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.
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in San Francisco, CA
Highly desirable Brazilian mid 20th century rosewood four-seat sofa with upholstered cushions Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1960s Reupholstered some years ago ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$93,600 / item
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...
Cotton, Upholstery, Rosewood
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
Joaquim Tenreiro, Vintage 'Curva' Sofa, 1950s, Brazil, Velvet
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Curva Sofa Velvet, Wood / Brazil, 1950s Matching Pair of Armchairs Available The Curva model, designed in the 1950s and produced in different variations through ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
1960s Rectangular Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro in Antique Rose Velvet
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This rare four-seat Rectangular sofa was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and produced in Brazil during the 1950s, a decisive decade in the formation of Brazilian modern furniture. Tenre...
Velvet, Hardwood
Curved Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Midcentury, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) designed and produced the Curved Sofa in circa 1960, commercializing it in his company Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações – with stores in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. A wooden frame comprises a shell-shaped piece with soft nubuck leather upholstered padding and cushions. Tenreiro's design choice for the feet contrasts with the curved upholstery, bringing four rectangular legs made of solid Brazilian...
Leather, Rosewood
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
1960's Brazilian Modern Sofa “Concha” in Hardwood & Fabric, by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available right now, this beautiful Brazilian modern sofa, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the sixties, is absolutely stunning. The model is called “Concha,” which translates to “she...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Grey Velvet by Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available right now, this Brazilian modern sofa designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the sixties is gorgeous! The model is called “Concha” (Shell in portuguese) and the sofa features a hardwood structure, upholstered seats in gray velvet, and four toothpick legs. In addition, the back consists of five rounded curves that end in the arm rests. What makes this sofa so special is the sleek design which is iconic from Joaquim Tenreiro. The sofa fits 3 comfortably and is in excellent condition. The last three images showcase the piece in its original state. The sofa is so awesome that it looks fantastic in any furniture set we match it with. The first set photo showcases the sofa with the matching “Concha” armchairs (sold separately) and a Jean Gillon Rodeio...
Velvet, Hardwood
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: ...
Fabric, Jacaranda
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
Four-Seat Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This rare four-seat sofa exemplifies Joaquim Tenreiro’s radical redefinition of modern seating in postwar Brazil, where structure, lightness, and human scale were treated as insepara...
Velvet, Hardwood
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
Rarissime canapé trois places par Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rarissime canapé trois places par Joaquim Tenreiro en imbuia et cuir fauve.
Leather, 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: ...
Fabric, Jacaranda
Price Upon Request
Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Rare sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro. Preserves traces of manufacture's label on the back.
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Two-Seat Sofa with Rosewood Frame Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Two-seat sofa with rosewood frame and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, circa 1960s.
Rosewood
Midcentury Italian Large Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian 20th century vintage curved four-seat sofa composed of six splayed polished legs, large wing shaped arms and a statement high back in the style of Ico Parisi. Rare...
Fabric
1950s Italian Curved Sofa
Located in London, London
Italian Curved Sofa, 1950s A refined expression of mid-century Italian design, this sculptural two-seat sofa dates to the 1950s and offers a striking silhouette—low, elegant, and ge...
Fabric
Curved Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Midcentury, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) designed and produced the Curved Sofa in circa 1960, commercializing it in his company Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações – with stores in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. A wooden frame comprises a shell-shaped piece with soft nubuck leather upholstered padding and cushions. Tenreiro's design choice for the feet contrasts with the curved upholstery, bringing four rectangular legs made of solid Brazilian...
Leather, Rosewood
$7,601
H 27.6 in W 31.5 in D 29.1 in
“Concha” Armchair in Ultrasuede, Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, this “Concha” armchair dates to the 1950s and exemplifies the organic refinement that defined Tenreiro’s contribution to Brazilian Modernism. The name...
Fabric, Ultrasuede
Mid Century Modern 1960s Sofa by Viko Baumritter
By Viko Baumritter
Located in New York, NY
This floating 1960s sofa was manufactured by Viko Baumritter , an American furniture Company that later became Ethan Allen. The sofa has a metal frame and metal splay legs with a fau...
Metal
$7,500
H 31 in W 21 in D 19 in
Brazilian Modern "Curva" Chair in Rosewood & Caning, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern "Curva" Chair designed Joaquim Tenreiro is gorgeous! The beautiful “Curva” chair is made in rosewood and caning and was designed by Joaquim Te...
