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.
Mario Bellini for Cassina Pianura Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chairs with armrests, walnut, leather, Italy, 1971 The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a ...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintag...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Colonnato" marble table by Cassina, Italy, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful and well preserved Colonnato table in Persian red travertine marble, design by Mario Bellini, produced by Cassina, 1977. In this table, the noble Persian red travertine ...
Marble
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413 Set of EIGHT Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Ventura, CA
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between the skeleton and the skin; an authentic example of production excellence that ...
Leather
Early Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, Original Leather, C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare first edition Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, in its original wonderfully patinated leather, produced by C&B Italia, Italy, in the early 1970s. Fast shipping worldw...
Leather
Mario Bellini Area 50 White Floor Lamps (3) by Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Vienna, AT
Floor light Area 50 by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1976 Set of three, sold individually. Set of three floor lamps by Mario Bellini. Poetically conceived and practically execut...
Iron
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1978 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwee...
Leather
Mario Bellini 413 "CAB" Leather Chair for Cassina, Italy 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini 413 "CAB" black leather chair for Cassina, 1977. Italy A true icon of Made in Italy, Cab is the first chair in the world characterized by a self-supporting leather str...
Metal
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwid...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Sofa in cognac leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge sofa in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edition using...
Velvet, Plastic
Area table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy 1974.
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Athens, Attiki
Area table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy 1974. Very good condition
Ceramic, Paper
$6,500 / set
412 Cab Chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of off white/bone 412 Cab Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Excellent condition with almost no wear to edges super clean. Produced early-mid 2000's by Cassina...
Steel
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage ed...
Velvet, Plastic
Le Bambole Mario Bellini sofa for B&B, 1970, brown leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Le Bambole sofa, set consisting of sofa and armchairs model “Le Bambole”, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970. The project represents one of the icons of Italian design ...
Leather
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton f...
Fabric
Area Curvea Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
White metal and paper table lamp by Mario Bellini. The adjustable shade allows the light to be directed in different directions. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FO...
Metal
$46,569Sale Price / set|28% Off
'Camaleonda' in Original Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976, Signed
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are someone who seeks the absolute best of the best - this is for you. This is an all original modular Camaleonda sectional by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia made within the...
Leather
Cab 412 leather dining chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Cab' dining chair, model '412', leather, Italy, designed in 1976. Upholstered in original red brown leather.
Leather
Mario Bellini Area 50 Pendant Lamp Artemide 1974
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Munich, DE
A set of two Area 50 pendant lamps designed by Marco Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1976. The Area 50 pendant lamp by Mario Bellini is an elegantly designed pendant lamp made from a si...
Ceramic, Resin, Paper
Bed of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Bed of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1970, reupholster in cotton velvet and linen. Carefully restored in antique pink velvet and linen to ensure b...
Cotton, Linen, Velvet
$1,200Sale Price / item|52% Off
Mario Bellini Post-Modern Executive Desk Chair for Vitra, Signed and Dated 1992
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A spectacular set of Mario Bellini signed desk chairs for the Vitra, dated 1992 production. This Post Modern set of task chairs feature soft and supple black leather in excellent condition, five star height adjustable bases on casters, and are extremely comfortable. *Note, 6 are available at the time of this listing, priced individually. We also have a 7th highback chair available as well in another listing. The black on black color combination of this set makes it perfect for Post-Modern interiors which are on-trend with upcoming design projects led by many of the worlds top interior designers. These design masterpieces are rare and hard to find, especially here in the United States, so interior designers: get this before your competition does! These Mario Bellini for Vitra leather...
Leather, Plastic
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia , Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
Mario Bellini Modular Sofa by C&B 1970
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
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chair with Ottoman White Boucle
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' lounge chair with ottoman, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970 The iconic Camaleonda design is conceived by Italian master Mar...
Metal
Italian modern brown fabric bed Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown fabric bed Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Bamboletto double bed or daybed, from the Le Bambole series, fully upholstered and covered in brown fabric....
Fabric
Le Bambole sofa 2 seats designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 2 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia. Polyurethane padding, grained cowhide. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, Le ...
Animal Skin
Mario Bellini, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag cont...
Velvet, Foam
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "AMANTA" Modular Sofa / Lounge Chair set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia / C&B Italia. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked with original lab...
Leather, Plastic
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura XL Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
LM4 - composition L 360 P 285 cm W 141,73” D 112,20” +6 pillows Three years after the reissue of Mario Bellini’s original project, Tacchini enhances the natural comfort of the Le Mu...
