Percival Lafer Armchairs
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
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...
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20th Century Hollywood Regency Percival Lafer Armchairs
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Wood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of "MP-51" Armchair, Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-51 armchair is a true rarity in the world of furniture design, with its entire structure crafted from Pau Ferro, a highly sought-after Brazilian hardwood that can only be foun...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Percival Lafer Midcentury Brazilian "Earth Chair" Set Armchair and Ottoman, 1976
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Percival Lafer midcentury Brazilian "Earth Chair" set armchair and ottoman, 1976.
Known internationally, Percival Lafer is a renowned Brazilian design...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Cherry and Leather Lounge Chairs
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Looking for a stylish addition to your home or office? Check out these exquisite mid-century modern lounge chairs by Percival Lafer, crafted with care in São Paolo, Brazil. The chairs feature a beautiful combination of taupe-colored leather and Brazilian cherry...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Cherry, Leather
Rosewood & Cognac Leather Mp-163 "Earth Chair" & Ottoman by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
We've had several Percival Lafer sofas and chairs over the years, and this MP-163 "Earth Chair" model is by far the most comfortable. The scoop style and high-back design cradles and...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in São Paulo, BR
In the world of design, Percival Lafer was a visionary dedicated to enhancing both comfort and aesthetics. His innovation led to the creation of the dual MP-97 lounge chairs, which e...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Armchair MP-61 in Brazilian Rosewood by Percival Lafer, Móveis Lafer, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in Clifton, NJ
Percival Lafer's inventive nature expressed itself in the most different creations he adventured: architecture, cars, payphone hoods, newsstands, and medical care objects. But it was in the furniture making that he reached his most significant impact.
The MP-61 sofa and armchair, from 1973, were the first two pieces designed by Percival Lafer that used a visible fiberglass shell structure. Fiberglass freedom and swiftness in defining the shape of the objects simplified production and minimize costs. The foam upholstery was applied directly onto the fiberglass shell, resting over a cross base made of plywood plates covered in Rosewood veneers.
Móveis Lafer...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Cedar
MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chair 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.
These pieces are unrestored and will receive wood treatment and new upholsteries according to the customer's taste. The cushions are in very good condition, with the extremely comfortable injectable foam.
Móveis Lafer...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cedar
Midcentury Armchairs MP-13 by Percival Lafer in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian armchair set, model MP-13, designed by Percival Lafer in Hardwood and Beige Italian leather, 1960s is nothing less than fabulous!
The super comfy armchairs feature a Brazilian rosewood (known as Jacaranda) base with four legs. The structure is upholstered in Italian Beige leather and has rosewood, steel finishes and leather buttons. The loose cushions around the arms give the piece a super inviting look.
The entire MP-13 set, two armchairs and sofa, is showcased in our gallery next to a Giuseppe Scapinelli coffee table looking simply spectacular (image).
Renovation for the entire set took almost 5 months. While the piece was intact from a structure point of view, we disassembled the pieces and strengthened the wood structure. In parallel, the metal was refinished removing all the rust. Then, the upholsterer started the hand stitching process of the italian leather, resulting in what you’re seeing in the pictures.
This set would look wonderful in any Mid-Century Modern, modern or contemporary environment.
Literature: Percival Lafer book & Vintage Publications...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Brazilian Mp-5 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-5 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises an iron structure covered with golden Caviuna wood and an inde...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Cedar
Brazilian Modern "MP-01" 2 Chair Set in Wood and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1963
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this set of 2 Brazilian modern armchairs, designed by Percival Lafer in 1963, is a beautiful piece of furniture. The chairs are made with Brazilian wood and an iron ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Iron
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 Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cedar
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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood
"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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood
MP-91 Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Clifton, NJ
In his designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort. This pair of MP-91 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer comprises a solid wood structure with a single piece of a loose foam se...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern pair of white upholstery and Brazilian Jatoba wood lounge chairs made in São Paulo by Percival Lafer. Both very comfortable chairs are in great condition as can be seen in the images.
This beauty will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of insured transport is crate included. Price of transportation is per chair.
Percival Lafer is a contemporary Brazilian furniture maker and pioneer of the Brazilian Modernist movement. He is most famous for his chair and sofa designs, which combine low-profile hardwood structures with plush leather upholstery. “I’ve always been drawn to the motion features of furniture,” he’s said. “The engineering and design work that goes into its mechanisms is fascinating and fulfilling.” Born on April 12, 1936 in Brazil, he studied at the Mackenzie Presbyterian University College of Architecture in São Paulo. After graduating, his father passed away and he and his brothers took over LAFER, his father’s furniture company. The designer currently lives and works in Campos do...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern Jatoba Wood and Leather Lounge Chair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Stylish Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed and produced by Percival Lafer In Sào Paulo Brazil. The Brazilian Jatoba structure is in good condition and the chair still has it's ...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cedar
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 Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Percival Lafer Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman, c. 1965
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Belmont, MA
Percival Lafer (Brazilian, b. 1936) lounge chair and ottoman, Brazil, c. 1965, rosewood frames with leather upholstery, chair, foil Design Lafer label and remains to a paper label, ht. 36, seat height. 15 1/2, wide. 32, depth. 32, ottoman conforming with foil and paper Lafer labels, measures height. 16, wide. 24, depth. 20 in.
Note: Lafer is a pioneer of the Brazilian Modernist movement. He is most famous for his chair and sofa designs, which combine low-profile hardwood structures with plush leather...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
MP-091 Percival Lafer Lounger/ Armchair
By Percival Lafer
Located in East Hampton, NY
An original MP-091 lounger by Percival Lafer in Brazilian cherry and with original dowels and leather straps. Re-upholstered by previous owner in red ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cherry
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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Armchair MP-13 by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Other
Percival Lafer "MP-85" Midcentury Brazilian Armchair in Jatobá, 1971
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Fabric
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 Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 2 MP-091 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, wood and leather, Brazil, 1960S
By Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer
Located in Argelato, BO
Mid-Century Modern MP-091 3-seater sofa by Percival Lafer in original Brazilian Jacaranda wood and upholstered in original cognac leather. Brazil, 1960s
One of the most original and...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Percival Lafer armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, José Zanine Caldas, and Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. Prices for Percival Lafer armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £2,364 and can go as high as £18,509, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £8,790.
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Questions About Percival Lafer Armchairs
- 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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