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 Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia in Brown Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Chrome
Le Bambole Mario Bellini sofa for B&B, 1970, brown leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Le Bambole sofa, set consisting of sofa and armchairs model “Le Bambole”, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970. The project represents one of the icons of Italian design ...
Leather
Pair of Mario Bellini Tentazione armchairs for Cassina - Italy, 1973
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A pair of generously proportioned and plush Piccola Tentazione armchairs by Milanese architect Mario Bellini. They are a fine example of the pieces that he designed for Cassina from ...
Mohair
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 and produced in 1972. This piece consists of one large square module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete with ba...
Chrome
1970s Mario Bellini 5-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless Organic Modern elegance of the original 1970s Le Bambole Italian sofa set with beige woven wool upholstery in superb condition. A Mid-Century Modern Italian masterpiece by the renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia. It was an instant success on launch in 1971. Today, it commands an extreme desirability as it's timeless playful aesthetic fits so well with both period and contemporary interiors. This vintage collection combines luxurious comfort, captivating aesthetics, and a rich history. Crafted with utmost precision, the set consists of three armchairs, one corner armchair, and one ottoman...
Wool, Upholstery
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 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
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
1980s Italian Designer CAB 414 2Seater Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wesseling, DE
Iconic vintage ‘CAB 414’ sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina during the 1980s. One of the most recognizable Italian postmodern seating designs, featuring Bellini’s signature s...
Leather
Black Leather 'CAB' Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic leather CAB chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Priced individua...
Leather
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Sofa model Granbambola, from Le Bambole series, in light blue fabric, marked Dàmeda. The three-seater couch f...
Fabric
Mario Bellini Quartet sofa Cassina Italy 1964
By Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Extremely rare 932 'Quartet' sofa designed by architect Mario Bellini and manufactured by Cassina in Italy in 1964. Very early model made up of five separate pieces. It's quite challenging to come across one in this large and impressive size. What makes it even more special is its gorgeous cognac colour. This sofa's modular design means you can arrange its elements in various ways to suit different settings. It's still in good original condition, considering its age, with some expected wear and tear that adds character and enhances its beautiful appearance and patina. There are no holes or tears in it. In the 1960s Mario Bellini reinterpreted the concept of classic furniture stuffing with the 932 model, transforming the padding of the traditional armchair into an item of furniture: four independent cushions connected by a belt passed around the outside. Bellini took as his starting point Le Corbusier’s Grand...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather
$4,169 / item
Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
The Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, designed in 1970, is a seminal work of radical Italian design, defined by its fully modular system and soft, sculptural articulat...
Velvet, Foam
Model 414 Cab Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Full leather construction. Signed.
Leather
Orange Cord Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Original
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original early B&B Italia Organic Modern 2-piece Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini in orange cord fabric. Consists of two lounge chairs of the largest 3x3 format in the ...
Fabric, Cord, Foam, Plywood
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
$4,526Sale Price / set|47% Off
Coppia di poltrone vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame and beige fabric upholstery, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Le Bambole modular sofa designed 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 and linen fabric, Le Bambole is an i...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, China red leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betw...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of two. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage edi...
Velvet, Plastic
$3,100 / set
Leather Cab Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Black leather cab chairs. Tagged.
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
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
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Daybed in Butterscotch Suede for C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of four (two corners + two easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furn...
Velvet, Foam
Set of 2 Camaleonda armchairs and pouf by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in taranto, IT
Set of 3 modular elements from the famous "Camaleonda" collection by Mario Bellini, for B&B Italia, Created in 1970 by the ingenious mind of Mario Bellini and originally produced by...
Fabric
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
Pianura modular sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1971
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Modular sofa and armchair set by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Solid walnut timber frame and all original velvet upholstery. Circa 1970, Italy. SOFA: W 270, D 83, H 58 CM. ARMCHAIR W ...
Velvet, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Steel
$12,389Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa C&B Italia 1970s set of 3 Green Kiwi Velvet
By Mario Bellini
Located in Vigevano, PV
Mario Bellini 'Camaleonda' Sofa, C&B Italia, 1970s, set of 3. Iconic and very elegant modular sofa. This set of 3 pieces of this sofa have been completely redone. We have chosen thi...
Metal
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...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 3
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 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large s...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, ...
Velvet, Plastic
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 des...
Wood, Leather
2010s Mario Bellini for Cassina Bull 422 Dining Chair in Brown Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are 422 Bull Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 2008. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. Their design features a steel struct...
Steel
Mario Bellini ‘Vol Au Vent’ Dining Chairs and Armchairs for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A refined set of original ‘Vol Au Vent’ dining chairs and armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the early 2000s. This elegant set includes six dining chairs and t...
Leather
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...
Leather, Plastic
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione loveseat, in a beautiful linen upholstery from renowned textile brand, Elitis. A true classic of midcen...
Linen
"Le Bambole" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
4-piece modular fabric sofa by Mario Bellini, “Le Bambole” model. Branded under the seat. Seat height: 41 cm. Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST ...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 5
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 five. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413 Set of Six Dining Chairs in Grey Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs, model 'CAB 413', leather, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chairs were designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the way B...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 11
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eleven. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular ...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 6
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 six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini Brown Alpaca Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
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 three modules with big backrest, and two modules with small backrest. Alpaca...
Velvet, Foam, Alpaca
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of one. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chairs in cognac leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 197...
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Pianura lounge chair, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. It features a brown velvet upholstery and a solid walnut structure. ...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Dining Chair Mod.412, Italy, 1978
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Naples, IT
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, circa 1970s, features the original caramel-colored leather. The bottom of the chairs bears the inscription - Cassina.
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Steel