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.
Mid-Century Modernist Lady Arm Chairs in Powder Blue Mohair by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the iconic Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso, these "Lady" armchairs epitomize the groundbreaking elegance and innovation of mid-century modern design. Original...
Brass
$14,353 / 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
$5,442Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
$8,073 / 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
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
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
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Dark Brown with Black Steel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
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
$11,183 / item
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair for Cassina, Italy, new
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The seat is available in leather ...
Leather, Wood, Fabric, Ash, Walnut
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
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 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
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 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
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, Italy, Pair of ''Lady'' Armchairs in Blue Cotton Velvet
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
$5,442Sale Price|30% 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
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
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
Midcentury pair of "Square" armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1960
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of "Square" armchairs or lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, in 1962. Original leather upholstery. Very good vintage condition.
Leather, Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Marco Zanuso, Sofa, Velvet, Brass, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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 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
Pair of Armchairs Model "Woodline" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1964
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
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
Marco Zanuso Sofa for Arflex Mod. Milord
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
This splendid Milord sofa, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 1950s, is a masterpiece of mid-century Italian design, perfectly balanced between elegance, innovation, and fun...
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
Senior" Chair - Design by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1951.
By Casina, Marco Zanuso
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
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
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
$4,401
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
Woodline armchair, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Woodline armchair, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1964, Italy. Dark brown stained ash wood frame and light brown suede leather. It shows some small marks due to time and wear. Marco Zanuso ex...
Suede, 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
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
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
Set of ten "Lamda" Chairs, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Gavina
By Richard Sapper, Gavina, Marco Zanuso
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
$3,767Sale 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
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
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
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
$8,133Sale Price / item|20% Off
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 Sofa for Arflex Mid Century Italian Modern Teal Upholstery Clean!
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Marco Zanuso Sofa Pull Out Daybed for Arflex Mid Century Italian Modern Teal Upholstery Clean! seat height: 16
Upholstery
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