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.
$400 / item
Gota Bottle Opener by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
With a droplet-shaped design and crafted from cast aluminum, this limited edition not only serves as a functional item but also acts as a catalyst for initiating, expanding, and dive...
Aluminum
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Spoon in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in Brazil during the mid-century period, this sculptural spoon reflects the modernist inclination toward organic form and material honesty. Carved from solid jacarandá (B...
Hardwood
$230Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Pewter Pitcher by John Somers, Mid-20th Century, Brazil, 1980
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
Classic John Somers Pewter Water or Juice Pitcher Elevate your table with this elegant mid-20th-century pewter pitcher by renowned designer John Somers. Crafted in Brazil, this high-...
Pewter
Brazilian Modern Miniature Serving Platter in Hardwood & Ceramic by Casa Finland
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this miniature serving platter, designed by Casa Finland, can be an amazing addition to any home! This tiny serving platter is made of two parts. The top piece is a ...
Ceramic, Hardwood
Polished Cast Brass Primeiro Corkscrew by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Primeiro Corkscrew by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 5 x H 24 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. About: Studio...
Metal
$230Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers 'Jarra de Cristal' Pitcher with Pewter Handle, Circa 1980
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Jarra de Cristal’ Pitcher Dimensions: 7 inches tall Material: Crystal-clear glass body for a sleek and timeless look Sturdy Brazilian pewter handle and...
Pewter
$2,634 / item
Alexia Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Alexia bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 42.5 cm D 29 cm H 4 cm Materials: polished bronze. Alexia tray / bar tray / centerpiece / candle tray...
Bronze
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Liqueur Set, Glazed, 1980s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Small glazed ceramic liqueur set comprising a bottle and three matching cups. Produced during the 1980s, the set features a simple and charming design that reflects the enduring appe...
Ceramic
$745 / item
Tray in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tray in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 19 x D 9 x H 2.5 cm Materials: polished bronze.
Bronze
$2,016 / item
Teresa Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Teresa bowl by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 32.5 cm D 25.5 cm H 6 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, li...
Bronze
$715 / item
Benta Collection, Small Wooden Centrepiece
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
BENTA COLLECTION “How often do we, in search for happiness, do exactly as the poor grandfather does: in vain, look restlessly for the glasses Having them on the tip of the nose!” M...
Wood
$559 / item
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 17 cm D 17 cm H 0.9 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze. BRUTALIST COASTER 1 CUP COASTER / BOTTLE COASTER / CANDLE...
Bronze
$1,666 / item
Morrison Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Morrison bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5cm. Materials: dark bronze. MORRISON BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE HOLDER / CARD HOLDER FAKASAK...
Bronze
$2,226 / item
Donna Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Donna bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 36 cm D 12 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-e...
Bronze
$1,130 / item
Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Bronze
$2,350 / item
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli’s new collection synthesizes the foundational aspects of his practice, bringing together techniques and resources that have long inhabited his repertoire, but now achi...
Wood
$2,350 / item
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli’s new collection synthesizes the foundational aspects of his practice, bringing together techniques and resources that have long inhabited his repertoire, but now achi...
Wood
$338 / item
Crocodile Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 11 cm D 11 cm H 0.6 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. CROCODILE COASTER 2 CUP COASTER...
Bronze
$1,072 / item
Candle Holder, Large Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Candle holder, Large Quartz Points by Aver Dimensions: D 14 x H 28 cm Materials: Quartz, Steel, Polyvinyl chloride, Resin.
Quartz, Steel
Abraham Palatnik ashtray. Silon Brasil, 1970s.
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ashtray designed by Abraham Palatnik, produced by “Silon Brasil” in 1970s. Made out of polyester resin and chrome iron. Good condition with the usual wear and tear of time.
Chrome
$326 / item
Brutalist Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 11.5 cm D 11.5 cm H 0.8 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze Also available in polished bronze. ...
Bronze
$745 / item
Polly Jean Small Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Polly Jean small tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 9 cm H 2.5 cm Materials: off white bronze. Also available in polished and dark bronze fini...
Bronze
$314 / item
Stringray Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Stringray coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10.7 cm D 10.7 cm H 0.5 cm Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Stringray coaster 2 Cup coaster...
Bronze
Pair of Boxes, Ashtrays in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of boxes, ashtrays in dark bronze by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 28 x D 12 x H 10 cm. Materials: dark bronze.
Bronze
$1,666 / item
Rod Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Rod bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5cm. Materials: dark bronze. Rod bowl / ashtray / centerpiece / candle holder / ca...
Bronze
$6,224 / item
Dear Sonia Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dear Sonia bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 36 cm D 30 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze + onyx transluced marbled FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production...
Onyx, Bronze
Small Vase and Candle Holder, Small Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Small vase and candle holder, small quartz points by Aver Dimensions: D 11 x H 18 cm Materials: Quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$314 / item
Stringray Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Stringray coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10.7 cm D 10.7 cm H 0.5 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. Stringray coaster 2 Cup coaster...
Bronze
$8,963 / item
Mariae Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mariae bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 63 cm D 37 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production o...
Bronze
$2,100 / item
Rare Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Wooden Tray
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Rare Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Wooden Tray - Collector's Piece An extraordinary Brazilian mid-century modern tray, showcasing expert craftsmanship and an intricate striped wood in...
