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 Set of Four 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of four armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was th...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...
Metal
Mario Bellini Set of Six 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Black Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Sixteen 'Cab' Dining Chairs in Red Brown Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of sixteen 'cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1976 Beautiful set of 'Cab' dining chairs chairs in luxurious reddish bro...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Six 'Cab' Chairs in Red Brown Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six 'cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1980 Beautiful set of 'Cab' dining chairs chairs in luxurious reddish brown le...
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina Pianura Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chairs with armrests, walnut, leather, Italy, 1971 The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a ...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Eight 'Cab' Dining Chairs in Brown Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of eight 'cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1976 Beautiful set of eight 'Cab' dining chairs chairs in luxurious brown l...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini Set of Six 'Lira e Liuto' Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1989 This set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs has beautiful cognac colored leather tha...
Leather
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Loveseat by B&B Italia, Suede, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini's 'Le Bambole' lounge chair for B&B Italia is one of the most recognizable silhouettes of 1970s Italian design. The chair's fully upholstered, pillow-like form has ...
Leather
Jacquard fabric Sofa, Mario Bellini, "Le stelle" B&B Italia, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, produced by B&B Italia, model "La Stelle". Made with a metal frame and upholstered in the original linen and cotton jacquard fabric. The origi...
Metal
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of six Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of the most...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
Leather
Cab 413 Mario Bellini Cassina chairs, 1970, set of 2
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Cab 413 Mario Bellini chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1970. An iconic example of Italian design, the “Cab” chairs have a steel structure covered in thick leather, shaped and sewn to adher...
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Pianura' Lounge Chair in Walnut
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chair, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1971 The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a compact yet scul...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of five dark brown modular sofa elements, by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Mario Bellini – Modular Sofa Set, C&B Italia (now B&B Italia), 1966 Set of five dark brown modular sofa elements, designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia (now B&B Italia). The time...
Fabric, Resin
Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bambole series stands as one of the defining statements of Italian design in the 1970s—an object that treats seating not as a frame with padding, but as a continuous upholstered...
Leather
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda Sofa and Ottoman - Set of 4
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Vintage authentic Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa; a designer classic. Modular design includes three seating pieces and one ottoman. The ottoman was reconstructed to match the existing original seating modules. Includes three spherical pillows. Total reupholstery required. 3 Seat Sections, dimensions per piece: D: 37.75" H: 26" W: 37.75" Arm height: 21" Seat height: 15.75 Overall width of three seat sections together: 113" 1 Ottoman Section...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini Amanta Longue Chair Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Mario Bellini Amanta Longue Chair For BB Italia 1972
Fabric, Plastic
$3,322 / item
Mario Bellini Cab 412 Chair For Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini Cab 412 Chair For Cassina “A new kind of chair, made entirely of saddle-hide, often cloned today.” This is how Mario Bellini descr...
Plastic
Mario Bellini Bambole Bibambola LBA2 leather Sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Skokie, IL
Mario Bellini Bambole leather Sofa for B&B Italia circa 2017. Bibambola designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is a sofa made with flexible cold polyurethane foam padding w...
Steel
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of five Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of the...
Velvet, Foam
Pair of "Tentazione" chairs in Black Leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Dallas, TX
"Tentazione, pair of chairs - model 685 represents a significant work by the acclaimed designer Mario Bellini from the 1970s for Cassina. This piece exemplifies the celebrated union ...
Steel
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
Cobalt Blue Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1970s, this iconic sectional sofa was designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The sofa consists of 6 modular pieces that can be arranged in various combinations to ...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Bellini CAB 413 Armchair in Watermarked Black Saddle Leather for Cassina, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original Mario Bellini CAB 413 armchair in black leather with purely cosmetic watermark damage. Visible as a vein across the seat bench and across the back panel. Photographed with a...
Leather
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia , Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
Le Bambole 3-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, one of the most celebrated icons of 20th-century Italian design. This authentic vint...
Cotton
Mario Bellini classic Duc-Duc velvet sofa for Cassina Italy, 1976 / 2024
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Skokie, IL
New showroom sample of the classic Duc-Duc sofa in velvet originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1976 and relaunched in 2020. A perfect balance of comfort and design. The sofa retai...
Steel
Amanta Modular Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, 1970s, Pair
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lucija, SI
A pair of 'Amanta' leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and in great demand, w...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in White Boucle
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970 The iconic Camaleonda sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini for...
Metal
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413 Set of EIGHT Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Ventura, CA
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between the skeleton and the skin; an authentic example of production excellence that ...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
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 2 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag cont...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini Cab 412 cowhide chair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen sizes and color. Available sizes: 1. 33cm width x 37cm depth x 57cm height x 30cm seat height 2. 52cm width x 49cm depth x 82cm height x 45cm sea...
