Skip to main content

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.

to
3
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
1
1
5
5
5
5
5
5
2
1
1
4
3
1
5
5
5
100
629
512
268
212
Creator: Percival Lafer
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

Percival Lafer "Earth" Chairs and Ottoman, 1970s
Percival Lafer "Earth" Chairs and Ottoman, 1970s

Percival Lafer "Earth" Chairs and Ottoman, 1970s

By Lafer, Percival Lafer

Located in Coronado, CA

A pair of Brazilian modernist "Earth" chairs and ottoman designed by Percival Lafer, manufactured in Brazil in the 1970s. These incredibly comfortable lounge chairs feature a "scoop"...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Metal

Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs + Ottoman, a set
Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs + Ottoman, a set

Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs + Ottoman, a set

By Percival Lafer

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1970s, Brazil - fully reupholstered in Maharam “Prone Ledge” leather. These are in excellent, restored condition but do have some minor patina / wear to the original frames and le...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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

Related Items
Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer
Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer

Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer

$22,000 / set

H 26.38 in W 32.49 in D 29.53 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Wood

Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchairs for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 2
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchairs for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 2

Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchairs for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 2

$14,000 / 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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design

Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design

By Percival Lafer

Located in São 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 Chairs

Materials

Steel

Percival Lafer “MP-41” Living Room Set for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 3
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Living Room Set for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 3

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

$7,000

H 28.35 in W 37.8 in D 36.23 in

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 ...

Category

1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Percival Lafer armchair and ottoman
Percival Lafer armchair and ottoman

Percival Lafer armchair and ottoman

$52,287

H 91.4 in W 81.3 in D 91.4 in

Percival Lafer armchair and ottoman

By Percival Lafer

Located in Barcelona, ES

Lounge chair and ottoman Manufactured by Lafer S.A. Ind. Com. Brazil, 1960s Leather, jacaranda Measurements 91,4cmx81,3cmx91,4hcm 36inx32inx36hin Provenance Private Collection, Sao P...

Category

1960s Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Jacaranda

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

Percival Lafer Suede Earth Lounge Chair and Ottoman 1970s Brazil

$3,253Sale Price|49% Off

H 33.47 in W 29.14 in D 35.83 in

Percival Lafer Suede Earth Lounge Chair and Ottoman 1970s Brazil

By Percival Lafer

Located in Debrecen, HU

This stunning set is an iconic piece of Brazilian modernism, combining functionality and aesthetics. The chair and ottoman offer exceptional comfort and elegance, while the chrome-pl...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mp 81 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
Mp 81 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s

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,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Imbuia

1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood
1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood

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 Brazilian modernism. The design combines structural clarity with an unusually relaxed and immersive seating experience, reflecting Lafer’s unique ability to merge engineering, ergonomics, and material expression. The sofa is constructed around a robust Brazilian hardwood frame that creates a suspended visual effect, where the upholstered body appears to float lightly above the base structure. The proportions are low and architectural, while the generous cushioning and suspended support system create a remarkably comfortable sit. Lafer approached seating with a strong emphasis on long-term comfort and practical construction, qualities that became central to his international success during the 1970s export period. This example has been fully reupholstered in high-quality Spinneybeck leather, a material widely recognized for its durability and refined surface quality. The arm cushions feature an uncommon pillow configuration. While this may represent a later upholstery interpretation introduced during restoration, similar variations were also seen in certain export-market configurations produced through Brazil Contempo...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Previously Available Items
Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer in Original Black Leather
Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer in Original Black Leather

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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Percival Lafer Brazilian Lounge chairs in Ochre Yellow Leather

By Percival Lafer, 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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer Pair of 'MP-81' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Rosewood and Black
Percival Lafer Pair of 'MP-81' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Rosewood and Black

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 ...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer Lounge Chair in Green Leather and Rosewood
Percival Lafer Lounge Chair in Green Leather and Rosewood

Percival Lafer Lounge Chair in Green Leather and Rosewood

By Percival Lafer, 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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer MP-49 Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer MP-49 Chairs, a pair

Percival Lafer MP-49 Chairs, a pair

Sold

H 30 in W 25 in D 30 in

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

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Percival Lafer “MP-117” Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer “MP-117” Chairs, a pair

Percival Lafer “MP-117” Chairs, a pair

Sold

H 25.5 in W 35 in D 29.5 in

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chair by Percival Lafer
1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP41 Chair by Percival Lafer

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...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

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...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather

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

Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair

Sold

H 27.5 in W 32 in D 33 in

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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...

Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

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

Percival Lafer MP-97 Chairs, a pair

Sold

H 27.5 in W 32 in D 33 in

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Brutalist Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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.

Creators Similar to Percival Lafer

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.