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.
Model Area Ceiling Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model Area Ceiling Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy Lampshade is in good condition and very clean. This lamp works with E27 light bulb Wired and suitable to use wit...
Metal
1980s Italian Designer CAB 414 2Seater Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wesseling, DE
Iconic vintage ‘CAB 414’ sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina during the 1980s. One of the most recognizable Italian postmodern seating designs, featuring Bellini’s signature s...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was o...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, designed 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Leather
$27,000 / set
Mario Bellini "Cab" Chairs
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic leather cab chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Wonderful patina to black leather. Rare set of 10 available - Priced as a set
Leather
Due Poltrone 'Amanta' di Mario Bellini Produzione B&B Italia Anni 70 in pelle
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Tre poltrone modello 'Amanta' con struttura in materiale plastico, imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in pelle, originale del periodo. Presentano alcuni segni del tempo come visib...
Leather
CAB 413 Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina in a Dark brown leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship...
Cowhide, Leather
$15,819Sale Price|50% Off
Mario Bellini Italian Carrara Marble Oval Dining Table for Cassina, 70s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Puglia, Puglia
'Il Colonnato' oval dining table in white Carrara marble with evident gray veins by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The table features an...
Carrara Marble
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1978, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
"Le Bambole" Armchair Designed by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Lounge Chair, produced by B&B Italia in the 1970s, is an iconic piece of Italian design. Characterized by its distinctive and innovative form, the ...
Metal
Le Bambole lounge chair in cotton/linen by Mario Bellini for B&B Italian 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Polyurethane structure, cotton and linen fabric, resto...
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton, Linen
Le Bambole Mario Bellini armchair for B&B, 1970, light brown leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Le Bambole Mario Bellini armchair for B&B Italia in 1970. The project represents one of the icons of Italian design of the second half of the twentieth century, awarded for its typol...
Leather
Ornate Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 three large and three smaller...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "La Basilica" Ash Dining / Conference Table for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
La Basilica is an architectural dining table designed by Mario Bellini in 1978 for Cassina, Italy. Long variant, seats up to 8 chairs. It is constructed of thick solid European Ash ...
Wood, Hardwood, Ash
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, designed 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
Mario Bellini Model 413 "CAB" Armchair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Model 413 "CAB" armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1977. Introduced in 1977, the CAB collection was the first seating series in the world to fea...
Leather
Il Colonnato Round Table by Mario Bellini, Black Marble, 1970s Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
Il Colonnato’, a 1977 project by Mario Bellini. In this project, Mario Bellini took his inspiration from a basic elemental structure in architecture. His design emulated the colonnad...
Marble
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original velvet (First Edition)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original red velvet 1973 Listed price is per module (2 modules ). The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect ...
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Mustard Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by ...
Leather
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
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
$4,335 / item
Mario Bellini 684 Armchair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Price dependent on the chosen material/color. A soft upholstered armchair with optional casters by Mario Bellini for the dining room or living room featuring a simple, inviting, reas...
Leather, Fabric
Bambole cotton upholstery lounge chair by Bellini for B&B Italy 1972 modern
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compas...
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton
"Le Stelle" Loveseat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Knoll, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970s. Newly reupholstered in white Knoll boucle, the sofa features angled arm rests and Bellini's signatu...
Bouclé
Le Bambole Chaise Longue in leather suede by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole Chaise-Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972. Polyurethane foam, suede, restored. Bibliography: Domus n. 533, aprile 1974; C Fiell & P. Fiell, 1000...
Animal Skin, Suede, Hemp
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 4
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 4 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like...
Velvet
Blue Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa (one module)
By Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
Listed price is per module. One unit remaining from the original set of three modules. Reupholstered in Sky Blue cotton velvet by Rose Uniacke. Vintage item. Please refer to the It...
Metal
Bambole lounge chair in wool upholstery by Bellini for B&B Italy 1972 century
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Polyurethane structure, wool fabric, restored. Le Bam...
