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.
Footrest pouf of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Footrest of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the ...
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
1st Edition C&B, Italy 1971 — Single Module from the “Gli Scacchi” Series Design
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
1st Edition C&B, Italy 1971 — Single Module from the “Gli Scacchi” Series Designed by Mario Bellini This rare first-edition piece, produced by C&B Italia in 1971, comes from the cel...
Plastic, Rubber
$22,914Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of 8 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 8 elements: - 5 armchairs (cm 71H x 65...
Metal
Green Leather Camaleonda by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda; Mario Bellini; Green Leather; Postmodern; Lounge Chair; Lounge Sofa; Modular Sofa; One-Seater; Seating Element; Seating Unit; Italian Design Classic; Iconic Design; B&B I...
Leather
pouf coffee table "Scacchi" M Bellini for B&B italia 70s - ladder module
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, MI
The Scacchi are small tables or extra, freely modular seating in Duraplum material designed by Mario Bellini for B&B italia in 1971. A playful classic useful for decorating your livi...
Plastic, Rubber
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" modular sofa for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of five. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like...
Faux Fur, Foam
Rare red pouf model "Scacchi" Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1970's
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, MI
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
$1,786Sale Price|20% Off
mario Bellini "Scacchi" module for B&B italia 1970s black color
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, MI
The Scacchi are small tables or extra, freely modular seating in Duraplum material designed by Mario Bellini for B&B italia in 1971. A playful classic useful for decorating your livi...
Plastic, Rubber
Set of 7 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 7 elements: - 4 armchairs ( cm 71 H x ...
Metal
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
$16,000
H 29.14 in W 96.46 in D 35.44 in
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
$15,276 / set
H 26.4 in W 36.2 in D 36.2 in
Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in white velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfort...
Velvet, Foam, Chenille
$79,906 / set
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Camaleonda Sofa 8 modules + Ottoman by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Roma, IT
Mario Bellini, Camaleonda Sofa Set 8 modules+ottoman, realized for C&B, first series 1970 ca. Original C&B Label. Wood, Metal and Leather Height: 65cm Width: 95cm Depth: 95 cm ...
Leather
$28,600 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 5
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 five. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
$24,441Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
''Le Bambole'' sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B/B&B Italia, 1970s, set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Quarrata, IT
Modular sofa model ''Le Bambole'' by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, B&B Italia, 1970s. Composed of 5 elements of which two corner elements can form different compositions.
Leather, Rubber
$37,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
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
$19,389 / 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
$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
$49,800Sale Price / set|26% Off
H 26 in W 38 in D 38 in
Early 'Camaleonda' Sectional by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, c 1971, Signed
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumentally sized modular 'Camaleonda' sectional living room set (fourteen pieces in total) by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, each section signed with labels as can be seen in the photos. Included in the set are eight (8) full-sized seat sections, each is quite large and spacious which adds to the incredible comfort. And six (6) full-sized seat backs leaving two of the seat sections to be used as ottomans or free-floating seat elements to open the sectional to either side. This set has been previously professionally reupholstered with only light use and in very good condition. Designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 for C&B Italia, later produced after 1973 by B&B Italia after Piero Busnelli bought out Cassina and changed the name to B&B. This set consists of six sections labelled with C&B labels and two sections with B&B labels, meaning that most of this set was produced between 1970 and 1973 - the original production years of the Camaleonda, and making this set ideal for collectors and investors of art and design. *We have a large quantity of other Camaleonda elements (C&B Italia and B&B Italia examples, both in mohair fabric and in leather including some sets ready for reupholstery to a new fabric or leather of your choice) if you are looking for a larger set, contact us to discuss. MEASUREMENTS: *This is a modular set with fourteen (14) total pieces and can be configured in many ways as each seating section can be placed wherever you desire and the seat backs can be fixed to the seating elements where you want. You can configure as one large sectional sofa, three-seat couch with loveseats...
Fabric
$27,500 / set
H 27.5 in W 37.5 in D 37.5 in
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. C&B,...
Fabric, Wood
$1,440
H 14.18 in W 35.44 in D 11.82 in
Mario Bellini "Gli Scacchi" Chess Side Tables 'for Cameleonda' for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless charm of the Mario Bellini-designed "Gli Scacchi" Side Tables/Stools, a perfect complement to the iconic Camaleonda sofa. Crafted in 1971 for B&B Italia, these ...
Plastic
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Ottoman for B&B Italia, Italy 1986
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
Original iconic Le Bambole ottoman, rendered in molded full foam structure with original cotton upholstery and burlap base. Ready to be reupholstere...
Fabric, Burlap, Foam
Sold
H 28.35 in W 32.68 in D 32.68 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Easy Chairs for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" easy chairs for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a...
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
camaleonda pouf designed by Mario Bellini for C&B italia (B&B) 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in taranto, IT
rare pouf model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia (B&B's first name, thus older and rarer), made and preserved in its original gray melange fabric. Measures 96 x 9...
Fabric
Sold
H 13.78 in W 37.01 in D 24.81 in
Mid-Century Ottoman Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century ottoman Camaleonda by Mario Bellini For C&B Italia - 1970s. New upholstery : white boucle fabric.
Fabric
Sold
H 15.75 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini Le Mura Poufs for Cassina in New Leather, Italy, circa 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Rare Le Mura poufs by Mario Bellini fo Cassina, Italy, circa 1970. New Leather upholstery.
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Ottomans for B&B Italia, circa 1985
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" ottomans for B&B Italia, circa 1985. This pair has been professionally restored.
Fabric
Mario Bellini Italian "Amanta" Black Leather Poufs for B&B, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Couple of Italian poufs model Amanta designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia with black original leather cushions and upholstery, label and relief print, circa 1970s ...
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Set in Faux-Fur for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular set for B&B Italia, faux-fur, 1971, set of 5. The starting point was a shopping bag that contained formless material that was shaped when the bag...
Faux Fur
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Ottoman in Boucle Vintage C & B, Italia, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, C&B Italia
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage Camaleonda ottoman in Boucle designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia / B&B Italia. The “Camaleonda” (Chameleon) sofa is Mario B...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Ottomans for B&B Italia, circa 1985
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Ottomans for B&B Italia, circa 1985. This pair has been professionally restored.
Fabric
Sold
H 15 in W 40 in D 34 in
Mario Bellini Cognac Brown Leather Chair and Ottoman Le Bambole Set, Italy
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini Cognac brown leather chair and ottoman Bambole set, Italy. Sofa set, beautiful deep cognac color. Beautiful vintage condition, Italy, 19...
Leather
Sold
H 30 in W 63 in D 31 in
Mario Bellini Cognac Brown Leather Sofa, Chair, Ottoman Le Bambole Set, Italy
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini Cognac brown leather sofa, chair, ottoman Bambole set, Italy. Sofa set, beautiful deep cognac color. Beautiful vintage condition, Ital...
Leather