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' Daybed in Butterscotch Suede for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A celebrated icon of Italian design, this 'Le Bambole' daybed was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. The series was an immediate critical success, earning the pres...
Fabric, Suede, Foam
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
Brown leather Le Bambole folding bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Iconic Le Bambole folding bed / daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in its original brown leather. A celebrated Italian design known for its soft, sculptural presence and excep...
Leather, Fabric
Mario Bellini Duc-Duc Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini Duc-Duc Sofa For Cassina The latest version of the Duc sofa, updated in both comfort and seat size, retains its panel structure and th...
Fabric
Le bambole bed in green velvet 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 Le Mura Daybed in Original Mohair Velvet, Italy, 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Rare ‘Le Mura’ daybed by Mario Bellini for Cassina – Italy, 1972. The daybed still has the original Mohair velvet fabric. Designer: Mario Bellini M...
Mohair, Velvet
$7,169
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
1970s Bamboletto Series "Le Bambole" bed daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Biella, IT
1970s Bamboletto Series "Le Bambole" bed and daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia with document.
Textile
$9,769 / set
H 27.56 in W 30.32 in D 32.68 in
Le Bambole" armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Manzano, IT
Le Bambole" armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970 Attribution markThis piece has an attribution mark, I am confident that it is completely authentic and I take full responsi...
Iron
Bambole bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Bed in creamy white fabric. Model: Bambole by Mario Bellini. Stamp under the bed. No tears. Seat height: 36.5cm. Depth when closed: 127cm. Wear due to time and age of the bed. FOR SH...
Fabric
$12,775Sale Price|51% Off
H 10.23 in W 41.85 in D 15.51 in
Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
LE MURA RIGHT MODULE 90, LE MURA LEFT MODULE 90 & LE MURA CENTRAL MODULE 90 CAT. Z - ZAREEN 03 CLASP AND ZIPPERS MATT BLACK NICHEL T148 WITH INTERLINER CAL117 The project Le Mu...
Leather
$9,559
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 38.59 in
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
$6,126
H 28.35 in W 70.08 in D 38.59 in
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
$10,925
H 29.53 in W 68.9 in D 37.41 in
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 luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwid...
Alpaca
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
$14,078
H 28.75 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bambole series stands as one of the defining statements of Italian design in the 1970s—an object that treats seating not as a frame with padding, but as a continuous upholstered...
Leather
Vintage Nelson Daybed in Black Mohair, c. 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Sophisticated yet effortless, this vintage MCM sofa bed is the iconic Nelson Daybed, originally designed by George Nelson in 1949 for the Herman Miller Collection. One of the most in...
Steel
$10,925
H 29.53 in W 66.93 in D 33.86 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, newly upholstered in luxury cream alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping world...
Alpaca
$7,920
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 35.04 in
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
$2,650
H 28.75 in W 61.03 in D 28.75 in
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
Bambole bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Bed in creamy white fabric. Model: Bambole by Mario Bellini. Stamp under the bed. No tears. Seat height: 36.5cm. Depth when closed: 127cm. Wear due to time and age of the bed. FOR SH...
Fabric
Pair of Le Bombole daybeds designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a stunning duo of Le Bambole daybeds, masterfully crafted by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970. These exquisite pieces have been rejuv...
Linen
Le Bambole Bed In Velvet 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 ...
Leather
Sold
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 98.43 in
Le Bambole Bed In Buffalo Leather By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 ...
Leather
"Bamboletto" by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The "Le Bambole-Bamboletto" daybed a rare edition design by the Italian architect and designer, Mario Bellini. This iconic piece was manufactured by B&B Italia in 1970s. The Bambole series is considered a seminal work of Bellini's, and represents the culmination of his research into stuffed furniture. The daybed features a minimalist design, reduced to an archetypical idea of a cushion. The precise geometry of the stitches and covers define the piece, which was originally stuffed with a material that was the forerunner of memory foam. The metal frame was later removed, improving comfort and allowing the stuffing to support the daybed on its own. C&B Italia was founded in 1973 renamed B&B 1976 and quickly became one of the leading international design companies. Under the leadership of Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, the company cultivated a reputation for supporting up-and-coming talents, such as Mario Bellini and Gaetano Pesce, who went on to become some of the most renowned designers of the 20th century. The Le Bambole daybed...
Fabric
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' daybed for B&B, 1970s, white
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
1970s daybed from the 'Le Bambole' series designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B. Upholstered with original fabric in shades of white and pink still in very good condition...
Fabric
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' daybed for B&B, 1970s, white
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
1970s daybed from the 'Le Bambole' series designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B. Upholstered with original fabric in shades of white and pink still in very good condition...
Fabric
Day bed Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Pair of daybed Le Bambole designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1970, reupholster in leather, linen and cotton mattress. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1...
Leather, Cotton, Linen
Sold
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 98.43 in
Le Bambole Bed in Buffalo Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 ...
Leather, Canvas
Le Bambole Bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 ...
Alpaca, Velvet
Le Bambole Bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 ...
Fabric
Bambole Daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Daybed in white fabric. Stamp under the seat. No tear or big stain. Height of the seat : 37cm. Depth closed: 127cm. Wear due to time and age of the daybed.
Fabric