As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
$4,851 / set
Set of 2 "Carimate" chairs
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Forest, BE
An icon of Italian design, the Carimate chair combines a lacquered solid wood frame with a handwoven straw seat. Designed in 1959 by Vico Magistretti for the Carimate Golf Club in Co...
Straw, Wood
Early Vico Magistretti for Mario Luigi Comi Set of Eight Carimate Dining Chairs
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Fratelli Mario e Luigi Comi, First Edition set of eight 'Carimate' dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, design 1959 This first-edition set of dining chairs belon...
Straw, Beech
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Vidun' Dining Table with Colorful Geometric Base
By DePadova 1, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 'Vidun' round dining table, stained beech, glass, Italy, 1986 Although the object appears immediately playful because of its vivid coloration and exp...
Glass, Beech
'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Hagenbach, DE
The iconic “Omega” flush mount, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in Italy around 1960, is a masterful example of Italian modernist lighting. Defined by its sculptural, layer...
Metal
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico ...
Leather, Beech
$2,150 / set
Vico Magistretti set of 4 Carimate Dining Chairs
By Stendig Co., Vico Magistretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vico Magistretti for Stendig Carimate Chairs with rushed seats and painted white frames. All chairs are very sturdy and in tact! Chairs shows paint loss and touch ups over the year...
Rush, Wood
Vico Magistretti Lambda Wall Lamp for Artemide, Opaline Crystal, 1961
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Vico Magistretti was among the first external collaborators of the young company Artemide, founded in 1959 originally for the production of lamps only, to which furniture was later a...
Crystal, Brass
Vico Magistretti Vicario Set of 2 Lounge Chairs for Artemide, 1970
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A fantastic pair of Artemide "Vicario" Lounge Chairs which are an impressive example of progressive Italian design from the early 1970s. Made from glass-reinforced polyester (GRP), t...
Plastic
Pair of Maralunga ottomans by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of Maralunga ottomans designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973, one of the most iconic creations of Italian design and winner of the Com...
Leather
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967 Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967 for Cassina, this set of six Model 122 chairs is a refined example of Ita...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vico Magistretti for Artemide "Manai" Glass Brass Wall Lights, Italy 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 with Murano white glass models and brass detail with Murano Glass...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Space Age Demetrio Coffee Lounge Table by Vico, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple coffee table by the renowned manufacturer Artemide after a design by Vico Magistretti from the 60s. A simple design with elegant curves. The flat table has a square design. T...
Plastic
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chair in Leather & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chair, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico Ma...
Leather, Beech
Vigo Magistretti for Cassina Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, two-seater sofa, model 'Veranda', fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1983. Beautiful esthetically balanced two-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassi...
Aluminum
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico M...
Leather, Beech
Cassina - Vico Magistretti Maralunga 2 Seater Leather Sofa
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Bern, BE
Vico Magistretti Maralunga two seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With two adjustable backrests for variable sitt...
Leather
Mid-Century Italian Space Age Demetrio Coffee Lounge Table, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple coffee table by the renowned manufacturer Artemide after a design by Vico Magistretti from the 60s. A simple design with elegant curves. The flat table has a square design. T...
Plastic
Set of 8 "Model 122" Dining Room Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant set of eight Model 122 chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s, a refined example of Italian modernist design where sculptural clarity meets everyday fun...
Leather, Foam, Ash
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Vidun' Dining Table with Colorful Geometric Base
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 'Vidun' dining table, stained beech, glass, Italy, 1986 Although the object appears immediately playful because of its vivid coloration and exposed m...
Glass, Beech
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
first edition Atollo table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 Oluce Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
This rare “Atollo” table lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 for Oluce, is a true icon of Italian modern design. Awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, the Atollo is celebrated w...
Metal
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce: Pair of "Adam" Wall Lamps, Chrome Steel, 1975
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in bari, IT
This pair features a chrome-plated steel stem attached to a circular, white-lacquered metal wall base, with an articulated black thermoplastic joint that allows the cylindrical refle...
