Mario Bellini Seating
Italian, b. 1935
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.
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Creator: Mario Bellini
Mario Bellini for Cassina Pair of Black Leather Chairs "Cab T4," Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Naples, IT
Iconic pair of chairs Mod. Cab designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, circa 1970s,.
The chairs feature the original saddle leather deep black, wrapped in a steel frame. The back leg...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
La Pianura Lounge Chairs and Coffee Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian vintage walnut and leather armchair set
All in original conditions
This Pianura set by Mario Bellini for Cassina is a refined example of 1970s Italian design. Designed in ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of 2 "Le Bambole" Armchair Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 chai...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Foam
1991 Mario Bellini and Dieter Thiel for Vitra Figura Office Chair in Leather
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, originally designed by Mario Bellini and Dieter Thiel for Vitra in 1979. This example was produced in Germany and dates to the year 1991. The chai...
Category
1990s German Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Mario Bellini 'Cab' Lounge Chair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini, Duc-Duc two-seater sofa
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Baranzate, IT
Duc-Duc model sofa 405 12. Fabric upholstery. Cassina production, Meda 1976.
Bibliography: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertory 1950/1980 p. 425
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric
Set of 7 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970.
The set consists of 7 elements:
- 4 armchairs ( cm 71 H x ...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Vol au Vent Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italian Italy, 2000s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Vol au Vent chair is a clean, sculptural dining chair designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Fully upholstered in supple leather, including th...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 412, Set of four, 1990s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
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...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Le Bambole armchairs designed 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 1972.
The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979.
Polyurethane structure, wool fabric, restored.
Le Bambol...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Rubber
Footrest pouf of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Footrest of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1972
Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored.
Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
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, 1972
Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored.
Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso d...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton
Le Bambole armchair and pouf designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 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 series wo...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
Four Break Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four leather "Break" armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Category
1970s Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$8,500 / set
Cassina Model 684 "Tentazione" Leather Armchair Design by Mario Bellini in 1973
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in IT
Cassina Model 684 "Tentazione" leather armchair design by Mario Bellini in 1973. Good conditions, wears coherent with prior use and age. Measurements: D 66 cm x H 84 cm x L 81 cm.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of 'Tentazione' model 685 armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of 'Tentazione' model 685 armchairs designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1973.
Soft and enveloping lines designed to envelop the seat.
Production label pres...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric
$3,312 Sale Price
20% Off
1990 Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Executive Desk Chairs in Black Leather
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Vitra in 1979. These examples date to the year 1990. The chairs feature an aluminum base with a seat that...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Le Bambole" armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Manzano, IT
Le Bambole" armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970
Attribution markThis piece has an attribution mark, I am confident that it is completely authentic and I take full responsi...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Iron
$9,760 Sale Price / set
50% Off
Camaleonda, divano B&B 2 posti e divano 3 posti in tessuto bouclè, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Manzano, IT
Camaleonda, divano B&B 2 posti e divano 3 posti in tessuto bouclè, 1970
DESCRIZIONE In questa nuova versione, Camaleonda, con tessuto bouclè, conserva gli elementi che...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Chenille, Wood
$23,662 Sale Price / set
50% Off
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, 1977, set of two
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Break Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1976
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sublimely spare and masterfully constructed arm or dining chair having a lean rectilinear form wrapped in supple oiled leather with piping, zippered side panels and a down-filled ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$2,100 / item
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Roma, IT
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973.
Manufacturer label under the base.
Plastic and padded leather.
Very rare set manufactured by C&B, then replaced ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Leather Sofa in China-Red by Mario Bellini for Cassina 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Salzburg, AT
Designer: Mario Bellini
Manufacturer: Cassina
Design period: 1970 to 1979
Production period: 1980 to 1989
Country of Manufacture: Made in Italy
Marking present: This piece has a mark...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Cassina Model Tentazione Mario Bellini Small Armchair Chair Oxred Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These 2 chairs are designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973.
The Model Tentazione is the small version of the armchair.
