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, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by ...
Leather
Cassina Cab 414 Leather Lounge Chair Armchair China Red / Ox Red
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This cab 414 armchair was designed by Mario Bellini for Italian manufacturer Cassina. It´s the armchair version with comfortable seat padding. It is upholstered in thick saddle lea...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Leather
$6,145Sale Price|30% Off
Bambole Lounge chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
The Bambole lounge chair is part of the Le Bambole series, which was designed in 1973. Bambole is a timelessly modern icon and an expression of first-class Made in Italy design. What...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970s- 2 available Sold individually.
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia,1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Green Leather Camaleonda by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda; Mario Bellini; Green Leather; Postmodern; Lounge Chair; Lounge Sofa; Modular Sofa; One-Seater; Seating Element; Seating Unit; Italian Design Classic; Iconic Design; B&B I...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 6
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 six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Leather
Green Velvet Camaleonda Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda lounge chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia - a timeless icon of 1970s design. Each chair features the signature bold curves and deep tufting that define the Camaleonda s...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, blue leather, designed 1977, set of 2 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationsh...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413”Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather. 1977, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed ...
Leather
Le Bambole Sofa And Lounge Chair By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa and lounge chair in original cognac leather upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This stunning pair brings calm comfort t...
Jute, Linen
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Dining Chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 10
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, set of ten The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather
$18,396 / set
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 412, Set of 12, 1990s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Set of 12 Cab 412 side chairs in black leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The Cab chair is built up as a tubular frame over which thick saddle leather is fitted; the leather skin...
Metal
$5,430Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 blue velvet chairs model 401 "Break" Mario Bellini Cassina 1980s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of 4 401 Break chairs designed in 1976 by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Le chairs are upholstered in deep, elegant Blue velvet with black leather edges features a supporting str...
Iron
Pair of Bambole Italian lounge chairs in wool upholstery by Bellini for B&B 70s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchairs 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 Ba...
Fabric, Wool, Rubber
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977, Set of 16
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977, set of sixteen. 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 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest and 1 shoe re...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Wood
Pair of Black Leather Cab 414 Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini, Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Geneva, CH
Pair of early Cab 414 lounge chairs, black high quality leather zippered over the steel frame. Beautiful patina. Signed Cassina under the seat ( picture ) Very comfortable chairs.
Steel
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the r...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Leather
“Le Bambole” Armchair and Ottoman by Mario Bellini, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
“Le Bambole” Armchair and Ottoman by Mario Bellini, Italy, 1970s Ottoman :105x52x40cm
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 14
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of fourteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, infor...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, China red leather, Italy, 1977, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Camaleonda Sofa Set in Boucle Wool with Armrests by Mario Bellini, 1970's
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda, Mario Bellini, vintage; modular camaleonda, newly reupholstered in bouclé wool; white; Postmodern; Lounge chair; Sofa; Seating element; Italian design classics; Postmod...
Wool, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413”Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
$2,808Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of jacquard fabric armchairs, Mario Bellini, "Le stelle" B&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A pair of 1970s armchairs by Italian designer Mario Bellini, produced by B&B Italia, model "La Stelle." Made with a metal frame and upholstered in original linen and cotton Jacquard ...
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather 1978, Set of 14
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of fourteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 16
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of sixteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, inform...
Leather
Camaleonda Three-Seater in Boucle Wool with 2 Armrests by Mario Bellini, 1970's
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda, Mario Bellini, vintage; modular camaleonda, newly reupholstered in bouclé wool; white; Postmodern; Lounge chair; Sofa; Seating element; Italian design classics; Postm...
Wool, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Mustard Leather 1977, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
$8,350 / set
Mario Bellini “Cab” Dining Chairs, set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
recent productions in great vintage condition with minor scratches, scuffs, and discoloration present - see photos for details
Leather
Mario Bellini Tentazione two seater sofa B&B Italia - Italy, 1973
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Aptly named Tentazione, or ‘temptation’, this sofa boasts a cushioned form that seeks to comfortably envelop the sitter. Bellini designed the sofa for Cassina in 1973, a year after t...
Mohair
Mario Bellini Tentazione three seater sofa for Cassina - Italy, 1973
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Aptly named Tentazione, or ‘temptation’, this three-seater sofa boasts a cushioned form that seeks to comfortably envelop the sitter. Bellini designed the sofa for Cassina in 1973, a...
Mohair
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 16
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of sixteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the r...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the r...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977, Set of 14
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977, set of fourteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Lapin Fur, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, black lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The search for a new shape ...
Foam, Fur
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 14
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of fourteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 412, Set of four, 1990s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Set of four Cab 412 side chairs in black leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The Cab chair is built up as a tubular frame over which thick saddle leather is fitted; the leather sk...
Metal
Divano Le tentazioni di Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Divano “Le Tentazioni” a due posti, modello 685, disegnato da Mario Bellini per Cassina nel 1973, capolavoro del design italiano che incarna la rivoluzione organica degli anni ’70: u...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Living Room Set for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" living room set for B&B Italia, sofa and two armchairs, faux-fur, foam and metal, Italy, 1971, set of three. The search for a new shape for upholstered fu...
Faux Fur, Foam
Iconic Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, c.1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original deep red saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back legs feature a bla...
Steel
Pair of Chestnut Colored Cab Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of cab chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina in chestnut color, Italy. Wonderful original patina and wear. Broken in like your favorite baseball ...
Steel
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four 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
Set of Bambole cotton lounge chair and pouf by Bellini for B&B Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of Le Bambole armchair and pouf designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole serie...
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
$17,554 / set
Cab 413 by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Cassina Cab 413, designed in 1977 by Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini, is a landmark in modern furniture design. With its revolutionary concept of “dressing” a chair ...
Steel
Set of 5 "CAB" Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of five CAB dining chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1977. The set consists of four Model 412 dining chairs and one matching Model 413 armcha...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Cassina 684 Dining Chair on Castors in Light Grey Fabric - Available Now
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Tulsa, OK
684 Dining Chair on castors is designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. This soft and functional armchair is on wheels and would work for the dining or living room. 684 is a small armc...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of 6 Chairs "CAB T4" In Black Leather, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Naples, IT
Iconic set of 6 chairs Mod. Cab designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, circa 1970s. This was the world's first chair with a self-supporting steel frame fully covered in stitched lea...
Leather
$10,600 / set
Tentazione Sofas by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Original leather upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Leather
Set of 1 CAB 413 and CAB 414 by Mario Bellini for Cassina - 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent set designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in the 1970s This set comprises a Cab 413 armchair and a small two-seater Cab 414 sofa. This set was acquired from its original...
Leather
Low stool/Side table made of a singleblock of cedar Riva 1920 Kono Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Riva 1920
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Riva 1920 Model: Kono Design by: Mario Bellini Kono is conceived as both a low stool and a side table, carved from a single block of solid scented cedar. Characterized by its...
Cedar
Pair of Two 70s Cassina Cab 413 Armchairs Mario Bellini Elephant Grey / Gray
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous, RARE Pair of 2 original Mario Bellini for Cassina 413 Cab Armchairs in Elephant Grey / Gray Gorgeous pair, in beautiful leather. Very good condi...
Metal
Mario Bellini Green Linen Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features two modules with backrest, and one armrest. Green Italian linen velvet uphol...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam, Linen