Wood
"P.li " platter by Andrea Macruz, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Andrea Macruz
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Andrea Macruz, the "P.li" is a contemporary platter made of porcelain. Created in 2011. P.li is a platter whose drawing was developed through a parametric software and...
Porcelain
'Paleae Brasilis' Fruit Tray by Brunno Jahara, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Brunno Jahara, Ana Voss
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Brunno Jahara, contemporary Brazilian design, Wicker and Brass. Brazil, 2018. The Fruit tray is made of wicker, in the form of a hat, referring to the Brazilian interior tradition and the frequent use of this accessory by rural workers. Made of brass, the continuous structure forms at the top, a handle and at the bottom, feet suspending the fruit tray above the surface. Paleae Brasilis is a collection of tropical objects and accessories done in partnership with fashion designer Ana Voss, that created together using straw...
Brass
$745 / item
Ramalhete Collection, Steel Centrepiece
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
RAMALHETE COLLECTION When words escape, flowers speak. (Bruce Currie) The Ramalhete Collection flourishes under the lights of simplicity. Petals that ...
Steel
$970 / item
Benta Collection, Big Wooden Centrepiece
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
BENTA COLLECTION “How often do we, in search for happiness, do exactly as the poor grandfather does: in vain, look restlessly for the glasses Having them on the tip of the nose!” M...
Wood
Brazilian Modern Ice Bucket in Imbuia and Brazilian Hardwood, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in richly figured imbuia and Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), this sculptural ice bucket highlights the expressive beauty of contrasting hardwoods. Vertical bands of warm, hon...
Plastic, Hardwood
Contemporary Geometric Copper and Blue Metal Coaster Set
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This set of 6 coasters make an ideal gift. Hand brushed and crafted from production leftover, turning the irregular form into finish unique product. Design with strong geometry and c...
Copper
Brazilian Contemporary Set of Appetizer Ceramic Bowls by Rodrigo Almeida
By Rodrigo Almeida
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Set of three appetizer ceramic bowls, Brazil, 2014 Brazilian contemporary design by Rodrigo Almeida Measurement Units Centimeters 22cm D x 9.5cm H 21.5cm x 21cm x 6cm H 21.5cm x 21...
Jacaranda, Ceramic
$2,109 / item
Ashtray, Box in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ashtray, box in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 26 x D 14 x H 9 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$1,340 / item
Cure Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cure bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, ligh...
Bronze
$1,340 / item
Clash Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Clash bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lig...
Bronze
$431 / item
Crocodile Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 14.5 cm D 14.5 cm H 0.7 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. Crocodile coaster 1 cup coaster...
Bronze
$2,634 / item
Alexia Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Alexia bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 42.5 cm D 29 cm H 4 cm Materials: black/brown bronze. Alexia tray / bar tray / centerpiece / candle tray ...
Bronze
$1,049 / item
Osborne Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Osborne bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 35 cm D 10 cm H 3.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pro...
Bronze
$326 / item
Brutalist Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 11.5 cm D 11.5 cm H 0.8 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze....
Bronze
$1,363 / item
Etta Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Etta bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 56.5 cm D 16.5 cm H 5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a ...
Bronze
$967 / item
Tomw Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tomw bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 19 cm H 8.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. TOMW BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLEHOLDER FAKASAKA is a design company ...
Bronze
$1,049 / item
Osborne Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Osborne bowl by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 35 cm D 10 cm H 3.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pr...
Bronze
$1,317 / item
Charlie Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlie bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 22 cm D 22 cm H 4 cm. Materials: polished bronze. CHARLIE BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE HOLDER / CARD HOLDER FAKASAKA i...
Bronze
$559 / item
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist coaster 1 by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 17 cm D 17 cm H 0.9 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Bru...
Bronze
$1,188 / item
Joan Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Joan small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Bronze
$1,188 / item
Florence Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Florence box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 9 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of...
Bronze
$745 / item
Polly Jean Small Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Polly Jean small tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 9 cm H 2.5 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark and off white bronze fini...
Bronze
$745 / item
Polly Jean Small Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Polly Jean small tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 9 cm H 2.5 cm Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished and off white bronze fini...
Bronze
$6,608 / item
Hilda Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Hilda bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 78 cm D 41 cm H 12 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design compan...
Bronze
$2,436 / item
Mariae Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mariae bowl by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 40 cm D 13 cm H 8 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Bronze
$6,608 / item
Hilda Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Hilda bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 78 cm D 41 cm H 12 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design compan...
Bronze
$3,718 / item
Dear Celia Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dear Celia bowl by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 36 cm D 30 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, li...
Bronze
$930 / item
Joy Collection, Big Steel Tray
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
JOY COLLECTION A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. John Keats I am free for the silence of shapes and colors. Manoel de Barros It is better to be happy than sad Joy is the best...
Steel
$1,020 / item
Joy Collection, Steel Desk Basket
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
JOY COLLECTION A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. John Keats I am free for the silence of shapes and colors. Manoel de Barros It is better to be happy than sad Joy is the best...
Steel
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
Faye Toogood and John Pawson are among the list of plate designers.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Perhaps best known as a Revolutionary War hero, Revere was also an accomplished silversmith, and this pot is now available on 1stDibs.
Clever objects like these make feasting even more festive.
Get to know the innovators behind the pottery countercultural revolution.
Glass slippers might be the stuff of fairytales, but glass handbags? Artist Joshua Raiffe has made them a reality, and they're far less delicate than you might imagine, but just as dreamy.