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 Set of Six 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Black Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, mustard velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Armchairs for Cassina, White, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" armchairs for Cassina, white fabric and wood, Italy, 1972, set of two. Designed in 1972, the “Pianura” armchairs encapsulate the refined minimalism and sculp...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Mustard Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, mustard velvet, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushion....
Velvet
$2,419Sale Price / item|25% Off
Leather "Cab" 413 Arm Chair by Mario Bellini Cassina, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Iconic vintage chair "Cab 413" by Mario Bellini for Cassina, first produced in 1977, renowned for the innovative freestanding leather structure, inspired by the relationship between ...
Steel
“Le Bambole” bouclè armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Padova, IT
Very good condition, the upholstery has been expertly redone in an original super bouclé, only the original lower part with the signature has been kept Designed by Mario Bellini for...
Bouclé
Early Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, Original Leather, C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare first edition Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, in its original wonderfully patinated leather, produced by C&B Italia, Italy, in the early 1970s. Fast shipping worldw...
Leather
$1,441Sale Price|20% Off
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia Midcentury Amanta Velvet Armchair, 1973
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian armchair model Amanta designed by Mario Bellini and produced by C&B Italia from 1966, with corduroy upholstery and fibreglass frame, original manufacturer’s label and rel...
Metal
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
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
$2,325Sale Price|30% Off
20th Century Vintage Italian Red Leather Chairs CAB by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Sofia, BG
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in late 1970s, Italy, features the original deep red saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back legs feature...
Leather
Mario Bellini Model 684 "Piccola Tentazione" Armchair by Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Highland, IN
Mario Bellini's model 684 "Piccola Tentazione" was designed for Cassina in 1973. Piccola Tentazione translates as "Little Temptation". Created in the same period as his iconic CAB c...
Steel
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
Pair of Early Elephant Hide Grey Cassina Cab 414 Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Dronten, NL
Pair of very early Mario Bellini Cab 414 arm chairs made by Cassina, with elephant hide grey saddle leather upholstery zippered over the steel frame. M...
Steel
"Le Bambole" Armchair Designed by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1972
By Mario Bellini
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 ...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Armchairs for Cassina, White, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" armchairs for Cassina, white fabric and wood, Italy, 1972, set of two. Designed in 1972, the “Pianura” armchairs encapsulate the refined minimalism and sculp...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini 413 "CAB" Leather Chair for Cassina, Italy 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini 413 "CAB" black leather chair for Cassina, 1977. Italy A true icon of Made in Italy, Cab is the first chair in the world characterized by a self-supporting leather str...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Armchair for Cassina, Argilla Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" armchair for Cassina, argilla fabric and wood, Italy, 1972. Designed in 1972, the “Pianura” armchairs encapsulate the refined minimalism and sculptural elega...
Wood, Velvet
Pair of Mario Bellini 'Tentazione' armchairs for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Gently curving contours shape these plush Piccola Tentazione armchairs. These armchairs are a fine example of the pieces that the Milanese architect Mario Bellini – and former Domus ...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Chenille, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” three seater sofa for B&B Italia, ivory chenille, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furnitur...
Foam, Chenille
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Armchairs for Cassina, Argilla Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" armchairs for Cassina, argilla velvet and wood, Italy, 1971, set of two. Designed in 1972, the “Pianura” sofa embodies the refined minimalism and architectur...
Wood, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Mohair Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushion....
Foam
Mario Bellini Cab 413 cowhide leather armchair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen size and color. Also available in 66cm width, 57cm depth, 82cm height and 45cm seat height. Cab is the world’s first free-standing cowhide chair,...
Cowhide, Leather
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
Italian Design Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413, Green leather, 2000s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
Rare dark green coloured leather Cab 413 arm chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina: The Cab chair is built up as a tubular frame over which a very thick saddle leather is fitted; the l...
