Milan-born architect and designer Mario Bellini just may be the closest thing to a modern-day Renaissance man: His creative output spans genres, from electronics to furniture to architecture to cars, comprising iconic designs in each. Vintage Mario Bellini sofas, dining chairs and other seating pieces are widely coveted, and the designer has been the recipient of multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro awards. More than 20 of his works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Born in 1935, Bellini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan before founding his own firm in his native city in the early 1960s. He soon branched out beyond architecture, however, first for the tech manufacturer Olivetti, where he served as chief industrial design consultant from 1963 to 1991. During that time, Bellini oversaw the design of some of Olivetti’s most popular typewriters.
His penchant for electronic design didn’t stop there: Bellini also designed cameras for Fuji, televisions for Brionvega and a slew of audio devices for Yamaha, then served as design consultant for Renault and devised the interior of the 1980 Lancia Trevi for Fiat. Meanwhile, his architecture work spans continents, including such modern gems as the Museum of Islamic Arts at the Louvre, the National Gallery of Victoria extension in Melbourne, the Dubai Creek Complex and the Milan Convention Centre in his hometown.
And then there’s the furniture: Over the last 70 years, Bellini has designed office furniture for Vitra; lamps for Artemide, Erco and FLOS; porcelain for Rosenthal and long-admired sofas and other seating for Kartell, Natuzzi, B&B Italia, Cassina and more.
His oft-imitated 1977 Cab chair for Cassina, comprising 16 individual pieces of saddle leather that create a “skin” over a minimal metal frame, remains one of the manufacturer’s best sellers today. His pudgy-legged, round tables for Cassina foreshadow Faye Toogood’s widely loved Roly Poly line. His postmodern Summa armchairs for Kartell, as well as his elegant Chiara floor lamp, still lure collectors on vintage furniture websites.
Bellini’s most famous contribution to furniture design, though, may be his 1970 Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia (then C&B Italia). An entrant to the 1972 MoMA show “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape,” the seat takes its name from the Italian words for chameleon and wave. Its bulbous, modular form makes it infinitely flexible. The sofa was a runaway hit at the show and, once discontinued, remained so popular among vintage dealers that B&B Italia reissued it in 2020 with all recycled materials and interchangeable seat covers. “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom,” Bellini said.
Browse an expansive collection of vintage Mario Bellini furniture — including dining tables, armchairs, mid-century sofas and more — today on 1stDibs.
Pair Mario Bellini Black Leather Cab Chairs, Model 414 for Cassina Italy, 1980
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Mario Bellini Black Leather Cab Chairs, Model 414 for Cassina Italy, 1980's. Chairs are built with tubular steel frames and a thick sa...
Leather
Mario Bellini Table Lamp Parchment Porcelain Metal, 1970, Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Mario Bellini table lamp parchment metal, 1970, Italy.
Metal
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Sand Beige Leather, 1970
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970 “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs, evolvi...
Leather
Mid-Century "Amanta" 24 Leather Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An iconic expression of Italian modern design, this original mid-century Amanta 24 modular seating system was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in the early 1970s. Widely rega...
Leather, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced circa 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete...
Chrome
Le Bambole Chaise by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Greensboro, NC
Le Bambole Chaise by Mario Bellini. Iconic design by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Retains original tag as shown. This design was awarded the ‘Compasso d’Oro’ award in 1979. An exam...
Fabric, Foam
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Leather, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, blue leather, designed 1977, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Vintage Iconic ‘Camaleonda’ Seating Set by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic six-piece seating set designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia (B&B Italia), comprising of three first-edition Camaleonda modules and three ‘Gli Scacchi’ side tabl...
Metal
Mario Bellini Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, Leather & Steel, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded...
Steel
$13,055Sale Price / set|25% Off
Bamboleuse leather lounge chair and pouf by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Bamboleuse and Bambouff designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Le Bambole is an iconic piece of Italian design....
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, set of eight The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
"Le Bambole" by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia Leather Sofa, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Set of two also sold separately. Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early ed...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 16
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of sixteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
Le Bambole Two Seat Sofa (LBA2) by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Rare and iconic Bambole sofa, designed in 1973, featuring bold, sculptural lines and unmistakable Italian flair. Upholstered in its original cotton twill fabric, this piece captures ...
Canvas
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Leather
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Italian design modular sofa in velvet
By Mario Bellini
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Italian Design Icon: "Amanta" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini Elevate your living space with one of the most emblematic pieces of 20th-century furniture design. Originally designed in ...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Italian Design Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413, Green leather, 2000s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
Rare dark green coloured leather Cab 413 arm chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina: The Cab chair is built up as a tubular frame over which a very thick saddle leather is fitted; the l...
Metal
Vintage Bambole sofa in dark brown by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This "Le Bambole " sofa, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, is a true icon of Italian design history. In 1979, Bellini was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro f...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa with Ottoman for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The searc...
Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Leather
Mario Bellini 'Bambole' Lounge Chairs for B&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Bambole Lounge Chairs were created in 1972 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The design is undeniable one of Bellini's most iconic creations, and won the Compasso d'Oro award ...
