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.
Medium Square Tray by Gisela Simas: Modern Form, Versatile Function
By Gisela Simas
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
With its modernist-inspired edges and vibrant base, the Square tray was designed by Gisela Simas in 2014. Made of freijó wood and acrylic, this versatile piece transitions seamlessly...
Wood
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
Large Square Tray by Gisela Simas: Modern Form, Versatile Function
By Gisela Simas
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
With its modernist-inspired edges and vibrant base, the Square tray was designed by Gisela Simas in 2014. Made of freijó wood and acrylic, this versatile piece transitions seamlessly...
Wood
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Red Lace Agate with Stainless Steel Cutlery Tableware Set, Serves 6
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Elevate your dining experience with our exquisite Handmade Red Lace Agate with Stainless Steel Cutlery Tableware Set, thoughtfully designed to serve ...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
'Aya' Minimalist and Modern Tray in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Aya is a simple and multi-functional piece that serves as a tray, a table centre-piece or a fruit bowl. The brass handle facilitates its transport and can be separated allowing the rest to be used solely as a tray. Minimalist and mid-century modern in its style Aya's clean lines and curves combined with the brass details give it a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. Handmade using Brazilian hardwood Cumaru along with brass details. Knót Artesanal...
Brass
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Red Lace Agate with Stainless Steel Cutlery Tableware Set, Serves 6
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Elevate your dining experience with our exquisite Handmade Blue Lace Agate Stainless Steel Cutlery Tableware Set, thoughtfully designed to serve 6. T...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
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
$695 / 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
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 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 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
$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
'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
$696 / 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
$695 / 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
Square Tray by Gisela Simas: Modern Form, Versatile Function
By Gisela Simas
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
With its modernist-inspired edges and vibrant base, the Square tray was designed by Gisela Simas in 2014. Made of freijó wood and fórmica, this versatile piece transitions seamlessly...
Wood
"Oak Ring Tray” Oak Minimalist Tray by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The oak ring tray is a minimalist style round shaped centerpiece made of treated Oak, manufactured according to traditional methods.
Oak
$1,100
H 9.45 in W 23.63 in D 14.18 in
Modern Fruit Bowl "Utopia", in Brazilian Wood and Natural Copper, Brazil
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Copper and wood fruit bowl, Modern styled inspired with geometry than enhances raw excepcional and rare natural material and textures, imbuia and copper - By Brazilian Designer Maker Atelier BAM Design of São Paulo. The modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas, Oscar Niemeyer, and a few others; giving a legacy maintained by contemporary architects like Isay Weinfeld...
Copper
$282Sale Price|38% Off
H 3.35 in Dm 5.91 in
Marselis bowl in ceramic by Nils Thorsson for Aluminia Royal Copenhagen, Denmark
By Royal Copenhagen, Nils Thorsson
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Ceramic cup bowl, model "Marselis", designed by Nils Thorsson for the Danish manufacturer Alumina Royal Copenhagen, in the 1950s. With its modern shape and its pretty, warm and inte...
Ceramic
$396Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in Dm 3.25 in
Los Castillo Azurite Sugar Bowl Mexican Modern Studio Craft Taxco Silver Jewlery
By Los Castillo
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Silver-plated spherical lidded sugar with mosaic Azurite and Malachite handle. Azurite is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore...
Silver Plate
ZARUCOLANDER basket, walnut wood, design Rio Kobayashi
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Zarucolander is a collapsible colander and basket, designed by designer Rio Kobayashi. The strainer slats, crafted from walnut, were steam bent and then secured with red and black colored ball...
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
Turquerie Ottoman Jewel small Tray
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Stunning ottoman jewel small tray in a Turquerie style serving and decorative tray.
Wood
Turquerie Persian Jewel Small Tray
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Stunning Persian jewel small tray in a Turquerie style serving and decorative tray.
Wood
$292 / item
H 0.79 in Dm 13.78 in
Marble tray, Carrara white Minimalist Tray, Marblelous Ring Tray by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Marblelous Ring Tray is a minimalist style round shaped centerpiece made of treated Carrara marble, manufactured according to traditional methods. Josep Vila Capdevila, head des...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Rina Menardi Handmade Ceramic White Lagoon Trays
By Rina Menardi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian handmade ceramic tray in white by Rina Menardi. Can be ordered in different colors. Priced individually. Made to order. Shipping from Europe not included. Measures: Mini $49...
Ceramic
$41 / item
H 5.52 in W 4.34 in D 0.2 in
Contemporary Trivet/Coaster in Steel, Square/Circle, Modern, Minimal, Geometric
By Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Trivets in steel with small rubber pads for protection.