Metal
Mario Bellini CAB 413 Dining Chairs Set of Six, Black Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
This iconic set of six CAB 413 dining chairs, designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, represents a milestone in 20th-century design. Introduced in 1977, the CAB was the world’s first ...
Metal
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the ...
Alpaca
$10,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
"Le Bambole" by Mario Bellini B&B ani 70s 2 green velvet seats
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, MI
"Le Bambole" modular armchairs designed in 1972 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The seats are characterized by soft, rounded shapes with no visible rigid structure. New upholstery ...
Velvet
$4,436 / item
Mario Bellini 684 Armchair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Price dependent on the chosen material/color. A soft upholstered armchair with optional casters by Mario Bellini for the dining room or living room featuring a simple, inviting, reas...
Leather, Fabric
$8,500 / set
Four Break Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four leather "Break" armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Leather
$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
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
$3,357Sale 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 “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 “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Brown Suede, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, brown suede, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: ...
Foam
Vintage Italian Leather CAB Armchair by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic vintage Italian leather CAB armchair by Mario Bellini. This was made in Italy by Cassina. It is of amazing quality and is also extremely comfortable. It has suc...
Leather
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 1972. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Polyurethane structure, wool fabric, restored. Le Bambole...
Fabric, Wool, Rubber
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chairs, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia...
Alpaca
On Hold|$10,792 / set
Italian Design Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413 Bordeaux Red, Set of 4, 1990s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
Cab 413 arm chairs in bordeaux red leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina: The Cab chair is built up as a tubular frame over which thick saddle leather is fitted; the leather skin is ...
Metal
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 armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Polyurethane structure, wool fabric, restored. Le Bambol...
Fabric, Wool, Rubber
Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 2022
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Athens, Attiki
B&B Italia’s Le Bambola has received a radical redesign for its 50th anniversary by its original designer, Italian architect Mario Bellini. Le bambola was designed in 1972 and awarde...
Metal
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
Le Bambole armchairs and pouf designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of Le Bambole armchairs and pouf designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series w...
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 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
Stunning natural leather Cab 413 dining chair by Mario Bellini for CASSINA Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
CAB 413 Dining Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina Natural Leather Dining Armchairs This set of CAB 413 dining armchairs is an iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, origina...
Leather
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
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, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso d...
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton
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
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
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 “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: all...
Velvet
Mario Bellini, Italian Modern, Leather, Four Model 684 Armchairs, Italy, 1980s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Stamford, CT
Mario Bellini, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Light Green Leather, Four "Model 684" Armchairs, Italy, 1980s Set of four pistachio color leather "Model 684" arm or easy chairs designed ...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Armchair for Cassina, White, 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" armchair for Cassina, white fabric and wood, Italy, 1972. The “Pianura” sofa is a great expression of the minimalism and elegance of Mario Bellini’s creation...
Fabric, Wood
CAB 413 Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina in a Dark brown leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship...
Cowhide, Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” easy chair for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushion...
Foam, Leather
Mario Bellini Vintage Four Cream Dining Chair Armchair Tentazione Cassina 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage four ( 4 ) dining room chairs or armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina 1970s Italy. An amazing set of four dining room chairs or armchairs model Tentazione designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina 1970s. These very comfortable and lush upholstered armchairs or dining chairs show original cover in cream textile fabric, which is detachable. One chair shows the paper label with company´s name Cassina. Good stable and sturdy condition with signs of age and use. The original light cream textile covers show fading and some stains. approx. measures: Width 73 cm Depth 65 cm Height 86 cm Seat height 53 cm lowest armrest height 70 cm Mario Bellini ( 1935 ) Italian architect and designer He was chief designer by Olivetti, since 1973 he opened his own design office. 1986 - 1991 chief editor by the magazine Domus and professor at the Domus Academy in Milano. Mario Bellini creates so many beautiful and iconic furniture and industrial design as the famed designs Camaleonda sofa, Tentazione chairs...
Canvas, Upholstery