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.
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century “Marcuso” square coffee in chrome plated metal completed by a thick square shaped glass. This stylish table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta in ...
Crystal, Chrome
Marco Zanuso, Coffee Table, Wood, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass coffee table, model Square, designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex, Italy, c. 1960s. Water marks to one edge of tabletop. Minor scratches on glass; wear c...
Glass, Wood
Coffee Center Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Chrome and Smoked Glass
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Midcentury table 'Marcuso' by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta steel chrome and large tempered thickness smoked cristal. Excellent condition. Measures cm: H 33, W 103, D 56 About This...
Crystal, Steel
Zanotta Large Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Large Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in ...
Glass
Postmodern Italian Marcuso Coffee Glass Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Hamburg, DE
Heavy glass coffee table from the Italian manufacturer Zanotta based on a design by Marco Zanuso from the late 1960s. A classic of Italian design. The design impresses with its simp...
Stainless Steel
Coffee table "Antonio" by Marco Zanuso Anni 80-90 Production Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
Center table with chrome-plated metal and aluminum base, there is natural beech solid wood and glass top. Good Condition
Aluminum
$1,429Sale Price|20% Off
Extending table by Marco Zanuso mod. Eton, Italy 1972
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Firenze, FI
Extendable table with lacquered wood frame and recessed glass top. Produced by the company Arflex , designed by Marco Zanuso mod. Eton. Bibliography Published in "Repertoire of Itali...
Crystal
$1,667Sale Price|20% Off
Marco Zanuso ‘Springtime’ Coffee Table for Arflex, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Oirlo, LI
Discover the timeless elegance of Italian design with this original coffee table designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, part of the iconic Springtime collection from the 1960s. This ex...
Walnut
Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Table, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marco Zanuso, by. Zanotta, edited by. Dining table. Round top in white marble, resting on a five-column base, the columns screwing to the top and ending in a decorative circle of...
Marble
Marcuso coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Correggio, IT
1970s coffee table model Marcuso by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. The legs are made of chrome-plated steel and bear the manufacturer's mark. The visually striking, 1.5 cm thick top is ma...
Stainless Steel
$1,639Sale Price|20% Off
Marcuso Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Glass Top, Italy
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in London, England
Designed by Marco Zanuso between 1969 and 1970, Marcuso tables are now design icons, republished by the famous Zanotta brand. Their refined aesthetics are characterized by simple sha...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s coffee table designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Coffee table with cylindrical chrome-plated metal legs and a smoked glass top, designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to a...
Metal
Marcuso Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1969
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Beograd, RS
Designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, the Marcuso coffee table is one of the most recognizable icons of Italian post-war design. Originally introd...
Steel, Chrome
Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manzano, IT
avolo by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s Coffee table "Zanuso," one of the BEST examples of industrial design, consists of two crystal shelves and 18/8 stainless steel legs. T...
Crystal, Steel
$1,429Sale Price|20% Off
Glass Dining Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Torino, IT
Glass Dining Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960 Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Italy Design Period – 1960 Production Period – 1960 Style – Midcentury /...
Glass
Zanotta Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Small Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in ...
Glass
Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Marcuso Round Coffee Table Smoked Glass Steel 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in bari, IT
In the late 1960s, Marco Zanuso conceived the Marcuso while observing automobile baffles, where a bracket was glued directly onto the glass: he imagined applying that technology to f...
Steel
Marco Zanuso Coffee Table - 1970s Design - Chrome and Smoked Glass
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manzano, IT
Gorgeous coffee table attributed to renowned designer Marco Zanuso, an iconic piece that perfectly embodies the rationalist and industrial elegance of Italian design. The table feat...
Chrome
Living room table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lugo, IT
Living room table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. The height to the glass. Custom shipping costs, please contact Good condition. Thanks
Steel
Midcentury coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Techniform, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Techniform. Stunning square coffee or bar table, wood structure, central top and storage compartment. Perfect vintage condition Italy 1960s
Wood
Tavolino Da Caffè Marco Zanuso Per Zanotta 1970-1980
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manzano, IT
Tavolino da caffè Marco Zanuso per Zanotta1970-1980 Tavolino con doppio piano in vetro temperato fumè. Gambe in ferro cromate. PERIODO DEL DESIGN 1970-1980 ANNO DI PRODUZIONE 1970...
Metal, Chrome
Zanotta Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top & Stainless Steel Legs by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top & Stainless Steel Legs by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in acrylic finish ce...
Cement
$1,667Sale Price|22% Off
Black Lacquer Wood, Steel, and Glass Dining Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Vintage steel table with glass top edged in black lacquered wood Italy 1970. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the woo...
Crystal, Steel
Marco Zanuso, Table mod. TL58, prod. Poggi, 1974
By Poggi, Marco Zanuso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Walnut wood table model TL 58 designed by Marco Zanuso for Poggi Italy in 1974. Bibl.: Giuliana Gramigna Repertorio del Design Italiano1950-2000 Allemandi 2011 pag. 224 Some marks ...
Wood
Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Toronto, ON
Imposing and superb, Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass evokes the structure of the classical column with the “capital” equal to the base. A side table that certainly does not go unnoticed for...
Metal, Chrome
$3,100 / item
H 16.54 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Mimosa End Table with Glass Top, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Mimosa end table in plastic laminate with glass top, designed in 1984, by Ettore Sottsass. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the...
