Design duo Garouste and Bonetti is best known for concocting Surrealist, avant-garde, romantic furniture and lighting that merge whimsy and wonder with luxury and sophistication.
Born in Paris in 1946, Élizabeth Garouste studied interior design at the École Camondo and worked as a theater set designer before meeting Mattia Bonetti in the late 1970s. Bonetti, born in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1952, attended Lugano’s Centro Scolastico per L’Industria Artistica, where he studied textile design and got into photography.
Their first collaboration came in 1981, after Garouste’s husband, interior designer Gérard Garouste, asked them both to produce designs for the Paris restaurant Le Privilège. They devised a collection of Art Brut–inspired furniture called Barbare, which debuted at the Jansen House of Interior Design, earning them the nickname Les Nouveaux Barbares (the New Barbarians).
Garouste and Bonetti achieved international acclaim in 1987 when French couturier Christian Lacroix hired them to design for his maisons de couture in Paris and London. Instead of the staid decor used by other haute couture houses, Garouste and Bonetti’s furnishings were rebellious and daring. As described in Architectural Digest, “rooms and carpets were acrid ochers, edged with black baroque swirls Louis XVI-inspired chairs upholstered in fruit tones. Tree stump stools topped with ivory tufted cushions. White curtains were trimmed with black polka dots the size of pancakes.”
Following their success with Lacroix, Garouste and Bonetti designed interiors for illustrious clients such as German socialite Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and Bernard Picasso, a French art collector and grandson of Pablo Picasso.
Throughout the late 1980s and ’90s, Garouste and Bonetti designed several modern pieces such as rainbow-colored console tables, the wavy, high-backed Koala sofa, ceramic tableware, table lamps and decorative objects. In 2002, the duo parted ways.
Bonetti continues to create furniture, finding inspiration in everything from ancient Greece to children’s toys to UFOs. His works have been shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Garouste also continues to design and is inspired by the natural world for her “quirky pieces,” Élisabeth Delacarte, owner of the Paris gallery Avant-Scène, says of her designs: “You feel like you’re in a dream rather than in reality. She very much has her own universe.”
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Garouste and Bonetti tables, seating and serveware.
Unique Le Jour et la Nuit armchair by Garouste & Bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in PARIS, FR
Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti Le Jour et la Nuit Armchair, Ca. 1995 Edition Galerie Néotù, Paris, France Wrought iron with green patina and gold leaf, orange and beige stripe...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
Pair of stools Garouste & Bonetti Koala bronze mohair velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of stools by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their colla...
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti style , Wrought Iron Chair
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Miami, FL
In the style of Garouste & Bonetti , wrought iron chair.
Brass, Wrought Iron
Original 'Koala' Sofa by Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti Stamped 'BG'
By Élizabeth Garouste, Mattia Bonetti, Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in PARIS, FR
Iconic 'Koala Sofa' circa 1985 by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti. Stamped 'BG' on one of the sofa's bronze feet. New fabric.
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti Koala Bronze Leg Stools, France 1980's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Classic Garouste & Bonetti Koala stool from the "En attendant les barbares" era, on bronze legs and upholstered in faux shearling.
Bronze
$3,786Sale Price|40% Off
Garouste & Bonetti desk chair Palace Privilege Rubelli fabric 1980
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare desk chair or side chair by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Palace, made in solid oak painted in matte black panted. Garouste & Bonetti began their collaborat...
Wood
Garouste & Bonetti Koala Bench, France 1980's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Koala Bench from the "En attendant les barbares" era, on bronze feet and upholstered in faux shearling.
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti Chairs, rare set of 6 forged by Diego Giacometti's ironworker
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Encino, CA
Garouste et Bonetti Extremely rare set of six chairs from the couple of designers, Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti. Ironwork made by Pierre Basse (...
Iron
$10,029Sale Price|20% Off
Koala armchair by Garouste & Bonetti, France, 1990's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Red velvet Koala by Garouste & Bonetti, created circa 1995 Bronze feet, signed BG, with its cushion Exceptional condition of the fabric which is original
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti Koala Set, France 1980's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Rare Matching set of koala chairs and stools with bronze legs. COM available
Bronze
$17,792Sale Price|20% Off
"Etoile" Sofa by Garouste & Bonetti, BGH editions, 1990, France
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
"Etoile" Sofa by Garouste & Bonetti, BGH editions, 1990, France
Bronze
$12,983Sale Price|20% Off
Mars Sofa by Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, FR
Wide-shape wood sofa upholstered with a grey blue velvet. Quilted fittings. Legs terminating with bronze feet tips. Surmounted with gilt bronze B...
Bronze
Zebrawood Canapé by Garouste et Bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in NYC, NY
A unique canapé (originally part of a suite) by Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti with a curvaceous frame in Zebrano (Zebra wood) veneer with drop-in seat and two bolster cushion...
Upholstery
1920s French Victorian Upholstered Piano Stool with Turned Legs
Located in High Point, NC
This 1920s French Victorian upholstered piano stool features a beautifully carved wooden base with turned legs connected by elegant stretchers. The stool’s black finish has acquired ...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Le Corbusier Armchair LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928. Base in chromed tubular steel, pony skin upholstery. Marked/engraved on the frame: Cass...
Chrome
$12,021
H 29.93 in W 86.62 in D 31.89 in
Sofa in Teak and Original Leather Model 2213 by Børge Mogensen, 1963
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Teak and Original Leather by Børge Mogensen, 1963 Additional Information: Material: Teak and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Sofa model 2213 Produced by Fr...
Teak, Leather
Pair of Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stools, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour jacquard upholstery in leopard print. About the fabric: Wildlife is taking a place in your interiors through the Leopa...
Velvet, Wood
Maison Jansen Stamped Sofa, Louis XV Style, France
By Maison Jansen
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Rare Maison Jansen stamped French Louis XV style sofa with original grey patina, and clean lined cream upholstery. Lovely classical Louis XV shape, good width, seats three comfortabl...
Wood
Midcentury Oak Stool with Turned Wood Legs, 1960s, France
By Charles Dudouyt, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a fantastic midcentury wooden stool, crafted in France during the 1960s. This piece is constructed without the use of hardware, boasting an elegant round seat and gracefu...
Oak
$2,850
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 19 in
Elegant Gilt Metal Lounge Chair Style of Garouste Bonetti Post Modern Art Deco
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Gilt Metal Lounge Chair, in the style of Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti, unsigned, France, circa 1980s.
Metal
$23,442
H 27.17 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original brown leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Very rar...
Rosewood, Leather
Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Outdoor Chairs
By Brown Jordan, Salterini, Mario Papperzini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Available now for your enjoyment and ready to ship is a Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Lounge Chairs attributed to Mario Papperzini This lovely Wrought Iron Pair of Arm Chairs are the perfect addition to any garden, terrace, or veranda. Enjoy a glass of lemonade in the late afternoon sun, or your favorite cocktail at dusk and lounge into relaxation. This sustainable Wrought Iron Patio Set will last decades to come being made out of heavy wrought iron. The Rocker Arm Chair features beautifully designed and detailed flower motif on the top of the backrest and arms to give it the ultimate vintage garden look. The distressed antique ivory will coordinate well with any style patio or have us refinish using our 3 step Prep, Prime, and Paint process prior to delivery. Our convenient and hassle free shipping using our in-house shippers will save you time arranging your own. You’ll benefit from having your set hand delivered to your door within 2-4 weeks. We will update you throughout the entire transaction on shipping and rest assured your piece/set, will be delivered safely. Not only is shopping vintage trending in 2024, vintage wrought iron furniture...
Wrought Iron
$19,190
H 23.23 in W 118.9 in D 98.82 in
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Mario Bellini, Pierre Paulin
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
$5,975 / set
H 18 in W 21.25 in D 15.25 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern X-Form Stools in Gauffraged Smoked Bronze Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern stools were realized in the United States, circa 1950. They feature tapered and ringed sculptural stylized saber legs, suggesting bamboo, tha...
Velvet, Walnut
Garouste & Bonetti Koala Bench, France 1980's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Koala Bench from the "En attendant les barbares" era, on bronze feet and upholstered in faux shearling.
Bronze
Sold
H 36.82 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
A Set Of Four Chairs by Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti France 1990's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A set of four chairs by Garouste & Bonetti. France 1990s Editor : Ligne Roset ( signed ) Colours : 2 Yellow, 1 Red and 1 Salmon Color In original good condition, small trace of d...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.14 in
Garouste & Bonetti Koala armchairs and stools bronze mohair velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs with their ottomans by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bo...
Bronze
Sold
H 32.09 in W 29.93 in D 30.91 in
Pair of Original 'Koala' Club Chairs with by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti
By Mattia Bonetti, Élizabeth Garouste, Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in PARIS, FR
Original Koala Club Chairs in fabric with bronze feet by the much celebrated duo Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti. The feet are stamped 'BG', demonstrating their authenticity. N...
Bronze
Koala Armchair From Garouste & Bonetti, 1990s
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in PARIS, FR
Koala armchair by designers Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti from the 1990s. Gilded bronze base, wooden frame upholstered in gold velvet. Stamped "B.G" on the inside of the base...
Velvet
Pair of stools Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze royal blue velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of stools by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their colla...
Bronze
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.14 in
Pair of armchairs Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze black velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their co...
Bronze
Pair of stools Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze teddy mohair velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of stools by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their collaboration and gained global recognition for their interior design of the Paris nightclub Le Palace in 1979. This model of Koala stool was designed by the duo in 1995, and edited by BGH Edition. Each foot is stamped B.G. They have been fully restored, and newly upholstered using French Pierre Frey Teddy light...
Bronze
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.14 in
Pair of armchairs Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze green velvet 1995
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their co...
Bronze
Garouste Bonetti Pair of Lounge Club Chairs Jour et Nuit
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Garouste and Bonetti chairs and ottoman. Steel frames with hand applied enamel finish. A stylized representation of the sun and the moon at the end of the arms done in gold...
Enamel, Steel
Sold
H 33.5 in W 29.5 in D 29.5 in
Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti Pair of Koala Armchairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti elegant and chic pair of Koala armchairs or lounge chairs in ivory bouclé with cast patinated bronze legs impressed with monogram "BG," produced...
Bronze
Garouste & Bonetti Signed Ceramic Stool Side Table 1990
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This rare ceramic stool or side table, named Louis XIV for obvious reasons, is clearly a statement piece, especially for those that believe passionate expressions of creativity and b...
Ceramic
Pair of Garouste & Boneti Stools, France, 1980's
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Koala stools by Garouste & Boneti, upholstered seat on three cast bronze legs. Signed.
Bronze