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 of le Bambole lounge chair in cotton fabric by Bellini for B&b Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic pie...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushio...
Velvet
Black Leather 'CAB' Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic leather CAB chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Priced individua...
Leather
Mario Bellini Green Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features two modules with backrest and two armrests. Green linen velvet upholstery. Fu...
Velvet, Foam, Linen
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Original Midcentury Couchtisch C&B Italia Mario Bellini Design schwarz
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen kleinen Couchtisch von C&B Italia aus den 1960-70er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Mario Bellini und gilt heute als wahrer Designkla...
Plastic
Area 50 Pendant Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This iconic Area 50 pendant lamp, designed by renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini for Artemide in 1974, is a true masterpiece of modernist lighting design. Featuring a sleek and ...
Metal
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 11
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eleven. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular ...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, China red leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betw...
Leather
$3,005 / set
Set of 2 Ki Wood Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Horm
Located in Milan, IT
In Japanese, “ki” represents the energy found in every element. Mario Bellini takes inspiration from this concept for his refined and modern collection of chairs. Each piece is sinuo...
Other
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Amanta" Armchairs by Mario Bellini, 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Amanta" Armchairs by Mario Bellini, 1960s
Wood
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Mario Bellini, Tentazione Sofa, Fabric, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric "Tentazione" sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini in 1973 and produced by Cassina, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 29.5” H x 60” W x 33” D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" All it...
Fabric
$3,000 / item
Mario Bellini Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Wood, Leather
Pianura by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Pianura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in the 1971, is a refined exploration of horizontality and proportion, where seating is conceived as a low, expansive landscap...
Velvet, Wood
$15,468Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modular leather sofa "Camaleonda" by Mario Bellini original Italian 70s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gorgeous 3-seater modular sofa Camaleonda model designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini for C&B (later to become B&B). Since it is marked C&B it belongs to the first series so it also has ...
Leather, Plastic, Wood
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Gli Scacchi" Chess Side Tables 'for Cameleonda' for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless charm of the Mario Bellini-designed "Gli Scacchi" Side Tables/Stools, a perfect complement to the iconic Camaleonda sofa. Crafted in 1971 for B&B Italia, th...
Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between ...
Leather
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Chair 415 in Black Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Greensboro, NC
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Chair 415 in Black Leather This example is circa early 2000s and shows beautifully with minimal wear to leather. 37" x 31" x 32" Seat 16.75"
Leather
$3,640Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mario Bellini Vol Au Vent Chair Set of Four B&B, Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four dining chairs in red fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Modern design, faboulos red dining chairs.
Fabric
Italian modern brown velvet pouf Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1960s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown velvet pouf Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1960s Pouf Camaleonda with squared base and rounded corners, fully padded and upholstered in brown velvet. Sphe...
Velvet
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofas, a Pair From B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of 1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas, B&B Italia An icon newly restored. This pair feature Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki). 66" long, 36" ...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of one. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Steel
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Modular Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A Mario Bellini Le Bambole five piece modular sofa / chair set, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. The pieces without arms ...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by t...
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'CAB 414' Chairs in black stitched Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Cab' chairs. Model no 414. Stitched black leather. Zips onto a metal frame. In very good condition. Leather, stitching and zips on these chairs are all ...
Metal
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for uphol...
Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 14
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of fourteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the ...
Leather
Mario Bellini Cab 413 cowhide leather armchair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen size and color. Also available in 66cm width, 57cm depth, 82cm height and 45cm seat height. Cab is the world’s first free-standing cowhide chair,...
Cowhide, Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Newly Pierre Frey Upholstered Amanta Lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 2 iconic vintage Mid Century Modern Amanta lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Newly upholstered in spectacular Pierre Frey fabric: CHROMA F4019017 - Pêche. Very sturdy a...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini Blue Cotton Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 7
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features seven modules with backrest (four big modules and three small ones) and one armres...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam
2010s Mario Bellini for Cassina Bull 422 Dining Chair in Brown Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are 422 Bull Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 2008. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. Their design features a steel struct...
Steel
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Daybed for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Daybed for B&B Italia with shearling topper, leather, Italy, 1972 Mario Bellini conceived "Le Bambole" for B&B Italia in 1972 as a direct challeng...
Fur, Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship bet...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Steel
Pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of Le Bambole two-seat sofas designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known individually as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is pa...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
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 a beautifully soft premium, taupe, pure alpaca fabric. Marked on the u...
Alpaca
Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Table Lamp Area for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Barntrup, DE
Table lamp, Model Area 20, by designer Mario Bellini for Artemide, the 1970s. This beautiful lamp designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide has earned itself a place in the permanent ex...
Ceramic, Fabric
Mario Bellini B&B Italia Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Exceptional original sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, composed of 3 modular seatings with its backrest and 2 armrests White bouclé wool upholstery. - Three...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, five elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Be...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of 6. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown Suede, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag containing formle...
Foam, Suede
Le Bambole sofa in leather upholstery by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 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 "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Velvet, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, eight elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of five (two corners + three easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered fu...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather