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.
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather “MP-115” Chair by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
*Please note: We have three of these chairs available. This listing / price is for one chair. Introducing the Percival Lafer MP115 Modular Sofa/Chairs –...
Leather
1970's Brazilian MP-115 design chair by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Belo Horizonte, BR
The MP-115 features a seat and backrest built around wooden frames entirely encased in a dense foam layer. Both components are joined by an exposed wooden I-shaped element, which con...
Leather, Jacaranda
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.
Leather
Unavailable|$6,500
H 33 in W 36.5 in D 75.5 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Leather Sofa – Iconic 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Discover a true collectible in this original 1960s Percival Lafer MP-81 three-seater leather sofa, a striking example of Brazilian mid-century modern design. Created by renowned desi...
Leather, Hardwood
Percival Lafer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and wood lounge chair designed and produced by Percival Lafer, Brazil, c. 1970s. Fabric distressed. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25...
Fabric, Wood
Unavailable|$5,500
H 25.5 in W 72 in D 25.5 in
Percival Lafer MP-41 Sofa – 1970s Brazilian Rosewood & Leather 3-Seater
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Elevate your space with this authentic 1970s Percival Lafer MP-41 3-seater sofa, a true collector’s item crafted with exquisite Brazilian rosewood and original cognac leather strappi...
Leather, Hardwood, Rosewood
Lounge Chairs 'MP-81' by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
MP-81 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer, designed in the 1970s, exemplary pieces of Brazilian mid-century modern design. These chairs feature beautifully restored red leather paired wi...
Leather, Walnut
$26,600
H 26.38 in W 32.49 in D 29.53 in
MP-71 Armchair with ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
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...
Leather, Cedar
$12,400Sale Price / set|22% Off
H 28.5 in W 24.5 in D 31 in
Percival Lafer MP-75 Lounge Chairs w Rosewood Buckles, 1970 Brazil, Set of Four
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These very rare and documented set of Percival Lafer 'MP-75' lounge chairs, designed and produced in the 1970s. This rare set of four (4) lounge chairs which feature Brazilian Rosewo...
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood
$18,729 / set
H 33.08 in W 34.65 in D 35.04 in
Mp 81 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman Brazil, circa 1970s An iconic MP-81 lounge chair with matching ottoman designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Móveis Lafer, Brazil,...
Leather, Imbuia
Percival Lafer, MP-01 Sofa, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer MP-01 Sofa Velvet, Wood, Iron Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Iron
1970s MP 129 Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer in green leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
The MP-129 lounge chair was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s and produced in Brazil. The design is built around a structured hardwood frame, with a clear expression of its con...
Leather, Wood
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
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
Percival Lafer, 'MP-113' Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer 'MP-113' Lounge Chair Newly Upholstered Brazil, 1970s Offered by RAFA gallery
Upholstery
Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer in Original Black Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, pair of lounge chairs, leather and wood, Brazil, 1960s Bulky and grand lounge chairs by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This set features a solid dark wooden base...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer Brazilian Lounge chairs in Ochre Yellow Leather
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, pair of lounge chairs, leather and rosewood, Brazil, late 1960s. A wonderful set of lounge chairs by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. These chairs consists of tw...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 37.8 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer Pair of 'MP-81' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Rosewood and Black
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, set of 2 lounge chairs with ottoman model MP-81, in rosewood and leather, Brazil, 1972. Beautiful set of lounge chairs by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. These ...
Leather, Rosewood
Percival Lafer Lounge Chair in Green Leather and Rosewood
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair, leather, rosewood and metal, Brazil, late 1960s Bulky and voluptuous lounge chair by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This chair features a solid d...
Leather, Rosewood
Percival Lafer MP-49 Chairs, a pair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s in excellent, restored condition. They have been fully reupholstered in mohair
Mohair, Wood
Percival Lafer “MP-117” Chairs, a pair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s, Brazil in excellent restored condition. Both have been reupholstered in Maharam leather but feature their original wooden frames. There are some minor scuffs and some gener...
Leather, Wood
1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chair by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer and produced in Brazil during the 1960s, this MP-41 lounge chair embodies the warmth and ingenuity of mid-century Brazilian design. The sculptural frame is...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of 1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chairs by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Sink right into Brazilian modernism at its best. This playful pair of 1960s MP41 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer has been completely brought back to life with embossed Italian leathe...
Leather
Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s, Brazil featuring their original leather. There is wear consistent with use on the frames including minor scuffs, a crack on one chair, and losses to the finish. The leather...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 32.68 in
Rare Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood, Chromed Steel and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, chromed steel and leather Style: Mid century, B...
Rosewood, Leather
Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s, Brazil. Both chairs have been fully reupholstered but feature the original finish on the wood. There is wear consistent with use on the frames including minor scuffs and lo...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer Dining Chairs x4, Rosewood, Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Santa Fe, NM
The Brazilian furniture designer Percival Lafer, Rosewood frame dining chairs featuring floating seats with well worn and distressed leather upholstery from the 1980's These were fo...
Leather, Rosewood