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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
1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP81 Chair by Percival Lafer
1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP81 Chair by Percival Lafer

1960s Brazilian Wood and Leather MP81 Chair by Percival Lafer

By Percival Lafer

Located in Victoria, BC

A true icon of Brazilian modernism, this Percival Lafer MP81 lounge chair stands among the most sought after and instantly recognizable lounge chairs ever produced. Bold, sculptural,...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

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$3,343Sale Price|49% Off

H 33.47 in W 29.14 in D 35.83 in

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MP-81 2-seater Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP
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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...

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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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Rare Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1970's
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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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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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Percival Lafer Dining Chairs x4, Rosewood, Leather
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Percival Lafer MP-41 Chairs, a pair
Percival Lafer MP-41 Chairs, a pair

Percival Lafer MP-41 Chairs, a pair

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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...

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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Percival Lafer Chairs

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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.