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 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, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 6
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 six (two corners + four easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furnitur...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in White Boucle
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970 The iconic Camaleonda sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini for...
Metal
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989, set of 6 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal l...
Leather
$3,249Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of 'Tentazione' model 685 armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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...
Fabric
Le Bambole Bed In Buffalo Leather By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The Iconic “Le Bambole” collection by Mario Bellini also features this amazing kingsize foldable bed: “The Bambolettone”. The bed can be used as a daybed, lounge sofa, dormeuse, and ...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989, set of 4 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal l...
Leather
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 for Cassina Cab Chair 415 in Black Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Greensboro, NC
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Chair 415 in Black Leather This example is circa early 2000s and shows beautifully with minimal wear to leather. 37" x 31" x 32" Seat 16.75"
Leather
$31,541Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Modular Camaleonda sofa cognac-colored leather M.Bellini original 70s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Large Camaleonda sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina he 1960s. this generous set has been completely refurbished and retouched with quality cognac-colored leather. The upholst...
Leather
$14,321Sale Price|35% Off
Large design sofa "Le Bambole" original 80s Mario Bellini B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An authentic symbol of Italian design, the "Le Bambole" sofa signed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia represents one of the most recognizable and desired icons in the world of high-end...
Leather
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
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, ...
Textile
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 5
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of five. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed ...
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
Mario Bellini lounge chair B&B Italia 1973 brown
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exceptional ‘Bambole’ lounge chair, designed by the legendary Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia in 1973, stands as an icon of 1970s design. Instantly recognizable for its...
Leather
Mario Bellini Cassina Cab 412 + Cab 413 - 12 Black Leather Dining Chairs, 1980
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vienna, AT
Wonderful set of 12 dining chairs by Mario Bellini 1980's; 2x cab 413 and 10x cab 412 by Cassina. We have a total of 4x cab 413 and 12x cab 412 at the moment, please inquire if you ...
Steel
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 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, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Leather
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 “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Velvet
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
Bellini CAB 413 Armchair in Watermarked Black Saddle Leather for Cassina, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original Mario Bellini CAB 413 armchair in black leather with purely cosmetic watermark damage. Visible as a vein across the seat bench and across the back panel. Photographed with a...
Leather
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina designed 1977, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg fea...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushio...
Velvet
Mario Bellini, Le Bambole, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s brown leather
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
With its sleek lines and contemporary aesthetic, this sofa embodies modern elegance and timeless sophistication. Crafted with utmost precision and attention to detail, the Le Bambole...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini Red Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, 1970s Italian Design
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original Red Russian saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded l...
Steel
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
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
Pair Mario Bellini CAB 412 Chairs in Cognac Saddle Leather for Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Pair of Mario Bellini CAB 412 chairs, made by Cassina in the 1980s/1990s. Flexible steel frame covered with a skin of high quality vegetable tanned cognac saddle leather. This elegan...
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Amanta" Armchairs by Mario Bellini, 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Amanta" Armchairs by Mario Bellini, 1960s
Wood
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa Set, 5 Pieces.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This configuration appears to be a 5-piece Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” modular sofa set, upholstered in a soft ivory/cream bouclé fabric. The arrangement includes: One 3-seat section...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini for B&B "Le Bambole" camel velvet two-seater sofa, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Quarrata, IT
Two-seater sofa, model "Le Bambole", designed by Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970s and manufactured by B&B Italia. This iconic piece of 1970s avant-garde desi...
Jute, Velvet
Mario Bellini Midcentury Brown Velvet Pianura Living Room Set for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa and two lounge chairs. It featur...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
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
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofas, a Pair From B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of 1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas, B&B Italia An icon newly restored. This pair feature Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki). 66" long, 36" ...
Upholstery
Set of Six Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 413 Armchairs, Distributed by Atelier
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Atelier International, Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Few designs in the postwar canon achieve what Bellini accomplished with the Cab series: a chair that is simultaneously a feat of engineering and an act of tailoring. The steel skelet...
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
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
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 5 elements: - 3 armchairs ( cm 71h x...
Metal, Chrome
Mario Bellini Green Linen Velvet Camaleonda 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 two armrests. Green linen velvet upholstery. Fu...
Velvet, Foam, Linen
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
$3,000 / item
Mario Bellini 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
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Ten ‘Lira e Liuto’ Dining Chairs in Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of ten ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs, black leather, Italy, 1989 This postmodern set of ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina is ex...
Leather
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
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
"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
Amanta Modular Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1976. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Previously reupholstered in beige leather. Rare and hard to find.
Leather, Plastic
Camaleonda brown modular sofa by Mario Bellini, B&B Italy, 1970 set pf 4
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Brown chameleon, set of 4, design by Mario Bellini, produced by B&B, Italy, 1970, internal structure in wood, padding in polyurethane foam, new upholstery in brown velvet, three modu...
Velvet
Amanta Mario Bellini per B&B 4 Poltroncine modulari in velluto
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ghedi, IT
4 splendide poltrone Amanta, disegnate da Mario Bellini, icona del design italiano. Realizzate in velluto azzurro, queste poltrone modulari si distinguono per le loro condizioni ecce...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
1990s Mario Bellini for Vitra Imago High Back Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
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...
Aluminum, Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between ...
Leather
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
Le Bambole sofa in leather upholstery by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 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 ...
Animal Skin
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
Pair of le Bambole lounge chair in cotton fabric by Bellini for B&b Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic pie...
Fabric