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 Accent Table in Rosewood & Pau Marfim by Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian Modernism, this rare accent table was produced by Cimo during the 1950s, one of Brazil's most influential furniture manufacturers of the twentieth c...
Hardwood, Rosewood
French Round Wood Pedestal Accent Table, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A French round pedestal accent table from the 1950s, crafted from solid wood. The circular top rests on a tapered central column, its turned details adding subtle rhythm. The base re...
Wood
$9,800
H 34.75 in W 47.25 in D 12.25 in
Brazilian Designer, Console Table, Rosewood, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood console table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 34.75"H x 47.25"W x 12.25"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Brass
Giuseppe Scapinelli (Attr.) wodden Side table, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Argelato, BO
Giuseppe Scapinelli (Attr.), rare wooden table. Brazil, 1950 Among the great masters of Brazilian modern design, Giuseppe Scapinelli was born in 1891 in Modena, Italy, but like ma...
Wood
Midcentury Side Table in Rosewood, Danish Design, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant side table in rosewood designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
$4,000
H 22.45 in Dm 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern "Janete" Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Janete side table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s. The Janete side tables, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, have a simple yet elegant design. Made of solid wood, ...
Metal
$16,700
H 30.25 in W 51 in D 32.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Writing Table in Brazilian Rosewood, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A freestanding, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand crafted polished Brazilian Rosewood and Walnut, in the style of Gianfranco Frattin in good condition. Th...
Metal, Brass
$8,470
H 20.48 in W 46.46 in D 13.98 in
Scandinavian Modern Model 394 Side Table in Rosewood by Kai Kristiansen, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare bureau or side table, model 394, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark, is a refined example of mid-century Danish design that balances fu...
Rosewood
Italian Marble and Brass Accent Table, 1950s
By Rene Brancusi
Located in Coronado, CA
Italian accent table with sculpted brass legs and white marble top, manufactured in Italy in the 1950s. This charming piece is in original condition with age consistent wear includin...
Marble, Brass, Bronze, Steel
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in the 1960s by Jean Gillon, this rare coffee table exemplifies the sculptural language that distinguishes Brazilian modern furniture of the period. The composition is defin...
Wood
Side Table in Rosewood by Severin Hansen for Haslev, 1950s
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Charming rosewood side table by Severin Hansen Jr. for Haslev Møbelfabrik. The table features a discreet front drawer that slides out for storage and stands on solid rosewood legs. M...
Rosewood
Móveis Fergo, Side Table, Wood, Iron, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-painted wood and iron side table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina consistent with age and use, including natural wood cracking. Overall Dimensions...
Iron
Moveis Cimo, Coffee Table, Pau Marfim, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in High Point, NC
A stack-laminated plywood and Pau Marfim coffee table or cocktail table produced by Moveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1950s. One scratch on left hand side of top surface. Dimensions: 14.5” H...
Wood
Sold
H 19 in W 18 in D 12 in
Brazilian Modern Nightstand with Drawer in Rosewood by Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This refined nightstand, produced in Brazil by Cimo in the 1950s, exemplifies the architectural clarity and material sophistication that defined Brazilian modern furniture in the pos...
Hardwood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 19.69 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Side Tables by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Curitiba, PR
This elegant pair of side tables was produced by Móveis Cimo in Brazil during the 1960s, a period marked by the consolidation of modern design and high manufacturing standards. The p...
Wood
Sold
H 15.7 in W 19.7 in D 19.7 in
Brazilian Modern Side Tables Set in Imbuia hardwood and Marble top by Cimo 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in NYC metro area included, this Mid Century Modern Pair of side tables in Imbuia hardwood and marble top by Cimo 1950s is nothing less than g...
Marble
Side Table by Moveis CIMO, 1960, Retains Original Label
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
CT913 Side table in jacaranda (Brazilian Rosewood). Produced by Moveis CIMO, Curitiba, Brazil, 1960s. Retains original label.
Jacaranda