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 "Le Bambole" Sofa with Ottoman for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The searc...
Fur, Foam
$13,055Sale 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, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Leather
Cassina Model Tentazione Mario Bellini Small Armchair Chair Oxred Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These 2 chairs are designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. The Model Tentazione is the small version of the armchair. It can be used in the Living room and also as a dining ch...
Steel
$6,405Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mid-Century Leather Sofa in China-Red by Mario Bellini for Cassina 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Salzburg, AT
Designer: Mario Bellini Manufacturer: Cassina Design period: 1970 to 1979 Production period: 1980 to 1989 Country of Manufacture: Made in Italy Marking present: This piece has a mark...
Leather, Wood
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Italy. Original upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Upholstery
Tentazione Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Italy. Original upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Upholstery
Vintage Bambole sofa in dark brown by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This "Le Bambole " sofa, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, is a true icon of Italian design history. In 1979, Bellini was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro f...
Fabric
Mario Bellini 'Bambole' Lounge Chairs for B&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Bambole Lounge Chairs were created in 1972 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The design is undeniable one of Bellini's most iconic creations, and won the Compasso d'Oro award ...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, china red leather, Italy, 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
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 “CAB 413” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, blue leather, designed 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Stunning Excelsior sofa in black leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy, 1985.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Stunning & rare Excelsior sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy, 1985. Full black leather! Still 100% original. No damage. The leather has some normal wear for its age. Measurement...
Leather
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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...
Velvet, Foam
Italian Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 412, Set of four, 1990s - Natural Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Mario Bellini designed the Cab chair for Cassina in the late 1970s. A tubular steel frame is fully enveloped in thick saddle leather, zippered onto the structure, an innovative conce...
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 3
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina in dark brown tobacco leather, Italy, 1977, set of three. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, inform...
Leather
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are availab...
Leather, Foam
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 "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Bouclé, Plastic
$2,088Sale Price|20% Off
Mario Bellini "Tentazione" Leather Sofa or Loveseat for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
This lounge two-seat sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina manufacture in 1970s period, Italy. Model No: 685, Creme color leather original upholstery, steel frame ...
Steel
Mario Bellini Red Cotton Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in red cotton upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfo...
Velvet, Foam, Cotton
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1978, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
6 Model 412 "Cab" Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Set of 6 Model 412 "Cab" Dining Chairs in Cognac Saddle Leather by Mario Bellini An extraordinary and highly sought-after set of 6 iconic Model 412 "Cab" dining chairs, designed by...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
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 eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Vol au Vent Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italian Italy, 2000s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Vol au Vent chair is a clean, sculptural dining chair designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Fully upholstered in supple leather, including th...
Leather
Le Bambole Chaise Longue by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Le Bambole Chaise Longue by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972
Fabric
Mario Bellini Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg features a black ...
Steel
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Tentazione sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. Sofa has been reupholstered in a navy crushed velvet. Retains original Cassina label underneath.
Velvet
Mario Bellini Tentazione Armchair in Maharam Leather, Set of Four
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973, the Model Piccola Tentazione is the petite yet captivating version of this iconic armchair. Translating to "Little Temptation" in Itali...
Leather
Mario Bellini Stardust Illuminated Pouf for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning woven palstic pouf by Mario Bellini with built in LED lights. Made for Meritalia in 2000s. Original label still attached. Mesh pouf is filled with hundreds of air filled shi...
Plastic
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 ...
Leather
Rare red pouf model "Scacchi" Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1970's
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Chess are extra tables or seats, freely modular. In the 1970s version offered here they are made from a special material derived from rubber and plastic (Duraplum) that give a sp...
Plastic, Rubber
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, White, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, steel, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a larg...
Faux Fur, Foam
“Le Bambole” Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia - 1970s - New Upholstery
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
“Le Bambole” Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia - 1970s - New Upholstery
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Mustard Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationshi...
Leather
Mario Bellini B&B Italia Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa 3 Seater
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Modular sofa Camaleonda model designed by Mario Bellini (1935) for B&B Italy in 1972. Composed of 3 large modular seats with support. White Bouclé wool upholstery. Large seats measures (3): W 96...
Bouclé, Wood
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973. Manufacturer label under the base. Plastic and padded leather. Very rare set manufactured by C&B, then replaced ...
Metal
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 Camaleonda Set of Five for B&B Italia in Dedar Milano Mohair c1980
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Dublin, IE
Details Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini B&B Italia Offered as a complete set of five modules Italy, 1980s Private Collection, Sicily Materials Biscuit-toned Dedar Mil...
Metal, Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Mustard Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
$32,655 / item
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: desi...
Textile
1980s Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Office Desk Chair in Fabric 6x Available
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, initially designed by Mario Bellini for Vitra in 1979. These examples date to both 1984 and 1994, as we have six available for purchase. The liste...
Aluminum, Steel
Set of 5 “Amanta” Modules by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in MADRID, ES
Amanta armchair by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia. With a fiberglass frame stamped by C&B and original blue velvet upholstery C&B, or Cassina & Busnelli, was founded in 1966 by Cesare...
Fiberglass, Velvet
Camaleonda Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
The Camaleonda sofa was designed by the architect Mario Bellini in the early 1970s. Conceived as a fully modular seating system, it quickly became an icon of Italian design after bei...
Wood, Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Leather
"Chair-a-bank" Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Two-Seater Version
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
"Chair-a-bank" sofa designed by the renowned designer Mario Bellini for Cassina, dating from the '80s. This two-seater sofa stands out for its sturdy frame and foam padding, which e...
Fabric
"Chair-a-bank" Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Four-Seater Version
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
"Chair-a-bank" sofa designed by the renowned designer Mario Bellini for Cassina, dating from the '80s. This four-seater sofa stands out for its sturdy frame and foam padding, which ...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy - Early B&B Italia ed.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy – Early B&B Italia Edition (1973) A rare and historically significant early B&B Italia production of the iconic “Camaleonda”...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Ivory Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, Ivory Leather, Italy, 1977, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the...
Leather
Modular Sofa "Camaleonda", Design Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Napoli, IT
Modular sofa "Camaleonda", covered with original striped velvet fabric, design Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1970. The modular elements with which the sofa was made can be used freel...
Velvet, Wood
pair of armchairs Amanta design Mario Bellini and Gaetano Pesce C&B italia - B&B
By Mario Bellini, Gaetano Pesce
Located in taranto, IT
A stunning pair of "Amanta" armchairs, originally from the 1970s, designed by Mario Bellini with fabrics by Gaetano Pesce for C&B Italia (formerly B&B Italia). White Fiberlite frame...
Fabric, Plastic
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Dining Chair for Cassina, Blue Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, blue leather, designed 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between...
Steel
Italian Design Classic Cab 414 Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Set of two Cab 414 armchairs in black leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina. These very comfortable lounge chairs are built up with a tubular steel...
Metal
$7,088
Le Mura Day Bed
By Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Rare ‘Le Mura’ daybed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970. Original black leather upholstery, complete with mattress.
Leather
1980's Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 413 Armchair
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini Cab 413 armchair for Cassina, c.1980, upholstered in black saddle leather over a tubular steel frame. The Cab series is distinguished by its tailored leather shell, han...
Steel