Italian designer Marco Zanuso helped cement his country’s place as a world leader in furniture design that used new materials in revolutionary ways.
Zanuso was part of a generation of furniture designers who encouraged a sharp departure from the traditionalism and classicalism that reigned over the design industry before the war. These designers, who are associated with what we now call mid-century modernism, experimented with new technologies and materials to deliver on the world’s newfound need for streamlined products that represented the future.
After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1939 with a degree in architecture, Zanuso served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after the war, he opened his own design firm in Milan in 1945. He later became an editor at well-regarded design magazines Domus and Casabella.
Zanuso used this editorial platform to both promote new Italian designs as well as his own pieces, some of which he made using unconventional materials like foam and latex. For instance, his famous Lady armchair from 1951 is a composition of foam rubber and Nastro Cord, a recently invented textile band of rubberized fabric that eliminated the need for metal springs. It was one of several pieces he designed for Italian manufacturer Arflex, along with the 1949 Antropus chair and the 1951 Sleep-o-matic sofa.
Zanuso often collaborated with other like-minded creatives. From 1955 until 1957, he was Olivetti’s architect, designing factories across Brazil, and for nearly two decades, he collaborated with German designer Richard Sapper. The pair’s most famous product is the 4999 children’s chair, manufactured in the 1960s by Kartell in Italy. The stackable chair was the first to be manufactured entirely of injection-molded plastic.
Zanuso and Sapper also partnered on the 1962 Brionvega Doney 14, the first European-made portable transistor TV; its sleek, compact and curvy form deeply influenced the design of television sets that followed, which were far more sculptural in form than the rigid boxes that characterized early models.
From the 1970s onward, Zanuso taught architecture and industrial design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He still exercised his creative talents, planning the headquarters for computer companies and renovating Italian theaters.
Each of Zanuso’s elegant works were demonstrative of a forward-looking sensibility. His projects saw an integration of novel industrial materials that not only helped emphasize the beauty of good design but also played a role in rendering these well-made products accessible to everyday consumers.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Marco Zanuso furniture, including armchairs, sofas, table lamps and other items.
Algol 11 Television by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Brionvega, 1960s
By Richard Sapper, Brionvega, Marco Zanuso
Located in Torino, Piemonte
White television, Algol 11 model, designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Brionvega, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition; may show signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Hei...
Glass, Plastic
Mid-Century Lady Sofa in Powder Blue Velvet Mohair & Brass Legs by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
This elegant "Lady" sofa by renowned Italian designer Marco Zanuso is a timeless example of mid-century modernist design, known for its seamless blend of comfort, innovation, and scu...
Brass
$9,903 / set
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Later upholstery. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century “Marcuso” square coffee in chrome plated metal completed by a thick square shaped glass. This stylish table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta in ...
Crystal, Chrome
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Cream Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, cream leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta We have two sets av...
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Gray Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, black steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, gray leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta ottoman: 25.6"...
Steel
$3,230Sale Price|57% Off
Zanuso Senior Armchair Midcentury Italian Design Wool Fabric 1950s Brass Feet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Zanuso Senior armchair midcentury Italian design wool fabric 1950s brass feet.
Brass
Tile set series "Zanuso 31" design Marco Zanuso for Cedit, 1968
By Marco Zanuso, Cedit Ceramiche 1
Located in taranto, IT
set of 4 Tiles from the series "Zanuso 31" , consists of 4 elements decorated with orange decal on glossy white glaze forming a sun. In 1968, CEDIT introduced to the world of cerami...
Aluminum
Coffee Center Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Chrome and Smoked Glass
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Midcentury table 'Marcuso' by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta steel chrome and large tempered thickness smoked cristal. Excellent condition. Measures cm: H 33, W 103, D 56 About This...
Crystal, Steel
$7,947 / item
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Italy, new
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the color/material of the chair. Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An icon of 1950s Italian ...
Metal
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Lady' Armchair in Green Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, easy chair, fabric, metal, Italy, 1950s A quintessential representation of 1950s Italian Design, the 'Lady' armchair stands as a celebrated testament to con...
Metal
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Martingala' Easy Chair in Coral Red Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, easy chair, model 'Martingala', fabric, chromium metal, Italy, 1950s. This eccentric easy chair, designed by Italian designer Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, is...
Metal, Chrome
Marco Zanuso Model 275 'Zanuso' Table Lamp in White and Brown for Oluce
By Oluce, Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marco Zanuso Model 275 'Zanuso' table lamp in white and brown for Oluce. Executed in nut brown metal and white opal perspex diffuser, this is one of the most refined Minimalist Ita...
Metal
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, lounge chair, black leather, steel, Italy, 1964 This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is no...
Steel
Original SENIOR Armchair by Marco ZANUSO, Arflex Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
An early original 'Senior' lounge chair, upholstered in new green English velvet. Metal frame with brass leg fittings and wooden construction. Literature: Repertorio del Design Ital...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso, Coffee Table, Wood, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass coffee table, model Square, designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex, Italy, c. 1960s. Water marks to one edge of tabletop. Minor scratches on glass; wear c...
Glass, Wood
$3,956Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather Reclining Armchairs, 50s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of reclining armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s. The armchairs have their original eco-leather upholstery, as shown in the photos. The upholstery is worn. A new uph...
Metal
Pair of early Marco Zanuso design blue upholstery armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage 1950s armchairs Italian design. Light blue fabric upholstery tapered brown wood legs. Early Marco Zanuso " Lady Chair " Ideally for someone who wishes to re-uphols...
Metal
Zanotta Large Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Large Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in ...
Glass
Rare Original Leather Armchair & Ottoman by Marco Zanuso, Italy 1960's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A rare set in its original leather, the leather has been professionally preserved by MHG studio while the interiors have been replaced or reinforced where needed. The chair is on adj...
Brass
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, For Reupholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. The original upholatery is worn and the chairs require reupholstery. They are sold as are for custom...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Original Senior Lounge Chair for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Francisco, CA
Marco Zanuso original senior lounge chair for Arflex. Rare and iconic chair by Marco Zanuso just newly upholstered in velvet. Very comfortable and ready to install, retains manufactu...
Brass
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Moss Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, green grey coloured pure mohair fabric. Fast shipping worl...
Brass, Metal
“Triennale” 4 seater curved sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex 60s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
The Triennale seater (often referred to as the Triennale sofa or settee) is a landmark piece of mid-century Italian design created by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1951. It is named aft...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso for Arflex ‘Square’ Lounge Chair
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 'Square' lounge chair, fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1962 This eccentric chair by Marco Zanuso is well-executed embodying a solid construction. Characteristic...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair by Marco Zanu...
Fabric
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Yellow Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, yellow / gold coloured 100% mohair fabric. Fast shipping w...
Brass
$4,332
Marco Zanusso Lady Chair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Dublin, IE
This Marco Zanuso "Lady" chair, designed in 1951, epitomizes Italian mid-century modernism with its bold, yet graceful design. Its sleek, curved silhouette combines a sculptural stee...
Metal
Chair Model Poltrona Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Milan, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Delft, NL
Chair Model Poltrona Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Milan, 1950s Italian chair by Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) Original wool beige fabric ladies armchair...
Brass
Pair of Folding Chairs Celestina 70s, 80s by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
2 Celestina chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978, 1990s. Famous leather folding chairs with a high quality finish. Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 19...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Pair of Lady Armchairs Hermès Blue Velvet Italy 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Extraordinary pair of armchairs designed in the 1950s by Marco Zanuso, one of the most renowned names in modern Italian design. Zanuso created the "Lady" model, culminating in a hist...
Iron
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, leather and chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1964. This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is not ...
Steel, Chrome
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s Three-seater sofa mod. Square covered with cream-white linen fabric. The backrest has two round butto...
Metal
Coffee table "Antonio" by Marco Zanuso Anni 80-90 Production Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
Center table with chrome-plated metal and aluminum base, there is natural beech solid wood and glass top. Good Condition
Aluminum
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, 1962
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962 The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" sofa, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to modernist desig...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1962, Set of 2
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962, set of two. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" armchairs, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commit...
Velvet
$9,600 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs for Arflex.
Brass
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, 1962
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" armchair, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to modern...
Velvet
Original SENIOR Armchair by Marco ZANUSO, Arflex Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The 'Senior' lounge chair, upholstered in blue wool. Metal frame with metal leg fittings and wooden construction. Literature: Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000, p. 25, illust...
