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.
$14,500 / 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...
Leather, Wood
$8,500 / set
Percival Lafer "Earth" Chairs and Ottoman, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, 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"...
Metal
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
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...
Leather, Jacaranda
$12,500 / set
H 26.78 in W 35.44 in D 36.23 in
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather Brazil 70s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather, Brazil, 1970s Exceptional pair of MP-41 lounge chairs designed by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, Brazil, 1970s, ...
Leather, Wood
$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
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
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
Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the MP-13 Four-Seat Sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning sofa, designed in 1967, features a gorgeous ...
Chrome
$22,000 / set
H 67 in W 85 in D 83 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MP-97 armchairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MP-97 armchairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s The MP-97 chair by Percival Lafer is a striking piece of Brazilian modernist design. Characterized by its sculptu...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Sofa for Lafer MP, 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Sofa for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” sofa 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 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
Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, MP-93, Brazil 1972
Located in Kampen, NL
Percival Lafer MP-93 lounge chair, designed and manufactured in Brazil in 1972. Sculptural dark wood frame with its original cognac leather upholstery, beautifully aged with a rich p...
Leather, Jatoba
$18,108 / set
H 33.08 in W 34.65 in D 35.04 in L 33.08 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, 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
$6,500
H 35 in W 30 in D 59 in
Percival Lafer Post Modern Brazilian Black Leather Reclining Pony Lounge Chair
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Troy, MI
Percival Lafer "Pony" recliner in original black leather circa 1980s Super comfortable and innovative design with relaxed leather cushions and metal front T leg support Reclines org...
Metal
$4,500 / set
H 33.5 in W 29 in D 36 in
Percival Lafer Earth Lounge Chair Ottoman Leather Suede Mid Century Modern 1970
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Authentic Signed Percival Lafer "Earth" Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed and manufactured in São Paulo, Brazil. A celebrated example of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design, the set...
Metal
$3,188Sale 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...
Chrome
$8,800 / set
H 30 in W 32.375 in D 32.125 in
Percival Lafer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and beige brown synthetic leather lounge chairs designed and produced by Percival Lafer, Brazil, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent wit...
Wood, Faux 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...
Leather, Wood
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...
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 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...
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
Percival Lafer MP-41 Chairs, a pair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s featuring restored cushions and new leather on the original hardwood frames. They are incredibly comfortable and will easily last another lifetime. The frames are in their o...
Leather, Wood
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
Sold
H 36 in W 32 in D 35 in
Midcentury Modern Brazilian EARTH Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury Brazilian Black Leather "Earth" lounge chair by Percival Lafer Brazilian with ottoman. Great lounge chair made out of Sculpted foam ...
Chrome