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.
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Sofa - Designed by Mario Bellini Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatil...
Leather
1970s Mario Bellini 3-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 ma...
Wool, Upholstery
"Le Bambole" Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in red fabric, model: Le Bambole by Mario Bellini. Seat height: 42 cm. Stamped B&B Italia and with all original documents. Very good condition. Wear due to time and age. For shi...
Fabric
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa de...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, four elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
$5,261 / item
C&B Gold Camaleonda Modules
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
Listed price is per module. Three units are available and can be purchased separately. This is a vintage item in its original fabric, showing signs of use, including smoke staining ...
Steel
Mario Bellini Taupe “Le Bambole” Two-Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, 1976
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Bibambola” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Original vintage version from 1976, recently reupholstered by the previous owner with a light grey fabric. This comfortab...
Cotton, Foam
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia "Camaleonda" White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935-) for B&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 3 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 2 armrests and...
Wool
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Sofa - Designed by Mario Bellini Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatil...
Leather
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatile structure, Le Mura allows infinite compo...
Fabric
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
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
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatile structure, Le Mura allows infinite compo...
Fabric
1980s Tentazione Two-Seater Sofa / Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina Model 685
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tentazione two-seater sofa, model 685, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. Its frame is made of steel, and the seat and back are formed from pliant mo...
Steel
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
1980s Mario Bellini for Cassina Black Leather Software Tilbury Sofa
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a circa 1980s production Tilbury three seat sofa (part of the Software collection), designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Cassina in Italy. This example is one of a few s...
Leather, Fabric, Plastic, Foam
$10,600 / set
Tentazione Sofas by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Original leather upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Easy Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” easy chairs for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a larg...
Leather, Foam
$5,254Sale Price / set|45% Off
Amanta Modular Sofa in Orange Leather for C&B Italy, from Mario Bellini 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Oirlo, LI
Mario Bellini Amanta modular sofa in orange leather for C&B Italy, 1960s. Four separate elements can be used as lounge chairs or sofa. The shells are white fiberglass and the s...
Leather, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini, Duc-Duc three-seater sofa
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Baranzate, IT
Duc-Duc model sofa 405 13. Fabric upholstery. Cassina production, Meda 1976. Bibliography: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertory 1950/1980 p. 425
Fabric
$10,355Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
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, Duc-Duc two-seater sofa
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Baranzate, IT
Duc-Duc model sofa 405 12. Fabric upholstery. Cassina production, Meda 1976. Bibliography: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertory 1950/1980 p. 425
Fabric
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
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
Divano Le tentazioni di Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Ghedi, IT
Divano “Le Tentazioni” a due posti, modello 685, disegnato da Mario Bellini per Cassina nel 1973, capolavoro del design italiano che incarna la rivoluzione organica degli anni ’70: u...
Fabric
$18,343 / item
932 Mario Bellini Cassina, 1964
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sofa 932 by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964.
Animal Skin
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 256cm (100.78 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatile structure, Le Mura allows infinite compo...
Fabric
“Le Bambole” Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Velvet Upholstery, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. One of the most celebrated Italian seating designs of the postmodern era, Le Bambole became internatio...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 sofa B&B Italia Italy 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This highly sought-after ‘Le Bambole’ 2-seater sofa, designed by the legendary Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1973, represents the very essence of 1970s Italian desi...
Leather
Mario Bellini Midcentury Brown Velvet Pianura Living Room Set for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa and two lounge chairs. It featur...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Pouf for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” pouf for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The...
Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini, "Le Bambole" Sofa in Leather, Italian Mid Century Modern, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptionally fine example of the iconic ‘Le Bambole’ two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. Upholstered in its original black leather with a...
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
Bibambola Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini Upholstered With Colored Arty fabric
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Mario Bellini Bibambole Sofa in White Bouclé for B&B Italia, 1970s, Signed Iconic Bibambole modular sofa designed by Italian architect Mario Bellini (b. 1935) for B&B Italia. This o...
Cotton, Wood
Le Mura - Sofa in luxury fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm(113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatile structure, Le Mura allows infinite compo...
Fabric
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia "Camaleonda" White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935-) for B&B Italia in 1972. Composed of large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest and 1 shoe re...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Wood