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.
Modular Sofa "Camaleonda", Design Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Napoli, IT
Modular sofa "Camaleonda", covered with original striped velvet fabric, design Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1970. The modular elements with which the sofa was made can be used freel...
Velvet, Wood
Nine Amanta Armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1973
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
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
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 "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Varedo, MB
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
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...
Cotton, Wood
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modul...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Alpaca, 1970, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, two-tone alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of six "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Velvet, Plastic
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
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
Mario Bellini Red Cotton Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in red cotton upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfo...
Velvet, Foam, Cotton
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Leather
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Sofa model Le Bambole in light blue fabric. The two-seater sofa features a soft, rounded silhouette. Produced...
Fabric
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
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 "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
Amanta Mario Bellini per B&B 4 Poltroncine modulari in velluto
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ghedi, IT
4 splendide poltrone Amanta, disegnate da Mario Bellini, icona del design italiano. Realizzate in velluto azzurro, queste poltrone modulari si distinguono per le loro condizioni ecce...
Velvet
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
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia,1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric
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
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
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
La Pianura Lounge Chairs and Coffee Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian vintage walnut and leather armchair set All in original conditions This Pianura set by Mario Bellini for Cassina is a refined example of 1970s Italian design. Designed in ...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Modular Sofa for Cassina, 1970, Set of 3
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. It features a brown velvet upho...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Living Room Set for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" living room set for B&B Italia, sofa and two armchairs, faux-fur, foam and metal, Italy, 1971, set of three. The search for a new shape for upholstered fu...
Faux Fur, Foam
$5,244 / item
C&B Gold Camaleonda Modules
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
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
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
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
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
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
$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
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular 3 Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to questions not only of aesthetics, ...
Textile
$5,169Sale 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
$18,046 / item
932 Mario Bellini Cassina, 1964
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sofa 932 by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964.
Animal Skin
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
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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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, 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
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Leather
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
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
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
Le Mura - Sofa in luxury fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm(113.3 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
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