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 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
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa with Ottoman for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa with ottoman for B&B Italia, lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The searc...
Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of four "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellin...
Velvet, Plastic
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
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, 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
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970's, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970's, set of 3 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Velvet, Plastic
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
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' Loveseat. Italy , 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This comfortable Flowers fabric settee is bulky and playful, shaped as if it is merely a large cushion and the accompanying feeling is the same. It is designed by Mario Bellini and w...
Fabric, Foam
Divano Le tentazioni di Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
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
1980s Original Vintage Le Bambole 2-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Wesseling, DE
An original 1980s 2-seater sofa model “Le Bambole“ designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Featured in a beautiful orange-brownish wool fabric, this iconic design is in beautif...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970s- 2 available Sold individually.
Leather
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
White Modular Sofa Model Camaleonda Designed By Mario Bellini. Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover unparalleled comfort and versatility with the iconic Camaleonda Modular Sofa, a timeless masterpiece designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. Crafted to perfection,...
Bouclé
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
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Italian design modular sofa in velvet
By Mario Bellini
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Italian Design Icon: "Amanta" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini Elevate your living space with one of the most emblematic pieces of 20th-century furniture design. Originally designed in ...
Velvet, Fiberglass
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione 685 Loveseat Sofa 2x Avail
By Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Tentazione Love Seats, Model 685, initially designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. The pair was produced in Italy in the 1970s. The listed price includes one love s...
Steel
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
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
1st edition Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Aachen, NW
Impressive 1st edition and all original "Alpaka Brown" Camaleonda modular element sofa including 7 elements. This is no later reupholstered or copy edition, the sofa comes from its 1...
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Lapin Fur, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, black lapin fur, Italy, 1971. This timeless Postmodern design icon came into being between 1970 and 1972. The search for a new shape ...
Foam, Fur
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Set of Five for B&B Italia in Dedar Milano Mohair c1980
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Dublin, IE
Details Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini B&B Italia Offered as a complete set of five modules Italy, 1980s Private Collection, Sicily Materials Biscuit-toned Dedar Mil...
Metal, Steel
$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, 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 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 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
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 reupholstered in beautiful beige cotton velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This stunning design brings calm comfort ...
Velvet
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 "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 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
$5,223 / 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 "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