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.
Móveis Cimo, Sideboard, Rosewood, Brazil, 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Móveis Cimo Rosewood Sideboard Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Brass
Cimo Brazilian Rosewood Credenza with Ebony-Finished Legs & Brass hardware
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in restraint and proportion, this long-form credenza by Cimo exemplifies the quiet sophistication of Brazilian modern design in the 1960s. Executed in richly figured Br...
Brass
Brazilian Modern Caviúna Sideboard by Cimo Moveis, Brazil, 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Brazilian Modern sideboard produced by Cimo in the 1960s, masterfully crafted in richly figured caviúna wood and elevated on a distinctive architectural base. Showcasi...
Brass
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
Brazilian Modern Imbuia Chest of Drawers by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Brazilian modern chest of drawers produced by Móveis Cimo during the 1950s as part of a playful furniture line created for children, which included beds, armoires, chests, ...
Imbuia
Brazilian Modern Patchwork Imbuia Chest of Drawers by Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Brazilian Modern design, this rare chest of drawers was produced by Cimo and crafted in richly figured imbuia wood, one of Brazil’s most celebrated hardwoods. D...
Imbuia
$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
Danish Modern Brazilian Rosewood Credenza by Knud Nielsen
By Knud Nielsen, Losning Mobelfabrik
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Dating to the 1960s, this Danish modern Brazilian rosewood credenza by Knud Nielsen for Losning Mobelfabrik showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and sculptural form that establish...
Oak, Rosewood
Scandinavian modern chest of drawers, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great functionalistic chest of drawers produced in Sweden during the 1950s. Made in birch with brass handles.
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Low Rosewood sideboard, 1960s Beautiful Danish Modern low sideboard in minimalistic style attributed to Danish designer Arne Vodder for Sibast. Front with...
Rosewood
$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 Johan Tapp, Gumps
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
Scandinavian Modern Brazilian Rosewood Small Credenza
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Swedish modern rosewood small credenza / storage cabinet showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and material selection that defined Scandinavian furniture design during the 196...
Rosewood
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s. Stunning Scandinavian Modern rosewood/palisander cabinet with vivid grain pattern. Double hinged doors with brass hinges and locks with...
Santos Rosewood
$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
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 79.8 in D 19 in
Vintage Midcentury Ib Kofod-Larsen Brazilian Rosewood Credenza for Faarup
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Faarup Møbelfabrik
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage mid century rosewood credenza by designed Ib Kofod-Larsen manufactured by Faarup Mobelfabrik Beautiful Brazilian Ro...
Palisander
$1,995
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
$2,478
H 55.52 in W 78.75 in D 11.82 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcase, Two-Section Design, 1960s
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
A stunning and highly functional Danish bookcase from the 1960s, crafted in warm teak with a beautiful natural grain. This impressive two-section unit combines generous open shelving...
Teak
$1,880
H 27.17 in W 35.44 in D 16.54 in
Danish Mid Century Modern, Chest of Drawers made in Oak, 1950s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A charming modern chest of drawers crafted in oak, circa 1950s by a Danish Cabinetmaker. The cabinet features six drawers arranged in two rows, each with decorative brass handles and...
Brass
$4,500
H 29.25 in W 72 in D 18 in
Restored 1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza / Sideboard by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Kipp Stewart
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Rare and refinished 1960s Directional walnut buffet / credenza with sculpted pulls by Calvin. The black inlay around each cabinet door – reminiscent of Drexel’s Declaration collectio...
Walnut
1960s Mid-Century Modern Commode by Móveis Cimo
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 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
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
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
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 Lapa de Baixo, 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 Lapa de Baixo, 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