Textile
$12,236Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa C&B Italia 1970s set of 3 Green Kiwi Velvet
By Mario Bellini
Located in Vigevano, PV
Mario Bellini 'Camaleonda' Sofa, C&B Italia, 1970s, set of 3. Iconic and very elegant modular sofa. This set of 3 pieces of this sofa have been completely redone. We have chosen thi...
Metal
$12,500 / item
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofa, B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, B&B Italia An icon newly restored. Features Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki). 66" long, 36" deep, 29" high, 1...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini lounge chair B&B Italia 1973 brown
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exceptional ‘Bambole’ lounge chair, designed by the legendary Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia in 1973, stands as an icon of 1970s design. Instantly recognizable for its...
Leather
"Le Bambole" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in bruxelles, BE
5-piece modular sofa in zebu leather by Mario Bellini, Le Bambole model. Stamped under the seats. Seat height: 46 cm. Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE T...
Leather
Model Area 50 Suspension Ceiling Light by M.Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model Area 50 Suspension Ceiling Light by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy Elegant design pendant lamp Lampshade is in good condition and very clean. This lamp works with E...
Plastic, Parchment Paper
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Sofa model Granbambola, from Le Bambole series, in light blue fabric, marked Dàmeda. The three-seater couch f...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chair for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal logic of...
Leather
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful large Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, newly upholstered in luxury pure Alpaca wool fabric, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fa...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Daybed in Butterscotch Suede for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A celebrated icon of Italian design, this 'Le Bambole' daybed was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. The series was an immediate critical success, earning the pres...
Fabric, Suede, Foam
$3,100 / set
Leather Cab Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Black leather cab chairs. Tagged.
Leather
$12,775Sale Price|51% Off
Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
LE MURA RIGHT MODULE 90, LE MURA LEFT MODULE 90 & LE MURA CENTRAL MODULE 90 CAT. Z - ZAREEN 03 CLASP AND ZIPPERS MATT BLACK NICHEL T148 WITH INTERLINER CAL117 The project Le Mu...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, mustard velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Vintage "Camaleonda" Sofa, Lambskin Black Leather, 1970 B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa in Custom Black Lambskin Leather, Italy, 1970s An iconic example of Italian design, this vintage Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini embodies the sculptur...
Chrome
Camaleonda brown modular sofa by Mario Bellini, B&B Italy, 1970 set pf 4
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Brown chameleon, set of 4, design by Mario Bellini, produced by B&B, Italy, 1970, internal structure in wood, padding in polyurethane foam, new upholstery in brown velvet, three modu...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of 2 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chair in original velvet (First Edition)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original red velvet 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B...
Metal
$12,775Sale Price|65% Off
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
CAT M- MALVA 02 WOOL PADDING MATT BLACK NICKEL CLASP AND ZIP T148 WITH CAL117 INTERLINER The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went ...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Mustard Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989, set of 6 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal l...
Leather
$14,531Sale Price|35% Off
Large design sofa "Le Bambole" original 80s Mario Bellini B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An authentic symbol of Italian design, the "Le Bambole" sofa signed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia represents one of the most recognizable and desired icons in the world of high-end...
Leather
Mario Bellini Ceramic Table Lamp Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Vienna, AT
Mario Bellini table light Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976 Rare iconic ceramic lamp. It shows a beautiful rough-edged ceramic socket-like base and the trade-mark flying piece of resi...
Plastic, Parchment Paper, Ceramic
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Red Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, 1970s Italian Design
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original Red Russian saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded l...
Steel
Mario Bellini Area Curvea Table Lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
The Area Curvea table lamp, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide in the 1970s, is a sculptural icon of Italian design. Its softly draped resin shade and curved metal arm create a ...
Metal
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia in Brown Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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...
Chrome
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of 5 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in PARIS, FR
Mario Bellini — eight Compasso d'Oro awards, 25 works in MoMA's permanent collection, chief design consultant to Olivetti for thirty years — was among the most rigorous minds in post...
Leather, Foam
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Amanta Sectional Sofa/Lounge Chairs, 1973
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of 'Amanta' cognac brown leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and i...
Leather, Fiberglass
Italian modern armchair Le Stelle by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern armchair Le Stelle by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s Armchair model Le Stelle, fully padded and upholstered in yellow fabric. The backrest seamlessly connects to ...
Fabric