The Portugese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro was a pioneer of modernism in Brazil, where his work paved the way for the successes of such mid-20th-century design greats as Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Zalszupin, and Lina Bo Bardi, an Italian-Brazilian architect whose futuristic São Paulo buildings are only part of her legacy.
Tenreiro’s vintage tables, chairs and storage cabinets are known for their simplicity of line and an elegance that is enhanced by the use of richly grained South American hardwoods such as jacaranda and imbuia.
Tenreiro’s father and grandfather were both master woodworkers, under whom he trained in the craft. He had artistic leanings and in the late 1920s enrolled as a university student at the School of Arts and Crafts in Rio de Janeiro, where he joined a group of upstart modernists protesting the staid, retrograde curriculum at the college. At the time, Brazil was culturally mired in a 19th-century mindset that was reflected in an upper-class preference for academic painting and reproduction furnishings in antique European styles. But the progressive spirit that Tenreiro and his colleagues fostered slowly gained force.
With the terms “lightness” and “functionality” as his bywords, Tenreiro opened a furniture-design business in 1943, where one of his first clients was the legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer. The arrival of Brazil’s first democratically elected government, in 1945, lent modernism official sanction, which culminated in the construction of the new capital, Brasília. Tenreiro eventually stepped away from design in the late 1960s to devote his time to sculpture and painting.
To appreciate how revolutionary Tenreiro’s work seemed, one must imagine the heavy, ornately carved, deeply varnished furniture that was the standard for top-end Brazilian interior design in the 1930s. Tenreiro’s chairs and sofas employed slender, softly angular frames that were only lightly stained to highlight the grains of the local woods. He preferred chairs and chaises with caned seats and backrests that “breathe” in the tropical climate, and as a carpenter and joiner he wanted to show off the beauty of Brazilian wood.
Two versions of a three-legged side chair introduced in 1947 serve as a veritable manifesto for a new age in Brazilian design: Using the stack-lamination technique, Tenreiro bonded together a gently contoured seat made of alternating layers of different-colored native woods to produce a magnificent stripe effect. These chairs, like all Tenreiro works, demonstrate the enduring power of simple design and superb construction — with a teaspoon of flair.
Find vintage Joaquim Tenreiro furniture on 1stDibs.
Joaquim Tenreiro Rosewood and Cane "U" Chairs - Set of 8
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare and sought after Joaquim Tenreiro, set of eight armchairs, rosewood, cane, Brazil, circa 1960. One of Tenreiro's most collectible and sought after chairs. These examples are in...
Natural Fiber, Rattan, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Daybed, Ebonized Wood, Mohair Upholstery, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A refined daybed designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, executed in ebonized wood. The design is distinguished by the cylindrical legs and restrained detailing characteristic of Tenreiro’s wo...
Mohair, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Aged Brass & Olive Green Mohair, Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and architecturally refined pair of Brazilian modern armchairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1950s, representing one of the designer’s most restrained and...
Metal, Brass
Joaquim Tenreiro Attribution, Floor Lamp, Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered wood, beige-lacquered metal and white acrylic floor lamp attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, c. 1960. Moderate staining to metal shade. Dimensions of Lamp wit...
Metal
Ten Brazilian Modern Chairs in Brazilian Rosewood & Mohair, Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and historically significant set of ten dining chairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, one of the founding figures of Brazilian Modernism. Created during the 1960s...
Mohair, Rosewood
Daybed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This daybed distills Tenreiro’s philosophy of weightlessness and purity of form. Reduced to its essential planes—a linear platform resting on discreet block supports—it embodies his ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern set of 6 dining chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful set of chairs crafted in cabreúva wood with leather seats, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, one of the pioneers of Brazilian modernism. Elegant and finely balanced, the chair...
Hardwood, Upholstery, Leather
$24,000 / set
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of chairs in Jacaranda and upholstered in black faux leather, made in Brazil, circa 1950 by Joaquim Tenreiro. A total of four chairs are available.
Faux Leather, Jacaranda
Scarce sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare canapé trois place par Joaquim Tenreiro en imbuvable et cuir fauve.
Leather, Imbuia
$70,603 / set
Scarce set of Joaquim Tenreiro armchairs
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Incroyable série de quatre fauteuils par Joaquim Tenreiro, Incroyable dessin et délicatesse des lignes.
Wicker, Imbuia
Mid-Century Modern Low chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Low chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s Joaquim Tenreiro low lounge chair with a wood frame and a woven caning seat and backrest, Brazil, 1960s. The chair fe...
Cane, Wood
Authentic Pair of Curva Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Curitiba, PR
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the early 1960s, the Curva lounge chair is one of the most iconic expressions of Brazilian modern design. Distinguished by its elegant flowing lines a...