Glass, Plastic
Mid-Century Coffee Table, Wood and Glass, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Coffee Table, Wood and Glass, Italy, 1960s
Glass, Wood
Italian Design Coffee Table, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
This is a beautiful and sophisticated piece of 20th-century furniture. 1970s Italian design is distinctive and evident in this rectangular coffee table. Made with minimalist cylindr...
Metal, Chrome
Ettore Sottsass "Cream" occasional table for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Skokie, IL
Cream end table in plastic laminate by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection. Applied aluminum manufacturer's label to side ‘Memphis Milano Ettore Sottsass 1984 Made in Italy.'
Plastic, Plywood
$2,810 / item
H 15.75 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Cream End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cream end table in plastic laminate by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection Additional information: End tabl...
Plastic
Vintage 1980s Postmodern Round Coffee Table Memphis Milano
By Shiro Kuramata, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Mario Botta, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage round coffee table featuring the iconic 1985 design by Ettore Sottsass, professionally restored while preserving the integrity and character of the original design. The tabl...
Wood
$2,760Sale Price|40% Off
H 12 in W 49 in D 24 in
Stainless Steel Frame Coffee Table with Ceramic Inset
Located in Stratford, CT
Coffee table with glazed ceramic top and framed in stainless steel.
Stainless Steel
$1,369
H 15.75 in W 51.19 in D 17.72 in
Italian mid century wood and glass Acca coffee table Takahama Gavina, 1960s
By Kazuhide Takahama, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid century modern wood and glass Acca coffee table by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina, 1960s. Acca model coffee table with a rectangular wooden...
Glass, Wood
$2,530 / item
H 15.75 in W 27.56 in D 13.78 in
Polar End Table in Plastic and Wood by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Coll
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Polar end table in plastic and wood by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano collection Additional information: End table in plastic laminate and lacquered wood. Collection: Memp...
Plastic
Memphis Side Coffee Table Servomuto Castiglioni Zanotta, Italy 80s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-century side coffee table "Servomuto" designed by A. Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1974. Signed. Artist customized with new finish.
Metal
$1,191Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.18 in W 31.89 in D 31.89 in
MARCUSO model Modernist Design Coffee Table, Italy 1970's
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Modernist Italian Design "MARCUSO" model Coffee Table in the manner of Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. Made in Italy, 1970's / 80's period. Thick glass top with chrome cylindrical ...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 28.35 in W 86.23 in D 29.93 in
TL58 Dining Table in Walnut by Marco zanuso for Poggi, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Poggi
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
A refined walnut dining table model TL58 by Italian designer Marco Zanuso, produced during the 1960s. The table is executed in richly grained walnut, showing a warm tone and a natur...
Walnut
Marco Zanuso for Poggi Dining Table in Walnut
By Marco Zanuso, Poggi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Poggi, 'TL58' dining table, walnut, Italy, 1974 This dining table is manufactured by Poggi in the 1974. It features crossed, double legs that give the table an ar...
Walnut
Sold
H 13 in W 39.38 in D 22.45 in
Italian Triangular Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso, Italy 70s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lucija, SI
Classic mid century italian coffee table from the 70s Designed by Marco Zanuso
Chrome
Tavolino Bar 'Square' di Marco Zanuso Produzione Arflex Anni '60
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
Tavolino da centro con vano bar chiuso tramite sportello e vani a giorno laterali. Arredo in ottime condizioni realizzato in legno con impiallacciatura in legno esotico, ha beneficia...
Wood
Sold
H 13.78 in W 27.56 in D 13.78 in
TV Holder / Low Center Table by Marco Zanuso for Bilumen, 1970s – Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Bilumen
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Designed in the 1970s by Marco Zanuso for Bilumen, this sculptural TV holder or low center table is a striking example of Italian modernist thinking applied to emerging domestic tech...
Plastic
Marco Zanuso “Marcuso” Coffee Table with Smoked Glass Top, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Dronten, NL
An elegant expression of Italian modernism, this “Marcuso” coffee table by Marco Zanuso is a masterclass in material harmony and minimalist design...
Stainless Steel
Tavolo Marcuso di Marco Zanuso per Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Ghedi, IT
Iconico tavolo Marcuso, disegnato da Marco Zanuso per Zanotta nel 1969, in ottime condizioni vintage. Piano in cristallo trasparente (spessore 15 mm) con angoli smussati, poggia su q...
Glass
Table 'Marcuso' Production Zanotta Anni '80s '90s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Milano, IT
Dining table with square-shaped crystal glass top with rounded corners, chrome-plated metal legs.
Crystal, Metal
Sold
H 28.15 in W 94.49 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Set by Marco Zanuzo for Poggi, Italy, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Dining Set by Marco Zanuzo for Poggi, Italy, 1970s Chairs : 39x43x90 cm Sh 44cm
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 57.09 in D 57.09 in
'Eta Beta' table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta 70s-80s with glass top
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Milano, IT
Dining table model 'Eta Beta' with glass top and four pairs of metal legs; furniture designed in 1978 by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. Good conditions.
Metal
Midcentury Italian table mod. TL 58 by Marco Zanuso for Poggi
By Marco Zanuso, Poggi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury table model TL 58 designed by Marco Zanuso for Poggi Italy, 1970 Bibl.: Giuliana Gramigna Repertorio del Design Italiano1950-2000 Allemandi 2011 pag. 224
Wood
'Marcuso 2532' Marco Zanuso for Zanotta 1970s round crystal table
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage dining table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta from the late 1960s. Round base and three steel legs, round crystal top. The maker's mark is present.
Crystal, Steel