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.
Vik Muniz Pincushion Pouf in Foam & Brazilian Wood with Steel Pins by +55design
By Vik Muniz
Located in Jardim America, SP
What if a pincushion were given an entirely new role—like supporting your feet or serving as a playful accent in your living space? Created in collaboration with celebrated artist Vi...
Metal
Kariri Pouf by +55design – Handwoven Straw Ottoman Ethnic Brazilian Craft
By Neca Abrantes
Located in Jardim America, SP
The Kariri Pouf by Brazilian designer Neca Abrantes reflects a deep appreciation for indigenous craftsmanship and traditional handwoven techniques. Designed as a companion to her rei...
Straw
Costela Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair and ottoman by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner c.1960's, Brazil. The chair features a slat back design with natural colored leather tufted cushion and matching otto...
Iron
Celina Decoracoes Rosewood Leather Bench with Storage
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid century rosewood ottoman/bench by Munis Zilberberg for Celina Decorações, Brazil. Crafted of Brazilian rosewood with a newly upholstered full-ani...
Leather, Rosewood
$10,700 / item
Brazilian Ottomans by Celina Decorações, Brazil, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Antwerp, BE
Timeless ottomans crafted in solid rosewood and plywood with rosewood veneer, designed and produced by Celina Decorações in Brazil circa 1960. Each piece features a soft upholstered ...
Wood
"Pietra" Curved Small Ottoman Upholsterd in Bouclé Fabric
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
From Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves – Brazi...
Bouclé
Storage Ottoman, Celina Decorações, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by Celina Decorações, this storage unit consists of a plywood box with Rosewood veneers, with a fabric cushion on top, that transforms it into an ottoman. Foun...
Rosewood, Fabric
$1,777Sale Price / item|15% Off
"Revoar" Fringes Ottoman with Chain Handle in Natural Leather and Golden Details
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Revoar ottoman is produced in natural genuine leather in the colors options: pearl, brown, black and light pink. The Revoar ottoman has fringes and chain handles made with leathe...
Leather
$4,500 / set
Brazilian Modern Brutalist Stools, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This pair of Brazilian Modern stools from the 1960s showcases a Brutalist yet chic aesthetic, featuring rich brown leather seats and robust Caviuna wood frames. Their construction ec...
Leather, Teak
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Celina Decorações Storage Ottoman
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful vintage ottoman stool by Celina Decoracoes featuring rich Brazilian wood and clean sophisticated lines. Opens up to allow for storage a...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,176 / item
Polished Bronze Ottoman by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished bronze ottoman by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 45 cm, D 45 cm, H 45 cm. Materials: polished bronze, leather. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of hi...
Bronze
$2,021 / item
"Pietra" Curved Ottoman Upholsterd in Bouclé Fabric
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
From Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves – Brazi...
Bouclé
$919Sale Price / item|16% Off
Ottoman in Natural Leather Upholstery and Metal Rim
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The ottoman has a round shape and is internally produced with wood and foam. It is upholstered with natural leather in many the options(see the virtual samples): but it can also be c...
Leather
$2,465Sale Price / item|15% Off
"Pietra" Modern Curved Ottoman Upholstered in Modern Knit Fabric
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
From Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves – Brazi...
Fabric
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair Jean Gillon for Probel rosewood and leather lounge chairs and ottomans. The rosewood frames are in great condition with minor wear. The original beige leather is in good co...
Leather, Rosewood
$249 / item
"Pietra" Round Cushion in Bouclé Fabric
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
For greater comfort when sitting and supporting your back, we offer the Pietra cushion, which perfectly matches the organic design of the curved lines of the same collection. The Pi...
Bouclé
$512 / item
"Pietra" Round Cushion in Natural Leather
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
For greater comfort when sitting and supporting your back, we offer the Pietra cushion, which perfectly matches the organic design of the curved lines of the same collection. The Pi...
Leather
Ottoman Modern Round, Velvet Upholstery and Metal Rim
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The ottoman has a round shape and is internally produced with wood and foam. It is upholstered with velvet fabric in the options: Green, black, light pink and offwhite, but it can al...
Silk, Velvet
$4,263 / item
Dobra Large Pouf by Wentz
By Guilherme Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Pouf by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 110 x H 40 cm Materials: Wooden structure, elastic straps, hypersoft foam and WE–KNIT coating (70% recycled PET + 30% elastane). Wooden feet...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,465 / item
Bol Pouf by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Bol Pouf by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: D 50 x H 45 cm Materials: Leather. Also available in D 90 x H 34 cm, D 110 x H 34 cm, D 130 x H 34 cm. With the intention of providing good ta...
Leather
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
"Corcovado" Ottoman in Gold Metal Wood Multilaminate and Leather Cord Handmade
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Ottoman Corcovado is inspired by the curves of the iconic landscape of the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Its structure is made from carbon steel bars. It has high resistance ...
Metal
$3,898 / item
Dobra Small Pouf by Wentz
By Guilherme Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Dobra Small Pouf by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 78 x H 40 cm Materials: Wooden structure, elastic straps, hypersoft foam and WE–KNIT coating (70% recycled P...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,243 / item
Baixo Pouf by Wentz
By Guilherme Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Baixo Pouf by Wentz Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 30 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. The Baixo ottoman follows the circular, low-to-the-floor structure of the Baixa armchair and the...
Upholstery, Wood
$903Sale Price / item|20% Off
"Regia" Ottoman in Curved Cinnamon Wood Multi-laminate Upholstered in Leather
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Regia ottoman has a base made of a curved cinnamon natural wood multi-laminate. (20mm thick) The seat is upholstered and made with natural and genuine leather in brown color. (co...
