Forma Cabinets

Brazilian

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.

Creator: Forma

Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955

$13,260

Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955

By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma

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...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Forma Cabinets

Materials

Hardwood

18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Hobnail Antique Safe Strong Box Cabinet

$29,199

H 55.12 in W 36.62 in D 18.9 in

18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Hobnail Antique Safe Strong Box Cabinet

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful and rare example of late 18th century Italian master blacksmith craftsmanship. This exceptional antique studded safe, with its typical all-around hobnails and great wrought...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Forma Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Vintage Mickey Mouse Walt Disney Blue Portable Record Player GE Turntable (B)

$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...

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Forma Cabinets

Materials

Plastic

Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player

$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.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Forma Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Console Record Player attributed to Ico Parisi design

$5,900

H 28 in W 28.8 in D 16 in

Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Console Record Player attributed to Ico Parisi design

By Ico Parisi

Located in Vigonza, Padua

This rare 1940s record player cabinet by LESA (Laboratori Elettrotecnici Società Anonima), Milan, represents a refined fusion of Italian craftsmanship and early modernist design. The piece features: A solid wood frame veneered in exquisite walnut burl, with striking natural grain patterns that add depth and character. Ebonized trim that highlights the clean geometry and subtle curves of the cabinet. Slender, tapered legs typical of Italian furniture design of the period, lending the piece a light, elegant stance. A functional 78 rpm turntable integrated into the cabinet, with original metal and bakelite components. The mechanism is in working condition. A drop-front door that conceals the turntable when closed, preserving the cabinet’s sleek aesthetic. A lower shelf suitable for storing records or accessories. LESA, founded in 1929 in Milan, was a leading Italian producer of phonographs, radios and hi-fi components. The company was known for combining technical innovation with stylish furniture integration, making pieces like this a hallmark of mid-century Italian domestic design. 🌟 Why acquire this piece Functional art: This cabinet is not only a piece of furniture, but also a working vintage audio device, providing authentic 78 rpm playback in its original form. Historical value: An original example of LESA’s craftsmanship from the 1940s — a brand that was once a market leader in Italian hi-fi. Aesthetic appeal: The combination of walnut burl, ebonized details and streamlined form makes it a perfect fit for Art Deco, mid-century modern, or eclectic interiors. Conversation piece: Its rare combination of furniture and audio technology will attract attention and admiration in any setting. Investment: Well-preserved vintage audio furniture by noted manufacturers is increasingly sought-after by collectors and interior designers. Cabinet Console of the 1940s in burr walnut and walnut flame applied veneered. Cabinet with two shelves, the upper with central flap drawer with internal turntable Record...

Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Forma Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s

$2,627

H 43.71 in W 47.25 in D 16.93 in

Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s

By Siemens

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s The radio is in fully functional. Dimensions: 43 D x 120 W x 111 H It is in good vintage condition, however,...

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Forma Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Teak

1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet

$1,550Sale Price|20% Off

H 67 in W 31.5 in D 16 in

1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet

Located in Norwalk, CT

This is a great medical cabinet from the 1960s, ready to keep all your goodies safe this is a great 1960s accent item that is sure to be a one of a kind addition to your decor!

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Forma Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet

$62,800Sale Price|60% Off

H 72 in W 57 in D 29 in

Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet, circa 1680 We are pleased to present a rare and important Renaissance Judaica c...

Category

17th Century German Renaissance Antique Forma Cabinets

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Playbox Record Player stereo by Philips and Medea, 1974

$8,759

H 14.18 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in

Playbox Record Player stereo by Philips and Medea, 1974

By Philips, Medea

Located in bruxelles, BE

Stereo that can be closed to cube shape and opened by moving the baffles apart. It includes a record player and 8-track cassette player. It is also possible to connect the telephone ...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Forma Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Phonograph, Radio Cabinet and Record Players

$1,518

H 51.58 in W 20.08 in D 14.18 in

Phonograph, Radio Cabinet and Record Players

Located in Beaune, FR

Music or phonograph cabinet making radio and record player. It is made of veneer and nicely carved.

Category

20th Century French Forma Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

$42,500

H 42.5 in W 49.57 in D 28.25 in

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewelry display cabinet...

Category

19th Century Unknown Empire Antique Forma Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Screen by Carlos Hauner e Martin Eisler, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s

$25,000

H 27.56 in W 64.97 in D 0.79 in

Screen by Carlos Hauner e Martin Eisler, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s

By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This elegant folding screen by Ernesto Hauner exemplifies the designer’s architectural sensibility and refined material language. The minimalist jacarandá frame is articulated with p...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Forma Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Rosewood

Unusual Early American Quack Medicine Thompson-Plaster Electric Cabinet

$3,500

H 40.75 in W 26 in D 17.5 in

Unusual Early American Quack Medicine Thompson-Plaster Electric Cabinet

Located in Forney, TX

A rare and most unusual Thompson-Plaster electrical cabinet, by Physician's Specialty Company, Leesburg, Virginia, United States. The historic turn of the late 19th / early 20th century quack medicine machine used a violent ray electrotherapy apparatus as a cure-all, claiming to cure numerous ailments, cancers, and more. Featuring the original oak framed glazed glass-covered marble top for use with 'medical' instruments, atop quartersawn oak chest fitted with three graduated drawers, opening to reveal various associated equipment and supplies, including blown glass evacuated tube implements of varying shapes and for different therapeutic uses. High-quality solid wood case, rising on castors. Signed, retaining the original manufacturer plaque. Museum quality. Provenance / Acquisition: Reportedly purchased by Dr. Slaughter, of Goldthwaite, Texas, May, 1903. Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. Day 2 of 3, Important Estates catalog. 2021 Similar examples can be found in select museum collections and exhibitions, including Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, Virginia. Holmes Medical Museum, Foley, Alabama. Dimensions: (approx) 40.75" High, 26" Wide, 17.5" Deep Condition: Excellent original antique condition. Museum quality. Unknown if complete. Wear consistent with age and use. A scarce example of medical quackery...

Category

Early 20th Century American Forma Cabinets

Materials

Marble

Forma cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Forma cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Forma cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets by Forma were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider cabinets by Jorge Zalszupin, and Englander & Bonta. Prices for Forma cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $32,750 and can go as high as $32,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $32,750.