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Percival Lafer Furniture

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.

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Creator: Percival Lafer
Dealer: Heranca Cultural
'MP-79' Center Table, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP79 center table, designed by the illustrious Percival Lafer, stands as a paragon of mid-century modern Brazilian design, reflecting an era where functionality met elegance in a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Crafted by the renowned master Percival Lafer in 1970, this exceptional piece of furniture boasts a striking and comfortable design. Its clean lines and unique details, such as elega...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Architectural Sofa in Hardwood, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This sofa, designed by Percival Lafer in the 60's, is a striking piece of mid-century Brazilian furniture. Its design is a testament to Lafer’s innovative approach, blending traditio...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Organic Table Lamp in Acrylic, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Pair of white acrylic table lamps, made up of two equal halves, fixed with customized screws. The acrylic parts form the bubble of the dome and fold at the bottom to support the piec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Acrylic

'MP- 51' Coffee Table in Marble, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-51 coffee table, designed by Percival Lafer, is a quintessential piece that showcases the elegance and timeless appeal of Brazilian mid-century modern design. It is a fine rep...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Marble

Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-13 Sofa, designed by Percival Lafer, is a quintessential piece reflecting the Brazilian mid-century modern style, renowned for its emphasis on form, function, and the beauty o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

'MP-85' Side Table, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of MP-85 side tables embodies the essential qualities of mid-century modern Brazilian design, a period known for its innovative use of materials and clean, geometric lines....
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Marble

Geometric "S1" Lounge Chair, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The S1 lounge chair is a distinctive example of the work of Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, who is celebrated for his innovative use of local materials and modern design principles that characterized Brazilian furniture design in the mid-20th century. Lafer's designs are often recognized for their combination of traditional and contemporary elements. The armchairs presented here, with their clear modernist lines and rich wooden frames, typify this blend. The wood, native Brazilian hardwood, is dark and lustrous, giving the chairs a solid and grounded appearance. The frames showcase the beauty of the wood grain, a signature element in Lafer's work, reflecting his appreciation for natural materials and their aesthetic qualities. The chairs are upholstered in fabric, which provides a stark contrast to the smoothness of the wood. This choice of upholstery not only adds a textural contrast but also a level of comfort and luxury to the design, suggesting a softness and warmth that invites relaxation and leisure, characteristics valued in Lafer's seating designs. The chairs' structure, with open sides and a low-slung profile, speaks to Lafer's understanding of ergonomic design, ensuring that the sitter is supported yet enveloped by the chairs' form. The horizontal slats along the base add both structural support and an element of visual interest, aligning with the mid-century modern ethos of form following function. In essence, these lounge chairs reflect Percival Lafer's commitment to design that is at once modern, comfortable, and deeply connected to the materials and cultural context of Brazil. About the designer: Percival Lafer is a renowned Brazilian furniture designer whose work significantly contributed to the modernist movement in Brazil. Born in 1936, Lafer was originally trained as an architect at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. However, the unexpected passing of his father led him to take over the family furniture business with his brothers, which catalyzed his shift to furniture design in 1961. His first notable design, the MP-1 Armchair, was launched the same year and became a hit for its innovative use of materials and design. This chair featured a steel base wrapped in rosewood and was upholstered with foam rather than traditional springs. This design approach epitomized Lafer's principle of creating fine design that was accessible and affordable. Lafer also pioneered in the mechanical furniture movements, creating the MP-7 sofa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

'MP-97' Sofa, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-97 sofa designed by Percival Lafer is a truly exceptional piece of furniture. This sofa is constructed with a solid wood frame and features high-quality leather upholstery in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Sofa 'MP-41' in Hardwood, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-41 sofa, a quintessential piece by the renowned designer Percival Lafer, is a masterstroke of Brazilian mid-century design. Lafer, widely celebrated for his innovative and dis...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sofa MP-131 in Jatobá Wood, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Step into a realm of timeless design and sophistication with the 'MP-131' sofa, an iconic creation by the renowned Brazilian designer, Percival Lafer. Designed in the 1960s, this mas...
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Faux Leather

"MP-43 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The rare MP-43 armchair, made of Brazilian hardwood, is another great example of the imaginative and innovative production of designer and architect Percival Lafer. With its chro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Contempo Lounge Chairs, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Designed and produced in 1977 by the master Percival Lafer, this pair of lounge chairs is a true testament to the designer's ingenuity and passion for both form and function. Lafer's...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of "MP-13" Armchairs, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-13 armchair, a rare model created in 1963, is a stunning piece of furniture that boasts a sculptural design. Its unique structure is entirely made of solid Brazilian hardwood,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Midcentury Brazilian Armchairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of armchairs, created in the 1970s by the designer Percival Lafer is extremely comfortable and is capable of bringing a sense of personality and style to any decor. The str...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Foam, Wood

"MP-29" Coffee Table, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-29 coffee table, created by renowned architect and designer Percival Lafer in the 1960s, is a stunning piece that was initially designed for whole a set including a three-seat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Rare "MP-01" Armchair, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This beautiful pair of MP-01 armchairs, made of iron covered with Brazilian hardwood, designed and produced in 1961 by the master Percival Lafer, was the first piece created by the d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

