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.
$14,328 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Chair Arflex Old Edition
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
$8,059 / 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 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
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 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
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
$11,171 / 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
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
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
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 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
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
$3,276Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 Woodline Armchair for Cassina, Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina Marco Zanuso’s exploration of support structures upon which to anchor the seat dates back to the design for an armchair entered in a MoMA...
Wood
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
Lady chair in green velvet by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The armchair features a completely new green velvet fabric. It is important to remember that Zanuso was inspired by the automotive design method [source-less] for the creation of the...
Velvet
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
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 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
Midcentury pair of "Square" armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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
Set of 2 original Italian armchairs Model "Lady" by Marco Zanuso, Arflex 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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
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
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
"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 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
$15,522 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso “Lady” armchairs
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Beautiful pair of Italian armchairs Model Lady, fully restored fabric and high-end finishes. Design by Marco Zanuso - Original edition by Arflex. Italy circa 1960. Width : 79 cm - 3...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
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
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
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
$14,385 / item
Marco Zanuso Green Fabric Woodline Armchair by Cassina
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodline armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Green fabric and black stained wood. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. ...
Leather, Wood
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
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Arflex, Dedar, Greenapple, Marco Zanuso
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 by Arflex 1958 Vintage Lady Armchair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Biella, IT
Marco Zanuso lady arm chair years ’58 Arflex production general conditions and structure very good except in the two armrest problem c...
Metal
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 '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
1970 Maggiolina Marco Zanuso Zanotta Design Black Leather First Edition Armchair
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brescia, IT
"Maggiolina" Armchair Designer Marco Zanuso By Zanotta Italy, 1972 Black Leather and Chrome Tubolar Frame Chaise longue designed in 1947 by Marco Zanuso, the great Milanese designer...
Metal
Pair of 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
Set of Two Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
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 to ...
Fabric
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
$15,092 / item
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina Marco Zanuso’s exploration of support structures upon which to anchor the seat dates back to the design for an armchair entered in a MoMA...
Wood
$5,292 / set
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of Italian Mid-Century armchairs by Marco Zanuso. Marco Zanuso was an Italian architect and designer. Born in Milan in 1916, Zanuso graduated from Politecnico di Milano in 1939 ...
Brass
Italian Mid Century Armchairs in the Style of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
As one of the first Italian designers to go beyond aesthetic issues to incorporate technological, industrial, and communication variables into his art, Marco Zanuso introduced the co...
Silk
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Greenapple, Arflex, Marco Zanuso
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 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