Metal, Steel
Cassina Veranda Longue Chair By Vico Magistretti Italy 1980s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Čelinac, BA
CASSINA Veranda Longue Chair By Vico Magistretti Italy 1980s
Fabric
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce 'Atollo' First Edition '233' Table Lamp
By Vico Magistretti, O-Luce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, 'Atollo' lamp, first edition model '233', aluminum, Italy, 1977 The Atollo lighting object, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977, stands as one of his m...
Aluminum
Vico Magistretti for Artemide 'Triclinio' Chandelier in Opaline Glass
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Artemide, chandelier, model 'Triclinio', matt nickel-plated brass, opaline glass, Italy, 1967 This charming chandelier features three opaline glass shades, which explains the prefix "Tri", Greek for three. The design belongs to Vico Magistretti’s Clinio...
Brass, Nickel
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
$7,005Sale Price / item|20% Off
Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Red Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Novetrenta Rope Armchair by Vico Magistretti – Red Outdoor Lounge Chair for Cassina, 2025 Elegant outdoor armchair from the Novetrenta collection...
Wood
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s Bench model Carimate in black lacquered wood with a glossy finish and a straw seat. The armrests and backrest ar...
Straw, Wood
Pair of 'Omicron’ Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Omicron' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, in 1961. Industrial steel frame wall sconce with vertical height adjustment and two-par...
Brass, Nickel
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chairs in White Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ dining chairs, model '892', stained beech, fabric, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistre...
Fabric, Beech
Vico Magistretti For Cassina Italian Red Dining Chairs Carimate Ser, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design set of two dining chairs with armrests Carimate serie designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina from 1960s with an analine-stained beech w...
Straw, Beech
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
Leather
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This iconic design sofa is upholstered in its original striped fabric. The backrests are adjustable and mec...
Fabric
OMEGA Hanging Lamp by Vico MAGISTRETTI, Artemide 1962
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Hanging lamp designed by Vico Magistretti. Italy, Artemide, 1962. The OMEGA lamp consists of two pieces of opaline glass on a brushed metal frame. Please note: All lighting fixtur...
Aluminum
Vico Magistretti, “L’Impiccato” ceiling lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1972
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The L’Impiccato ceiling lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1972 for Artemide, is a masterful synthesis of geometry, balance, and function — an example of how Magistretti transform...
Steel
Vico Magistretti table lamp 'Telegono' by Artimide, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Stockholm, SE
Original Telegono table lamp designed in 1968 by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy. The pale white hemispherical inner shade can be swiveled.
Plastic
Vico Magistretti, Carimate, Pair of Chairs, Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Carimate A pair of red lacquered beech wood and straw chairs, each with four cylindrical feet and conforming back, with a square seat covered with stra...
Beech
"Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1969
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Brescia, Brescia
The "Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed in 1969, is a quintessential example of timeless design. Its sinuous curves, formed by molding a sheet of opa...
Metal
Shigeto Box bookcase by Vico Magistretti for De Padova
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
In De Padova's philosophy, which also meets Magistretti's approach, furniture must adapt to different contexts, so the Shigeto Box version, in the form of a bookcase, is the solution...
Aluminum
$3,758Sale Price / set|20% Off
Maralunga Armchair and Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Matte Black
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Basel, BS
This black and white textile leather armchair and ottoman, the Maralunga model designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, are iconic examples of mid-20th century Italian design. Both pie...
Upholstery
Large Snow Table lamp by Vico Magistretti for O-luce, 1970s
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large Snow table lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973 and manufactured by O-luce. The table lamp features a round base in white marble, a black metal stem and an opal methacrylate cone shaped shade. The end of the stem is shaped like a ball and contains the two light bulb holders (E27, maximum 60W). The shade rests by gravity only, without the use of screws. The Snow series consists of a pendant, floor lamp and a table lamp. According to Archivio Vico Magistretti Snow...
