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 Ceramic Table Lamp Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
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 res...
Ceramic, Plastic, Parchment Paper
Mario Bellini for Artemide Table or Floor Lamps 'Circo' in Off-White Canvas
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Artemide, table or floor lamp, lacquered metal, canvas, Italy, 1978. Quirky and quite unique, this 'circo' table lamp designed by Mario Bellini, is a true example...
Fabric
Mario Bellini Area Curvea Table Lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
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
Pair of Area Table Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1980s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Area Table Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1980s The Area 50 table lamps are part of a broader lighting series—comprising table, floor, wall, and ceiling fixture...
Ceramic, Plastic, PVC
Mario Bellini Ceramic Table Lamp 'Area' by Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Malmö, SE
The iconic 'Area' Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1970s. Great original condition. The shade has yellowed over time. Light source: E14 screw bulb. Switch on the bl...
Ceramic, Plastic
Mario Bellini for Artemide “Area 40” Large Table Lamp Signed, Italy, 1976
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and iconic "Area 40" table lamp designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Artemide in the 1970s. The lamp is signed on the bottom. This striking table lamp is fully origin...
Ceramic, Paper, Parchment Paper
Mario Bellini per Artemide Lampada da Tavolo "Area", Italia 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Naples, IT
Rara ed Iconica Lampada da tavolo Mario Bellini Area 50 di Artemide, Italia. Presenta una splendida base in ceramica bianca dai bordi grezzi e il caratteristico paralume in carta-res...
Ceramic, Resin, Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Table Lamp Area for Artemide, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
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
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
Circo table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
White metal and fabric lamp with ceramic base. Circo model designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide. Wear due to the age of the lamp. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
"Area Curvea' Table Lamp by Mario Bellini & Giorgio Origlia for Artemide
By Giorgio Origlia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
The ‘Area Curvea’ table lamp, designed by Mario Bellini and Giorgio Origlia for Artemide in 1974, is a rare and iconic piece that embodies a dialogue between form and function. Its e...
Metal
Area Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in bruxelles, BE
Cream coloured lamp with ceramic base by Mario Bellini. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Ceramic, Plastic, Paper
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
Pair Mario Bellini Area table lamp for Artemide, Italy 1974
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in London, GB
Approaching the form of a flower in bloom with his signature architectural rigour, Mario Bellini’s Area design is held in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art in New ...
Metal
Area Desk/Table Lamp by Artemide Mario Bellini Design in Years '74
By Mario Bellini
Located in Biella, IT
Area Desk/table lamp by Artemide Mario Bellini design in years '74 italy condition very good with little sign in the warnish, your see the photo's detail lampshade perfect an...
Metal
Vintage Area Curva Lamp by Mario Bellini. Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Catania, CT
The Area Curva Lamp by Mario Bellini is a distinctive vintage lighting piece that embodies the elegance and architectural vision of Italian modern design. Defined by its refined curv...
Metal
Model "Area" Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model "Area" Table 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...
Plastic, Parchment Paper, Ceramic
$320Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage 1970s table lamp designed by Bellini for Targetti
By Mario Bellini, Targetti Sankey
Located in None, IT
Chromed metal and black plastic table lamp, flexible and adjustable, design Mario Bellini for Targetti, 1970s. CONDITION: In good, working condition, may show signs of wear given by...
Metal
Mario Bellini Table Lamp Parchment Porcelain Metal, 1970, Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Mario Bellini table lamp parchment metal, 1970, Italy.
Metal
Area Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Cream coloured lamp with ceramic base by Mario Bellini. Wear due to time and age of the lamp. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Ceramic, Plastic, Paper
Bellini Mario Design Years '70 for Artemide Italy Table Lamp or Wall Lamp "Area"
By Mario Bellini
Located in Biella, IT
Bellini Mario design years '70 for Artemide Italy table lamp or wall lamp "area" in good structure condition with light sign of the years.
Metal
'Shogun' Table Lamp by Mario Botta for Artemide
By Artemide, Mario Botta
Located in Glendale, CA
'Shogun' Table Lamp by Mario Botta for Artemide. Originally designed in 1986, the authorized re-edition of this table lamp is still made in Italy today using only the finest quality materials and scrupulous attention to detail by Artemide. 'Shogun' is part of the Artemide masterpieces collection and is featured in the collections of museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The lamp remains an icon, and a stunning work of contemporary design. Its adjustable shade marries functionality with design eloquently. Mario Botta was born in 1943 in Mendrisio, Switzerland. In his work he took inspiration from such masters as Le Corbusier, Louis I...
