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.
Percival Lafer Earth Lounge Chair Ottoman Leather Suede Mid Century Modern 1970
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Authentic Signed Percival Lafer "Earth" Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed and manufactured in São Paulo, Brazil. A celebrated example of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design, the set...
Metal
Mid century Brazilian Leather Safari Sling Low lounge Chair by Michel Arnoult
By Michel Arnoult, Percival Lafer, Jean Gillon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Brazilian modern Michel Arnoult leather sling with Brazilian wood frame Safari Sling Lounge Chair. Brazilian Modern jacaranda hardwood frame safari sling chair with light...
Leather, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern MP-163 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional example of 1970s Brazilian mid-century modern design, this MP-163 Earth lounge chair and matching ottoman by Percival Lafer beautifully captures the designer's innovat...
Steel, Chrome
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood, plywood, metal and beige leather lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Design inspired by the Boomerang chair by Richard Neutra. Provenance: ...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and white fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Restored and reupholstered in recent history. Pre restorat...
Fabric, Wood
Jorge Zalszupin (1922– 2020) Pair of Cadeira Ouro Preto Chairs 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in CA, CA
An icon of 1950s Brazilian design the Ouro Preto armchair is celebrated for its modernist architectural lines and meticulously refined carpentry. Constructed entirely by hand and cra...
Rosewood
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather Brazil 70s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather, Brazil, 1970s Exceptional pair of MP-41 lounge chairs designed by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, Brazil, 1970s, ...
Leather, Wood
Mp 81 Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman Brazil, circa 1970s An iconic MP-81 lounge chair with matching ottoman designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Móveis Lafer, Brazil,...
Leather, Imbuia
Percival Lafer 'MP 87' Lounge Chair in Reddish-Brown Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair, model ‘MP-87’, leather, chrome-plated steel, rope, Brazil, 1971 The MP-87 lounge piece is conceived by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer in the 1970s....
Steel, Chrome
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Metal, Rattan, Mohair, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted metal, rattan and beige mohair lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. ...
Metal
Percival Lafer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and wood lounge chair designed and produced by Percival Lafer, Brazil, c. 1970s. Fabric distressed. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25...
Fabric, Wood
Teak Wood Armchair with Cane Curved Back and Oatmeal Fabric Cushion, Soho Line
By Uultis Design
Located in Hialeah, FL
A Soho teak wood armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with oatmeal fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Soho armchair crafted in teak wood and desig...
Teak, Fabric, Upholstery
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Mohair, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, metal and yellow mohair lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Minor wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Mohair, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted iron, wood and floral-printed fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Fabric presents with heavy wear and moderate discoloration thro...
Iron
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new velvet. Pre-restoration images available upon request. Overall D...
Velvet, Wood
$20,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs by Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores, 1960s
By Fatima Arquitetura Interiores (FAI)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and substantial pair of Brazilian modern lounge chairs produced by Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores, Brazil, circa 1960s. Executed in richly figured solid rosewood, these lounge...
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Vinyl, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, white and yellow lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Some distress to vinyl. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.0"H x 33....
Faux Leather, Wood
Móveis Fortalit, Lounge Chair, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige vinyl and wood lounge chair produced by Móveis Fortalit, Brazil, c. 1950s. Litterature: Anônimos, G. Latorraca, J. Vargas, R. Texeira, K. Matsuda. Page 64. In good vintage ...
Wood, Faux Leather
Liceu de Artes e Oficios Cognac Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Brazil 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Liceu de Artes e Oficios Cognac Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Brazil 1960s Founded in 1873, Liceu de Artes e Ofícios de São Paulo is a Brazilian institution inspired by the Euro...
Leather, Jacaranda
Percival Lafer Post Modern Brazilian Black Leather Reclining Pony Lounge Chair
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Troy, MI
Percival Lafer "Pony" recliner in original black leather circa 1980s Super comfortable and innovative design with relaxed leather cushions and metal front T leg support Reclines org...
Metal
Walnut Finish Cane Back Armchair with Oatmeal Fabric Upholstery, Soho Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Hialeah, FL
A Soho armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with walnut finish, natural color cane and oatmeal fabric. The Soho armchair perfectly blends vintage elegance with modern craf...
Walnut, Leather, Fabric, Cane, Wood
Martin Eisler Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Rattan, Steel, Forma, Brazil, c. 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and steel lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1955. Seat Height (inches): 15" All items ship from High Poin...
