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.
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Large A - Color: Vanilla
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Suzana Levy Bronze Letter Opener Sculpture in Feminine Form, Brazil 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian modern patinated bronze letter opener by Suzana Levy, 1960s.
Bronze
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Medium A - Color: Wine
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Medium A - Color: Saffron
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Retangular Large B - Color: Zinc
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Blue Agate Quartz Bookends or Decorative Objects, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial pair of cobalt blue agate bookends or decorative objects, circa late-20th century, Brazil. Great as bookends and equally great as standalone decorative ob...
Agate, Quartz
Sculptural Brazilian Wood Pendant Light, Midcentury, Rich Organic Form
Located in Lisse, NL
A sculptural midcentury pendant light, hand-turned from richly figured wood, likely originating from Brazil. The form is both simple and expressive. The wide, gently scalloped dome ...
Wire
Leather Object Holder AVRA by ARIA HOME - Square Small - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Function that honors the eye. The AVRA Collection expresses organization through precise, contemporary design, with catchall trays created to structure everyday life in a clear and ...
Leather
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Large - Color: Classic Blue
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This pair of pen holders reflects the restrained utility and material integrity associated with Brazilian modern desk accessories of the mid-twentieth century. Modest in scale yet de...
Hardwood
Madagascan Fossil Tree Trunk Slice
Located in London, by appointment only
Madagascan fossil tree trunk slice. Measures: 25 cm. 29 cm. 5 cm.
Stone
Brazilian Modern Female Sculptural Vase or Pen Holder, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian modern bronze vase or desk accessory / pen holder with a sculptural female bust circa 1960s.
Bronze
Suzana Levy Bronze Letter Opener Sculpture, Brazil 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian modern patinated bronze letter opener by Suzana Levy, 1960s. Signed.
Bronze
$184Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Stone Decorative Object from the 1970s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Natural Rock from Brazil Exotic Stone Brown Black .63 thick x 12 w x 6 Bottom of brown felt. Original organic vintage condition Refer to listed images
Stone
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Medium B - Color: Clay
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Brazilian Modern Patinated Brass Astray or Catchall
Located in Miami, FL
Patinated brass sculpted insect ashtray or catchall. Brazil, 1950s.
Brass
Brazilian Mid-Century Resin Encased Travertine Desk Organizer, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Discarded travertine pieces encased in a hardened resin shell desk organizer with patinated brass holders, Brazil 1970s.
Travertine, Brass
Brazilian Agate Onyx and Wood Round Jewelry Trinket Box, Brazil, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A round Brazilian agate onyx and wood trinket or jewelry box, in the Modern style Post-Modern period, circa-late 20th century, 1980s early 1990s, Brazil. Box has a rich brown wood wi...
Onyx, Agate
Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Fingers Letter Holder with Granite Base
By Pietrina Checcacci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze legs letter holder by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a patinated bronze set of fingers that are separated to store envelo...
Granite, Bronze
Brazilian Mid-Century Rosewood Pencil Holder, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Pencil holder crafted from Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá-da-Bahia).
Rosewood
Leather Office Mouse Pad - ARIA HOME - Handmade in leather
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Organization that embraces routine The AETTRA Collection from ARIA HOME, was created for those who view work as an integral part of daily living and value well-being in the professi...
Leather
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Beet
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Leather Office Desk Pad - ARIA HOME - Handmade in leather
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Organization that embraces routine The AETTRA Collection from ARIA HOME, was created for those who view work as an integral part of daily living and value well-being in the professi...
Leather
Polished Cast Brass Mino Paper Holder by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Mino Paper Holder by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 17 x D 4 x H 5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio Or...
Metal
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Extra Long - Color: Wine
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
$270 / item
Geometric Letter Holder
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Bring a warm modern touch to your stationary with this geometric Desktop accessory. Named “Triângulo”, it showcases how small leftover materials can be turned into a new object: mass...
Copper
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Large A - Color: Zinc
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Extra Long - Color: Marine
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Console Tray Set ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Set of 5 Trays
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Pen Holder - ARIA HOME - Handmade in leather
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Organization that embraces routine The AETTRA Collection from ARIA HOME, was created for those who view work as an integral part of daily living and value well-being in the professi...
Leather
Leather Tray AUREN by ARIA HOME - Scandinese style - Large - Color: Clay
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
High-end design, without excess. The AUREN Collection elevates the Aria experience with trays that combine genuine leather and premium-quality brass handles. Featuring hardware ins...
Brass
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Indigo
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Large A - Color: Military
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Medium - Color: Green Garden
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Leather Tray AUREN by ARIA HOME - Scandinese style - Medium - Color: Sadletan
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
High-end design, without excess. The AUREN Collection elevates the Aria experience with trays that combine genuine leather and premium-quality brass handles. Featuring hardware ins...
Brass
Leather Tray AUREN by ARIA HOME - Chinoiserie style - Medium - Color: Sadletan
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
High-end design, without excess. The AUREN Collection elevates the Aria experience with trays that combine genuine leather and premium-quality brass handles. Featuring hardware ins...
Brass
Leather Tray AUREN by ARIA HOME - Chinoiserie style - Large - Color: Clay
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
High-end design, without excess. The AUREN Collection elevates the Aria experience with trays that combine genuine leather and premium-quality brass handles. Featuring hardware ins...
Brass
Brazilian Mid-Century Turned Rosewood Trinket Box, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Small turned trinket box in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá-da-Bahia).
Rosewood
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARA HOME - Square Large B - Color: Caramel
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Large A - Color: Saffron
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Retangular Large B - Color: Military
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Small - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Retangular Large B - Color: Black
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Retangular Large B - Color: Wine
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Medium - Color: Savannah
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Retangular Large B - Color: Savannah
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Medium A - Color: Clay
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Bronze Letter Opener in the Form of a Foot by Pietrina Checcacci, Brazil, 1980s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Whimsical yet elegant letter opener designed by Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci, crafted in solid bronze in the form of a stylized foot. Created in Brazil circa 1980, the piece r...
Bronze
Brazilian Mid-Century Jacaranda Paperclip Paperweight Sculpture, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilan mid-century paperclip desk or table sculpture from the 1960s. Paperclip is functional.
Metal
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Medium B - Color: Zinc
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Decorative Tray Set ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Set of 4 Square Trays
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
ALINEA Collection A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces an...
Leather
Leather Object Holder AVRA by ARIA HOME - Square Medium - Color: Marine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Function that honors the eye. The AVRA Collection expresses organization through precise, contemporary design, with catchall trays created to structure everyday life in a clear and ...
Leather
Leather Object Holder AVRA by ARIA HOME - Square Medium - Color: Caramel
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Function that honors the eye. The AVRA Collection expresses organization through precise, contemporary design, with catchall trays created to structure everyday life in a clear and ...
Leather
Leather Object Holder AVRA by ARIA HOME - Square Small - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Function that honors the eye. The AVRA Collection expresses organization through precise, contemporary design, with catchall trays created to structure everyday life in a clear and ...
Leather
Leather Tray, Large A Square Tray, Handmade - Color: Wine
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...
Leather
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Large - Color: Clay
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Medium - Color: Sadletan
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Brazilian Mid-Century Rosewood Notepad Holder, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Notepad holder in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá-da-Bahia).
Rosewood
Brazilian Mid-Century Turned Rosewood Pencil Holder, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Turned pencil holder in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá-da-Bahia).
Rosewood
Brazilian Mid-Century Turned Rosewood Pencil Holder, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Turned pencil holder in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá-da-Bahia).
Rosewood