More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
$482 / item
Leo Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Leo candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 11 cm D 10 cm H 30.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on ...
Bronze
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Modernist South American Rosewood Candlesticks Hourglass Studio Craft Woodwork
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful South American turned wood candlestick holders.
Rosewood
$401 / item
Debbie Candlestick by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Debbie candlestick by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 6 cm D 5 cm H 24 cm each. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused o...
Bronze
Set of 2 Long Candleholders in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 long candleholders in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 8 x D 8 x H 41 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$1,601 / item
Alexia Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Alexia candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 20 cm D 19 cm H 30.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused ...
Bronze
Midcentury Rare Rosewood Candleholder Casa Finland, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare - marked by label
Rosewood
Set of 2 Debbie Candlesticks by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Debbie candlesticks by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 6 cm D 5 cm H 24 cm each. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-e...
Bronze
$1,166 / item
Dark Bronze Candleholder by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark bronze candleholder by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 9 x D 6 x H 33 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
$600 / item
Gui Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gui Candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 14 cm D 10.5 cm H 40.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pr...
Bronze
Pair of brazilian baroque candlesticks in wood polychrome circa 1800
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and original pair of brazilian candlesticks in wood polychomed circa 1800.
Wood
$482 / item
Leo Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Leo candleholder by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 11 cm D 10 cm H 30.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on produc...
Bronze
$400 / item
Debbie Candlestick by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Debbie candlestick by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 6 cm D 5 cm H 24 cm each. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furnitu...
Bronze
$388 / item
Selenite Candle Holder by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite candle holder by Aver Dimensions: D 10 x H 14 cm Materials: Selenite, glass, steel, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$636 / item
Selenite Candle Holder by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite candle holder by Aver Dimensions: D 14 x H 20 cm Materials: Selenite, steel.
Quartz, Steel
$1,601 / item
Candlestick in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Candlestick in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 20 x D 19 x H 30.5 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$565 / item
Adri Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Adri candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 12.5 cm, D 10 cm, H 36.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on ...
Bronze
$1,425 / item
Dark Bronze Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark bronze candleholder by FAKASAKA Design. Dimensions: W 9.5 x D 5.5 x H 29.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze.
Bronze
Long Candleholder in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Long candleholder in Polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 8 x D 8 x H 41 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$1,166 / item
Hun Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Hun Candleholder by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 9 cm D 6 cm H 33 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a desig...
Bronze
$1,224 / item
Janis Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Janis candleholder by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 8 cm D 8 cm H 41 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, ...
Bronze
$1,425 / item
Heather Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Heather candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 9.5 cm D 5.5 cm H 29.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focus...
Bronze
$1,825 / item
Apple Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Apple candleholder by Fakasaka design Dimensions: W 13.5 cm D 13.5 cm H 41.5. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused ...
Bronze
$362 / item
Selenite Candle Holder by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite candle holder by Aver Dimensions: D 12 x H 29 cm. Materials: selenite, steel, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$1,825 / item
Candleholder in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Candleholder in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 13.5 x D 13.5 x H 41.5 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$1,601 / item
Candlestick in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Candlestick in dark bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 20 x D 19 x H 30.5 cm Materials: dark bronze.
Bronze
$1,601 / item
Alexia Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Alexia candleholder by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 20 cm D 19 cm H 30.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on production of high-end furnit...
Bronze
$1,825 / item
Apple Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Apple candleholder by Fakasaka design Dimensions: W 13.5 cm D 13.5 cm H 41.5. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on pr...
Bronze
$565 / item
Adri Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Adri candleholder by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 12.5 cm D 10 cm H 36.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused o...
Bronze
$600 / item
Gui Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gui candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 14 cm D 10.5 cm H 40.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, ...
Bronze
$890 / set
H 18.9 in W 1.18 in D 2.36 in
Pierre Forssell Pair of Scandinavian Brass Candlesticks Sweden
By Pierre Forsell, Skultuna
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Up for sale two lovely sconces from Skultuna, Sweden in brass. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in the 1990s. Very good condition. Delivered whit the original box.
