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.
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
Percival Lafer Ottoman in Olive Green Leather and Mahogany
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, ottoman or stool, mahogany, leather, Brazil, 1970s Bulky and voluptuous pouf made in the 1970s by Percival Lafer. The olive green leather of the seat is tufted, whic...
Leather, Mahogany
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
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
$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
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
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
"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
$1,427 / 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
$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
$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
$865Sale Price / item|20% 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
$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
$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
$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
$5,062 / 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
$2,320Sale Price / item|20% 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
$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
$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
$588Sale Price / item|20% Off
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...
Velvet, Silk
$4,153 / 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
$3,802 / 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
$3,158 / 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
"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
$7,991 / 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
$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
"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
$1,626
H 17 in W 19 in D 14.25 in
Midcentury Danish Teak Leather Storage Side Table with Wheels or Ottoman Stool
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Striking midcentury Danish design storage stool or side table with wheels, multifunctional with a removable top offering useful storage and two additional drawers. One of the drawers has a solid plastic divided interior as sewing storage...
Leather, Plywood, Teak, Plastic
Customize Ottoman/Pouf
Located in Brecht, BE
This ottoman/pouf was made in our workshop with old velvet fabric from the 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
$1,409
H 14.57 in Dm 16.15 in
Franco Albini Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Round Ottoman Stool, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century round bamboo & wicker stool. Franco Albini designed this piece in Italy during the 1960s. The pouf features a beautiful combination of curved bamboo, rattan a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
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
$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
$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
$6,434
H 37.41 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP‑41 Lounge Chair in wood and leather, Brazil, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer
Located in Argelato, BO
1.708 / 5.000 The MP-41 armchair, designed by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer in the 1960s, is an icon of Brazilian modernism, known for its bold, innovative, and comfortable desi...
Leather, Wood
$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
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.38 in W 29.63 in D 22.75 in
Hans Wegner GETAMA GE-420 Ottoman / Sake Table Vintage 1960s Danish Midcentury
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Hyattsville, MD
GE-420 Ottoman without a cushion, order a cushion that matches your interior after purchase. Or can be used as a low platform / table / plant stand. Overall W 29 5/8 x D 22 3/4 x ...
Oak
$17,431
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
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
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
Pair of Sergio Rodrigues "Moleca" Ottomans
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Sergio Rodrigues "Moleca" ottomans. Rare and great quality of grain on the wood. Wood and leather straps are all original and show wear. Please review photos. Frames measures...
Leather, Upholstery
Percival Lafer Rosewood Leather Mid-Century 1970's Ottomans
By Percival Lafer
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Percival Lafer rosewood and leather ottomans, circa early 1970s. These examples have newly finished solid rosewood frames and have been newly upholstered in a supple off-whit...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 26 in W 30 in D 33 in
Modern Contemporary Gisele Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Aristeu Pires Brazil
By Aristeu Pires
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Modern Contemporary Gisele lounge chair and ottoman designed by Aristeu Pires. Manufactured by Sossego in Brazil. Cotton rope and wood. Marked under Stool. All original condition - P...
Velvet, Teak
Sold
H 33.47 in W 35.44 in D 39.38 in
Percival Lafer Loungechair and Ottoman Produced by Lafer MP in Brazil
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Dronten, NL
Arm chair with matching ottoman designed by Percival Lafer and produced by Lafer MP in Brazil. The leather with impressed mark at the backrest. Excellent vintage condition.
Leather, Rosewood
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
Sold
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 38.59 in
Contemporary Benjamin Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Gustavo Bittencourt, Brazil
By Gustavo Bittencourt
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
This piece was created by the Brazilian designer Gustavo Bittencourt and manufactured at his atelier in Petrópolis, Brazil. Structured in ebonized wood, the Benjamim lounge chair features a continuous seat and backrest in hand-woven cane resting over a tubular metal x-base, with an accompanying ottoman in similar style. The simplicity of lines and shapes is notably present in the piece's profile, suggesting the minimalism of a mid-century modern piece with a contemporary take. Chair: H 72 x 70 x 98 cm Ottoman: H 40 x 70 x 45 cm Chair: 28.3 x 27.5 x 38.5 in Ottoman: H 15.7 x 27.5 x 17.7 in About the designer: Gustavo Bittencourt cherishes the intrinsic worth of the raw material, which is handcrafted at his atelier valuing its diversity, character, textures, and details. Everything is made with extreme care and dedication, as a means to create unique and atemporal designs. Furthermore, the designer strives to foster a meaningful relationship between his pieces and the people using them, designing the very interactions that come to imbue his furniture of the immaterial value that makes it irreplaceable. Bittencourt has worked at the Thomas Hayes gallery...
Metal
Sold
H 33.9 in W 28.3 in L 33.9 in
Percival Lafer Dark Brown Chrome Leather "Earth" Chair with Ottoman
By Percival Lafer
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of leather armchairs with matching ottomans by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. Elegantly aged, the patina highlights a rich dark leather, elevated on chromed metal legs. Th...
Chrome