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 "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
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 Round 'Il Colonnato' Table in Massive Red Persian Travertine 150cm
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Il Colonnato' center or dining table, massive red Persian travertine, Italy, 1977 Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1977, Il Colonnato is a striki...
Travertine
'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Emerald Green Corduroy
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four modular units make up this 'Camaleonda' seating system, upholstered throughout in deep emerald green corduroy fabric. Each unit features the design's signature bubble-form const...
Upholstery
$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
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
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 "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 "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
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
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, 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 "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 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 Midcentury Modern Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
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. Excellent...
Foam, Walnut, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Belli...
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
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Leather
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
Pair of Vintage Mario Bellini Cab Dining Chairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Pair of Vintage early 2000s Cab side chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The Cab 413 stands as the defining piece of the Cab collection by Italian designer Mario Bellini. Built on a...
Leather
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 "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 Cab Side Chair by Cassina in Navy Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original navy blue saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frame. The back legs feature a b...
Steel
Lounge chair Le Bambole in leather & cotton by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Daybed of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1970, reupholster in leather, linen and cotton mattress. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in...
Leather, Cotton, Linen
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
Set of Six Black Leather Cab 412 Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in London, London
A set of six ‘Cab’ 412 dining chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, first introduced in 1977. The design is notable for its innovative construction, in which a saddle-stitche...
Leather
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 "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 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 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 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
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 "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
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
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 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
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
$4,101 / 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
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 "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” 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 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
Mario Bellini ‘Vol Au Vent’ Dining Chairs and Armchairs for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A refined set of original ‘Vol Au Vent’ dining chairs and armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the early 2000s. This elegant set includes six dining chairs and t...
Leather
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
Bambole modular sofa 3 seater in cotton by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in bouclè fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic ...
Fabric
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
$29,295
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
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
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
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Pianura' Lounge Chair in Walnut and Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chair, walnut, leather, Italy, 1971 The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a compact yet scu...
Walnut, Leather
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
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 "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Plastic, Velvet
$14,354Sale Price / set|30% Off
Sofa "Pianura" M.Bellini for Cassina 70s 4 seats wood and green velvet
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Modular sofa model Pianura made in 1975 by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Light Walnut Wood frame and green velvet upholstery. A sofa with elegant lines and the most natural materials, P...
Velvet, Wood
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 “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 velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eleven. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Velvet
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 “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 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
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 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