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” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
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 four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betw...
Leather
Chaise Longue Le Bambole, Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1970 Leather Cognac
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Catania, IT
The Chaise Longue Le Bambole, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970, represents an icon of Italian design. This extraordinary piece of furniture captures the essence of th...
Leather, Rubber
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Le Bambole two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is part of the celebrated L...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
$1,300 / item
CAB 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Mario Bellini in 1977 for Cassina, the CAB chair is a masterpiece of Italian design. Each chair features a tubular steel frame enveloped in thick saddle leather, meticulo...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Mohair, 1971, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upho...
Velvet
La Pianura Lounge Chairs and Coffee Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian vintage walnut and leather armchair set All in original conditions This Pianura set by Mario Bellini for Cassina is a refined example of 1970s Italian design. Designed in ...
Leather, Walnut
$2,500
Mario Bellini Cab Chair
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini cab chair manufactured by Cassina Italy, circa 1970’s Buttery soft Oxblood leather Light surface markings on the seat Perfectly ...
Leather
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Four Seats in Fabric Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa/ Four Seats, Italy 1970s Looking for a grand and comfortable sofa that can accommodate your entire family? Look no further than the "A...
Fabric, Fiberglass
$2,100 / item
Break Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1976
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sublimely spare and masterfully constructed arm or dining chair having a lean rectilinear form wrapped in supple oiled leather with piping, zippered side panels and a down-filled ...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Living Room Set for B&B Italia, Mohair, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” living room set for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971, set of three. (sofa + two armchairs) The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture:...
Velvet
"Camaleonda" Sofa modular by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular Sofa in green fabric. There are 4 large pieces and an ottoman. Seat height: 35 cm. Dimensions of one piece: H: 65 cm W: 93 cm D: 93 cm Stamped B&B Italia. Wear due to tim...
Fabric
Le Bambole Lounge chair in leather by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy, 1972 modern
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole Chaise-Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Le Bambole is an ...
Animal Skin
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Amanta 24 armchair modular sofa Mario Bellini B&B Italia 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-Century Modern Amanta 24 Armchair Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s This exceptional set of 10 Amanta 24 lounge chairs, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Itali...
Fabric, Plastic
Set of Two “Le Bambole” Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Iconic set of two vintage “Le Bambole” lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. Celebrated for their revolutionary approach to comfort and form, the Le B...
Textile
1970s Mario Bellini 3-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 ma...
Wool, Upholstery
Bibambola Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini Upholstered With Colored Arty fabric
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Mario Bellini Bibambole Sofa in White Bouclé for B&B Italia, 1970s, Signed Iconic Bibambole modular sofa designed by Italian architect Mario Bellini (b. 1935) for B&B Italia...
Cotton, Wood
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Vol Au Vent Italian Leather Dining Chair - Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Vol Au Vent Mid Century Italian Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 18 wide x 22 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height/chair clear...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Dining Chair for Cassina, Ivory Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, Ivory Leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between ...
Leather
MCM 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eg...
Leather
Quartet 932 Chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Mohair
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Italy. Original purple mohair upholstery. Extremely rare example, tagged.
Mohair
Mario Bellini Model 412 "CAB" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four Model 412 "CAB" dining chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1977. Introduced in 1977, the CAB collection was the first chair in the worl...
Leather
Pair Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Italy c. 1970
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Dining Chairs for Cassina Camel Leather c. 1970 Measure 31” tall 22” wide 18” deep seat height 17.25” 15” deep arm height 24.25” A steel skeleton with a ...
Ostrich Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Leather
Set of 6 Mario Bellini Cab 413 Armchairs for Cassina in Gray Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
Set of six original Mario Bellini Cab 413 armchairs designed for Cassina in 1977, upholstered in gray leather. An iconic example of Italian modern design, this set of six Cab 413 ar...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of five. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
Pair of 2 "Le Bambole" Armchair Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Lounge Chair, produced by B&B Italia in the 1970s, is an iconic piece of Italian design. Characterized by its distinctive and innovative form, the chai...
Fabric, Foam
5 Section 'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Caramel Leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Section 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in original caramel leather. Originally designed in 1970 and commercially released in 1972, Bellini combined two terms tha...
