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.
Celina Zilberberg, Three-seater sofa in solid wood, c. 1960
By Celina Moveis, Celina Decoracoes
Located in PARIS, FR
Celina Zilberberg Three-seater sofa, c. 1960 Solid wood and fabric 76 x 212.5 x 86 cm 29 23/25 x 83 33/50 x 33 43/50 in Created during the great decade of Brazilian Design, the 1960...
Fabric, Hardwood
Zanine José Caldas Style off Articulated Bench in Teak Wood and Rope
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Grenoble, FR
Folding and articulated bench in teak wood and rope, production of the 1960s from Brazil in the style of Zanine Caldas' creations.
Cord, Teak
Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. 77 x 150 x 84 cm
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Gillon Two-Seater Sofa, c. 1970 Label: Probel This two-seater sofa by Jean Gillon, created circa 1970 for the manufacturer Probel, reflects the designer’s signature blend of sc...
Upholstery, Hardwood
MP 123 modular sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare banquette modulable par Percival Lafer vers 1973. Splendide qualité d’éxécution,
Stainless Steel
$3,930 / item
Peteca Contemporary Chair
By Cultivado em Casa
Located in Floresta, MG
The history of peteca (shuttlecock) is genuinely Brazilian. Name given to both sport and artifact, peteca has indigenous origin, a creation of the natives that inhabited the territor...
Steel
$12,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.38 in W 83.86 in D 33.86 in
Mp-97 Sofa Midcentury Brazilian Design by Percival Lafer, Cedar Wood, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
$21,360
H 67.5 in W 56.7 in D 26 in
1960s MP-123 Modular Bench by Percival Lafer for Lafer, completely original.
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer and produced in Brazil during the 1960s, the MP-123 Modular Bench reflects the designer's innovative approach to modular furniture and exposed construction...
Steel, Chrome
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchair by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushion to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushion to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon...
Leather, Wood
Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in São Paulo, BR
In the world of design, Percival Lafer was a visionary dedicated to enhancing both comfort and aesthetics. His innovation led to the creation of the dual MP-97 lounge chairs, which e...
Wood
$28,000
H 31.25 in W 24 in D 41.75 in
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair Imbuia Plywood Leather Mòveis Artísticos Z 1949
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, in 1949. It features Imbuia plywood, brass, and black-dyed leather w...
Leather, Imbuia
$16,000
H 35.4 in W 86.6 in D 31.5 in
Brazilian Modern Three-Seat Leather Sofa in Rosewood & Leather, Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural three-seat sofa designed by Jean Gillon in the 1970s, executed in solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá) and black leather—an iconic expression of Brazilian Modernism at i...
Leather, Hardwood
$43,407 / set
H 34.26 in W 24.41 in D 31.5 in
Zeca Armchairs by José Zanine Caldas, Bouclé & Plywood, Brazil, 1960
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in Madrid, ES
The "Zeca" chair was created in the early 1960s by a Brazilian designer José Zanine Caldas (1918-2001) for Móveis Artísticos Z, a factory he founded in São José dos Campos in 1948. T...
Bouclé, Hardwood, Plywood
Percival Lafer MP-13 Ivory Leather Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the MP-13 Four-Seat Sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning sofa, designed in 1967, features a gorgeous ...
Chrome
Percival Lafer "MP-81" Sofa, Dark Brown Leather, 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-81” sofa for Lafer MP, patinated dark brown leather, Brazil, 1972. The Percival Lafer “MP-81” sofa, designed in 1972, exemplifies Brazilian Modern design. This d...
Leather, Wood
$28,500
H 32 in W 24.5 in D 40.5 in
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair, Imbuia Plywood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, in 1949. It features Imbuia plywood, brass, and black-dyed leather webbing. Wood frame presents with l...
Leather, Imbuia
Classic And Luxurious Lawson Style Club Chair
Located in Bronx, NY
Classic and luxurious Lawson style club chair in a rich Neo-Indian inspired fabric arm height is 26"
Percival Lafer, MP-01 Sofa, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer MP-01 Sofa Velvet, Wood, Iron Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Iron
$3,500
H 29.93 in W 81.89 in D 31.5 in
Mogens Hansen, Mid-Century 3-Seater Sofa, Patinated Black Leather, 1970s
By Børge Mogensen, Mogens Hansen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Modern three-seater sofa upholstered in patinated black leather, resting on legs crafted from solid beech. With its clean lines, generous proportions, and inviting c...
Leather, Beech
$10,851
H 29.53 in W 96.46 in D 33.47 in
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
Leather
$38,000
H 24 in W 104 in D 34 in
Brazilian Modern Rosewood Sofa in Celadon Mohair by Celina, Brazil, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
A commanding example of Brazilian modern design, this monumental four-seat sofa was produced by Celina in Brazil during the 1960s. Its architectural silhouette is defined by a substa...
Mohair, Rosewood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 99.61 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Modern Marquesa by Oscar and Anna Maria Niemeyer, Brazil, 1970s
By Oscar Niemeyer, Anna Maria Niemeyer
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Marquesa by Brazilian designers Oscar and Anna Maria Niemeyer, Brazil, 1970s The celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer, best known for his iconic design of civic bu...
Cane, Plywood
Sofa by percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Paris, FR
3 seats sofa by the brazilian architect Percival Lafer. Reupholstery in a green bouclé.
Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 78.75 in D 35.44 in
Vintage Brazilian Three-Seater Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Percival Lafer
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
Brazilian vintage three-seater sofa with the original cognac leather upholstery. The sofa is in very good condition. There is also a matching lounge cha...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 83.47 in D 35.44 in
Rare Large Sofa Percival Lafer MP 211 Leather Camel Brazilian Design 60's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
3 seater sofa from the 60's by the famous Brazilian designer Percival Lafer, model MP211. Structure in solid Jacaranda wood, seat in original camel leather. Beautiful model of this s...
Leather, Wood
Mustard Yellow Leather Three-Seater Sofa by Percival Lafer, model 'MP-81'
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Rare Brazilian sofa in mustard leather and solid jacaranda wooden legs. Model 'MP81' designed around 1960s by Percival Lafer. In beautiful original condition, very nice patina. The ...
Leather, Wood, Jacaranda
Sold
H 25.2 in W 36.23 in D 77.56 in
Three-Seater Sofa by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer Design Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Three seater sofa from the 60's by the Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. Structure in solid Jacaranda, seat and straps in original green leath...
Leather, Jacaranda
Sold
H 33.47 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofa by Percival Lafer Model MP-81, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lucenec, SK
Beautiful sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This sofa consists of a solid dark wooden base to which the leather seating is attached. The sturdy legs are tapered and placed s...
Leather, Faux Leather, Wood
Liceu de Artes e Oficios Three-Seat Sofa, circa 1960, Brazil
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Brussels, BE
Very nice Liceu de Artes e Oficios three-seat sofa, circa 1960, Brazil. Jacaranda wood frame, brass and new ivory fabric. Dimensions: 190 cm W, 74 cm D, 74 cm D, seat height 43 cm. G...
Fabric, Jacaranda
Embaú Bench by Hugo França
By Hugo França
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
This bench is a unique piece in pequi wood made in Brazil in 2016 by contemporary designer Hugo França, famous for his sculptural furniture using reclaimed...
Wood, Reclaimed Wood