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, BR
This particular piece showcases a rare design crafted by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma in 1955. Though Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are primarily known for their well-s...
Wood
$2,124
H 35.04 in W 31.89 in D 13.39 in
Italian Midcentury Mahogany Wood and Glass Console Table by Carlo de Carli 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Rome, IT
A splendid example of linear style typical of Italian design in the 1950s and 1960s. Mahogany console in excellent condition, suitable for any environment; essential and elegant in ...
Brass
$7,500
H 29.5 in W 59.1 in D 33.5 in
Brazilian Modern Set of Four Chairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, c. 1960s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Hauner, Brazil, c. 1960s. This quartet distills Hauner’s restraint and formal clarity into a compact dining type: pared proportions, a taut seat rail, and a rectilinear back th...
Fabric, Cane, Hardwood
$2,316Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 26 in D 26 in
1960s Arne Norell Rosewood Leather Sling Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Arne Norell, Scanform
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The Sirocco safari chair designed by Arne Norell in 1966. This example is in camel-colored leather; with two cushions and slings with brass fittings. Designed to breakdown for flat p...
Leather
$1,650
H 13 in W 22 in D 18 in
Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Rare Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 22" W x 18" D.
Metal
$88,100
H 31.11 in W 28.75 in D 28.75 in
Rare 'Costela' Lounge Chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1954
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Antwerp, BE
These extraordinary lounge chairs represent an original and very rare piece of Brazilian design history. Designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner in 1954 for the renowned company F...
Steel
$6,900 / set
H 29.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Set of 2 Mid Century Angel Pazmino Hand Tooled Leather Sling Safari Chairs
Located in Lutz, FL
Set of 2 Hand Tooled Leather Sling Safari Lounge Chairs by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960's, original metal tags on front cross stretcher and paper tags on underside of leather seat...
Leather, Fruitwood
Carlo Hauner coffee table Forma Italy 1961
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful coffee table designed by Carlo Hauner and manufactured by Forma Italy in 1961. The design is highly versatile due to its modular components and trays. The coffee table has...
Glass, Teak
Sold
H 32.68 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Costela Lounge chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in bruxelles, BE
2 Costela lounge chairs in wood, metal legs and curly fabric cushions by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner. Seat height: 48 cm. Wear due to time and age of the lounge chairs. FOR SHIPP...
Metal
Reversivel chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Fauteuil Reversibel par Carlo Hauner et Martin Eisler pour Forma. Métal, laiton et textile Édition Forma Modèle créé vers 1955 H 68×L 103×P 71 cm Bibliographie : - M. Vasconcellos, ...
Metal, Brass
Coffee Table by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in Hellouw, NL
A confident example of modular Brazilian design, this coffee table by Carlo Hauner for Forma is a composition of clarity, balance and utility. Designed in the 1960s–70s, it reflects ...
Teak
Carlo Hauner coffee table for Forma, Brasil 1961
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in Diest, BE
Carlo Hauner (Brescia 1927-1997) is well-known for his designs for Forma, a Brazilian furniture company that brought to live many iconic designs. Carlo Hauner set up the company Form...
Glass, Wood
1960s teak coffee table Carlo Hanuer for Forma
By Forma
Located in Milano, IT
Center table with storage compartments, with removable lids that can be used as trays made of teak veneer wood.
Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 33.47 in
Brazilian Design Costela Lounge Chairs by Hauner & Eisler for Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Renens, CH
The Costela (Rib) chairs and sofas by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler became an instant success after their introduction in the Brazilian market, and it wasn’t for long that productio...
Metal
Coffee Table by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden coffee table with 6 storage compartments. There is 1 tray, 4 wooden covers and 1 glass cover. The unit is modular. Wear due to time and age of the coffee table. For shipping, ...
Glass, Wood
Coffee Table by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in bruxelles, BE
White wooden coffee table with 4 storage compartments. There are 3 trays and a bin. The set is modular. Wear due to time and age of the coffee table.
Wood
Eisler & Hauner ‘Bone’ Bench/ottoman in Imbuia wood and Fabric
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in amstelveen, NL
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner for Forma, bench model 'Bone', Imbuia, Brazil, 1960s. This ‘Bone’ bench is designed by Brazilian designer duo Eisler and Hau...
Fabric, Imbuia
Pair of Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of “concha” (shell) armchair designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, manufactured by Forma in Brazil in the earlies 1950. The structure is made of solid steel, the ergonomic...
Steel
Coffee Table by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1960s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden coffee table with 6 storage compartments. There are 4 trays and 1 glass panel. The whole thing is modular. Wear due to time and age of the coffee table.
Glass, Wood