Hardwood, Cane
$4,788Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 26.78 in W 21.26 in D 11.82 in
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
Brazilian Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic green velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Likely reupholstered in fairly recent history, fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Velvet, Wood
$17,539 / set
H 31.5 in W 20.87 in D 19.69 in
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
$3,750 / item
H 41.3 in W 20.5 in D 19.7 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro during the height of Brazilian Modernism, this rare set of ten dining chairs exemplifies Tenreiro’s refined synthesis of structure, comfort, and material...
Leather, Hardwood
$143,000 / set
H 25.39 in W 32.08 in D 31.49 in
Mid-Century Modern Curved Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1948
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1948, this pair of Curved Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the essence of Brazilian mid-century modern design. The soft, organic lines defining the sculptural form ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$18,000 / set
H 29.1 in W 22.8 in D 19 in
Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Rosewood and Cane, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1950s, this pair of armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro represents one of the most foundational and influential contributions to Brazilian Modern furniture. Often regarded ...
Hardwood, Cane
Manta Solta Sofa, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Radical in concept and precise in execution, the Manta Solta set embodies Joaquim Tenreiro’s disruptive vision for modern furniture design in mid-20th-century Brazil. Crafted in 1955...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 29 in W 90.6 in D 29 in
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Light Blue Fabric, Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This “Curva” (curve in Portuguese) sofa was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1950s for his own company Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçãos. It fits four people comfortably. The shell-sha...
Fabric, Hardwood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 70.87 in D 29.14 in
Two Seater Sofa, wooden frame and upholsterd cushions, by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Whitstable, GB
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1960s, this sculptural piece is a great example of Tenreiro’s genius. The design of this sofa is testimony to Tenreiro's passion for his craft: the features of this piece show his deep knowledge of wood as the sections are worked to perfection and the limits of the material. The furniture feels light visually, however it is very sturdy. Tenreiro uses wood cleverly never losing sight of the furniture primary function as an utilitarian element. Our sofa is in excellent vintage condition. It has been refinished, the furniture is solid and the wood grain, surfaces and colour look beautiful. We made new upholstered cushions for the seat and back rest. Joaquim Tenreiro was born in Portugal in 1906 into a family of woodworkers and carpenters. In the late 1920s, he emigrated to Rio de Janeiro and began working for the firm of Laubisch Hirth...
Fabric, Hardwood
Sofa Curva by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
Sofa model "Curva", 4 seats Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1950 Vintage wooden structure (as the armrests) with a shell shape line. Iconic model from Joaquim T...
Mohair, Wood
Sofa Curva by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
Sofa model "Curva", 4 seats Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1950 Vintage wooden structure (also the armrests) with a shell shape line. Iconic model from Joa...
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 51.19 in D 27.56 in
Two-Seat Sofa, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The simple lines and the overall lightness of the sofa are both signatures of Joaquim Tenreiro's work. This is a piece that also reflects the craft and wisdom in the use of tropical ...
Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 26.78 in
Brazilian Modern Cane Three Seat Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Early 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Cane and Peroba Branca Hardwood Three Seat Sofa designed and produced by Joaquim Tenreiro, early 1960s. This three seat sofa is amongst the most minimal...
Cane, Hardwood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 157.49 in
Large Sofa with Side Tables, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Extremely rare sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro. With 4 meters width, this elegant bench, made in solid cedar comfortably accommodates 4 people and has a side space that may be used as a sid...
Cedar
Sold
H 31.5 in W 74.81 in D 27.56 in
Joaquim Tenreiro Free-Form Sofa in Pau Marfim Wood, Brazil, Late 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This beautiful free-form sofa has the structure built in Pau Marfim wood, with sturdy faceted splayed legs. The floating back design is sustained by two poles that are made from the ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
Brazilian Midcentury, Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, circa 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian midcentury sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, circa 1954. Material: linen and jacaranda.
Linen, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Four-Seat Linen Sofa on Jacaranda Legs
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Astoria, NY
A lengthy four-seat sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, produced circa 1950s, upholstered in off-white linen, with curved arms, raised on tapered legs in Brazilian jacaranda. Very good vintage...
Linen, Wood, Jacaranda, Rosewood
Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Sofa with horizontal back slats in jacaranda and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s.