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.
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Rush & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' rush, stained beech, Italy, design 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of V...
Rush, Beech
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 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' round dining table, stained beech, glass, Italy, 1986 Although the object appears immediately playful because of its vivid coloration and exp...
Glass, Beech
Vico Magistretti 'Atollo' Medium Metal Satin Bronze Lamp by Oluce, In Stock Now
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 Manufactured by Oluce, Italy. Designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti, over the years, Atollo has become the archetype of the table lamp...
Metal
Early Vico Magistretti for Mario Luigi Comi 'Carimate' Dining Chairs in Wood
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Fratelli Mario e Luigi Comi, First Edition pair of 'Carimate' dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, design 1959 This first-edition set of dining chairs belongs to...
Straw, Beech
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
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
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chair in Leather & Dark Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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
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
Italian modern green velvet sofa Raffle by Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 1990s
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern green velvet sofa Raffle by Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 1990s Raffles two-seater sofa in forest green velvet, featuring beige velvet trim on the seat cushions. Rou...
Velvet, 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
Vigo Magistretti for Cassina Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
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
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
Vico Magistretti for Artemide "Manai" Glass Brass Wall Lights, Italy 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
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, 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
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
'Akaari' Ceiling Light by Vico Magistretti for Oluce
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Akaari' Ceiling Light by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, Italy, 1980s This ceiling light, 'Akaari,' designed by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, Italy, conceived in 1979 and put into produc...
Aluminum, Steel
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
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
Shigeto Box bookcase by Vico Magistretti for De Padova
By DePadova 1, Vico Magistretti
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
$9,420 / 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
1970s Vintage Cassina Maralunga Lounge Chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Wesseling, DE
Beautiful vintage Maralunga lounge chair with grey fabric upholstery and the characteristic adjustable backrest function. Timeless Italian postmodern design with excellent comfort. ...
Leather
$4,710 / 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
$26,769 / item
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vico Magistretti Maralunga Two - Seater Sofa For Cassina The encapsulation of design brilliance, business insight and made-in-Italy artisan craftsmanship, this sofa is an international bestseller steeped in timeless beauty and functionality. Its enveloping contours accentuate the comfort of this design sofa, ensured by the chain mechanism (incorporated into the foam cushion) that controls adjustment of the backrest position. The unpretentious innovation of the adjustable headrest and the reassuring appearance and simplicity of the soft padding sum up the singularity of this design by Vico Magistretti. REMOVABLE UPHOLSTERY Maralunga 40...
Fabric
Maralunga Chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Original microsuede fabric.
Fabric
Mid Century Modern Carimate Armchairs by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1959
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Rødding, DK
The Carimate armchairs was designed by Vico Magistretti in 1959 for the Carimate Golf Club and remains one of the defining forms of Italian mid-century seating. The beech frames are...
Straw, Wood
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
Maralunga Sofa Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This nice and comfortable two-seat sofa “Maralunga” was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. Maralunga is one of the most famous Italian design sofas, a landmark that ha...
Leather
Pair Italian Gaudi Chairs Designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy 70s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Lucija, SI
This pair of Italian armchairs model Gaudi was designed by Vico Magistretti and produce by Artemide Milano in 1968 It is made from fiberglass. SPA Artemide Milano Modello Gaudi Desig...
Fiberglass
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Davis' Sofa in Camel Beige Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for ICF De Padova, ‘Davis’ sofa, wood, fabric, Italy, 1977 This distinctive sofa is designed by the innovative and renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (1920-...
Fabric, Wood
Vico Magistretti Sconce "Mania" in Glass, Italy circa 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vico Magistretti wall lamp "Mania" Made in Italy, 1960s. Two shells in Murano opaline glass, brass hardware, enameled metal frame. An earlier version made with glass (not acrylic) an...
Metal
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce 'Atollo' First Edition '233' Table Lamp
By O-Luce, Vico Magistretti
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, 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
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
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
$3,648Sale 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
Vico Magistretti Pair of Red Carimate Armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961
By Vico Magistretti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Vico Magistrett pair of red carimate armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961 Original red lacquer. Original straw seats.
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chimera Floor Lamp, Italy, 1970s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Naples, IT
Designer floor lamp from the 1970s, created by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. The "Chimera" model is made of methacrylate and white lacquered metal . An iconic piece that can add st...
Metal
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
Vico Magistretti for Cassina 'Fiandra' Modular Sofa in Brown Leather
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, ‘Fiandra’ sectional sofa, leather, plastic, Italy, 1975 This elegant and understated sofa was designed by renowned Italian designer Vico Magistretti (...
Leather, Plastic
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
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 Outdoor Wall Lamp 'Lyndon' Medium by Oluce
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
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
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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
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
Vico Magistretti Bookcase Nuvola Rossa for Cassina, Italy, new
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
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
Table basse noire Vico Magistretti pour Gavina 1960
By Vico Magistretti
Located in BAUD, FR
Table basse noire Caori par Vico Magistretti pour Gavina, Italie, 1960s Table basse en bois laqué Plateau en acier inoxydable satiné deux tiroirs latéraux fabriquée par Gavina dans l...
Wood
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
Vico Magistretti Sconce "Grande Mania" in Glass, circa 1960s Large
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
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Bern, BE
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina, Italy in the late 1980's. Based on the Maralunga Sofa with fold down back rest. Adjustable three seater des...
Steel, 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
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
Maralunga lounge chair in leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Armchair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973. Tubular steel frame structure, polyurethane, leather. Excellent condition, restored. The project won the Compasso d' Oro in ...
Steel
Set of 4 Vico Magistretti 905 Armchairs for Cassina 1964
By Casina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Designed by the visionary Italian architect and designer Vico Magistretti, this exclusive set of four Model 905 armchairs is an exceptional collection that combines history, art, and...
Leather, Wood
"Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1969
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
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
Vico Magistretti for Depadova Three-Seat Sofa Model Raffles
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in Vienna, AT
Vico Magistretti's tribute to be famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Dark-stained adjustable beech legs, frame in steel and wood with elastic straps, vari...
Upholstery, Beech
Caori Coffee Table by Vico Magistretti Knoll International Gavina Black 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Gavina
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
Pair of 2 Maralunga lounge chairs in leather by Magistretti for Cassina, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 2 armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973. Tubular steel frame structure, polyurethane, leather. Excellent condition, restored. The project won the Compasso ...
Steel
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