Percival Lafer Seating
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, Lafer 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 Lafer 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 vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Percival Lafer
Percival Later Three Seat Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Percival Later three seat sofa in black leather. This beautiful piece of Brazilian Mid century is in good vintage condition with minimal wear and scuffing throughout. The foam interi...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Steel
$8,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Percival Lafer MP-123 Modular Bench in Brazilian Rosewood
By Percival Lafer
Located in Toronto, Ontario
One of Percival Lafer's most desirable pieces.
A MP-123 Modular seating unit. This example in brazilian rosewood with original leather and polished stainless steel .
Seating ...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
$28,800 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
"MP 129" LOUNGE CHAIR Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of MP-129 Lounge chairs designed and manufactured by Percival Lafer in Brazil in 1960. These chairs have a solid mahogany wood frame and a chrome steel underframe with straps th...
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
MP-61 Sofa 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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
Percival Lafer MP-37 Armchair in Jatobá Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
An outstanding example of Brazilian modernist design, this MP-37 armchair by Percival Lafer embodies the designer's signature blend of high-quality craftsmanship and innovative aesth...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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 Seating
Materials
Wood, Foam
"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 Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Percival Lafer Rosewood & Black Suede Dining Chairs, set of 4, Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
Percival Lafer Rosewood & Black Suede Dining Chairs, set of 4, Brazil. Chairs have been restored and newly upholstered in black suede.
Measure 21” wide 22” deep 31.5” tall seat heigh...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Suede, Rosewood
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa with Extended Headrest
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original burnt rust leather with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The top of the seat back has an extended...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
Percival Lafer, MP-87 Lounge Chair, 1970's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Barra Funda, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Metal
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967, Brasil
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern sofa, model MP-13, designed by Percival Lafer in Hardwood and Beige Italian leather, 1960s is nothing less...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pair of MP-29 Armchair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Barra Funda, SP
The armchair MP29 by Percival Lafer (1960s) is a modernist statement piece. Provides a modern aesthetic and structural support. Luxurious Wood rosewood, a classic Lafer material. Up...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Jacaranda
$40,000
Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Previously reupholstered in white leather. Rosewood frames. Foam is hard.
Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Poltrona reclinabile vintage anni '70/'80, di Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Manzano, IT
Poltrona reclinabile vintage anni '70/'80, di Percival Lafer
Stile
Vintage
Periodo di progettazione
Dal 1970 al 1979
Periodo di produzione
Dal 1970 al 1979
Anno di produzione
1970
P...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
$1,077 Sale Price
40% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, 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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Percival Lafer MP-163 "Earth Chair" Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
A true icon of Brazilian modernist design, this Percival Lafer MP-163 lounge chair with its matching ottoman embodies the designer's signature approach to comfort, innovation, and sc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Percival Lafer MP‑41 Lounge Chair in wood and leather, Brazil, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer
Located in Argelato, BO
1.708 / 5.000
The MP-41 armchair, designed by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer in the 1960s, is an icon of Brazilian modernism, known for its bold, innovative, and comfortable desi...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Modern Set of 4 Chairs in Hardwood, Metal & Chenille, Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the iconic “Contempo” chairs, designed by the renowned Percival Lafer in 1977. These striking pieces boast a robust metal seat structure, el...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Metal
Brazilian Space Age Sofa MP-131 , by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-131 sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer is an iconic piece of mid-century modern furniture design, epitomizing the era's innovative approach to form and function. Create...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Hardwood
Pair of MP-51 Armchairs by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Percival Lafer
Located in Whitstable, GB
A rare model of armchair by Percival Lafer, our stunning pair of MP-51 have their structure entirely made out of solid Jatobá wood - Brazilian cherry.
The seat base has been redone with new natural leather straps. These straps are part of the overall aesthetics of the piece.
The wood on both chairs has been sanded and matt varnished, revealing the beautiful colour and grain of Jatobá. The wood surfaces look stunning.
The chairs have a new brown natural leather upholstery, done in Brazil.
These MP51 are very comfortable, and ours are in excellent condition.
We have two chairs available.