It can be used in the Living room and also as a dining ch...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Steel
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' Loveseat, Italy, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This comfortable brown original fabric settee is bulky and playful, shaped as if it is merely a large cushion and the accompanying feeling is the same. It is designed by Mario Bellin...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Amanta Modular Sofa in Orange Leather for C&B Italy, from Mario Bellini 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Oirlo, LI
Mario Bellini Amanta modular sofa in orange leather for C&B Italy, 1960s.
Four separate elements can be used as lounge chairs or sofa.
The shells are white fiberglass and the s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini, Italian Modern, Leather, Four Model 684 Armchairs, Italy, 1980s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mario Bellini, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Light Green Leather, Four "Model 684" Armchairs, Italy, 1980s
Set of four pistachio color leather "Model 684" arm or easy chairs designed ...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 412, Set of 10, 1990s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
Set of ten 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 ski...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$15,498 / set
Stunning Cab 412 & 413 set in Tobacco leather by Mario Bellini - CASSINA Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Nice set of the iconic Cab 412 & 413 dining chairs in a rare Tobacco leather. Extremely comfortable and beautiful armchairs!
Designed by Mario Bellini for CASSINA.
The CAB chairs ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Italian modern chairs Lira or CAB K5 by Mario Bellini per Cassina, 1990s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chairs Lira or CAB K5 by Mario Bellini per Cassina, 1990s
Set of six chairs model Lira, also known as CAB K5, in black leather. The internal structure, composed of sea...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini Stardust Illuminated Pouf for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning woven palstic pouf by Mario Bellini with built in LED lights. Made for Meritalia in 2000s. Original label still attached. Mesh pouf is filled with hundreds of air filled shi...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Plastic
1990s Mario Bellini for Vitra Imago High Back Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Imago Executive Desk Chair, initially designed by Mario Bellini and Dieter Thiel for Vitra in 1984. This example dates to the 1990s and was produced in Germany. It feature...
Category
1990s German Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Four Brown Leather Cab Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four brown leather cab chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Category
1970s Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$8,500 / set
Armchair in Patinated Leather by Mario Bellini, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking armchair in leather. Designed Mario Bellini and made by Cassina. Great original condition.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
1980s Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Office Desk Chair in Fabric 6x Available
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, initially designed by Mario Bellini for Vitra in 1979. These examples date to both 1984 and 1994, as we have six available for purchase. The liste...
Category
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
2er Set B&B Italia Stühle Vol Au Vent Leder Stuhl Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne und sehr gepflegte Vol Au Vent Stühle von B&B Italia zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Mario Bellini, einem der einflussreichsten Möbeldesigner unse...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Pouf for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” pouf for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971.
This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini “Bull” Side Chairs for Cassina, Set of Four, 1990s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
Set of four Bull dining chairs in dark BROWN leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
The Bull chair is built up as a tubular frame over which thick saddle le...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informe...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
1980s Mario Bellini for Cassina Black Leather Software Tilbury Sofa
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a circa 1980s production Tilbury three seat sofa (part of the Software collection), designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Cassina in Italy. This example is one of a few s...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Plastic, Foam
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Italian design modular sofa in dark fabric
By Mario Bellini
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Immerse yourself in the world of luxury furniture design with the Amanta sofas, a masterpiece by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia that fuses elegance, comfort and sophistication in a sin...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass
"Le Bambole" by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia Leather Sofa, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Set of two also sold separately.
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early ed...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Reupholstered 932 3-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy - 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Reupholstered 932 3-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Designed 1964, price on request.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of reupholstered 932 Lounge chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina - 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of reupholstered 932 Lounge chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Designed 1964.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Mario Bellini seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of animal skin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Mario Bellini seating, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 417 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 13 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Mario Bellini were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, and Gio Ponti. Prices for Mario Bellini seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $950 and can go as high as $58,161, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,800.
Creators Similar to Mario Bellini
Questions About Mario Bellini Seating
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether or not a Mario Bellini sofa is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that the designer's sofas provide plush support due to their thick backrests and seat cushions. With its sumptuous tufted cushions, seductive low profile and endless rearrangement possibilities, the Bellini–designed Camaleonda sofa, for example, is infinitely flexible and can double as sculpture in any interior. Shop a selection of Mario Bellini furniture on 1stDibs.
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