Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Brazilian, Portuguese, 1906-1992
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.
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Period: 1950s
Creator: Joaquim Tenreiro
1950s Brazilian Stool by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, GB
1950s Brazilian Stool by Joaquim Tenreiro.
Two-tone wood seat on black enamelled steel base.
Produced for a private commission in Copacabana, Rio de Ja...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
1950's Brazilian 'curva' Set of 6 Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
The set of six chairs crafted by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies a unique blend of aesthetic innovation, practicality, and cultural resonance that distinguishes them as remarkable pieces i...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
Dining table by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Important dining table
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes
Brazil, 1950
Solid jacaranda ebonized wood and white lacquered formica top
Measurements
223 cm x 98 cm x 74h cm
8...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Formica, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee table model 'Octagonal'
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Coffee table model "Octogonal"
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1955
Marble, jacaranda wood
Measurements
105 cm × 105 cm x 31h cm
41,3 in x...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Marble
Joaquim Tenreiro Cane and Rosewood Armchair, circa 1958
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Braga, 03
Pair of Brazilian Modern lounge chairs designed by Joachim Tenreiro. The chairs structures are made of solid Rosewood with seats and backrests in cane...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
Armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Armchair
Manufactured by Joaquim Tenreiro
Brazil, 1954 Peroba wood and leather upholstery
Measurements
61x53x42hcm|24x21x16,5hin
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1958
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of lounge chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro with a slick elegant back seat.
The absence of back seat cushion gives lightness and modernity to the traditional chauffeuse structure.
Sm...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Wool, Fabric
Joaquim Tenreiro Dining Chairs, Solid Wood and Fabric, MidCentury, Brazil, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available in eight units, this set of dining chairs was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in the 1950s. Much like Tenreiro's other creations, this sense of lightness transcend...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Slim Armchair in Grey Fabric Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This slim armchair is made with a wooden frame and a soft gray fabric. The legs of the chair are slim, which is a common theme in Brazilian modern armcha...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Square Coffee Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
A marble and wood coffee table by Joaquim Tenreiro. 1960
The modern legs in the shape of an ellipse, a flush construction of the marble top with the wooden structure.
A contrast b...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Marble
Thick Armchair in Grey Fabric Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This thick armchair is made with a wooden frame and a soft gray fabric. The legs of the chair are slim, which is a common theme in Brazilian modern armchairs. The cushions are super soft and make the chair very comfortable. This chair is very old but has been refurbished to look brand new. The frame of the chair was originally designed by Joaquin Tenreiro...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
A Dining table by Joaquim Tenreiro made of solid Imbuia with beautiful grain and veins.
A wide solid wood border underlines the modernity of the lines.
The table can be use as a ...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Bookshelf, Rosewood Veneers, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Solid Wood and Cane, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This set of eight exquisitely crafted Cane chairs in Amendoim Wood, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in the 1960s, is a gorgeous example of his mastery of technical and const...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Rosewood and Cane, 1950s, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This set of eight chairs was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in the 1950s. These breathtaking chairs are made of solid rosewood, with slatted backs and cane seats.
As wit...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, 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 and dining table.
As with...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Glass
Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Salmon Linen by Joaquim Tenreiro 1958
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this Mid-Century Modern armchairs in hardwood & salmon linen by Joaquim Tenreiro are gorgeous!
These elegant low armchairs consist of a hardwood structure with re-upholstered loose cushions in orange linen. Besides the small marks of time, the piece is in excellent condition. Also, very comfortable.
The last images feature the same armchair featured on Tenreiro (by Soraia Cals) book. Also we're attaching images of the set throughout the upholstery process to showcases the piece from the inside
Owning a piece designed by Joaquim Tenreiro is not just about acquiring a beautiful piece of furniture; it's also about possessing a part of Brazilian design history and culture. These set is a testament to Tenreiro's futuristic vision about Modernism and it would make an excellent addition to any interior space that values and appreciates the significance of this design.