Steel
$16,625Sale Price / set|24% Off
Sergio Rodrigues 'Kilin' Lounge Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, OCA, Brazil 1970s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and authentic pair of Kilin lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil, circa 1970s. These are original period examples, not later reproductions, crafted in sol...
Leather, Rosewood
$5,850 / item
Trama G Lounge Chair
By Humberto da Mata
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Trama collection was created around the concept of tress. Started in 2014 today it has a variety of pieces with different typologies . Trama Lounge Chairs 22 made with fabric an...
Wool, Foam, Plywood
1970s MP-81 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer in Original Leather.
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
FREE DELIVERY available in Victoria, Vancouver, and surrounding areas. A Brazilian Mid-century modern MP-81 lounge chair and matching ottoman designed by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP...
Leather, Jatoba
Pair of Brazilian Modern Lounge Chairs with Wood Sled Bases, 1950s
Located in São Paulo, BR
Pair of Brazilian modern lounge chairs from around 1950, by an unknown designer, with solid wood sled bases and fully upholstered bodies in terracotta fabric. The two lounge chairs a...
Upholstery, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Leather, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and black leather lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.0"H x 27.0"W x 42.0"D Seat Heigh...
Leather, Wood
Alexandre Rapoport, Lounge Chair, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and vinyl lounge chair designed and produced by Alexandre Rapoport, Brazil, c. 1960s. Vinyl with tears, reupholstery recommended. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall D...
Faux Leather, Wood
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Brazilian Modern lounge chairs crafted of stunning solid Brazilian Rosewood with new boucle fabric ...
Rosewood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of iron and rattan lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Provenance: Apartamento 61, São Paulo. Dramatic patina on metal. Wear consistent with age and use...
Iron
Vintage Brutalist Brazilian easy chair, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Stunning brutalist design easy chair made from a beautifully patinated exotic wooden frame and a sling leather seat. Everything is original, the leather cords, the leather buttons,....
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Caviúna, Fabric, Brazil, 1961
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of caviúna wood and beige fabric lounge chairs designed and produced for the Hotel Nacional de Brasília, Brazil, c. 1961. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31” H x 27.5” W x 30.5”...
Fabric, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Armchairs in Freijo Wood & Leather, Mid-Century, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pair of 'Kilin' armchairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca, Brazil., 1973. Designed by the renowned architect and designer, Sergio Rodrigues, these arm...
Leather, Wood, Freijó
$3,186Sale Price|49% Off
Percival Lafer Suede Earth Lounge Chair and Ottoman 1970s Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in Debrecen, HU
This stunning set is an iconic piece of Brazilian modernism, combining functionality and aesthetics. The chair and ottoman offer exceptional comfort and elegance, while the chrome-pl...
Chrome
Jorge Zalszupin Manhattan chairs L’Atelier Brazil 1970
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Manhattan lounge chairs by Jorge Zalszupin manufactured by L’Atelier, Brazil 1970. This exceptional pair of Manhattan lounge chairs belongs to the rarest and most elusive creati...
Suede
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
Lucci and Orlandini "Le Farfalle" Lounge Chair in Tubular Metal, Brazil, 1970s
By Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini
Located in São Paulo, BR
"Le Farfalle" lounge chair designed by Roberto Lucci and Paolo Orlandini in 1970, in black painted tubular metal with two loose fabric cushions, produced in Brazil by Novo Rumo. The ...
Metal
Joao Freire, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 2010s
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood, steel and off-white fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Joao Freire, Joao Pessoa, Brazil, c. 2010s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Fabric, Wood
$6,828 / set
Earth Chair MP-163 by Percival Lafer 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in VENLO, NL
Rare Brazilian Earth Chair – MP-163, designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. This lounge chair is upholstered in cognac-colored leather and set on a distinctive chrome tubular frame...
Metal
Midcentury Brazilian modernist lounge or easy chair by Acacia Gil Borsoi, 1950s
By Acácio Gil Borsoi
Located in Zaandam, NL
This rare lounge chair by renowned architect and one of the founders of modernism in North Brazil, Acacia Gil Borsoi is a true example of midcentury Brazilian furniture. This chair i...
