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.
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
Arco Lamp, Gold, by RAIN, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
$4,860 / item
Wood Sconce by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
The collection brings together a new body of work that explores the relationship between materiality, gesture, and time, unfolding through a continuous process of experimentation and...
Resin, Wood
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
$919 / item
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 15 x D 10 x H 30 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast...
Metal
"Giaco" Contemporary Golden Sconce in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
The "Giaco" sconce is meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make identical items. The brass casting is p...
Brass
$728 / item
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 7 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast ...
Metal
$752 / item
Artemis IV Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Artemis IV Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 5 x W 10 x H 5 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be w...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$4,860 / item
Wood Sconce by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
The collection brings together a new body of work that explores the relationship between materiality, gesture, and time, unfolding through a continuous process of experimentation and...
Wood, Resin
"Sino Meio" Max Version Contemporary Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Brass
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This outdoor wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make identical items. The brass casting is produced by formation of a mold from a mixture of sand and the liquid alloy of copper and zinc. The projects are based on a contemporary appropriation of traditional methods from Brazilian artisans and reinterpreted through the integration of new forms and noble materials. An aesthetic infused with “beauty of imperfection" is obtained by the expressive potential of each material, generating works that recall nature and rationality. Estúdio Orth...
Brass
$1,529 / item
Artemis I Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Artemis I Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 15 x H 40 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be w...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$4,110 / set
Set of 2 Natural Stone Wall Light 70 by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Natural Stone Wall Light 70 by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 11 x H 70 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Aver Design...
Stone, Crystal, Other
$3,500 / item
Libra Wall Lamp by Pedro Ávila - Linen
Located in São Paulo, BR
Introducing a new iteration of Libra – crafted from stainless steel and bronze, now reimagined with linen. This version explores the use of flax-derived linen instead of paper, makin...
Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel
$3,500 / item
Libra Wall Lamp by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
Through a fusion of functional and sculptural objects, Pedro channels the aesthetics of astronomical instruments and the cultural fascination with space exploration. Inspired by his ...
Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel
$728 / item
Lauder II Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Lauder II Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 8 x W 9 x H 20 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired accord...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,565 / item
Quartz Wall Sconce II by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall sconce II by Aver Dimensions: W 14 x D 16 x H 55 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Bl...
Stone, Crystal, Other
$4,131 / item
Quartz Wall Light I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall light I by Aver Dimensions: W 7 x D 4 x H 100 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Black...
Stone, Crystal
Arco Lamp, Black Edition, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
$1,289 / item
Candela IV Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Candela IV Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 15 x W 17 x H 17 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired acc...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,256Sale Price / item|20% Off
Handmade Minimalist Round wall light, Natural, Raw, Ceramic and Brass, Brazil
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Handmade Minimalist Geometric wall light enhances the beauty of slowliness into daily process and the raw beauty of Brazil's natural landscapes. 85g is our raw minimalist wall lig...
Brass
$859 / item
Delphi I Small Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphi I Small Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 4 x W 8 x H 13 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can ...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$5,970 / item
Quartz Wall Lamp 90 by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall lamp 90 by Aver Signed by Waldir Junior Dimensions: D 10 x W 5 x H 90 cm Materials: Aluminum, antique bronze finish. Natural white quartz and smoky quartz. Lighting: 01 ...
Quartz, Aluminum
$2,865 / item
Delphi V Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphi V Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 8 x W 11 x H 102 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be w...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,120Sale Price / item|25% Off
Arco Lamp, Silver, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
$1,565 / item
Quartz Wall Sconce I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall sconce I by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 17 x H 35 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Blac...
Stone, Crystal, Other
"Sino Meio" Max Version Contemporary Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Aluminum
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time and can be used in indoor and outdoor ambiances. It is therefore quit...
Brass
$10,077 / set
Set of 2 White Quartz Wall Light 120 by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 White Quartz Wall Light 120 by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 11 x H 120 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Aver Des...
Stone, Crystal, Other
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Aluminum
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Wall Lamp III by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Wall Lamp III by Aver Dimensions: D 8 x W 7 x H 75 cm. Materials: Natural stone, metal. Available in different metal finish options. Please contac...
Stone, Metal
$9,445 / item
Table Lamp 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...
Brass
$1,457 / item
Lasca Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Lasca Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 26 x D 18 x H 37 cm Materials: Cristallo quartzite and cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also availabl...
Quartz, Metal
Brazilian Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Metal, Glass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass, black-lacquered metal and glass wall lights designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. The brass sockets present with very light oxidation. Overall Dimensions (Inc...
Metal, Brass
$812 / item
Tabu P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabu P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 10 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast Bras...
Metal
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Aluminum
"Cruz" Max Version Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Brass
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This outdoor wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to make...
Brass
$1,120Sale Price / item|25% Off
Arco Lamp, Off-White, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
$895 / item
Giaco Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Giaco Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 18 x D 12 x H 23 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Al...