Wood, Leather
$8,204 / item
Corpo Colectivo Seating by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Corpo Colectivo seating by Mameluca Material: assorted foam, elastic fabric Dimensions: D 180 x W 120 x H 60 cm It’s form of intertwined bodies suggests a gathering, a touch, a ...
Fabric, Foam
"Wood" Ottoman or Side Table, Tauari Natural Wood, Carbon Steel
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Wood is a multifunctional piece, it can be used as a side table or an ottoman to sit on. The structure is made in carbon steel painted in automotive paint with different colors o...
Steel
Price Upon Request
Jean Gillon, Leather Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, circa 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
With its slung arms, reclined seat, and plush, leather upholstery, this chair, created by Jean Gillon in the 1960s, possesses a quintessential Brazilian...
Brass
Mushroom Ottoman in Pistachio Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped stool, upholstered in "Pistachio" curly boucle fabric. Pistachio is a yellow-green color. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A ...
Fabric
Monarch Fiberglass Bench in Leather by Asa Pingree
By Asa Pingree
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Asa Pingree’s slinky, singular fiberglass creations are a direct reflection of the designer’s penchant for clean lines and lightweight structures. The Monarch bench is a striking contemporary piece that is both minimal and regal in its design. It blends in a variety of settings: as an elegant foot of bed statement, a stylish entryway seat or a sculptural touch in the living room. Made of a lightweight fiberglass composite with a molded gel coat surface that is extremely durable. The bench is also suitable for extended outdoor life...
Fiberglass
$29,400 / set
H 26.58 in W 35.83 in D 28.98 in
Pair of Rosewood Armchairs by Celina Decorações, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian company Celina Decorações, based in Rio de Janeiro, signed one of the most modern lines of Brazilian furniture in the 1960s. These armchairs in Rosewood have loose cushion...
Rosewood, Silk
$40,600
H 29.3 in W 28.35 in D 31.5 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner "Costela" Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1953
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an iconic Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler (1913 - 1977) in 1953 and manufactured by the c...
Steel
$17,896
H 33.08 in W 27.56 in D 33.08 in
Brazilian Lounge Chair Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner - "Costela" Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This rare Costela Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, produced by Forma in the 1950s, features solid wood ribs paired with a vintage leopard-patterned teddy fabric. A tru...
Steel
Customize Ottoman/Pouf
Located in Brecht, BE
This ottoman/pouf was made in our workshop with old velvet fabric from the 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
Mushroom Ottoman in Mustard Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a mustard yellow colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned...
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in Orchid Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in an orchid colored curly boucle fabric. Orchid is a muted purple color. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating...
Fabric
$36,400
H 29.33 in W 28.74 in D 34.64 in
Mid-Century Modern Costela Armchair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an iconic Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner in 1953 and manufactured by the companies Forma S.A. Móveis e ...
Stainless Steel
1960s Mid Century Large Zebra Ottoman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking oversized ottoman makes a bold statement with its eye-catching zebra-pattern upholstery and generous, plush proportions. Designed to be both functional and decorative, ...
Fabric, Walnut
Mushroom Ottoman in Olive Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in an olive green colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A great sculptural accent...
Fabric
Mushroom Ottoman in Denim Boucle
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a denim blue colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric
Percival Lafer 'MP-41' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, 'MP-41' lounge chair with ottoman, leather, late 1970s Bulky and voluptuous lounge chair with pouf by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer from his 'MP-41' series. Th...
Leather, Hardwood
Brazilian Lounge chair with Ottoman with Beige Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair with ottoman, leather and Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1970s A bulky lounge chair with ottoman that contains the characteristics of Brazilian modern furniture...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 37.01 in W 35.44 in D 35.04 in
Percival Lafer Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Dark Stained Wood and Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, lounge chair with ottoman, leather, dark stained wood, Brazil, late 1970s Bulky and voluptuous lounge chair with pouf by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This ch...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 35.44 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Black Leather by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, set of 2 lounge chairs with ottoman, leather and Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, late 1960s. Bulky and grand lounge chairs with one stool by Brazilian designer Perciva...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 37.41 in D 40.95 in
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Sheriff' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Original Cognac Leather
By Sergio Rodrigues, I.S.A. Italy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
'Sheriff' lounge chair and ottoman, in Brazilian wood and leather, by Sergio Rodrigues for I.S.A. Italy, Italy, 1961. Comfortable and wide lounge chair by Brazilian designer Serg...
Leather, Wood
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Jean Gillon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Gillon, 'Jangada' armchair and ottoman, rosewood, nylon rope, cognac leather, Brazil, 1968. This robust and hefty armchair is designed by Jean Gillon. The originality of this...
Leather, Rope, Wood
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Jean Gillon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Gillon, 'Jangada' armchair and ottoman, rosewood, nylon rope, leather, Brazil, 1968. This robust and hefty armchair is designed by Jean Gillon. The originality of this Jangan...
Leather, Rope, Wood
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Lounge Chair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The chair features the original cognac leather with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The back of the lounge chair showca...
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Design Jean Gillion. Produced during the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.
Leather
Pair of brutalist safari ottomans
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of brutalist 1960’s wooden and leather safari ottomans in the spirit of the Brazilian architect Sergio Rodrigues.
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Modern Ottoman by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Brazil Designer: Percival Lafer Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1970s Materials: Cowhide, Mahogany Measurements: 25.5? wide x 21.5? deep x 16" tall Condition: In excellent...
Cowhide, Mahogany
Sold
H 36.23 in W 33.47 in D 37.41 in
Brutalist Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Cognac Leather by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Percival Lafer
Located in Ranst, VAN
Brazilian vintage lounge chair + ottoman with the original cognac leather upholstery. The lounge chair is in very good condition. There is also a matchi...
Leather, Wood