Metal, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Table Lamp Area for Artemide, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
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
$5,500 / set
H 22.45 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Mario Botta Pair of Vintage 'Shogun' Table Lamps for Artemide, 1986
By Mario Botta, Artemide
Located in Tilburg, NL
Exceptional pair of iconic vintage 'Shogun' Table Lamps by architect and designer Mario Botta (1943) for Artemide 1986. Straight from the first owners, these table lamps have always...
Metal
Area 50 Pendant Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
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
$2,400
H 18.9 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Mario Bellini Ceramic Flush Mount Lamp Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Vienna, AT
Mario Bellini Flush Mount Lamp Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976 Originally conceived as a table lamp, we altered this rare ceramic lamp so it can be attached to the ceiling. It has ...
Plastic, Parchment Paper, Ceramic
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
Area 50 Flush Mount by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This iconic Area 50 flush mount, designed by renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini for Artemide in 1974, is a true masterpiece of modernist lighting design. Featuring a sleek and m...
Metal
Area 50 Flush Mount by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This iconic Area 50 flush mount, designed by renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini for Artemide in 1974, is a true masterpiece of modernist lighting design. Featuring a sleek and m...
Metal
$1,681
H 82.68 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in
"Area" A 210 floor lamp designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1970s.
By Mario Bellini, Giorgio Origlia
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage Italian - Area 50 - Iconic design Measures : Base 26cmx26cm H:210cm Materials : Acrylic - Enamel - Metal - Parchment Paper Floor lamp with paper shade and metal base. The la...
Metal
Area 50 pendant by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Area 50 pendant, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by Artemide in the 1970s. The lamp consists of a white body in polycarbonate and a cream coloured diffuser in synthetic t...
Metal
Enzo Mari ''Aggregato'' Table Lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Enzo Mari, Artemide
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This adjustable shade height ''Aggregato'' table lamp was designed by Enzo Mari and Giancarlo Fassina and produced by the Italian manufacturer Artemide during the 1970's. Here in...
Aluminum, Steel
'Area 50' Pendants by Mario Bellini for Artemide
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Area 50' Pendants by Mario Bellini for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1976. Iconic model from Bellini consist of a counter donut weight allowing for variable adjustme...
Steel
Area Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide
By Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This Area table lamp, designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide, is a sculptural icon of Italian lighting design. The lamp features a gently undulating diffuser that appears to float ab...
Stone
Sold
H 24 in W 24 in D 25.5 in
Area Curvea' Table Lamp by Mario Bellini & Giorgio Origlia for Artemide, 1974
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
The ‘Area Curvea’ table lamp by Mario Bellini & Giorgio Origlia is a rare and iconic piece, produced by Artemide in 1974. Defined by its sinuous curved steel frame, this lamp balance...
Metal
Sold
H 20.48 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Area Table Lamp (the highest and rarest) by Mario Bellini Artemide, Italy 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Area Table Lamp (the highest and rarest) by Mario Bellini Artemide, Italy 1970s The Area 50 table lamp, is a part of a series that includes table, floor, wall, and ceiling lamps, wa...
Ceramic, Plastic
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
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
Area 50 Table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Area 50 table lamp, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by Artemide in the 1970s. The lamp consists of a white matt porcelain base (18 cm / 7 inch hi...
Porcelain, Textile
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.
Metal
Area Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Cream coloured lamp with ceramic base. Stamped under the lamp. Wear due to time and age of the lamp. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Ceramic, Plastic, Paper
Table lamp "Area" by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy 1974.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Table Lamp Designed model "Area 50 10/20/40" Large size by Mario Bellini for Artemide, the lamp features a porcelain base and made out of synthetic textile shade, which unique shape ...
Porcelain, Paper
Area Curvea Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Beautiful table lamp in metal and paper of white color of Mario Bellini. Stamped Artemide. Wear due to time and age of the lamp.
Metal
Area 50 Table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Area 50 table lamp, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by Artemide in the 1970s. The lamp consists of a white matt porcelain base (18 cm / 7 inch hi...
Porcelain, Textile
Sold
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 20.48 in
Area 50 Curva table lamp designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
The table lamp Area 50 "Curva" was designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide in Italy, in the 1970s This iconic lamp showcases a graceful curve connected to a cylindrical base in a slee...
Metal, Steel