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.
$12,800 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso “Senior” Lounge Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso “Senior” Lounge Chairs Newly upholstered in mustard bouclé Brass Legs, Italy, circa 1960 Available to view in-situ at our Miami gallery.
Brass
$14,465 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Chair Arflex Old Edition
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pair of old edition Marco Zanuso lady chair for Arflex 1950's. Brass legs. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, Ivory, 100% wool velvet fabric.
Brass
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 "
Metal
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Cream Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
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
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
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
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Gray Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
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
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, New Pure 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, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Fast ship...
Brass
Original SENIOR Armchair by Marco ZANUSO, Arflex Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
An early original 'Senior' lounge chair, upholstered in new burnt orange English velvet. Metal frame with brass leg fittings and wooden construction. Literature: Repertorio del Desi...
Velvet
$5,484Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Red Velvet Armchairs Marco Zanuso Model lady 1950 Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of Marco Zanuso armchairs lady model in Red Velvet, in original state, timeless Italian Iconic design.
Velvet
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
Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Brass
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Dark Brown with Black Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Dark Brown with Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or...
Steel
$6,467Sale Price / set|10% Off
Pair of Vintage Iconic Lady chairs by Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
A classic pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or Armchairs in the style of Marco Zanuso's 'Lady Chairs'. The chairs are set upon a set on boldly angled and tapered solid...
Metal
Pair Marco Zanuso 'Lady' chairs. Reclining. Italy c1950
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, GB
A pair of original Marco Zanuso reclining 'Lady' chairs. Italy c1950 Original upholstery. If you would like us to re upholster this can be arranged.
Brass
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 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
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Gray Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, gray leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta ottoman: 25.6" w 25...
Steel
Mid-Century Marco Zanuso Lady Divano Sofa with original ocher yellow upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Marco Zanuso "Lady" Sofa with original ocher yellow upholstery and patinated brass feet, Italy, 1950s. For sale is an exquisite "untouched" Lady lounge sofa, originally...
Brass
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Regent' Lounge Chair in Patterned Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, lounge chair model 'Regent', fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1960 Admirable ‘Regent’ lounge chair designed by Marco Zanuso in...
Metal
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
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
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
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 so...
Metal
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
Early Lady Chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Francisco, CA
This expertly restored early edition Lady armchair by Marco Zanuso features original patinated leg shrouds that beautifully complement the Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca bouclé upholster...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Set of 2 original Italian armchairs Model "Lady" by Marco Zanuso, Arflex 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Pair of “Lady” Armchairs, Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s This Italian pair of armchairs was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex. They are still covered i...
Steel
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
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
Marco Zanuso, Sofa, Velvet, Brass, Italy, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in High Point, NC
A curved velvet and brass sofa designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex, Italy, c. 1950s. Seat Height: 15.5" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon request for ...
Brass
Senior" Chair - Design by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1951.
By Marco Zanuso, Casina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Senior" Chair - Design by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1951. Feel free to ask for more images. Literature: Repertorio del Design Italiano, Vol 1, S. 25, illustriert.
Brass
'Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century 'Lady' Chairs by Marco Zanuso & Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century Modern "Lady" Chairs / Lounge Chairs / Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951 with original upholstery. The chairs are s...
Brass, Steel
$8,136 / 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
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
$3,797Sale Price|30% Off
Marco Zanuso Triennale Sofa for Arflex 1951 Red Velvet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Red velvet two two-seater sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex Triennale 1951.
Brass
1950s Marco Zanuso Reclining 'Lady' Lounge Chair in Leatherette, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use - rare model
Faux Leather
Superb Mohair 'Lady' Sitting Room Set Designed by Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Sumptuous and extremely rare 'lady' living room set designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex ,Italy in 1961. The set consists of a super rare and extremely elegant , three seat elliptical form, 'Lady' sofa ,the largest size produced complete with a matching pair of very early (artisan wood frame) production 'Lady Chairs '. Please note the coffee table is not included with this set. This set has been recovered in an extremely elegant high quality 'Musco' 00 mohair fabric by the famous Dutch textile manufacturer 'De Ploeg' . The fabric creates a warm luxurious organic glow as the mohair pile...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Reclining Armchairs, 50s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of reclining armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, the armchairs have been restored and upholstered in avio blue velvet with a gray mouse tail finish. The elongated ...
Iron
Marco Zanuso vintage "Regent" lounge chair for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Skokie, IL
Marco Zanuso vintage "Regent" lounge chair for Arflex, Italy, 1960s Exceptional lounge chair designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1960s for Arflex...
Steel
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, Pair of ''Lady'' Armchairs in Blue Cotton Velvet
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An exquisite pair of Lady lounge chairs, originally designed by the renowned Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy in 1951. These remarkable chairs have undergone meticulous reupholstering,...
Metal
Set of ten "Lamda" Chairs, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Gavina
By Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper, Gavina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of ten "Lamda"-chairs, which were designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper between 1959 and 1964 for Gavina. They are built of punched lacquered steel, which bears many traces...
Steel
$3,761Sale Price / set|20% Off
Marco Zanuso, set of 4 Celestina foldable chairs for Zanotta, 1978
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Uppsala, SE
Set of four foldable Celestina chairs designed by renowned designer Marco Zanuso for Zanotta in 1978. Frame of black lacquered metal with seat and back of black cowhide over a nylon ...
Metal
Marigold Marco Zanuso Sofa, Italy 1950's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Regent Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex shown here in its original marigold teddy upholstery. It could be cleaned with some inner refurbishment and used as is or reupholstered in COM....
Velvet
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
$4,725Sale 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
Large Marco Zanuso Armchairs with Walnut Feet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marco Zanuso armchairs with walnut wood feet - Italy, 1960s Extra large simple square shape newly reupholstered in ultra soft chenille Great cubist shape with iron legs and waln...
Fabric, Wood
Senior" Chair, Design by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This "Senior" armchair model was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s. The beautifully shaped armchair was marketed under the Arflex Italia label. It is upholstered in its original ...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Modern Leather Design
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair For Cassina A design armchair upholstered entirely in leather or fabric. Added depth lends shape to the comfortable, roomy seat flanked by sensuously ...
Foam
Set of 2 red "Lamda" chairs, Design. Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Gavina
By Richard Sapper, Marco Zanuso, Gavina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of two red chairs with the model name "Lamda" was made by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Gavina in the 1960s. The pieces are made of stamp...
Steel
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
Large Italian Gio Ponti Style Curved Bench with Brass Legs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Ico Parisi, Marco Zanuso, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Gio Ponti style curved bench with brass legs. Large Italian curved bench with splayed brass legs. This stunning Italian modern Gio Po...
Brass
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair of Collectible Vintage Italian Lady Armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso for the Casa e Arflex manufacturing company in the 1950s. This iconic design piece has been completely re...
Brass
Marco Zanuso, Beige Velvet, Wood, Metal, Lounge Chair, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manhasset, NY
Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Cream Velvet, Wood, Metal, 'Square' Lounge Chair, Italy, 1960s A beige velvet, wood, and metal 'Square' lounge chair designed by Ma...
Metal
$4,436
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
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Italian Lady Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso for the Casa e Arflex manufacturing company in the 1950s. This iconic design piece has been completely restored fr...
Brass
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
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Antropus was created at the end of the 1940s when Marco Zanuso was commissioned t...
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
Marco Zanuso 'Square' White Velvet Chairs with Teak Feet, Italy, circa 1962
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Argelato, BO
Splendid pair of armchairs designed by the Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso for Arflex. The chairs are in excellent condition, and have recently been reupholstered in whit...
Velvet, Wood