Steel
$624 / item
H 14.57 in W 7.09 in D 5.91 in
Yermilov Metal Vase CS2 - Minimalist bold design by Noom in Brass and Steel
By Kateryna Sokolova, NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
Yermilov vase, one of the vases from the "Suprematic" collection. Collection inspired by the geometric works of the great Suprematist Kazimir Malevich. Suprematism is a modernist mo...
Brass, Steel
$300 / item
H 0.5 in W 11.75 in D 11.75 in
Rina Menardi Handmade Bronze Ceramic Square Trays or Dinner Plates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian handmade ceramic trays or dinner plates in dark bronze by Rina Menardi. Priced individually. Measures: Medium $300 (width 11.75", depth 11.75", height 0.5"). Small $195 (...
Ceramic
Sold
H 0.8 in W 17.3 in D 7.9 in
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Charcuterie Platter in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Midcentury Brazilian Modern Charcuterie Platter in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, is gorgeous! Handcrafted from hard rosewood (also known as Jacaranda), this charcuterie platter features clean lines with elegant curves and two carved circles. The rosewood has two rich tones with stunning natural wood grain on both sides. Pieces like this, with a minimalist aesthetic, are iconic from Brazil in the sixties, and were catered not only for domestic, but for international markets as well. This platter will look awesome as a centerpiece on a table or sideboard. The wood has been refinished and besides minor marks of age, the piece is in excellent condition. Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied at the Architecture and fine arts Schools at the National University. He founded his first company Fábrica de Móveis Cidam in 1961 after emigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels throughout Brazil and homes and stores. He was known for his one of a kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Decorative Spoon in Brazilian Rosewood
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modern decorative bowl is handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and features clean lines with elegant curves. The wood has a deep, dark, and ...
Wood
Sold
H 0.8 in W 15.4 in D 1.6 in
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Salad Forks in Hardwood, by Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Mid-Century Modern salad fork set was designed by Jean Gillon. Handcrafted from hard rosewood (also known as Jacaranda), the set of forks...
Wood
Sold
H 1.2 in W 17.7 in D 5.5 in
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Cheese Platter in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this midcentury Brazilian Modern Rosewood decorative Cheese Platter was designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt and made in Brazil circa 1960. Handcrafted from hard Rosewood (known as Jacaranda), the platter features clean lines with elegant curves. The rosewood is a deep, dark, rich tone with stunning natural wood grain. Size: H1.2, W17.7, D5.5 (in) H3, W45, D14 (cm) The same platter is featured in Jean Gillon’s book on page 119 (image attached) Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer...
Hardwood
Set of 4 Cowboy Cowhide Placemats Mid Century
Located in San Diego, CA
Great set of 4 cowboy style cowhide placemats, with handstitched edge nice and clean condition circa 1970's made in Brazil by Gaucho.
Cowhide
Medium Blue Walnut Square Tray, in Stock
By Gisela Simas
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
This classic, yet modern, craftsmanship based tray is made out of walnut wood and acrylic and was designed by GS in 2004. It can be used by clients as a cocktail tray as well as a ve...
Wood
Large Walnut Bordeaux Square Tray, in Stock
By Gisela Simas
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
This classic, yet modern, craftsmanship based tray is made out of walnut wood and acrylic and was designed by GS in 2004. It can be used by clients as a cocktail tray as well as a ve...
Wood
Sold
H 4 in W 6 in D 1.25 in
Postmodern Memphis Silver Plated Letter Holder by S T James Brazilian Design
Located in San Diego, CA
A simple and great design on this rare piece designed by ST James, Made in Brazil circa 1980s, it can be used as a letter holder or napkin holder, we have polished some of the silver...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 4 in W 6 in L 4 in
Postmodern Memphis Silver Plated Letter Holder by S T James Brazilian Design
Located in San Diego, CA
A simple and great design on this rare piece designed by ST James, Made in Brazil circa 1980s, it can be used as a letter holder or napkin holder, we have polished some of the silver...
Silver Plate
"Conterraneos" Collection, Set of Trays by Brunno Jahara
By Brunno Jahara
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Brunno Jahara, contemporary Brazilian design, Clay, Brazil, 2014. Set of trays with two different sizes, large and medium. The base rises and expands into a plate shap...
Clay
Mid Century Coffee/ Tea Service
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Mid Century silver-plated five piece coffee/tea service with coffee pot and lid,tea pot and lid,sugar bowl,creamer and lid including matching tray. Complemented with Brazilian rose...
Silver Plate
Pair of Sculptural Steer Horn & Chrome Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in Bellport, NY
Wonderful pair of chic hand-crafted steer horn and chrome, salt & pepper shakers.
Chrome
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.