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,
1970s Brazilian Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Canapes
Stainless Steel
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.
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,
Stainless Steel
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...
Wood
$16,800 / set
H 28.35 in W 37.8 in D 36.23 in
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchairs for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 2
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” armchairs for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchairs by Percival Lafer embrace fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite their solid wood frames. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushions to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushions to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon...
Leather, Wood
$32,000 / set
H 28.35 in W 82.68 in D 36.23 in
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Living Room Set for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 3
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” living room set for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972, set of 3 The “MP-41” living room set by Percival Lafer, composed of a sofa and two armchairs, embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushions to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushions to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon’s “Tijuca...
Leather, Wood
$18,480
H 31.5 in W 64.18 in D 35.44 in
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...
Steel
$2,750
H 36 in W 78 in D 31 in
1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1970s, the MP-91 / MP-163 “Earth” sofa remains one of the most recognizable and comfortable seating designs produced during the golden era of Br...
Leather, Hardwood
Percival Lafer “MP-211” Armchair for Lafer S.A., 1961
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-211” Armchair for Lafer S.A., leather and wood, Brazil, 1961 The MP-211 is built on a structural logic that doubles as ornament. A wood frame of blade-like uprigh...
Leather, Wood
1960s MP41 Sofa by Percival Lafer — Jatobá Frame, New Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
A compelling example of Brazilian modernism, this 1960s MP41 sofa by Percival Lafer reflects the designer’s commitment to structural clarity, material honesty, and relaxed comfort. T...
Leather, Wood
1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this authentic Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in premium yellow leather. Ships from Philadelphia.
Leather
$12,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.38 in W 83.86 in D 33.86 in
Mp-97 Sofa Midcentury Brazilian Design by Percival Lafer, Cedar Wood, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
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...
Metal
Mp-97 Tufted Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modernist tufted sofa in brown aniline leather designed by Percival Lafer. Constructed with molded foam, rosewood, and nylon straps. Some original straps have been replaced or repair...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchair by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushion to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushion to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 83.47 in D 35.44 in
Rare Large Sofa Percival Lafer MP 211 Leather Camel Brazilian Design 60's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
3 seater sofa from the 60's by the famous Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, model MP211. Structure in solid Jacaranda wood, seat in original camel leather. Beautiful model of this s...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 78.75 in L 28.35 in
Mustard Yellow Leather Three-Seater Sofa by Percival Lafer, model 'MP-81'
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Rare Brazilian sofa in mustard leather and solid jacaranda wooden legs. Model 'MP81' designed around 1960s by Percival Lafer. In beautiful original condition, very nice patina. The ...
Leather, Wood, Jacaranda
Sold
H 25.2 in W 36.23 in D 77.56 in
Three-Seater Sofa by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer Design Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Three seater sofa from the 60's by the Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. Structure in solid Jacaranda, seat and straps in original green leath...
Leather, Jacaranda
Sold
H 33.47 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofa by Percival Lafer Model MP-81, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lucenec, SK
Beautiful sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This sofa consists of a solid dark wooden base to which the leather seating is attached. The sturdy legs are tapered and placed s...
Leather, Faux Leather, Wood