Hardwood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Rare Screen or Room Divider, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro Rare Screen or Room Divider Separated in Two Pieces Perobinha de Campo Wood !960s
Wood
$70,200Sale Price / item|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Made for a private commission, it is a unique piece from the 1960s featuring a rosewood base and comfortable L-shaped cushions. Newly upholstered with refined cotton velvet by Loro P...
Upholstery, Rosewood, Cotton
$95,550Sale Price|25% Off
Bookshelf by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A prolific and gifted designer, Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) masterfully laid the groundwork for modern living in Brazil through his furniture and interiors. Born in Portugal and tra...
Wood, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s Armchair with metal frame and white suede upholstery.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Curva Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted Rosewood Curved Chair With Stick Back, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics. It...
Cane, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Writing Desk in Rosewood for Bloch Editores, 1960s, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Writing Desk Rosewood, Glass / Brazil, 1966 From The Bloch Editores Offices Designed in 1966 for Bloch Editores, this rosewood desk combines clean rectangular lin...
Glass, Hardwood
Joaquim Tenreiro Bookshelf, Rosewood Veneers, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1950s, this bookshelf is a rare example of his refined approach to proportion and material. Recently restored according to its original specificat...
Metal
Joaquim Tenreiro, Pair of Vintage 'Curva' Armchairs, Velvet, 1950s, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Pair of Vintage 'Curva' Armchairs Wood, Velvet / Brazil, 1950s / Matching Sofa Available The Curva model, designed in the 1950s and produced in different variatio...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s Three-seater sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, circa 1960s. It has a solid wood base structure and fabric upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Gorgeous and impressive dining table by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Incroyable et splendide table de Joaquim Tenreiro, c’est une commande spéciale pour une villa à Jardim, sao paulo. Elle mesure 315 cm sur 165 et présente un sublime travail de mosai...
Ceramic, Wood
$19,415 / set
Cadeira curva
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Bring timeless sophistication to any interior with these rare Cadeira Curva chairs by the renowned Joaquim Tenreiro, a key figure in Brazilian mid-century design. Known for his metic...
Wood, Imbuia
Scarce dining table by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare table à jeu ou table à dîner par Joaquim Tenreiro
Glass, Imbuia, Paint
Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Canapé concha by Joaquim Tenreiro circa 1950, La tapisserie n’est pas dans une belle condition.
Wool, Wood
Pair of Curva Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro. Two pairs available.
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Soho, London, GB
Set of 4 Curva dining chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro manufactured by Tenreiro Movèis & Decorações (circa 1960). The set can be split and ...
Cane, Wood
Curva Armchair with Tubular Legs by Joaquim Tenreiro for Langenbach & Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
The Curva armchair stands as one of the most recognizable and sophisticated expressions of Brazilian Modern design, conceived in 1960 by Joaquim Tenreiro. Often regarded as the fathe...
Metal
$4,818Sale Price / set|35% Off
Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil 1950s, Set of 2 rare Counter/Bar Stools
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
Very rare set of 2 original Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil Modern mid-century bar/counter stools, manufactured by Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações, Brazil 1950s, made of beautifully inlaid striped Amendoim and Imbuia woods, on black lacquered iron frames with arched foot rails...
Iron
$47,068 / set
Scarce pair of estolril chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très rare paire de chaises par Joaquim Tenreiro.
Imbuia
Joaquim Tenreiro Wood Dining Chair Manufactured by Tenreiro Movèis, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of dining chairs (14 available) (Price is per chair) Manufactured by Tenreiro Movèis & Decorações Brasil, 1960 Jacaranda wood and cane Modern Br...
Jacaranda
Concha Sofa in Hardwood & Warm Camel Mohair, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian mid-century modern design, this rare Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the designer’s unparalleled ability to merge sculptural form, comfor...
Fabric, Mohair
$77,663 / set
Rare set of chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie set de six chaises par Joaquim Tenreiro ( possibilité de douze) Tout est d’origine.
Faux Leather, Wood, Paint
Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted Rosewood Desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) belonged to BLOCH EDITORES S.A. BUILDING, a Brazilian publisher founded in 1952 and closed in 2000, wh...
Rosewood
Room Divider by Joaquim Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Room Divider Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes Brazil, 1960 Black and white painted jacaranda Measurements 280 cm x 3,5 cm x 201,2h cm 110,23 in in x 1,37 in x 71,29h in ...
Jacaranda
Sculptural Writing Desk att. to Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Hardwood, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992), this sculptural writing desk stands as an exceptional example of the designer’s refined vision for Brazilian modern furniture. Widely rega...
Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Set of Eight Dining Room Chairs, Brasil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro Pair of dining chairs Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes Brasil, 1950 Jacaranda wood, cane From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measureme...
Cane, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro, Lounge Chair, Wood, Leatherette, Brazil, 1942
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and beige leatherette lounge chair, model Leve, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in 1942, produced c. 1950s, Brazil. Light staining to leather and a jagged tear uppe...