This model is called “L-shape” and is a great example of Tenreiro’s modernistic approach towards simplifying shapes, contrary to elaborate European standards, still in fashion during the fifties in Brazil. He achieves this by using rectangular shapes and no armrest...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Linen, Hardwood
Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Wood and Leather, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of armchairs made of solid walnut from Joaquin Tenreiro, 1960
Sculpted wood with a great quality of wood: density and deep grain.
Subtil and geo...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Brazilian Desk
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful Brazilian wooden desk by Brazilian master Joaquim Tenreiro, also known as the "Mestre de Madeira" (Master of Wood), because of his skill and artisanal approach to woodwork.
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Upholstery Lounge Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1956
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern upholstery lounge chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil 1956
Designed in 1956 in Brazil by the designer Joaquim Tenreiro, this lounge chair features splayed feet in...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of L-Shaped Armchair, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian Modern
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This pair of armchairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) around 1958 is an example of the reductiveness of forms explored by the artist and designer, achieved by using rectangular shapes and no armrests...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Fabric
Set of 6 Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1947, Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted chair made of Perobinha-do-campo Wood, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics. It...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, Jacaranda
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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, Jacaranda
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.
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather, Jacaranda
Brazilian Hardwood Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1947, Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted dining table, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in 1947, evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics. Its delicate shapes...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Cane, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Single Armchair Model “Redonda”, Brasil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Single armchair model “Redonda”
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes
Brasil, 1950
Jacaranda wood, upholstery
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelo...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Jacaranda
Pair of Joaquim Tenreiro Side Tables
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Joaquim Tenreiro side tables
A pair of Joaquim Tenriero side tables in ivory wood with glass top. There is a lower single shelf and a single drawer at the top. Exceptionally...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee Table, Brasil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Coffee table
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes
Brazil, 1950
Jacaranda wood, marble “beige snake”
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona
Meas...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Marble
Joaquim Tenreiro Three-Seat Sofa, Brazil, 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Three seats sofa
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brazil, 1954
Jacaranda, upholstery
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona
Measurements:
...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Side Table, Brazil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Side table
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes
Brazil, 1950
Jacaranda, glass
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona
Measurements
75 cm x 50...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Glass, Jacaranda
Pair of Concha Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of concha armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950. Manufactured by Tenreiro Mo´veis e Decorac¸o~es. Wood, fabric upholstery. Measures: 80 x 86...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Three-Seat Sofa, Brasil, 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Three seats sofa
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brasil, 1954
Jacaranda, upholstery
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona
Measurements:
...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Pair of Armchairs Model “Concha” Brasil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Pair of armchairs model “Concha”
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brasil, 1950
Pau marfim wood, upholstery
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barce...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Side Table, Brazil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992)
Side table
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes
Brazil, 1950
Caviuna, Formica
Measurements
78 cm diameter x 41 height cm
30.7 in diame...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Formica, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Pair of Armchairs, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of armchairs
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brasil, 1950
Upholstery, jacaranda legs
Measurements:
67 cm x 89 cm x 73 H cm
26.38 in x 35.04 in x 228.75 H in...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Jacaranda
Set of 4 chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Set of four (4) chairs with slatted seat in pau marfim (ivory wood). Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Wood
Daybed with Wood Frame by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Daybed with wood frame, painted metal legs, and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro for a private commission in Copacabana, Brazil, circa 1950. Reupholstered by Jouffr...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Metal
Credenza in Jacaranda with Four Doors and Four Drawers
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in jacaranda with four doors and four drawers. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s.
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Furniture
Materials
Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Joaquim Tenreiro furniture 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 Joaquim Tenreiro furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Joaquim Tenreiro were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, José Zanine Caldas, and Giuseppe Scapinelli. Prices for Joaquim Tenreiro furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,337 and can go as high as $121,466, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $30,000.
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Joaquim Tenreiro Sofas
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Joaquim Tenreiro Desks and Writing Tables
Joaquim Tenreiro Side Tables
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