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.
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by CIMO Studio, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by CIMO Studio, Brazil, 1950s Desk/ Sideboard manufactured by CIMO Studio (Móveis CIMO) in solid wood with natural varnish finish. It has two drawers on...
Wood
Moveis Cimo, Bookcase/ Vitrine, c. 1960, Brazilian Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in PARIS, FR
Wooden bookcase by Imbuia's wood, an exotic species of Brazil very appreciated for its warm natural hue and the finesse of its grain. This room has two sliding doors in Imporia wood ...
Glass, Hardwood
Bookcase in Brazilian Imbuia and Cane by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Mid-Century Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bookshelf is one of the many Móveis Cimo's furniture pieces manufactured during the 1960s. The piece is composed of five shelves and one...
Hardwood, Cane
$16,500
Moveis Cimo Commode
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Washington, DC
Striking vintage commode from the 1960's by Moveis Cimo made with solid Brazilian Imbuia wood and contrasting bright yellow leather dots on the front. A unique and very recognizable ...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century, Oak Wardrobe from Meredew, 1950s
By Meredew
Located in South Shields, GB
A freestanding oak wardrobe from Meredew - circa 1950s Featuring two hanging rails, a shelf and an internal full length mirror The matching tallboy, compact wardrobe and dressing t...
Oak
Mid Century, Oak Wardrobe from G Plan, 1950s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
Golden oak wardrobe from the G Plan Brandon range, raised on a plinth base with original shaped wooden handles and central working lock (key present). ...
Oak
Mid-Century "China" Bookcase in Oak by Børge Mogensen, 1960s
By C.M. Madsen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low China bookcase in oak. Designed by MAA. Børge Mogensen in 1958, this piece is made by CM Madsen cabinetmakers Denmark in the 1960s. Great original condition. More shelves available.
Oak
Mid-Century modern valet clothes by Ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Reguitti
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century modern valet clothes stand designed by Ico Parisi during the 1950s. Manufacturerd in Italy by Fratelli Reguitti, the stand is made of beech wood.
Brass
$2,495
H 58 in W 29.75 in D 15 in
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Vitrine, Bookcase, Marble Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 58 inches in height, this small scale late nineteenth century Louis XVI style mahogany vitrine or bookcase is finished with stunning bronze banding and a red marble top with white veining. Its corners feature fluting with inset bronze filets. Its single door is finished with a bronze border and key surround and opens to reveal an interior with three adjustable shelves. The cabinet rests on Classic finial...
Marble, Bronze
Late Biedermeier Vitrine
Located in New York, NY
A dismountable display cabinet, with three thick glass shelves and eight panels of glass in the doors and sides, allowing viewing from three perspectives. A straight cornice rests above the walnut veneered case with flat Persian columns headed...
Fir, Walnut
$2,590
H 48.42 in W 46.45 in D 11.81 in
French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Vitrine, Bookcase, 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
This early (circa 1830) French Provincial plantation style walnut bookcase features an upper part topped by a cornice above two glazed doors opening u...
Walnut
$1,036Sale Price|68% Off
H 91 in W 83 in D 16 in
Large Solid Oak French Louis XV Style Breakfront Bookcase Vitrine, circa 1980
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive French Louis XV style breakfront bookcase vitrine, crafted in solid oak circa 1980, is a striking example of fine European craftsmanship. The substantial design featu...
Oak
$3,749Sale Price|53% Off
H 70 in W 64.25 in D 16.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps
By Gumps, Johan Tapp
Located in Lafayette, IN
Spectacular burled cabinet/wall unit designed by Johan Tapp for Gumps. Cabinet features beautiful book-matched burl veneered doors, solid brass hardwa...
Brass
Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Cabinet
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Tall cabinet or small armoire with two doors above two drawers by Widdicomb in an ebonized mahogany finish. Fantastic Asian insprired brass handles and inset pulls on the drawers, wi...
Brass
Burled Commode
Located in Annville, PA
A Hepplewhite inspired Burled Commode great for use as a side table or entry way piece. The three drawers are dovetailed and feature designer style hard...
Mahogany
$3,756Sale Price|20% Off
H 79 in W 35 in D 18 in
Restored Vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Wall Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
Restored vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern bookcase wall cabinet. Featuring brass detailed accents and walnut woods. Finished in a dark espresso brown, this piece is the perfect stat...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 59.06 in W 63 in D 14.57 in
Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960 Walnut Shelving, Sliding Doors, Four Shelves
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Curitiba, PR
Walnut bookcase, sliding doors, four shelves, manufactured by móveis Cimo, Brazil 1960. The restoration process only needed refinishing, which was done by our team at the finest d...
Walnut
Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this one-of-a-kind Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The armoire is entirely made in Imbuia h...
Hardwood
Sold
H 68.51 in W 70.87 in D 13.39 in
'Móveis Cimo' Bookcase in natural veneer and lacquered columns, Brazil, 1960
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Curitiba, PR
'Móveis Cimo' Bookcase in natural veneer and lacquered columns, Brazil, 1960. The highest historical reference in Brazilian furniture design, Companhia Industrial de Móveis, nicknam...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 36.23 in W 97.64 in D 19.69 in
Credenza in Imbuia Wood with Drawers & Shelves by Cimo, c. 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Credenza designed by Cimo, is nothing less than spectacular! The credenza is entirely made in solid Imbuia wood and features three drawers, six doors, six inte...
Hardwood, Imbuia
Sold
H 33.9 in W 37 in D 19.3 in
Brazilian Modern Chest of Drawers in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers made in hardwood and yellow formica designed by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The chest i...
Hardwood
Sold
H 38.19 in W 41.34 in D 21.66 in
Chest of Drawers in Solid Hardwood, by Móveis Cimo, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This chest of drawers is a classic example of mid-20th century Brazilian furniture, manufactured by Móveis Cimo. This piece embodies the aesthetic of the period with its clean lines,...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this one-of-a-kind Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The armoire is entirely made in Imbuia h...
Hardwood
Sold
H 27.2 in W 64.2 in D 18.5 in
Brazilian Modern Sideboard in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1960
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This sideboard designed by Cimo during the sixties in Brazil is made in Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda. The main structure has 4 large drawers with brass handles and it stand...
Metal
Mid-century Modern Chest of Drawers in Hardwood by Cimo, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful chest of drawers in Brazilian Rosewood (known as Jacaranda) and Rosewood veneer. It consists of 4 drawers resting in four delicate legs. What makes this piece are the wood patterns displaying colorful veins. This gorgeous piece is showcased in our showroom next to JD movies...
Hardwood
Sold
H 36.62 in W 31.5 in D 20.87 in
1950's dresser with drawers, Móveis Cimo, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exquisite chest of drawers was expertly crafted in the 1950s by the esteemed Brazilian manufacturer, Móveis Cimo. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and exception...
Wood
Sold
H 33.9 in W 37 in D 19.3 in
Brazilian Modern Chest of Drawers in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers made in hardwood and yellow formica designed by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The chest...
Formica, Hardwood
Movies Cimo Brazilian Modern Rosewood Credenza
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Oakland, CA
Movies Cimo, Brazilian Credenza, 1960, crafted of rosewood with four doors, and series of four drawers in center with brass pulls opening to reveal an inte...
Rosewood