Metal
$1,649Sale Price|20% Off
Marco Zanuso ‘Springtime’ Coffee Table for Arflex, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Discover the timeless elegance of Italian design with this original coffee table designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, part of the iconic Springtime collection from the 1960s. This ex...
Walnut
Relax Sofa Set by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Poltronova
Located in Roma, IT
Relax sofa set is a set of tree realized by Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) for Poltronova in 1970s. Leather, wood, metal. Ashtrays on arms. Coach; height...
Metal
$4,617Sale Price|30% Off
rare marco zanuso lady sofa by arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Munich, DE
rare and elegant lady sofa by marco zanuso. only produced for a short period by arflex / italy.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Lady by Marco Zanuso Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
This iconic lounge chair Lady was designed by the masterful Marco Zanuso in the 1960s. Original upholstery and featuring a durable hardwood frame with steel legs and adjustable brass...
Fabric
1950's Italian Lady Armchair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Paris, FR
The Iconic 20th-century collectible vintage Lady chair was designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Italy in 1951. The very comfortable design features splayed expertly polished brass ...
Brass
Original LADY Armchair by Marco ZANUSO, Arflex Italy (burnt orange)
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
An original 'LADY' lounge chair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Milano. The chair has been upholstered in fine English burnt orange velvet material. Brass legs. Seat height 36 c...
Metal, Brass
Marco Zanuso, “Milord” Armchair in Black Skai, Arflex, 1957
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Kampen, NL
Designed by Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in 1957, the Milord armchair is a defining example of mid-century modern furniture design. Its elegant...
Brass
"Senior" armchair by Marco Zanuso 1960
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
"Senior" armchair by designer Marco Zanuso, original Arflex edition. Fully restored with fabric and high-end finishes. Italy circa 1960. Width : 76 cm – 29,92" Depth : 88.5 cm – 34...
Brass
Two-Seat Triennale Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The upholstery is covered in pink velvet fabric, which shows slight si...
Brass
Pair of Iconic Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs – Brass Feet, Green Velvet Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in IT
This iconic pair of Marco Zanuso "Lady" chairs from Italy epitomizes mid-century modern elegance and comfort. Newly upholstered in rich green velvet, these chairs offer a luxurious t...
Brass
Rare Important Original 4 Seater Lady Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arlfex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is a unicorn and may be one of only a few every produced. Hang on, because this is special! The Marco Zanuso “Lady” Sofa, designed in the early 1950s for Arflex, is one of...
Brass, Steel
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic so called 'Lady chair' designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex, Italy, 1951. This lady chair has chrome-plated legs and original upholstery in grey. The upholstery...
Chrome
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An icon of 1950s Italian design, the armchair-sofa lady stands out for its extrao...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Marcuso Coffee Glass Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Hamburg, DE
Heavy glass coffee table from the Italian manufacturer Zanotta based on a design by Marco Zanuso from the late 1960s. A classic of Italian design. The design impresses with its simp...
Stainless Steel
Pair of 1962 Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of 1962 Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex A stunning pair of lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in Italy, 1962—a b...
Leather, Bentwood
Rare Pair of Mid-Century Modern Triennale Lounge Chairs, Marco Zanuso Italy 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
A rare and important pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale charis by Marco Zanuso circa 1951. Zanuso designed these Triennale lounge chairs...
Brass
arflex armchair baronet model design marco zanuso 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in taranto, IT
very rare armchair model "baronet", Arflex production of 1964 on a design by marco zanuso, produced in very few copies made of rosewood with cushions in black leather (or eco-leathe...
Leather, Wood
$2,308Sale Price|30% Off
Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Reclining Armchair, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Reclining armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, the armchair has been restored and upholstered in navy blue velvet with a gray piping finish. The extended armchair...
Iron
Two "Senior" Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, New Upholstery, Italy, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two Senior armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex.
Fabric
Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper Brionvega TS52 Radio
By Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper
Located in Sharon, CT
Important Radio by Sapper and Zanuso in gorgeous red.
Plastic
$10,600 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lounge Chairs. Italy, 1950's.
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso, Italy, circa 1950's. Renowned for his pioneering approach to modern furniture design, Zanuso com...
Metal