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Percival Lafer

Brazilian, b. 1936

When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.

Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, he introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career. The silhouettes of his lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.

Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.

Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.

Find a collection of authentic Percival Lafer furniture on 1stDibs.

Rare Percival Lafer MP-41 sofa in Black leather and Jacaranda, Brazil 1970s
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Mississauga, CA
This is our stunning MP-41 three seater sofa in original black leather and jacaranda (Brazilian Rosewood) wood frame. The jacaranda is known as one of the most beautiful woods in the...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Leather, Wood, Cherry

Vintage MP-97 Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Percival Lafer
Located in Clifton, NJ
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-97 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of a loose foam se...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Faux Leather, Cedar

Pair of MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Clifton, NJ
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-97 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of a loose foam seat. Its unique design and construction make this an authentic statement piece. The pieces had the old varnish removed and received new layers of imported shellac. Our experienced upholsterer made a new upholstery in suede leather using historical references, maintaining the original foam. Móveis Lafer...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Leather, Cedar

Pair of Percival Lafer Midcentury Low Leather Patchwork Slipper Lounge Chairs
By Percival Lafer
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of Percival Lafer midcentury Low Leather Patchwork Slipper Lounge Chairs. Thick soft tan patchwork leather - modular design these (2) units can be used separated or pushed toget...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Leather, Wood

Percival Lafer Folding Rosewood Cocktail Tables, a Pair, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Culver City, CA
These cocktail tables are fabulous! Designed by Percival Lafer a Brazilian furniture designer known for his innovative and modern designs. One of his most iconic creations is the Percival Lafer folding table, which was first introduced in the 1970s. The Percival Lafer folding tables are versatile functional pieces of furniture that can be used in a variety of settings. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to move, with a simple folding mechanism that allows it to be set up or stored away quickly and easily. The table features a sleek and minimalist design, with a rosewood parquette type design that featured different pieces of rosewood arranged at different heights, creating an uneven, heavily textured, almost brutalist look-- topped with glass. This eye catching design is one of his most iconic designs. A wonderful piece that can be easily folded and stored away if necessary. This table would look incredible in any mid century modern, Brazilian modern, or contemporary home. Place both tables together to have a larger functional coffee table. We currently have this table in the gallery alongside a Sergio Rodrigues sofa as well as a Jorge Zalszupin mesa...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Percival Lafer Yellow Leather 2 Seat Sofa, circa 1960
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Percival Lafer & produced by LAFER in São Paulo, this 1960s sofa is a fantastic example of Brazilian mid-century design. Featuring a boxy silhouette, the so...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Leather

MP-71 Armchair with ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Percival Lafer
Located in Clifton, NJ
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. The MP-71 armchair, from 1973/1974, is a derivative from MP-61 – his first piece with a visible fiberglass shell structure. The MP-71 comprises a visible fiberglass shell that swives on a base also made of fiberglass. The upholstery follows the same principle as the MP-61, with laminated foam applied directly to the shell. Móveis Lafer...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Leather, Cedar

Percival Lafer Mosaic Coffee Table
By Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern coffee table with brutalist style. Features a sculptural relief design throughout. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).  
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer

Materials

Wood

  • Percival Lafer Mosaic Coffee Table
  • Percival Lafer Mosaic Coffee Table
  • Percival Lafer Mosaic Coffee Table
  • Percival Lafer Mosaic Coffee Table
H 14 in W 59 in D 30.5 in
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Percival Lafer Sellers

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Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Percival Lafer furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Percival Lafer furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 136 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Percival Lafer were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Sergio Rodrigues, Móveis Cimo, and OCA Brazil. Prices for Percival Lafer furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £605 and can go as high as £29,026, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £4,435.
Questions About Percival Lafer
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Percival Lafer is a leading contemporary Brazilian furniture designer most famous for his Mid-Century Modern sofas and chairs constructed with hardwood and luxurious leather. Lafer is a pioneer of the Brazilian Modernist movement. On 1stDibs, find authentic Percival Lafer furniture from top sellers.

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