Fabric
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Italy. Original upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Upholstery
Tentazione Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Italy. Original upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Upholstery
$12,000 / set
Set of 6 Mario Bellini 413 Cab Chairs for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mario Bellini 413 Cab Armchairs in a very dark gray. This set is about 25 years old and have been beautifully maintained by their original owners! 2 years ago the covers were remov...
Leather
Cassina Model Tentazione Mario Bellini Small Armchair Chair Oxred Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These 2 chairs are designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. The Model Tentazione is the small version of the armchair. It can be used in the Living room and also as a dining ch...
Steel
Bamboletto by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Grey Frosted Leather 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The "Le Bambole-Bamboletto" daybed a rare edition design by the Italian architect and designer, Mario Bellini. This iconic piece was manufactured by B&B Italia in 1970s. The Bambole series is considered a seminal work of Bellini's, and represents the culmination of his research into stuffed furniture. The daybed features a minimalist design, reduced to an archetypical idea of a cushion. The precise geometry of the stitches and covers define the piece, which was originally stuffed with a material that was the forerunner of memory foam. The metal frame was later removed, improving comfort and allowing the stuffing to support the daybed on its own. C&B Italia was founded in 1973 renamed B&B 1976 and quickly became one of the leading international design companies. Under the leadership of Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, the company cultivated a reputation for supporting up-and-coming talents, such as Mario Bellini and Gaetano Pesce, who went on to become some of the most renowned designers of the 20th century. The Le Bambole daybed...
Leather
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Velvet, Foam
Area 50 Hanging Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Paper and plastic hanging lamp by Mario Bellini model: Area 50. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Plastic, Parchment Paper
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, china red leather, Italy, 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Le Bambole Sofa And Lounge Chair By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa and lounge chair in original cognac leather upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This stunning pair brings calm comfort t...
Jute, Linen
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, blue leather, designed 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Stunning Excelsior sofa in black leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy, 1985.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Stunning & rare Excelsior sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy, 1985. Full black leather! Still 100% original. No damage. The leather has some normal wear for its age. Measurement...
Leather
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are availab...
Leather, Foam
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Circo table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
White metal and fabric lamp with ceramic base. Circo model designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide. Wear due to the age of the lamp. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Five seats in original blue velvet
By Mario Bellini
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Amanta 5 seater modular sofa by Mario Bellini. Original blue velvet fabric, well preserved. If you are looking for a great modular sofa this is a real gem; elegant and a mo...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 3
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina in dark brown tobacco leather, Italy, 1977, set of three. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, inform...
Leather
$2,087Sale Price|20% Off
Mario Bellini "Tentazione" Leather Sofa or Loveseat for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
This lounge two-seat sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina manufacture in 1970s period, Italy. Model No: 685, Creme color leather original upholstery, steel frame ...
Steel
Chiara Floor Lamp by Mario Bellini, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
Height: 145cm Designer: Mario Bellini Manufacturer: Flos Date: 1960s Materials: Lacquered metal Description: This flatpackable design was made by Flos in 1969 and immediately became a design classic. Based loosely on a nun’s Habit...
Metal
Mario Bellini Red Cotton Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in red cotton upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfo...
Velvet, Foam, Cotton
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1978, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
6 Model 412 "Cab" Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Set of 6 Model 412 "Cab" Dining Chairs in Cognac Saddle Leather by Mario Bellini An extraordinary and highly sought-after set of 6 iconic Model 412 "Cab" dining chairs, designed by...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Stardust Illuminated Pouf for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning woven palstic pouf by Mario Bellini with built in LED lights. Made for Meritalia in 2000s. Original label still attached. Mesh pouf is filled with hundreds of air filled shi...
Plastic
Il Colonnato travertine marble round dining table by Mario Bellini, column legs
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in London, England
Inspired by the Colonnades of ancient Rome, the rare and collectible Il Colonnato dining table was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, circa 1977. The round travertine marble to...
Travertine
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Italian Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 412, Set of four, 1990s - Natural Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Mario Bellini designed the Cab chair for Cassina in the late 1970s. A tubular steel frame is fully enveloped in thick saddle leather, zippered onto the structure, an innovative conce...
Metal
Mario Bellini Modular Sofa, Cameolonda, by B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Camaleonda sofa is one of the most iconic creations by Mario Bellini, designed in 1970 for the company B&B Italia. This sofa exemplifies how design can be functional, modular, an...
Fabric, Wood
Vol au Vent Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italian Italy, 2000s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Vol au Vent chair is a clean, sculptural dining chair designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Fully upholstered in supple leather, including th...
Leather
Area 160 Floor Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1960s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in bruxelles, BE
Floor lamp with paper shade and metal base. The shade is adjustable. Stamped under the floor lamp. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Mario Bellini Tentazione Armchair in Maharam Leather, Set of Four
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973, the Model Piccola Tentazione is the petite yet captivating version of this iconic armchair. Translating to "Little Temptation" in Itali...
Leather
Le Bambole Chaise Longue by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Le Bambole Chaise Longue by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972
Fabric
Mario Bellini Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg features a black ...
Steel
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Roma, IT
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973. Manufacturer label under the base. Plastic and padded leather. Very rare set manufactured by C&B, then replaced ...
Metal
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Tentazione sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. Sofa has been reupholstered in a navy crushed velvet. Retains original Cassina label underneath.
Velvet