Marble, Metal
Vintage Red 1970s Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Accent Armchair Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Basel, BS
For sale is a single sleek RED vintage Vico Magistretti beauty, the "Carimate" chair by Cassina. The chair model originated in the 1960s in Italy. This here is an original 1960s Car...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$2,367Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Pair of Red Carimate Armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milan, IT
Vico Magistrett pair of red carimate armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961 Original red lacquer. Original straw seats.
Straw, Wood
Vistosi Alega Table Lamp Transparent Base Glass And White Diffuser
By Vistosi, Vico Magistretti
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
A design that combines a classical concept with a retro inspiration. The transparent base and the white diffuser give a warm accent to the light. Shade in glossy white, base in cryst...
Murano Glass
Vico Magistretti Model 122 Dining Chairs for Cassina in Walnut, 1968, Set of 4
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 4 Model 122 chairs designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. These chairs feature a solid walnut structure with molded plywood se...
Leather, Walnut
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$9,703 / set
Set of 4 "Carimate" Chairs
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Forest, BE
An icon of Italian design, the Carimate chair combines a lacquered solid wood frame with a handwoven straw seat. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1960s, it stands out ...
Straw, Wood, Lacquer
$2,754Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti — Maralunga Armchairs — Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Armchairs for Cassina – Set of 2 Designed by the legendary Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this pair of Maralung...
Metal
Vico Magistretti, "Snow" Table Lamp, Metal, Acrylic, Marble, Italy, 1973
By O-Luce, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A large acrylic, black-lacquered metal and marble "Snow" table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973 and produced by O-Luce, Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25.75”...
Marble, Metal
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa – Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Budapest, HU
Vico Magistretti – Maralunga Sofa for Cassina – 1 Piece Designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti for Cassina, this Maralunga sofa is ...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Grande Mania Sconce, Murano Glass, Brass, 1960s Italy
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vico Magistretti sconce "Grande Mania", Large Made in Italy, 1960s. Two shells in Murano opaline glass, brass hardware, enameled metal frame. An earlier version made with glass (not ...
Metal
White Eclisse Table Lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide Italy
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic Italian Midcentury Modern white eclisse lamps were designed by Vico Magistretti in 1965 and have been produced by Artemide. The design won the Compasso d’Oro Award in 19...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Bookcase Nuvola Rossa for Cassina, Italy, new
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Please get in touch. Available in: LACQUERED RED BEECHWOOD LACQUERED WHITE BEECHWOOD LACQUERED BLACK BEECHWOOD NATURAL BEECHWOOD AMERICAN WALNUT Magistretti designed this folding bookcase with its clean, modern lines that can be used on a wall or as a room divider, freely combining more than one unit, depending on the space available...
Wood
'Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Mania” sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 1960s, exemplifies the refined simplicity and thoughtful geometry of mid‑century Ita...
Brass
Vico Magistretti 'Eclisse' Table Lamp in Orange for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vico Magistretti 'Eclisse' table lamp in orange for Artemide. Designed in 1967, the authorized re-edition Eclisse is a bedside table, or wall-mounted (pin-up), lamp for direct and ...
Aluminum, Steel
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Two-seater Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" two-seater sofa for Cassina, green Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973 ...
Velvet
Vico Magistretti Outdoor Wall Lamp 'Lyndon' Medium by Oluce
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall lamp 'Lyndon' designed by Vico Magistretti in 1980. Outside wall lamp. Zinc-plated and black lacquered metal structure, globes in transparent po...
Metal
Demetrio 45 Coffee Table by Vico Magistretti, Italian Design, 1966
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in London, England
The Demetrio 45 coffee table, designed by Vico Magistretti for the Italian brand Artemide in 1966, embodies the genius of modern Italian design. Made of white plastic, this piece is ...
Resin
Caori Coffee Table by Vico Magistretti Knoll International Gavina Black 1960s
By Gavina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful Coffee Table by the famous italian Designer Vico Magistretti called ,,Caori“ , manufactured by Gavina in the 1960s. The coffee table is made of lacquered wood. The top is i...
Metal, Stainless Steel