In its heyday, Móveis Cimo was the most prolific furniture manufacturer in Brazil. From humble beginnings, the company grew into a leading mid-century modern and modern design and production house. It made stylish and quality wood furniture like lounge chairs, coffee tables and buffets, which were made available to the average homeowner who wanted functional and attractive pieces.
Móveis Cimo was founded in 1921 by brothers Jorge and Martin Zipperer in the municipality of Rio Negrinho. Initially a chair company, Móveis Cimo quickly expanded its repertoire to include many types of furniture. At the time, there was a substantial gap in the Brazilian furniture market for quality furniture produced at an industrial scale for homes, schools, offices, cinemas and other public spaces.
Móveis Cimo filled this niche with simple but chic furniture that brought the latest styles to the masses. According to designer João Livoti, who spoke about the company to Gazeta do Povo, the brothers made frequent trips abroad to stay on top of post-war design trends. Comfort, ergonomics and the modern use of different shades of wood characterized the company’s furniture. Móveis Cimo was also the first company in Brazil to employ steam wood lamination techniques.
Jorge Zipperer died in 1944, just as the company was hitting its stride. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Móveis Cimo produced thousands of pieces of wood furniture for the Brazilian market. At the end of the 1960s, new wood fiber panel production methods shifted the furniture landscape in Brazil and introduced a host of new competitors. After Martin Zipperer died in 1971, the company began experimenting with new Dutch and French designs, although these were not widely popular.
Móveis Cimo closed its doors in 1982, but the company left behind a legacy of innovation that paved the way for future furniture makers. Today, Móveis Cimo furniture is collected worldwide as an inventive example of modern Brazilian furniture design.
On 1stDibs, find Móveis Cimo seating, tables, case pieces and more.
Brazilian Modern Loveseat in Imbuia Wood and Sage Mohair, Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian Modernism, this sculptural loveseat was produced by Cimo in Brazil during the 1950s and embodies the era’s pursuit of organic form, visual lightness...
Mohair, Hardwood
$9,200 / set
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 28.35 in
1950s Pair of Lounge Chairs in Imbuia Wood, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
These two chairs have an amazing Italian style, with sexy curves contrasting with the boxy shell. Two-tone fabrics enhance the dynamics of the shell, creating a very exciting piece. ...
Hardwood
Danish Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat Early 1950s
By Mogens Lassen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant 1940s curved two-seat sofa from the 1940s. Often called banana sofas by the Danes due to the curved shape. This sofa has slightly more straight backrest an...
Brass
Danish 1950s Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1950s curved two-seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. The 5...
Wool, Beech
$2,850
H 30.5 in W 48.5 in D 33.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Scandinavian Loveseat, Wood and Mocha Sheepskin, 1950s
Located in New York, US
Mid-Century Scandinavian 2-Seater Setee in Wood and Bouclé Fabric, 1950s. Reupholstered in mocha sheepskin
Sheepskin, Wood
Modern Living Room Loveseat in Ash Solid Wood and Beige Material
Located in Naperville, IL
Get ready to have your living room transformed with the Alton Loveseat! Our expert craftsmen in Moldova have handcrafted each loveseat from beautiful, durable ash wood and designed i...
Wood
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Pagoda Loveseat, Bamboo & Rattan, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charming Brighton Pavillion Pagoda style loveseat with beautiful fretwork back and sides. Very fine detail. A beautiful and special piece. Use as is or ad...
Bamboo, Rattan
Danish 1950s Settee or Loveseat in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the early Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt made circa late 1940s-1950s. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on beech leg...
Wool, Beech
1950s Ico Parisi Italian Sculptural Loveseat with Brass Legs
Located in Littleton, CO
A striking 1950s Italian loveseat by Ico Parisi, distinguished by its fluid, enveloping form and gracefully flared silhouette. The sculpted body curves continuously from the high bac...
Brass
Vintage IKEA 'Falster' Loveseat, Sweden, Circa 1950s
By IKEA
Located in San Antonio, TX
Vintage "Falster" loveseat by IKEA, 1950s, Sweden, features beech and a velvet sage colored fabric. There are fading spots on fabric and small dark spot on fabric at the very bottom ...
Fabric, Beech
$22,050Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 28.75 in W 22.84 in D 28.75 in
Pair of Vintage Imbuia Lounge Chairs by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Imbuia Lounge chairs was designed by Martin Zipperer in 1950 and manufactured by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, a pioneer in Brazilian furniture industrialization. I...
Velvet, Imbuia
Móveis Cimo, Rocking Chair, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood rocking lounge chair produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 41.75"H x 28.0"W x 39.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.5" Arm Height (inches): 25.8...
Wood
Mid Century Modern Loveseat in Bent Wood by Cimo, c. 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in NYC metro area included, this Mid Century Modern Loveseat in Bent Wood by Cimo, c. 1950s is nothing less than gorgeous! Made with precis...
Hardwood