Cowhide
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” easy chair 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 cush...
Velvet
1964 Original 932-Quartet Leather Sofa Sectional Mario Bellini for Cassina 2pcs
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Basel, BS
Move over, here comes the MEGA CULT CLASSIC, and Extremely rare Bellini that you can also sip Bellini's upon like a ROCK STAR! She is an absolute show stopper for any space... An ...
Leather, Canvas
$2,375Sale Price / item|25% Off
Leather "Cab" 413 Arm Chair by Mario Bellini Cassina, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Iconic vintage chair "Cab 413" by Mario Bellini for Cassina, first produced in 1977, renowned for the innovative freestanding leather structure, inspired by the relationship between ...
Steel
Mario Bellini Cab 410 leather stool for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen sizes and material. Available sizes: 1. 48cm width x 51cm depth x 101cm height x 81cm seat height 2. 55cm width x 51cm depth x 101cm height x 68c...
Leather
Pr. Post Modern Space Age Bellini C & B Italia Amanta Lounge Chairs c 1969
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Very chic pair of vintage Amanta chairs, designed by Mario Belllini , for C&B Italia circa 1969. Executed in supple black leather, contrasted with the molded white fiberlite chair fr...
Leather, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Daybed in Butterscotch Suede for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A celebrated icon of Italian design, this 'Le Bambole' daybed was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. The series was an immediate critical success, earning the pres...
Fabric, Suede, Foam
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
$19,450Sale Price / set|22% Off
Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It doesn't get much cooler than this early year (original) collectors set of the model-932 'Quartet' sectional by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Released in 1964, this example has incredible thick leather hides in a gorgeous patinated cognac color. The leather is remarkable, and with the perfect amount of patina that you want to see - for those leather lovers out there, don't hesitate to buy this Bellini 932...
Leather, Canvas
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989, set of 4 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal l...
Leather
Mario Bellini, Le Bambole, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s brown leather
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
With its sleek lines and contemporary aesthetic, this sofa embodies modern elegance and timeless sophistication. Crafted with utmost precision and attention to detail, the Le Bambole...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Sofa in cognac leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge sofa in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970...
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
$1,200Sale Price / item|52% Off
Mario Bellini Post-Modern Executive Desk Chair for Vitra, Signed and Dated 1992
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A spectacular set of Mario Bellini signed desk chairs for the Vitra, dated 1992 production. This Post Modern set of task chairs feature soft and supple black leather in excellent condition, five star height adjustable bases on casters, and are extremely comfortable. *Note, 6 are available at the time of this listing, priced individually. We also have a 7th highback chair available as well in another listing. The black on black color combination of this set makes it perfect for Post-Modern interiors which are on-trend with upcoming design projects led by many of the worlds top interior designers. These design masterpieces are rare and hard to find, especially here in the United States, so interior designers: get this before your competition does! These Mario Bellini for Vitra leather...
Leather, Plastic
$18,459 / item
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa designed by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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 questions n...
Upholstery
"Le Bambole" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in bruxelles, BE
5-piece modular sofa in zebu leather by Mario Bellini, Le Bambole model. Stamped under the seats. Seat height: 46 cm. Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE T...
Leather
$13,189Sale Price / set|20% Off
Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 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 piec...
Fabric, Cotton
Mario Bellini C&B Italia Modular 'Amanta' sofa Elements Brown original corduroy
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 'Amanta' lounge chairs or sectional sofa, corduroy fabric and fiberglass, Italy, 1966. The Amanta lounge set, designed by Mario Bellini for C&B...
Textile, Polyester
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
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton f...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of 5 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Early Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, Original Leather, C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare first edition Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, in its original wonderfully patinated leather, produced by C&B Italia, Italy, in the early 1970s. Fast shipping worldw...
Leather
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Amanta Leather and Fiberglass Sectional Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Amanta Mid Century Leather and Fiberglass Sectional Sofa This sofa measures: 124 wide (31 inches per section) x 32 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat...
Leather, Fiberglass
Le Bambole sofa By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in original structured fabric in aubergine tones designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition comes in its original high q...
Fabric
Mario Bellini lounge chair B&B Italia 1973 brown
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exceptional ‘Bambole’ lounge chair, designed by the legendary Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia in 1973, stands as an icon of 1970s design. Instantly recognizable for its...
Leather
Mario Bellini Cab-413 Chairs for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: listing is for one CAB-413 Chair. Three chairs available. Creator: Mario Bellini for Cassina (each chair is signed) ...
Leather
$6,500 / set
412 Cab Chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of off white/bone 412 Cab Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Excellent condition with almost no wear to edges super clean. Produced early-mid 2000's by Cassina...
Steel