Fabric, Wool, Rubber
Mario Bellini Azure Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 6
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 six modules with backrest. High quality Italian azure linen velvet upholstery. ...
Linen, Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
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 six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa d...
Velvet
$31,960Sale Price / set|26% Off
Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 four large and two smaller seatin...
Velvet
Colorful Four-Piece Camaleonda Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia.
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant and iconic four-piece Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini in the 1970's, manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy. This rare version features four individual sections,...
Leather
Pair of 1986 Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Imago Arm Chairs in Black Leather
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of vintage 1986 Vitra Figura arm chairs, designed by Mario Bellini. These are gorgeous original examples, which retain their ori...
Metal
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modula...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 3
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 three. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Velvet
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, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Bouclé, Plastic
"Piccola Tentazione" Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
The "Piccola Tentazione" chair, designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973, embodies Italian modernist elegance with a seductive, inviting form. This Model 684 armchair features a...
Steel
Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Misinto, IT
Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini in 1970, is the sofa that defined the interior design aesthetic of an entire era, becoming an icon of Italian design. Camaleonda achieved succe...
Chenille, Rubber
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. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally replaced. Dimensions: 29...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Butter Alpaca, 1970's, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, butter alpaca wool, Italy, 1970's, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Velvet, Plastic
Vintage 20thC "Camaleonda" Green Fabric Armchair By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A “Camaleonda” armchair designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970, upholstered in green fabric. This sculptural, modular design is defined by its deep, generous...
Fabric
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione loveseat, in a beautiful linen upholstery from renowned textile brand, Elitis. A true classic of midcen...
Linen
Italian Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini le Bambole for B&B Italia 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early editions, and still 100% original, r...
Leather
$64,242 / item
Opera Oval Table by Mario Bellini for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The “Opera” table is a sculptural exploration of craftsmanship and elegance, designed by Mario Bellini. Built with interlocked ribs of solid wood that form a striking “hull-like” str...
Oak
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa, Ivory Bouclé, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
Listed price is per module. Four modules available. Please refer to the Item Condition section for specific details. C&B Italia four large modules with large backs, three detachable armrests, newly reupholstered in Ivory bouclé by Dedar (Karakorum 001, 00T1701100001). The Camaleonda sofa...
Bouclé
$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
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 alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modul...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 12
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the ...
Leather
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia "Camaleonda" White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935-) for B&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 3 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 2 armrests and...
Wool
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
Set of 3 Black Modular Tables "Gli Scacchi" by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, '71
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
The "scacchi" are parallelepipeds in self-skinning polyurethane. finishing technique used for car dashboards. The result is that of solids soft to the touch that can be freely combin...
Plastic, Foam
1970s Bamboletto Series "Le Bambole" bed daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Biella, IT
1970s Bamboletto Series "Le Bambole" bed and daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia with document.
Textile
“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
Area Curvea Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Beautiful 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, REQ...
Metal
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Four Seats in Fabric Italy 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa/ Five Seats, Italy 1970s Looking for a grand and comfortable sofa that can accommodate your entire family? Look no further than the "Ama...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Modular Sofa / Armchair Set Amanta by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in dark brown
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
These Amanta armchairs, designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, are an iconic example of Italian design. The chair features a white synthetic base and has been reupholstered in dar...
Fabric, Plastic
Set di 3 poltrone Amanta di Mario Bellini per B&B e Tavolino
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ghedi, IT
Poltrone Amanta (x3): Dimensioni 83 cm (larghezza) x 82 cm (profondità) x 73 cm (altezza), con altezza della seduta di 44 cm. Le poltrone presentano una struttura in fibra di vetro n...
Alpaca
Mid Century Modern Amanta Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1960s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an iconic "Amanta" lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The 'Amanta' was produced as a modular piece so you can place the two together...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini, Le Bambole Lounge Chair & Ottoman for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Iconic lounge set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, consisting of a lounge chair and ottoman, re-upholstered in a high quality, wax finished aniline leather. The Le Bambole serie...
Leather, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Ivory Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, Ivory Leather, Italy, 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather