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.
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
$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
$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
$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
$3,989Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 76.78 in W 44.89 in D 15.75 in
French Directoire Style Vitrine and Bookcase in Solid Oak
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Vitrine is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines. T...
Cherry, Oak
$3,367
H 79.14 in W 49.22 in D 16.54 in
French Henri II Style Oak Bookcase Vitrine Second Part 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French armoire vitrine bookcase of the Napoléon III period (late 19th century) Glass, oak, brass. This elegant display cabinet and bookcase, crafted from solid oak in the second ha...
Brass
$3,093
H 88.19 in W 30.32 in D 17.33 in
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Rustic Vitrine or Small Bookcase in Larch Wood
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this antique Italian vitrine, crafted from solid larch and dating back to the late 19th century. This vitrine features the typical characteristics of a display cabinet or ...
Wood
$4,164
H 75.4 in W 73.63 in D 17.33 in
French Louis XVI Style Oak & Walnut Three Doors Vitrine Bookcase circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
A grand Louis XVI-style bookcase crafted around 1900 from solid oak and walnut veneer. This elegant piece stands out for its balanced design featuring three glass-paned doors, offeri...
Glass, Oak, Walnut
Tall Chrome and Glass Vitrine
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage bookcase with three glass sides and chrome paneling. Top cabinets lights and mirrored bottom. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with...
Chrome
19th Century Biedermeier Style Bookcase or Vitrine
Located in Berlin, DE
Biedermeier bookcase or vitrine, circa 1815. Cherry tree on solid partly ebonized. On stepped frame base, high-rectangular corpus, partly blackened. In the front two triple-sectione...
Wood, Cherry
19thC English Painted Glazed Bookcase / Vitrine / Cabinet
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1880. 19thC English painted glazed bookcase vitrine cabinet Adjustable shelves in the top cabinet. Strong form with a narrow depth making a versatile decorators piece of furn...
Pine
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 43 in W 83 in D 14 in
19th Century French Ebony and Boulle Bookcase/Vitrine
By François Linke
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A handsome bookcase or china cabinet made in France in the last half of the 19th century. The case is in ebonized wood (including the top), and is curved at each side. There are three front doors with...
Wood
$6,920Sale Price|20% Off
H 86.42 in W 55.32 in D 20.08 in
Antique French Carved Oak Vitrine Cabinet Bookcase Barley Twist Renaissance
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French carved oak vitrine cabinet bookcase barley twist renaissance from France. A gorgeous antique French bookcase cabinet, unusually...
Bronze