Faux Leather, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Set of 8 Chairs Variant of the “Cadeira baixa para quarto”
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro, (1906-1992) Price is per Chair Rare set of 8 chairs variant of the “Cadeira baixa para quarto” Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brasil, 1950 Jacarand...
Cane, Jacaranda
End Tables by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Midcentury, 1965
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Albuquerque Tenreiro was born in 1906 in the small village of Melo, Portugal, which at the time had 1500 inhabitants. His father and grandfather were woodworkers, and some ac...
Rosewood
Rare Wall Unit in Brazilian Hardwood, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This stunning wall unit is a fine example of Joaquim Tenreiro's work, which is an emblematic master of the mid-20th century modern Brazilian furniture design. Tenreiro is often celeb...
Hardwood, Imbuia
Joaquim Tenreiro, Set of Eight Bloch Dining Chairs, 1966s, Brazil, Rosewood
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Set of Eight Dining Chairs Rosewood, Cane / Brazil, 1966 / From The Bloch Editores Offices This set of eight rosewood chairs, created for Bloch Editores in the 19...
Cane, Hardwood
$67,200Sale Price|30% Off
Curved Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Midcentury Brazilian Design, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A prolific and gifted designer, Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) masterfully laid the groundwork for modern living in Brazil through his furniture and interiors. Born in Portugal and tra...
Leather, Hardwood
$50,700Sale Price / item|35% Off
Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1947
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This rocking chair was one of the first pieces produced by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) when his Langenbach & Tenreiro store opened in 1947. Far beyond a designer and artist, Te...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Two Seats Bench, Brasil, 1958
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro Two seats bench Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brasil, 1958 Jacaranda wood, cane From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements 1...
Cane, Jacaranda
Mid-Century 1950 Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Daybed
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, GB
Though it exemplifies Tenreiro's characteristic style, this daybed is a rare creation by the designer. Very low, the lines of the piece are simple and linear. The daybed's design dem...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Folding Screen by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro's folding screen from the 1950s is an articulated panel built in pau-marfim wood. This material was chosen for its stability and clean linear grain. The piece reflec...
Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee Table in Brazilian Rosewood & Glass, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in structural refinement and material intelligence, this exceptional coffee table by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the principles that established him as the father of Braz...
Glass, Rosewood
Solid Caviuna Rectangular Dining Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Caviúna piece was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and produced in 1968 by Tenreiro Arquitetura e Interiores – located in Rio de Janeiro. Its simple design stands out with ...
Wood
Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1964
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A variation of Tenreiro’s celebrated curved armchairs, this 1960s piece refines the form into a more compact, architectural volume. The softened geometry of the arms and backrest emb...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Rare and Large Wall Shelf in Rosewood, Brazil, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Large Wall Shelf Rosewood / Brazil, 1960s This rosewood wall shelf combines a clean geometric structure with slender proportions that create visual lightness. The...
Hardwood
Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Refined and inviting, this sofa embodies Joaquim Tenreiro’s commitment to lightness and modern proportion. Its curved profile and tapered jacarandá legs lend the piece a quiet sophis...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Canapé Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Amoreira Wood, Cane, Mid-Century Modern, C.1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) is known as the “father” of Brazilian modernism, being one of the pioneers, with a work that reflects a refined coexistence of traditional values and mod...
Cane, Wood
Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1953
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Defined by crisp lines and material clarity, this roserwoodveneered desk combines floating volumes with integrated drawers — a mature expression of Tenreiro’s modernist language.
Rosewood, Plywood
Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Softly contoured and impeccably balanced, this pair of curved armchairs reflects Joaquim Tenreiro’s mature phase, when comfort and sculptural form reached perfect harmony. The envelo...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Curva Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted rosewood curved chair with stick back designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in 1961/1962 evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aes...
Cane, Rosewood
$100,021
Joaquim Tenreiro Office Desk
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro Office Desk Manufactured by Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações Brazil, 1960s Solid rosewood and plywood with rosewood laminatio...
Rosewood
Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, Brazilian Midcentury, 1965
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This bloch desk was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), the “father” of Brazilian modernism, in 1965. The desk offers an interplay of rosewood tones and its elegance is complem...
Rosewood
Sideboard by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern, 1966
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This sideboard embodies Tenreiro’s late-period synthesis of structural clarity and visual restraint. Defined by its elongated proportions and rigorous horizontality, the piece reveal...
Rosewood
Estrutural Coffee Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Midcentury, circa 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) designed this round coffee table in 1947 – the same period he created other Estrutural pieces, like the famous dining chairs...
Rosewood, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s Side tables designed by the renowned Brazilian designer, Joaquim Tenreiro, crafted during the mid-20th cent...
Glass, Wood