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
'Camaleonda' in Original Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976, Signed
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are someone who seeks the absolute best of the best - this is for you. This is an all original modular Camaleonda sectional by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia made within the fir...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$47,900 Sale Price / set
26% Off
Mario Bellini ‘Le Bambole’ Blue-Grey Suede Loveseat for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'le Bambole' blue-grey suede loveseat. Iconic and distinctive soft form sofa with curved silhouette. In original condition with visible signs of wear inc...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Suede
Black Leather Cab 413 Chair by Mario Bellini, Cassina, Italy, 1980s
By Mario Bellini
Located in LEWES, GB
A nice early black leather Cab 413 chair by Mario Bellini, Cassina, Italy, 1980s. Marked to underside. We have a matching chair avail...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Early Production Mario Bellini 'Amanta' Modular Sofa Set + Table C&B Italia 1966
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Rare and early "Amanta' Modular sofa set by Mario Bellinio for C&B Italia
C&B Italia was founded in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli (C&B was a joint venture between Cassina and Bus...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Fiberglass, Rubber
Large "Landeau" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970's
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A magnificent seven piece modular 'Landeau' sectional sofa.
Original Cassina production, Meda, Italy.
Production from 1976 to 1991.
It is rarely offered in this large size.
Cover...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Foam
Set of 2 Cassina CAB-414 armchairs in grey leather by Mario Bellini, 1980s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Set of 2 Cassina "Cab" 414 armchairs in elephant grey saddle leather. Designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by Cassina Italy. These chairs are 1980s edition. The leather cover ...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in LEWES, GB
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Modular Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in LEWES, GB
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole four piece modular sofa / chair set, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the unders...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Vol Au Vent Chair Set of Four B&B, Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four dining chairs in red fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia.
Modern design, faboulos red dining chairs.
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric
$4,160 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Le Bambole sofa 2 seats designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 2 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia.
Polyurethane padding, grained cowhide.
The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979,
Le Bamb...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Animal Skin
Beautiful set of six Cab 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, brown leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Set of Six Cab 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1980s
Designer: Mario Bellini
Manufacturer: Cassina
Model: Cab 412
Material: Brown leather with steel internal fram...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Steel
Italian Design Mario Bellini Cassina Cab 412, Bordeaux Red, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
A set of eight original Cab 412 side chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Originally introduced in the late 1970s, the Cab chair has become an icon of Italian design and is ...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa designed by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Upholstery
$18,459 / item
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in LEWES, GB
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, newly upholstered in luxury cream alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping world...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Alpaca
"Camaleonda" Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waasmunster, BE
The Camaleonda is a classic modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini in 1970. Known for its distinctive, soft, and curvilinear forms, the sofa features a unique structure that allows f...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Velvet
Postmodern Design 401 BREAK Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1980's
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Italian Design "401 BREAK" model Armchair set of 6 by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Made in Italy, 1980's period. Designed in 1976 by Mario Bellini. These are all in ...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Modular Sofà Italian Design Orange White Resin
By Mario Bellini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Modular sofà Italian design orange white resin.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Resin
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, dark green leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight.
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
Steel
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for C&b Italia, 1970.
Polyurethane padding, original cotton fabric.
The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979.
Le Bambol...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton
Set of 6 “412” Cab Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of six ‘412’ CAB dining chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1977. These chairs features a handstitched brown leather upholstery wrapped over an internal steel frame. Well ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
LE MURA RIGHT MODULE 90, LE MURA LEFT MODULE 90 & LE MURA CENTRAL MODULE 90
CAT. Z - ZAREEN 03
CLASP AND ZIPPERS MATT BLACK NICHEL T148
WITH INTERLINER CAL117
The project Le Mura b...
Category
2010s Italian Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$20,912 Sale Price
20% Off
Bambole bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Bed in creamy white fabric. Model: Bambole by Mario Bellini. Stamp under the bed. No tears. Seat height: 36.5cm. Depth when closed: 127cm. Wear due to time and age of the bed.
FOR SH...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric
Mario Bellini Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg features ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Steel
Camaleonda Sofa 8 modules + Ottoman by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Mario Bellini, Camaleonda Sofa Set 8 modules+ottoman, realized for C&B, first series 1970 ca.
Original C&B Label.
Wood, Metal and Leather
Height: 65cm
Width: 95cm
Depth: 95 cm
...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chairs, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in LEWES, GB
A beautiful pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Alpaca
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "AMANTA" Modular Sofa / Lounge Chair set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia / C&B Italia. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked with original lab...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Plastic
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Exceptional Camaleonda - Mario Bellini 1st edition 72
By Mario Bellini
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Exceptional Camaleonda ensemble
Mario Bellini
1st edition
1972
Extremely rare version with original wooden olive feet (can be unscrewed)
Original labels
. 6 large units 90 D x 90...
Category
1970s European Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Modular Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in LEWES, GB
A Mario Bellini Le Bambole five piece modular sofa / chair set, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca.
The pieces without arms each...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Bambole Chairs, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in LEWES, GB
A Mario Bellini Le Bambole pair of chairs, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca.