Leather
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mario Bellini Amanta Longue Chairs- 5 Pieces
By Mario Bellini
Located in Red Lion, PA
Vintage Amanta System chairs by Mario Bellini Can be 5 single chairs or modular B&B Needs reupholstered
Upholstery, Fiberglass
Set of 4 CAB 412 chocolate leather dining chairs by Mario Bellini, Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Set of four CAB 412 chocolate leather dining chairs by Mario Bellini, Cassina 1980 Elegant and timeless, the CAB 412 chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina has become a classic...
Leather
Early & matching Cab 413 Armchairs (2) in leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Cab 413 Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1979 – Matching Early Edition Set in Rich Burgundy Leather Iconic Free-Standing Saddle Leather Armchairs with Sculptural Elegance Des...
Leather
Cassina Cab 415 Neck Saddle Leather Sofa China Red / Ox Red
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Cab 415 sofa was designed by Mario Bellini for Italian manufacturer Cassina. It´s the thick padding cushions with comfortable seat. Neckleather was used...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
LUXURY RESTORED 1977 MARIO BELLINI FOR MATTEO GRASSI CAB 412 DESK / DiNING CHAIR
By Matteo Grassi, Mario Bellini
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare fully restored vintage 1977 Mario Bellini for Matteo Grassi Cab 412 desk or dining chair Ple...
Leather
Pair of Postmodern Leather Armchairs "Tentazione" by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Beograd, RS
Pair of postmodern leather club chairs "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The club chairs feature spectacular, somewhat organic and curvy design. The chairs are very...
Steel
1980s Mario Bellini and Dieter Thiel for Vitra Figura Office Chair in Leather
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, originally designed by Mario Bellini and Dieter Thiel for Vitra in 1979. This example was produced in Germany and dates to the 1980s. The chair fe...
Aluminum, Steel
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, four elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini Bambole lounge chair B&B Italia 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic Bambole lounge chair and poof designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The Le Bambole collection marked a breakthrough i...
Bouclé
1980s Tentazione Two-Seater Sofa / Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina Model 685
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tentazione two-seater sofa, model 685, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. Its frame is made of steel, and the seat and back are formed from pliant mo...
Steel
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 3Sits Cameleonda with armrests
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Brussels, BE
The Original Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is a renowned piece of furniture from the 1970s. It includes two large seating elements with back and armrests a...
Fabric, Wood
2000s Pair of Mario Bellini 401 Break Arm Dining Chairs for Cassina in Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of 401 Break Arm Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. These particular examples were produced in Italy in the 2000s. The design features Be...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was o...
Leather, Plastic
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...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Sand Beige Leather, 1970
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970 “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs, evolvi...
Leather
Mid-Century "Amanta" 24 Leather Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An iconic expression of Italian modern design, this original mid-century Amanta 24 modular seating system was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in the early 1970s. Widely rega...
Leather, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced circa 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete...
Chrome
Le Bambole Chaise by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Greensboro, NC
Le Bambole Chaise by Mario Bellini. Iconic design by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Retains original tag as shown. This design was awarded the ‘Compasso d’Oro’ award in 1979. An exam...
Fabric, Foam
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Leather, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, blue leather, designed 1977, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Mario Bellini Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, Leather & Steel, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded...
Steel
Vintage Iconic ‘Camaleonda’ Seating Set by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Iconic six-piece seating set designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia (B&B Italia), comprising of three first-edition Camaleonda modules and three ‘Gli Scacchi’ side tabl...
Metal
$13,045Sale Price / set|25% Off
Bamboleuse leather lounge chair and pouf by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Bamboleuse and Bambouff designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Le Bambole is an iconic piece of Italian design....
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, set of eight The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
"Le Bambole" by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia Leather Sofa, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Set of two also sold separately. Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early ed...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 16
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of sixteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
Le Bambole Two Seat Sofa (LBA2) by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Rare and iconic Bambole sofa, designed in 1973, featuring bold, sculptural lines and unmistakable Italian flair. Upholstered in its original cotton twill fabric, this piece captures ...
Canvas
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Leather