Crystal, Metal, Steel
$943 / item
Solitário Wall Sconce by WJ Luminaires
Located in Geneve, CH
Solitário Wall Sconce by WJ Luminaires Dimensions: D 3 x W 7 x H 7 cm. Materials: Aluminum and crystal. Available in different aluminum color options. ...
Crystal, Aluminum
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Wall Lamp II by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Wall Lamp II by Aver Dimensions: D 18 x W 9 x H 120 cm. Materials: Natural stone, metal. Available in different metal finish options. Please conta...
Stone, Metal
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Wall Lamp I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Wall Lamp I by Aver Dimensions: D 11 x W 8 x H 120 cm. Materials: Natural stone, metal. Available in different metal finish options. Please contac...
Stone, Metal
$2,555 / item
Vela Wall Sconce by WJ Luminaires
Located in Geneve, CH
Vela Wall Sconce by WJ Luminaires Dimensions: Ø 9 x H 19 cm. Materials: Aluminum and crystal. Available in different aluminum and cristal color options. Please contact us. All our...
Crystal, Aluminum
$3,420 / item
Cuco Wall Lamp by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
The new collection by Pedro Ávila, titled Neo-Romance, continues his exploration of the tensions between past and future. The pieces evoke nostalgic forms reimagined through a futuri...
Wood
$1,611 / item
Quartz Wall Lamp III by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz Wall Lamp III by Aver Dimensions: D 23 x W 23 x H 13 cm. Materials: White quartz, ceramic, metal. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired according to ea...
Quartz, Metal
$630 / item
Crystal Wall Sconce by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Crystal wall sconce by Aver Dimensions: 15cm x 15cm; H: 55cm Light: 01 x E27 or g9 Materials: Aluminum with gold leaf. Crystal. Fabric Available in finishes: Silver veneer, aged silver veneer, gold veneer, aged gold veneer, copper veneer, aged copper veneer, aged gold patina, rusty patina. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired for the USA for instance. The history of Aver Metais as a lighting brand begins with Jefferson Aver manufacturing lamps in a completely handcrafted way and with very few resources in the family business. Over the years, the brand has grown and gained recognition. Today, our products are present in several projects by prestigious professionals, in addition to being resold in lighting boutiques in different regions of Brazil. Through its partners, Aver Metais has several participations in important design and architecture exhibitions. In 2015 the company started its internationalization process and today has clients and projects carried out in places like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, London, Cardiff, Hamburg, Manila, Santa Cruz de la Sierra...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Aluminum
$1,026 / item
Meia Lua Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Meia Lua Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 28 x D 10 x H 28 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum ...
Metal
$2,140 / item
Folha Wall Lamp by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
Through a fusion of functional and sculptural objects, Pedro channels the aesthetics of astronomical instruments and the cultural fascination with space exploration. Inspired by his ...
Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel
$1,325 / item
Tabu G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabu G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 17.5 x D 16 x H 35 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast Br...
Metal
$1,194 / item
Natural Stone Wall Sconce by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural stone wall sconce by Aver Dimensions: W 12 x D 15 x H 58 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matt...
Stone, Crystal
$4,489 / item
Winter Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 21 x W 45 x H 110 cm. Materials: Glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired accord...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$3,056 / item
Artemis II Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Artemis II Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 15 x H 75 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, metal, crystals, and white quartz. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be ...
Crystal, Quartz, Metal, Other
$1,098 / item
Cruz Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Cruz Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 24 x D 6 x H 36 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also...
Crystal, Metal, Steel
$4,170 / item
Wall Lamp 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...
Brass
$1,552 / item
Presa Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Presa Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 14 x D 8 x H 65 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also...
Metal
"Sino Meio" Contemporary Outdoor Wall Light in Cast Aluminum by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This outdoor wall light was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite di...
Aluminum
$5,560 / item
Wall Lamp 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...
Bronze
$764 / item
Small White Quartz IV Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Small White Quartz IV Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 9 x H 9 cm Materials: White quartz, metal. Available in 9 cm or 12 cm. Available in different finishes. All our lamps c...
Quartz, Metal
$1,146 / item
Lauder I Selenite Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Lauder I Selenite Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 12.3 x W 13 x H 25 cm. Materials: Selenite, bronze. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired according to each ...
Stone, Metal
$943 / item
Large White Quartz IV Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Large White Quartz IV Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 12 x H 12 cm Materials: White quartz, metal. Available in 9 cm or 12 cm. Available in different finishes. All our lamps...
Quartz, Metal
$4,393 / item
Quartz and Bronze Wall Light II by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz and Bronze Wall Light II by Aver Dimensions: W 18 x D 16 x H 80 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand blown glass, other. Also available...
Stone, Crystal, Other
$4,346 / item
Oslo Frosted Glass Wall Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Oslo Frosted Glass Wall Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 9 x W 12 x H 76 cm. Materials: Frosted glass and metal. Available in different finishes. All ...
Metal