Wood
Móveis Cimo, Lounge Chairs, Leather, Wood, Brass, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beige leather, wood and brass lounge chairs produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.0"H x 38.5"W x 34...
Brass
Lina Bo Bardi & Carlo Palanti, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Peroba, Brazil, 1948
By Lina Bo Bardi, Studio d´Arte Palma
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of peroba wood and blue fabric lounge chairs, model P9 Tridente, designed by Lina Bo Bardi & Carlo Palanti and produced by Studio D'Arte Palma, Brazil, c. 1948. Provenanc...
Fabric
Mid-Century Lounge Chair from Brazil, Rosewood & Leather, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare Brazilian lounge chair from the 1960s, attributed over the years to designers Jorge Zalszupin and Lina Bo Bardi, as well as the workshops of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. To date,...
Brass
Kilin Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Saddle Leather, Brazi
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kilin armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1973 and produced by Oca, a sculptural lounge chair in solid wood and saddle leather. The Kilin armchair pairs a curved, solid caviúna ...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Iron, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted wood and iron lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Design after model "Costella" by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler that was produced by mul...
Iron
Jean Gillon Brazilian Modernist Leather Lounge Chair Pair with Ottoman c.1970's
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modernist Scoop Lounge Chair Pair with matching Ottoman. Designed by Jean Gillon for Probel, and uncommon model, and HTF matched pair with one ottoman. Outfitted in ...
Leather, Imbuia
Percival Lafer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and beige brown synthetic leather lounge chairs designed and produced by Percival Lafer, Brazil, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent wit...
Wood, Faux Leather
Rib Chair in Teak and Metal, Brazil, 1950's
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Rib Chair in Teak and Metal, Brazil, 1950's This rib chair takes cues from the work of Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner — especially in how the frame and structure are allowed to spea...
Metal
Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Iron, Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and green fabric lounge chair designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on iron frame consistent with age and use. Over...
Iron
1970s Pair of MP-61 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer in Brown Leather, Brazil.
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Brazilian architect Percival Lafer in 1973, the MP-61 lounge chair belongs to an experimental period in Lafer’s work characterized by unconventional materials, generous u...
Leather, Fiberglass, Jatoba
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern- Costela Armchairs by Hauner & Eisler, Forma, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in São Paulo, SP
**Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela Armchair for Forma, Brazil, 1953** Exceptional and highly rare original Costela armchair, designed by C...
Stainless Steel
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and beige fabric lounge chairs likely designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dimensi...
Fabric, Wood
$9,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Percival Lafer MP-Series Lounge Chairs, Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in Oceanside, US
A rare and exceptional pair of lounge chairs designed by Percival Lafer for Lafer S.A. Indústria de Móveis, Brazil, circa 1970s. These sculptural chairs feature Lafer’s signature com...
Suede, Jacaranda
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair, Imbuia Plywood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
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
Oscar Niemeyer Rosewood 'ON' Lounge Chairs for Hotel SESC Rio de Janeiro, c 1980
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and historically important pair of 'ON' lounge chairs designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the Hotel SESC in Rio de Janeiro. This set comprises the pair of sculptural...
Leather, Rosewood
Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Wien, AT
The armchair by Percival Lafer, designed in the 1970s, is an exceptional and rare example of Brazilian mid-century modern design. Reupholstered in dark green leather and set on a sc...
Leather, Jacaranda
Chaise Longue. Oscar Niemeyer & Ana Maria Niemeyer (d'après)
By Anna Maria Niemeyer, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in PARIS, FR
Oscar Niemeyer and Ana Maria Niemeyer (attributed) Chaise Longue, c. 1970 86 x 176 x 61 cm 33 43/50 x 69 7/25 x 24 1/50 in Attributed to celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeye...
Leather, Cane, Wood, Plywood
Brazilian Designer, Garden Lounge Chairs, Iron, Plastic, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted iron and yellow plastic band garden lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Very light oxidation to iron legs. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Iron
Casulo Brazilian Modern Rosewood Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
beautiful Mid-century Brazilian modern armchair by Casulo, Brazil, 1960's. The chair is handcrafted with a slatted structure from planks of solid Brazilian Rosewood and has been reup...
Rosewood
Mole Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Jangada armchair and ottoman designed by Jean Gillon in 1968 and produced by Italma WoodArt, a reclining lounge chair with a solid noble wood frame, a woven cord suspension and loose...
Leather, Wood
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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