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 Mid-Century Modern Three Legged Round Stool in Hardwood, Cimo
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Cimo Móveis, Brazil, c. mid-20th century. This compact stool distils Brazilian mid-century practice into a single, pragmatic proposition: an economy of parts that yields a quietly ar...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Round Stool in Ebonized Wood & Boucle, Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural 1950s stool by Móveis Cimo, defined by its restrained geometry and architectural presence. The circular seat rests on four tapered legs in ebonized wood, each terminatin...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Wood Tripod Heart Stool, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique heart tripod stool made in France, circa 1950s. Substantial and chunky heart shaped seat with three sturdy club legs with faceted sides. Perfe...
Wood
$1,487Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 22.25 in D 14.38 in
Scandinavian Modern Wood Stool with Yellow Chenille Seat, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eyecatching Scandinavian Style Beechwood Stool with Mustard Yellow Velvet Upholstery, 1950s New upholstery. This Mid-Century Modernist rectangular stool or small bench was handcrafte...
Wood, Beech, Fabric
$1,650 / item
H 18 in W 18.5 in D 18 in
Stool, Cantilever, Danish Cord, Mid Century-Style, Hardwood, Woven, Hardwood
By Semigood Design
Located in Issaquah, WA
Mid Century inspired Rian Cantilever Stool made out of white oak hardwood and danish cord. The lead time provided is an estimate and may extend up to 12 months. If you require deli...
Cord, Hardwood
$2,124
H 19.3 in Dm 14.97 in
Danish Mid Century Stool in Oak and Reupholstered in Bouclé Wool, ca 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen
Located in Odense, DK
Sculptural stool in oak and reupholstered in bouclé. Made in Denmark, ca 1950s. A bit of a masterpiece. Great craftmanship that reminds us of the work from Rud Rasmussen.
Bouclé, Oak
Brazilian Designer, Counter Stools, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three bar or counter stools designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.25"H x 12.875"W x 12.875"D Seat Height (inches): 19.25" All upholst...
Velvet, Wood
$2,110 / item
H 22.84 in W 12.21 in D 11.03 in
Contemporary Stool in Brazilian Hardwood Design by Ricardo Graham Ferreira
By Ricardo Graham Ferreira
Located in Nova Friburgo, RJ
Contemporary stool in Brazilian Hardwood hand carved by woodworking artist Ricardo Graham Ferreira. These uniques pieces of furniture is made in some exquisite tropical wood species. This unique saddle stool has a perfect ergonomic design which offering great comfort. Each stool is crafted, sanded and carefully polished. All stools...
Wood, Hardwood
Heywood-Wakefield Swivel Vanity Stool, White Bouclé, 1950s USA
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vanity stool by Heywood-Wakefield with a round, segmented seat reupholstered in white bouclé. The seat swivels on four bowed legs joined by a circular bentwood stretcher. Marked on t...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Rustic Three-Legged Oak Stool from 1950s France
Located in Berlin, DE
Handcrafted from solid oak with dowel joinery and a beautifully aged patina, this sculptural stool features a thick round seat and tapered legs. A timeless accent piece—ideal as a si...
Oak
$5,800 / set
H 33.876 in W 14 in D 14.5 in
Brazilian Designer, Counter Stools, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green velvet stools designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.876"H x 14.0"W x 14.5"D Seat Height (inches): 30.25" All upholste...
Velvet, Wood
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 11.82 in
Inácio multifunctional stool, Handcrafted fine Brazilian hardwoods.
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Inácio multifunctional stool was conceived to play with geometric shapes, aiming to convey a sense of movement and fluidity. It can also be used as a side table, coffee table, or...
Hardwood
$1,184Sale Price / item|48% Off
H 17.72 in W 14.17 in D 14.17 in
Contemporary Handcrafted Stool in Brazilian Hardwood by Leo Strauss
Located in Atibaia, BR
Solid wood, processed in large width and thickness dimensions, and it adds life to this piece of straight and modernist shapes. In its artisan production, traditional woodworking ...
Hardwood
Brazilian Designer, Counter Stools, Metal, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brown fabric, wood and metal counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.0"H x 15.0"...
Metal