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.
Pair of Lady Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso, Italy 1960's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of “Lady” Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso Newly upholstered in soft cream boucle fabric bouclé Brass Legs, Italy, circa 1960 Available to view in-situ at our Miami gallery.
Brass
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
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
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
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
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, golden brown coloured 100% mohair fabric. Fast shipping wo...
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
$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
$7,829 / 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
$13,919 / 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
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
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
$3,183Sale 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
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
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
$4,268
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
1950s Early Lady Armchair by Marco Zanuso, Alpaca Upholstery, Italy
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
Pair of Folding Chairs Celestina 70s, 80s by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
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
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 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
$4,546Sale Price / set|30% Off
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 "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1962, Set of 2
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
'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
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 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
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
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
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
Marco Zanuso Armchair "Square" in Dark Brown Leather, around 1960
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
This Marco Zanuso armchair, model Square, crafted around 1960, embodies the designer’s mastery of modern comfort and restrained elegance. Upholstered in rich dark-brown leather, the ...
Leather
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
$3,340Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Sleep-O-Matic Sofa / Daybed by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Munich, DE
Made by arflex. Can be pulled out as bed.
Fabric
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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
"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
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, 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
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 Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Velvet
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
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair for Arflex in Dedar Milano Fabric, Italy, c.1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Dublin, IE
Details Senior Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex Dedar Milano Fandango 002 upholstery with professionally polished brass legs Italy, c.1960 Height 100 cm (39.4 in) Width 76 cm ...
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
$3,897Sale 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
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
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
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
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
Yellow mustard velvet Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair for Arflex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
"Senior" model armchair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1951, with new mustard-colored velvet upholstery. Considered an icon of post-war Italian design, the "Senior" represent...
Velvet
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
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
Pair of Armchairs Model "Woodline" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1964
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Curved lacquered plywood with leather-covered padding. Manufacturer's label. Very good condition. Rare and striking pair of lounge armchairs from the celebrated “Woodline” series ...
Leather, Wood
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
Large Italian Gio Ponti Style Curved Bench with Brass Legs
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani, Marco Zanuso, Ico Parisi
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, “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 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
$2,273Sale 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
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
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
Set of Two Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchairs by Cassina
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchairs 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 ...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
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 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
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