"MP-79" Coffee Table, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This beautiful MP-97 coffee table, made of solid Jatobá wood, is another great example of the imaginative and innovative mind of designer and architect Percival Lafer. With its iconi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of "MP-05" Armchair by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-05 armchair is an exceptional example of the creative vision of the Brazilian architect and designer Percival Lafer. Originally designed as a variation on the MP-03 armchair, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Shelf of Units, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This shelf unit is a distinctive piece of mid-20th century Brazilian design by Percival Lafer. It is a quintessential example of the era's fusion of materials and aesthetics, highlig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Side table By Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Brasília, BR
This beautiful side table designed by Percival Lafer in the 60s, combines design and functionality, offering a touch of elegance to your space. Composed of a marble top resting on a solid noble wood structure, it is perfect for placing next to a sofa. It is in very good condition, with minimal traces of use. Add a touch of vintage elegance to your space Dimensions: L66cm x W60cm x H50cm Percival Lafer's work as an industrial designer marked the segment of Brazilian modernist furniture...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

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Side table By Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1960s
Side table By Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1960s
H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 25.99 in
Sofa Mp-61 in Rosewood by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. The MP-61 sofa and armchair, from 1973, was the first two pieces designed by Percival Lafer that used a visible fiberglass...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Style Coffee Table
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A very dramatic looking midcentury specimen wood coffee table, designed by Percival Lafer, dated 1960s. The top and side having these wonderful architectural inset woods. This table ...
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Rosewood and Suede MP-091 Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Brazilian modernist Percival Lafer, this bold sofa, model MP-091, is deeply inviting. The comfortable tufted cushion sits on sturdy straps, attac...
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1970s Brazilian Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Leather by Jean Gillon, 1970, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this very Brazilian modern sofa in black leather and hardwood designed by Jean Gillon in the seventies is simply spectacular! This gorgeous, one-of-a-kind three sea...
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Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

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Midcentury Brazilian Sofa in Brown Leather and Rosewood by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Karlstad, SE
Four-seat sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1960s. This sofa consists of a rosewood frame upon which the cushions rest. The cushions are upholstered in brown leather with buttons of ...
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20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

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Leather, Wood, Rosewood

Percival Lafer ‘MP-97’ Rosewood and Leather Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Comfortable and sleek sofa designed by Percival Lafer of Brazil, circa 1970s. Dark chocolate brown leather cushion sits atop leather support straps. The base of the sofa and legs are...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Rosewood and Patchwork Copper Coffee Table by Percival Lafer
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Brazilian modernist Percival Lafer, this jacaranda rosewood coffee table features a bold rectangular frame with exposed hardware. The top is crafted of beautifully patina...
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1970s Brazilian Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Copper, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1960s - New Leather Upholstery
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1960s Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Percival Lafer Yellow Leather 2 Seat Sofa, circa 1960
By Lafer, Percival 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...
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1960s Brazilian Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Leather

Coffee Table by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Houston, TX
Designed by Giuseppe Scapinelli, the coffee table is made rosewood and has a glass top. The coffee table was gentley restored. A single structure, with curved lines, holds the gla...
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1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

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Glass, Jacaranda

Percival Lafer Smoked Glass Top Brazilian Modern Rosewood End Tables
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of vintage 1970s Percival Lafer, Brazilian Modern side tables. The deep red hue rosewood bases support a rich smoked glass table top. Both of the tables bear the “Lafer” label. ...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

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Previously Available Items
Lounge Chair MP-97, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-97 lounge chairs designed by Percival Lafer are truly exceptional pieces of furniture. Each chair is constructed with a solid wood frame and a single, loose foam seat that pro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pair of "Mp-61" Armchairs, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of MP-61 armchairs was designed in the 70s by the master Percival Lafer. It is a very rare piece that demonstrates the genius and unmistakable style of the designer. Pop...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fiberglass

"MP-29" Sofa, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "mp-29" set was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1960s, initially consisting of a three-seater sofa, armchair, stool, and coffee tables. All parts have the same structural desig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of "MP-29" Armchairs, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "mp-29" set was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1960s, initially consisting of a three-seater sofa, armchair, stool, and coffee tables. All parts have the same structural desig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

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Iron

Pair of "MP-25" Armchairs, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The mp-25 model, created in 1967 by Percival Lafer was thought and developed through a mixture of elements from other models, such as the mp-13 structure, the mp-19 arms, and the ide...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Rare MP-75 Lounge Chair, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This rare lounge chair was designed and produced in 1970 by the master Percival Lafer, this piece has a striking and comfortable design. The chair base is molded in fiber, covered wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Lounge Chair MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Designed and produced in 1970 by the master Percival Lafer, this piece has a striking and comfortable design. The structure built through simple lines carries special details such as...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Sofa "MP-97", Design by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-97 sofa by Percival Lafer is a stunning piece that showcases the designer's imaginative and innovative mind. The frame is made of Jatobá wood, and the seat and backrest are ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare "MP-43 Mirage" Armchair by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The rare MP-43 armchair, made of Brazilian hardwood is another great example of the imaginative and innovative production of designer and architect Percival Lafer. It has a chrome le...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

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Wood

Sofa "MP-239", Design by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This beautiful MP-239 sofa, made of Jatobá wood is another great example of the imaginative and innovative mind of the designer and architect Percival Lafer. The seat and backrest ar...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

"MP-87" Armchair. Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This mp-87 lounge chair was designed in the 70s by the master Percival Lafer, besides being a rare piece, this design is a good example of his genius and unmistakable style! Super co...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

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Metal

Rare "MP-41" Armchair, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The rare MP-41 armchair, made of Jatobá wood is another great example of the imaginative and innovative production of designer and architect Percival Lafer. The piece was upholstered...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Furniture

Materials

Wood

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 167 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 Geraldo de Barros. Prices for Percival Lafer furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $595 and can go as high as $36,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,423.
Questions About Percival Lafer Furniture
  • 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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