Brass
Luna Handmade Blown Glass Candleholder Designed by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Luna is a handmade transparent candle stick in mouth blown glass designed by Aldo Cibic, it is available in three different sizes. This piece is a timeless object whose curvy Silhoue...
Blown Glass
$450 / item
H 32.75 in Dm 4.75 in
Hand Hammered Arts & Crafts Style Copper Candlesticks Hessel Studios California
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and elegant hand Hammered & polished copper candlestick holders by Hessel Studios of San Rafael California. Each unique and very much a pie...
Copper
Blue Birds Set of 2 Candleholder
Located in Paris, FR
Candleholder Blue Birds Set of 2 with hand-painted porcelain, with bronze details, for 2 candles, candles not included.
Bronze
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Pair of Teardrop Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of Dansk tilting silver-plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and is true to ...
Metal, Silver Plate
$185 / item
H 1.58 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Six Brass Star Candleholders Designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, 1960s
By Skultuna, Pierre Forssell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Six candleholders, brass stars, designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s. Bottom with maker's mark and signature.
Brass
Tête-à-tête Set of Two Candleholder in Metal Designed by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Tête-à-tête is a set of two metallic candleholder available in two materials: silver plate metal and brass. It is a small object which gives the illusion that the candles are floati...
Silver Plate, Brass
Bronze Candleholder by Evan Jensen
By Evan Jensen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Evan Jensen, bronze candlestick in Art Deco style. Sweden. Designed circa 1930. Stamped on the bottom: Evan Jensen Kobenhavn Bronze 320. Measures: Height 16.5 cm, diameter 12.5 cm.
Bronze
Fiamma High Blown Glass Candlestick Designed by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Fiamma is an elegant candle holder in blown glass consisting of two elements: a tapered and slim base on which a cylindrical lampshade lays. Fiamma, designed by Aldo Cibic, is availa...
Blown Glass
$1,306Sale Price|20% Off
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Large Silver Plated Candlestick Designed by Borek Sipek for Driade
By B. Sipek
Located in London, GB
Silver plated candlestick, decorated with seven candleholders and a removable central area. The conical shaped base is decorated with holes. Hallmark to the base. Circa 1989, Prague. Biography. Boris...
Silver Plate
$278Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 4.33 in W 1.97 in D 8.86 in
Folio Candleholders Designed by Antigone Acconci in Copper, Brass or Inox
By Antigone Acconci, Riccardo Bastiani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folio candleholders are available in copper, brass or stainless steel. Its spontaneous oxidation will appear with time and is due to its natural finishings. The structure is made by...
Metal
$1,523 / item
H 11.82 in W 11.03 in D 11.03 in
Ghidini 1961 Sticks Candleholder in Polished Brass by Campana Brothers
By Campana Brothers, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Three crossed twigs are the memory of fire. An evocative and emotional object, a small table poetry. As always Campana Brothers take their inspiration by the lush and wild Brazilian ...
Brass
Pair of Mid-20th Century Crystal Candleholders
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Two Mid-20th century natural rock crystal candleholders, Brazilian. Some expected minor losses to spike tips. One more conical than the other. Each 3.75" dia., 2 7/8" h.
Crystal
Selenite Cedro Candle Holder
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite cedro candle holder Dimensions: D 14 x H 20 cm Materials: Selenite, steel.
Quartz, Steel
Selenite Cedro Candle Holder
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite Cedro candle holder Dimensions: D 12 x H 29 cm Materials: Selenite, Steel, Resin.
Quartz, Steel
Pair of Carved Rock Crystal Candlesticks on Square Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant pair of rock crystal candlesticks was crafted in Brazil. Each candleholder sits on a sturdy, square base and features exquisite craftsmanship throughout. The candlestick...
Rock Crystal