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 "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
Mario Bellini two sofas Model "Le Bambole" for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Pair of fabric sofas, from the Le Bambole series, designed by Mario Bellini in 1972, Italian production, bearing the B&B brand. The 1970s marked a period of significant cultural and...
Fabric, Bouclé
Pair of Iconic Bambola Armchairs by Mario Bellini, pink Toile de Jouy fabric
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Bambola armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972. Upholstered in a pink Toile de Jouy-style fabric with pastoral scenes. Fully padded structure with no visi...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
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 six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
“Le Bambole” Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Velvet Upholstery, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. One of the most celebrated Italian seating designs of the postmodern era, Le Bambole became internatio...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Stelle" Lounge Chairs Original B&B Italia 1974
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by Mario Bellini, the “Le Stelle” 1974 for B&B Italia lounge chair is a celebrated example of Bellini’s sculptural and highly sensual approach to furniture design. Defined b...
Leather, Linen
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of four 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, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa de...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna Velvet, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs,...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Mohair Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushion....
Foam
$52,415 / set
Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B, 13 modules
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, IT
Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B / B&B An extremely rare and enormous modular sofa from the Camaleonda series. Consisting of 13 modules that can be arranged as desired, thi...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Mohair Velvet, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The startin...
Foam, Velvet
La Rotonda Dinning Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The rare first edition from 1977 as Mario Bellini described the design for the table as “the essence of wood”. The oversized La Rotonda table who morphs the natural warmth of the ma...
Beech
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chair for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina in dark brown Tobacco leather, Italy, 1977. 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, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, set of three. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini Bambole Chairs, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A Mario Bellini Le Bambole pair of chairs, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Dims: H 73cm D 88cm W 80cm SH 40/41cm
Alpaca
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of one. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, six elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Rectangular Coffee Table for Cassina, 1971
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" rectangular coffee table for Cassina, brown mohair velvet and wood, Italy, 1971. The “Pianura” living room set is a great expression of the minimalism and el...
Wood
$17,440Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Velvet Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising two large seating elements equipp...
Velvet
Nutwood and Glass Dining Table La Rotonda by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Weesp, NL
Stunning solid Nutwood and glass round dining table La Rotanda designed by Mario Bellini in 1977 for the renown Italian furniture manufacturer...
Glass, Nutwood
Early Production Mario Bellini 'Amanta' Modular Sofa Set + Table C&B Italia 1966
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Rare and early "Amanta' Modular sofa set by Mario Bellinio for C&B Italia C&B Italia was founded in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli (C&B was a joint venture between Cassina and Bus...
Upholstery, Fiberglass, Rubber
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
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
Pair of 932 lounge chairs in leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1964
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
932 modular sofa 2 seater designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1964. Leather, foam padding, metal details. Reupholstered in new leather. excellent condition. Born in Milan i...
Animal Skin
$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
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
$4,058 / item
Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
The Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, designed in 1970, is a seminal work of radical Italian design, defined by its fully modular system and soft, sculptural articulat...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
Mario Bellini Duc-Duc Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini Duc-Duc Sofa For Cassina The latest version of the Duc sofa, updated in both comfort and seat size, retains its panel structure and th...
Fabric
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, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, dark green leather, 1970, Set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Leather
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to ...
Textile
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chairs, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Dining Chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair,...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it w...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
White Modular Sofa Model Camaleonda Designed By Mario Bellini. Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover unparalleled comfort and versatility with the iconic Camaleonda Modular Sofa, a timeless masterpiece designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. Crafted to perfection,...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 and produced in 1972. This piece consists of one large square module (90 x 60 cm / 35.4 x 23.6 in) complete with ba...
Chrome
Vintage Italian Leather CAB Armchair by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic vintage Italian leather CAB armchair by Mario Bellini. This was made in Italy by Cassina. It is of amazing quality and is also extremely comfortable. It has suc...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Pianura lounge chair, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. It features a brown velvet upholstery and a solid walnut structure. ...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
$15,307Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modular leather sofa "Camaleonda" by Mario Bellini original Italian 70s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
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 “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, designed 1977, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Leather
$28,990
Canapé "Camaleonda"
By Mario Bellini
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning “Camaleonda” sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, made from polyurethane, leather, stainless steel carabiners, chrome-plated brass rings, and solid beech wood legs.
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" modular sofa for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of five. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like...
Faux Fur, Foam
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
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