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

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

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

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

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...

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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

$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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Brazilian Modern Sofa Mp-41 Designed by Percival Lafer in black leather
Brazilian Modern Sofa Mp-41 Designed by Percival Lafer in black leather

Brazilian Modern Sofa Mp-41 Designed by Percival Lafer in black leather

By Percival Lafer

Located in San Diego, CA

We have just reupholstered this gorgeous sofa with super soft black leather. This is a much loved and iconic design by Percival Lafer. This sofa encapsulates the spirit of Brazilian...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Metal

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

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Cedar

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

By Percival Lafer

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Cedar

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

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

$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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood

Percival Lafer MP-116 Modular Lounge Chair Unit Set, Dark Leather, Brazil, 1973
Percival Lafer MP-116 Modular Lounge Chair Unit Set, Dark Leather, Brazil, 1973

Percival Lafer MP-116 Modular Lounge Chair Unit Set, Dark Leather, Brazil, 1973

By Percival Lafer, Sergio Rodrigues, De Sede

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

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

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

$12,300

H 33.47 in W 37.41 in D 34.65 in

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Percival Lafer “MP-211” Armchair for Lafer S.A., 1961
Percival Lafer “MP-211” Armchair for Lafer S.A., 1961

Percival Lafer “MP-211” Armchair for Lafer S.A., 1961

$8,750

H 30.71 in W 38.59 in D 37.01 in

Percival Lafer “MP-211” Armchair for Lafer S.A., 1961

By Percival Lafer, 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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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-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 MP-41 Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer MP-41 Chairs, a pair

Percival Lafer MP-41 Chairs, a pair

Sold

H 27.5 in W 35.5 in D 37.5 in

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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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.