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Percival Lafer Chairs

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
MP-141 Brazilian Leather Chair by Percival Lafer
MP-141 Brazilian Leather Chair by Percival Lafer

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 Chairs

Materials

Leather

1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather “MP-115” Chair by Percival Lafer
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather “MP-115” Chair by Percival Lafer

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 –...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather

1970's Brazilian MP-115 design chair by Percival Lafer
1970's Brazilian MP-115 design chair by Percival Lafer

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Jacaranda

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Lounge Chairs 'MP-81' by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
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H 33.47 in W 37.41 in D 34.65 in

Lounge Chairs 'MP-81' by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s

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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...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Percival Lafer MP-75 Lounge Chairs w Rosewood Buckles, 1970 Brazil, Set of Four
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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...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood

Percival Lafer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1970s
Percival Lafer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1970s

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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...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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MP-71 Armchair with ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
MP-71 Armchair with ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury

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...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Percival Lafer MP-116 Modular Lounge Chair Unit Set, Dark Leather, Brazil, 1973
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By Sergio Rodrigues, De Sede, Percival Lafer

Located in Chattanooga, TN

A rare and beautifully preserved pair of Percival Lafer MP-116 modular lounge units, produced in Brazil in the 1970s. The MP-116 is one of Lafer’s most sculptural and technically sophisticated seating designs, celebrated for its distinctive pillow-block construction, deep gathered leather, and the refined engineering that defines his most collectible work. Pairs of MP-116 modules in matching condition are increasingly difficult to source, making this offering especially desirable for collectors and designers seeking original Lafer pieces. Each module is formed from four generously padded leather cushions that create the soft, architectural geometry characteristic of the MP-116 series. Upholstered in rich dark-chocolate leather, the cushions maintain their fullness and supple texture, presenting in very good original condition with the surface character and patina that only decades of careful stewardship can produce. The frames are crafted from solid Brazilian Jatobá hardwood, a dense and highly valued tropical species chosen by Lafer for its structural strength and warm, glowing tonality. The timber shows exceptional grain clarity and remains in outstanding condition. The MP-116 was conceived as a forward-thinking modular system, far more sophisticated than most mid-century modular seating. Each unit functions beautifully as an individual lounge chair, yet two modules together can create a sculptural loveseat, a low chaise-like configuration, or a striking asymmetrical arrangement suited to contemporary interiors. This pair offers the rare opportunity to acquire two perfectly matching modules from the same original owner, preserving the visual continuity and design intent of Lafer’s modular philosophy. The pair is accompanied by photocopies of the original 1973 Brazil Contempo...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Leather, Fruitwood

Percival Lafer Suede Earth Lounge Chair and Ottoman 1970s Brazil
Percival Lafer Suede Earth Lounge Chair and Ottoman 1970s Brazil

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$3,276Sale Price|49% Off

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Mid-Century Modern Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s

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Located in New York, NY

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...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, Black Leather, 1972
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, Black Leather, 1972

Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, Black Leather, 1972

By Percival Lafer

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, wood and black leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchair by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless ...

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1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Previously Available Items
Percival Lafer MP-49 Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer MP-49 Chairs, a pair

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Percival Lafer Brazilian Lounge chairs in Ochre Yellow Leather
Percival Lafer Brazilian Lounge chairs in Ochre Yellow Leather

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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Percival Lafer Pair of 'MP-81' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Rosewood and Black
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Percival Lafer “MP-117” Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer “MP-117” Chairs, a pair

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chair by Percival Lafer

1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chair by Percival Lafer

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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...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Pair of 1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chairs by Percival Lafer
Pair of 1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chairs by Percival Lafer

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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...

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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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

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Rare Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970's
Rare Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970's

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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...

Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

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Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair

Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair

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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...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Percival Lafer Dining Chairs x4, Rosewood, Leather
Percival Lafer Dining Chairs x4, Rosewood, Leather

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...

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1960s Brazilian Brutalist Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

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Percival Lafer chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Percival Lafer chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of plastic and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original chairs by Percival Lafer were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 1970s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by José Zanine Caldas, Sergio Rodrigues, and Geraldo de Barros. Prices for Percival Lafer chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,600 and can go as high as $3,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,600.
Questions About Percival Lafer Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Percival 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.