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.
Marco Zanuso 'Regent' Armchair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare 'Regent' armchair was designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in Italy in the 1960s. Characteristic for this iconic model are the generous, outward placed armrests ...
Metal
$3,184Sale 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
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
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
$9,721 / 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
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Lady' Armchair in Green Upholstery
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
$7,833 / 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 ‘Square’ Lounge Chair
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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
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 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
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
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
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
$2,682Sale Price|20% 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
Marco Zanuso Single Martingala Armchair, Italy 1950's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A Martingale armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. It takes its name from the pleated feature on its back.
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
Set of 2 Two - Seater Sofas "Triennale", Design: Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of 2 This "IX Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The pair of sofas has an metal frame and seat cushions on Pirelli str...
Iron
Marco Zanuso “Woodline” Model 722 Lounge Chair for Cassina - Italy - 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Marco Zanuso “Woodline” Model 722 Lounge Chair for Cassina, Italy, 1964 An iconic example of Italian modernist design, the Woodline Model 722 lounge chair was designed by Marco Zanu...
Leather, Bentwood
$4,270
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
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
Pair of Woodline Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Woodline Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s An iconic pair of Woodline lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy. Originally conceived in ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
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 "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
$11,140Sale Price / set|20% Off
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 Ottoman, Brass tubular, fabric. Arflex, 1950, Italy.
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Footstool, Ottoman matching to Lady and Senior Chairs by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy, 1951 Feel free to ask for more images or a quote for shipping.
Brass
Marco Zanuso "Square" Living Room Set for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Living Room Set for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" sofa, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to mod...
Velvet
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
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
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
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
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 natura...
Steel
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
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
First Edition “Lady Chairs” by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Kampen, NL
This elegant armchair features refined brass-plated legs and has been newly reupholstered in a soft white cream fabric by De Ploeg (Ploegwool 02), enhancing both its comfort and time...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Marco Zanuso 'Lady' Sofa by Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Raleigh, NC
Newly upholstered in sturdy mohair velvet this 1950s classic is ready for another 70 years. With beautiful curved form and brass feet this classic from Marco Zanuso is instantly re...
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
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 1962 Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
Lady model sofa, Marco Zanuso for Arflex Italia 50's velvet Pierre Frey
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Catania, IT
Beautiful and authentic sofa model Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1950s. It has recently been upholstered with a fine velvet "OPERA" burnt orange/earth color produced by Mai...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Marco Zanuso Brown Leather & Brass Slipper Chairs by Arflex Italy 1955
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex slipper chairs. Measurements: 21" D seat , 20" W seat, 15" H seat front, 13" H seat back, 24" H back seat, 33"H overall.
Brass, Metal
Relax Sofa Set by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1970s
By Poltronova, Marco Zanuso
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
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
Senior" Chair, Design by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
Large Italian Gio Ponti Style Curved Bench with Brass Legs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Ico Parisi, Marco Zanuso
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
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
"Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milan, IT
"Sleep-o-Matic" sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Evergreen shape and comfortable masterpiece of Italian 1950s design.
Metal
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Tocco Upholstery with Nickel Satin Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Tocco Upholstery with Nickel Satin Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular...
Nickel
Marco Zanuso Leather Woodline Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodline armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Leather and stained walnut wood. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A...
Leather, Wood
$4,549Sale 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
$20,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$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
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 for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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
"Senior" armchair by Marco Zanuso 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
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
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Top Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Top Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or bl...
Steel
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
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Modern Fabric Upholstery
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