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.
Vintage Black Leather Cab 415 Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional early example of the iconic “CAB 415” settee designed by legendary Italian architect and furniture designer Mario Bellini for Cassina. Introduced in the late 1970s, th...
Steel
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 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 Rose Uniacke alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast s...
Alpaca
"Le Stelle" Loveseat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970s. Newly reupholstered in white Knoll boucle, the sofa features angled arm rests and Bellini's signatu...
Bouclé
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione loveseat, in a beautiful linen upholstery from renowned textile brand, Elitis. A true classic of midcen...
Linen
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 Le Bambole Sofa, Cream Fabric, Sculptural Design, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning “Le Bambole” sofa by the iconic Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Upholstered in luxurious cream fabric, this sculptural sofa features soft organic curves, deep comfortable ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
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
$18,900 / set
H 31.7 in W 23.04 in D 18.9 in
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relatio...
Leather
$4,797 / set
H 33.86 in W 28.75 in D 25.6 in
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
$9,450 / set
H 31.11 in W 26.78 in D 22.45 in
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of three. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide desi...
Leather
$29,000 / set
H 33.47 in W 27.96 in D 32.29 in
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
$13,600 / set
H 31.7 in W 18.12 in D 15.95 in
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
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
$16,900 / set
H 29.53 in W 63 in D 33.47 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, Mongolian faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag contain...
Faux Fur, Foam
$2,170 / set
H 31.89 in W 23.63 in D 18.51 in
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
Cab 412 leather dining chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Cab' dining chair, model '412', leather, Italy, designed in 1976. Upholstered in original red brown leather.
Leather
$22,000
H 31.5 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
"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
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Italy. Original upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Upholstery
$25,131 / set
H 25.6 in W 146.46 in D 36.62 in
"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
$4,340Sale Price / set|47% Off
H 19.69 in W 35.44 in D 31.5 in
Coppia di poltrone vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame and beige fabric upholstery, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare...
Fabric, Wood
$11,550
H 28.75 in W 68.12 in D 34.65 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown Suede, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag containing formle...
Foam, Suede
$20,904 / set
H 29.53 in W 35.44 in D 36.62 in
set of 3 Mario Bellini, Le Bambole Armchair, B&B Italia, 1970s, brown leather
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Introducing the Le Bambole sofa by renowned designer Mario Bellini, upholstered in luxurious bouclé fabric, an exquisite addition to elevate any interior space. With its sleek lines ...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' Loveseat
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown leather, Italy, 1972. This comfortable dark brown settee is bulky and playful, shaped as if it i...
Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 66 in D 33 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Loveseat 2 Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1986
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
Original iconic Le Bambole loveseat 2-seater sofa, rendered in molded full foam structure with original cotton upholstery and burlap base. Ready to be reupholstered. Designed by Ma...
Fabric, Burlap, Foam
Mario Bellini Le Stelle Loveseat
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Toronto, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini, designed in 1974 for B&B Italia. An early Postmodern design by Mario Bellini that would work in a host of environments - especially given ...
Metal
'Le Bambole' Loveseat by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Long Island City, NY
'Le Bambole' Loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, newly reupholstered in Woolen Velvet.
Wool, Velvet
Mario Bellini ‘Le Bambole’ Blue-Grey Suede Loveseat for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'le Bambole' blue-grey suede loveseat. Iconic and distinctive soft form sofa with curved silhouette. In original condition with visible signs of wear inc...
Suede
Sold
H 28 in W 65.5 in D 34.5 in
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Dark Brown Leather Loveseat for B&B Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic 'Le Bambole' dark brown leather loveseat designed by legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972 and awarded with the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. An absolute ico...
Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 65.5 in D 34.5 in
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Dark Brown Leather Loveseat for B&B Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Le Bambole' brown leather loveseat designed by legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972 and awarded with the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. An absolute icon of timeles...
Leather
"Le Stelle" Loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Skokie, IL
"Le Stelle" Loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia This is a beautiful example of a "Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. "Le Stelle" was originally designed ...
Wool
1972 Mario Bellini Leather 'Le Bambole' Sofa for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dark brown leather soft form sofa 'Le Bambole' designed by legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972 and awarded with the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. An absolute icon...
Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 65 in D 33 in
Le Bambole Sofa in Original Checkered Velvet by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Le Bambole sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972. This iconic sofa retains its original checkered velvet upholstery. Stamped ‘B&B Italia’ under base. Sourced in Italy...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat, Made in Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in West Hartford, CT
Vintage Tentazione loveseat's sculptural curves offer refined elegance and luxurious comfort. Designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by Cassina...
Textile, Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 66.93 in D 37.41 in
Two-Seater Sofa 'Le Bambole' in Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Hellouw, NL
The 'Bambole' line is a famous mid-century design classic designed by the legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini. It was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. This specific two-seate...
Leather
Le Bambole Two-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Two seater model, Bibambola, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, early 1970s. The bambole sofa is an iconic design classic. Upholstered in dark moss green leather making it th...
Leather
Sold
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 Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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, ivory, pure alpaca fabric. Marked on the under...
Alpaca
Sold
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 a beautifully soft premium, ivory, pure alpaca fabric. Marked on the under...
Alpaca