Dims:
H 73cm
D 88cm
W 80cm
SH 40/41cm
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Cassina Italian 401 Break Leather Armchairs, 1980s Pair
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
Mario Bellini Cassina Italian 401 Break Leather Armchairs, 1980s Pair
Offered for sale is a pair of iconic chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in the 1980s. The "Break" le...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
$3,400 Sale Price / set
24% Off
20th Century Vintage Italian Red Leather Chairs CAB by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Sofia, BG
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in late 1970s, Italy, features the original deep red saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back legs feature...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$2,329 Sale Price
30% Off
Stunning Cab 415 chair in natural cognac leather - Mario Bellini - CASSINA Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Introducing the exquisite Cab 415 armchair, designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in the 1970s. A rare find, this iconic piece is no longer part of Cassina's current collection.
De...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "Gli Scacchi" Chess Side Tables 'for Cameleonda' for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless charm of the Mario Bellini-designed "Gli Scacchi" Side Tables/Stools, a perfect complement to the iconic Camaleonda sofa. Crafted in 1971 for B&B Italia, these ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Plastic
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...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight.
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
Steel
Pair of 'Amanta' Leather Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 'Amanta' cognac brown 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, with a waitlist for eager purchasers. The 'Amanta' was produced as a modular piece so you can place the two together to form a small sofa or stand alone as lounge chairs. The flexibility was made possible by the strategically placed vertical slit in the backrest. With their original cognac brown leather upholstery that is wonderful vintage condition. The curved and molded shells that hold the cushions are made of dark chocolate brown fiberglass and rest upon chocolate brown fiberglass ball...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass
Sofa 4 modules design "Bambole" by M.Bellini for B&B 70s green velvet
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, MI
Stunning Set of 4 modules from the series "Le Bambole" by Mario Bellini for B&B italia.
Modular version (discontinued) with 2 corner modules and 2 center modules.
The Fabric has be...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Jute, Velvet
Le Bambole Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Early edition Le Bambole lounge chairs, Mario Bellini, C&B Italia, 1970s.
Reupholstered in a fabric of stunning contrasting jute and soft chenille yarns. It’s a modern take on a tra...
Category
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Chenille, Jute
Divano modulare ''Camaleonda'' di Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, originale 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Quarrata, IT
Set di 6 elementi rivestiti in pelle colore verde salvia, del modello ''Camaleonda'' di Mario Bellini per B&B Italia, originale anni '70, composto da: 4 moduli cm 92 x 92 x h 67 e 2 ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Suede
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, 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 not only of aesthetics, ...
Category
2010s Italian Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Textile
Pair Mario Bellini Black Leather Cab Chairs, Model 414 for Cassina Italy, 1980
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Mario Bellini Black Leather Cab Chairs, Model 414 for Cassina Italy, 1980's.
Chairs are built with tubular steel frames and a thick sa...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
4 x CAB 413 Armchairs & 6 x CAB 412 chairs in Black Leather for Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 4 Mario Bellini CAB 413 chairs + 6 CAB 412 chairs, made by Cassina. Flexible steel frame covered with a skin of high quality vintage black saddle leather.
The chairs, which ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$16,735 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Le Bambole modular sofa 3 seats by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seats sofa 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...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Modular sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, green linen, Italy, 1971, Set of five
The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: al...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Steel
Le Bambole Leather Sofa Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole two-seater Sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia.
The Bambole series today is an icon of 1970s design furniture and won Mario Bellini the "Compasso d'Oro" award i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Foam
Mario Bellini Blue Cotton Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 7
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 seven modules with backrest (four big modules and three small ones) and one armres...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Cotton, Velvet, Foam
Landeau Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s - Original Upholstery
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Landeau Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s - Original Upholstery
Dimensiosn per elements
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Suede
Le Bambole Leather Sofa Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
cognac leather Le Bambole-seater Sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1978.
Price per sofa, second matching sofa available.
The Bambole series today is a true icon amo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Foam
Mario Bellini Modular "Camaleonda" Sofa in Four Segments for B&B, Italy 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words for ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through five decades of design history as a true icon.
The elements that made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The four separate segments of this “Camaleonda” were manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks, and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is specifically this unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The four modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”
The modules of this sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. Considering the inherently modern and innovative design, this shall comes as no surprise.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules are upholstered in a brown velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Large segments:
147.63 in W x 37.79 in D x 26.37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 19.68 in
375 cm W x 96 cm D x 67 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 50 cm
Literature:
Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.
About the designer:
Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.
He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.
His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Cab 412 by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1977, the Cab 412 chair is a celebrated icon of modern design. Manufactured by Cassina, this innovative model fea...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$5,406 / set
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in Light Blue Velvet
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, light blue velvet, metal, Italy, design 1970
This iconic sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini fo...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini 413 "CAB" Chair for Cassina in Hazelnut Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
Mario Bellini for Cassina model 'CAB 413', leather, Italy, designed in 1979
The iconic ‘CAB’ chairs were designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the way Bellini uses...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Le Bambole Chaise Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&b, Italia, 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 chairs,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Animal Skin, Suede, Hemp
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of two.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
Stunning Cab 413 chairs in natural leather by Mario Bellini for CASSINA Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
A perfect set of iconic Cab 413 dining chairs, crafted in natural leather. These exceptionally comfortable and stylish armchairs feature a gorgeous patina that only enhances their be...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofa, B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, B&B Italia
An icon newly restored. Features Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki).
66" long, 36" deep, 29" high, 1...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Upholstery
$12,500 / item
Mario Bellini "Cab" Chairs
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic leather cab chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina in cognac reddish leather.
Wonderful patina.
Set of four available. Priced individually.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Leather
$2,500 / item
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of four.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Steel
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of three.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide desi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Seating
Materials
Steel
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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