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.
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
$3,296Sale 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
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
Le Bambole lounge chair in cotton upholstery by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 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
$14,538Sale 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 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, ...
Textile
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 for B&B Italia Camaleonda Sofa and Ottoman - Set of 4
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Vintage authentic Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa; a designer classic. Modular design includes three seating pieces and one ottoman. The ottoman was reconstructed to match the existing original seating modules. Includes three spherical pillows. Total reupholstery required. 3 Seat Sections, dimensions per piece: D: 37.75" H: 26" W: 37.75" Arm height: 21" Seat height: 15.75 Overall width of three seat sections together: 113" 1 Ottoman Section...
Bouclé
$32,020Sale 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
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
Mario Bellini "Le Stelle" Lounge Chairs Original B&B Italia 1974
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by Mario Bellini, the “Le Stelle” 1974 for B&B Italia lounge chair is a celebrated example of Bellini’s sculptural and highly sensual approach to furniture design. Defined b...
Leather, Linen
Cassina Cab 412 Chairs Mario Bellini Matte Black drk Grey Leather PAIR, 2 Chairs
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous, Mario Bellini for Cassina 412 Cab chair in gorgeous Black leather. Opportunity to purchase just one chair! **We offer very fast, insured, affordable shipping in 9-15 day...
Metal
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
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
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
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 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, 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 “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
Pair of 932 lounge chairs in leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1964
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
932 modular sofa 2 seater designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1964. Leather, foam padding, metal details. Reupholstered in new leather. excellent condition. Born in Milan i...
Animal Skin
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, 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 "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 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 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 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
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
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 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 "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
$3,005 / set
Set of 2 Ki Wood Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Horm, Mario Bellini
Located in Milan, IT
In Japanese, “ki” represents the energy found in every element. Mario Bellini takes inspiration from this concept for his refined and modern collection of chairs. Each piece is sinuo...
Other
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 “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 “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, Tentazione Sofa, Fabric, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric "Tentazione" sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini in 1973 and produced by Cassina, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 29.5” H x 60” W x 33” D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" All it...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
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
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
Pianura by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Pianura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in the 1971, is a refined exploration of horizontality and proportion, where seating is conceived as a low, expansive landscap...
Velvet, Wood
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
Italian modern brown velvet pouf Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1960s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown velvet pouf Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1960s Pouf Camaleonda with squared base and rounded corners, fully padded and upholstered in brown velvet. Sphe...
Velvet
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
$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 “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
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Daybed for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Daybed for B&B Italia with shearling topper, leather, Italy, 1972 Mario Bellini conceived "Le Bambole" for B&B Italia in 1972 as a direct challeng...
Fur, Leather
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Modular Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
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 ...
Alpaca
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 "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
Pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of Le Bambole two-seat sofas designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known individually as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is pa...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
Newly Pierre Frey Upholstered Amanta Lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 2 iconic vintage Mid Century Modern Amanta lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Newly upholstered in spectacular Pierre Frey fabric: CHROMA F4019017 - Pêche. Very sturdy a...
Fabric, Fiberglass
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
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&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
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in a beautifully soft premium, taupe, pure alpaca fabric. Marked on the u...
Alpaca
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 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 "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” 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...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for uphol...
Foam
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 "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 14
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of fourteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the ...
Leather