A common trait amongst Lafer pieces is that they are very comfortable and also unique: they have a hard-achieved simplicity about them.
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.
Lafer then made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. In the same year he introduced the amazing MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood- and since then has had a prolific career.
The silhouettes of his lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were were a step away from the streamlined American and European mid-century modernism being designed at the time, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to the 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Percival Lafer Ottoman in Olive Green Leather and Mahogany
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, ottoman or stool, mahogany, leather, Brazil, 1970s
Bulky and voluptuous pouf made in the 1970s by Percival Lafer. The olive green leather of the seat is tufted, whic...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1970s Brazilian Leather Sofa By Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
This 1970s Brazilian leather sofa by Percival Lafer exemplifies the designer's innovative approach to modern furniture. Upholstered in rich bro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
Brazilian Modern "Pony" Reclining Chair in Leather by Percival Lafer, 1980s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in NYC metro area included, this Modern Reclining Chair in Leather by Percival Lafer, c. 1980s made in Brazil is nothing less than spectacul...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Metal, Iron
Percival Lafer, MP 01 Armchair, 1960
By Percival Lafer
Located in Barra Funda, SP
The MP-01 is the first armchair model produced by the world renown Percival Lafer, and set the stage for his unique style and subsequent designs. The sensual curves of the seat are c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
$18,500 / item
Pair of Percival Lafer Midcentury Brazilian "MP-97" Stools Foot Rests Ottomans
By Percival Lafer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brazilian rosewood tan leather upholstery foot stools benches.
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-Century
By Percival Lafer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Percival Lafer rosewood and leather 3-seater S-1 sofa. The S-1 design features Brazilian exoticness paired with Scandinavian sensibility. Of Lafer's designs, the S-1 is a...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
$6,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Percival Lafer MP-01 Armchair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Washington, DC
The MP-01 is the first armchair model produced by the world renown Percival Lafer, and set the stage for his unique style and subsequent designs. The sensual curves of the seat are c...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Metal
$14,500 / item
MP-141 Brazilian Leather Chair by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Brazil. Full leather construction, reupholstered. Arms are movable up and down.
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
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, fun...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Scarce MP 123 sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très tare canapé modulable par Pericval Lafer.
Category
1970s Brazilian Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage MP-25 Sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1950s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer
Vintage MP-25 Sofa
Brazil, 1967
*Matching Armchairs Available*
The MP-25 model, designed by Percival Lafer in 1967, combines elements from earlier models: the MP-13 ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
$10,475 / item
Mid-Century Modern Danish Tessellated Cube Lounge Armchair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Madison, WI
Absolutely Stunning intricate Cube lounge /club chair in the manner of Percival Lafer. It features removable cushions, which could easily be updated, if you would want to match the c...
Category
20th Century Hollywood Regency Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Wood
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Fauteuil et repose pieds
By Percival Lafer
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning pair of armchairs by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer
Armchair: 90 x 95 x 105 cm
Footrest: 47 x 70 x 56 cm
Category
20th Century Brazilian Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
$35,307 / set
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 Seating
Materials
Steel
MP 123 modular sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare banquette modulable par Percival Lafer vers 1973.
Splendide qualité d’éxécution,
Category
1970s Brazilian Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Percival Lafer Leather lounge chairs (Sofa and Loveseat also available)
By Percival Lafer
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a rare pair of Percival Lafer Lounge chairs. The set is upholstered in a brown leather fabric and was made in Brazil.
3 seat sofa and 2 seat loveseat also available.
Need...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
$5,925 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the MP-13 Four-Seat Sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning sofa, designed in 1967, features a gorgeous ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Chrome
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
One of the most comfortable sofas we’ve ever had the pleasure of offering, this stunning piece was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. It features a solid Brazilian hardwood fr...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Wood
Percival Lafer seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Percival Lafer seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 102 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Sergio Rodrigues, Móveis Cimo, and José Zanine Caldas. Prices for Percival Lafer seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,320 and can go as high as $36,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,748.
Creators Similar to Percival Lafer
Questions About Percival Lafer Seating
- What is Percival Lafer?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Percival 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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