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 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
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
Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs for Craft Associates
By Percival Lafer, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Percival Lafer
Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture
Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern
Specs: Walnut, leather
These Percival Lafer MP-41 loun...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Walnut
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
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
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
Category
1960s Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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 Seating
Materials
Steel
Percival Lafer MP-79 Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Boca Raton, FL
C. 1970s
Percival Lafer was one of the most prolific designers of the Brazilian midcentury period.
The tufted camel leather cushion sits on sturdy leather straps, which are attache...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
MP-167 3-Seat Sofa by Percival Lafer
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Percival Lafer designed 3-seat tufted sofa in mustard yellow leather with Rosewood wood frame, model MP-167, produced by Lafer MP, Brazil, 1960s.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
"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
Percival Lafer Brazilian Mahogany Sling Chairs and Ottoman Set
By Percival Lafer
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of mid-century Brazilian Mahogany lounge chairs and ottoman designed by Percival Lafer, circa 1970 Brazil. The chairs are crafted of solid Braz...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
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
1970s Brazilian Leather Sofa By Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
This 1970s Brazilian leather sofa by Percival Lafer is a striking example of bold mid-century modern design blended with comfort and craftsmanship. Upholstered in rich, dark brown le...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
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
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
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
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
"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
Percival Lafer MP-13 Chair and Ottoman, Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Toledo, OH
This beautiful chair and ottoman were designed by Percival Lafer. Percival Lafer(1936-) is a Brazilian artist who was a pioneer pf the modernist movement. This set, model MP-13, is m...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Mid Century Percival Lafer Mp-129 Rosewood Couch and Lounge Chair Set Rare
By Percival Lafer
Located in Esperance, NY
This is a very rare opportunity to buy the couch and chair for a fraction of the price because the set is missing the original cushions. The frames are complete with original strappi...
Category
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Rosewood
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
Brazilian Modern Leather Sofas and Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer Brazil, 1970s
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Sofas by Percival Lafer
Brazil, 1970s
Original seating group by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s – including a three-seater, two-seater, and lounge chair. The sculptural shell design w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Cherry
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
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
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
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
Percival Lafer Mp-5 lounge chairs pair Brazil 1961
By Percival Lafer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare pair of MP-5 lounge chairs designed by Percival Lafer and manufactured by Lafer MP, Brazil 1961. Steel structures covered with Caviuna. Reupholstered in a grey mixed fabric to ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Metal
$22,267 / set
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
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
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
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
Pony Lounge Chair by Pedro Ávila
By Percival Lafer
Located in São Paulo, BR
Through a fusion of functional and sculptural objects, Pedro channels the aesthetics of astronomical instruments and the cultural fascination with space exploration. Inspired by his ...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Chrome
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
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
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
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
Percival Lafer 3 Seat Brown Leather Sofa and Loveseat (lounge chairs available)
By Percival Lafer
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a rare Percival Lafer sofa and loveseat. Its comprised of a 3 seat sofa and a 2 seat loveseat. The set is upholstered in a brown leather fabric. The set was made in Brazil. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather
Percival Lafer MP-97 Chair with Headrest freshly upholstered in green leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in San Diego, CA
This Brazilian Modern Lounge chair could not be more comfortable! The MP-97 was designed by Percival Lafer. With its solid jacaranda hardwood frame, original leather straps, and new ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Seating
Materials
Leather, Jacaranda, Canvas
$7,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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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