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
"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
Paulistana Lounge Chair by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood Shell and Leather, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Lisboa, PT
Paulistana lounge chair and ottoman designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier circa 1965, a swivel lounge chair with a moulded rosewood shell, leather cushions and an alu...
Metal
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
$5,071 / 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
$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
Poltrona Tonico by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Poltrona Tonico, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1963 and produced by Oca, is a Brazilian modern lounge chair crafted from solid rosewood with leather upholstery. Its generous button...
Leather, Wood, Hardwood
$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
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
"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
Jangada Armchair by Jean Gillon, Noble Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1968
By Jean Gillon
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
$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
Caviúna Wood Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Solid Wood and Leather Upholstery
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caviúna wood armchairs designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier in the 1960s, a set of lounge chairs in solid caviúna wood with leather upholstery. The armchairs frame b...
Fabric, Wood
$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
$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
"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
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Celina Decorações Storage Ottoman / Puff
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Washington, DC
A handsome and functional storage ottoman by the celebrated Brazilian furniture maker **Celina Decorações**, retaining its original label. The piece features a substantial dark-hardw...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,177 / 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
$1,435 / 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
"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
$3,824 / 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
$3,177 / 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
$8,038 / 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
Customize Ottoman/Pouf
Located in Brecht, BE
This ottoman/pouf was made in our workshop with old velvet fabric from the 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
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
$3,800
H 17 in W 22 in D 19 in
Unique French Handwoven Leather Ottoman Arts & Craft Style Made in Chicago
Located in Highwood, IL
Woven Leather Ottoman in the Style of Arts & Craft or possible early Art Deco that was custom made in our Upholstery Department. Whether by itself or positioned next a chair, thi...
Leather, Oak
Sparkle Bean Green Ottoman with Gold and Green Fringe
By Lorenza Bozzoli Design
Located in Milan, IT
An original piece of functional decor with a glamorous appeal, this ottoman by designer Lorenza Bozzoli audaciously blends glamorous 1920s sartorial details with modern geometrical s...
Textile
Jorge Zalszupin Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Brazilian Rosewood
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Jorge Zalszupin Presidential Lounge Chair. Brazilian Rosewood frame with expertly reupholstered black leather cushions...
Steel, Chrome
$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
$21,000
H 29.93 in W 88.9 in D 31.5 in
Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Celina Decorações, Midcentury Brazilian Design, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
This sofa was produced by the Brazilian company Celina Decorações in the 1960s. The sofa is made of solid Rosewood, with seats and backs upholstered with a gorgeous fabric 100% Organ...
Silk, Rosewood
Forsyth Sheepskin Pouf Ottoman
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Part of the Forsyth signature collection. Our luxurious sheepskin pouf ottomans are handcrafted from our beautiful Brazilian sheepskins. The most beautiful sheepskins are selected, h...
Sheepskin
Zebra Ottoman Pouf with legs
By Jose Gomez
Located in Saint Louis, US
This 4 legged sturdy ottoman pouf is made from the finest zebra hide of the South African savannah. This exotic piece is perfect for adding texture and depth to any space. The myster...
Zebra Hide, Foam, Wood
$641 / item
H 18.9 in Dm 15.75 in
DAISY Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Deep Bordeaux Cotton Velvet with Fringe
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, DAISY velvet pouf radiates quiet luxury and natural beauty. Upholstered in soft and opulent premium cotton velvet, its minimalist and organic form is co...
Cotton
Bao Natural Leather Ottoman
By Manifestodesign
Located in Milan, IT
This refined bean bag chair is wrapped carefully in a single piece of soft, full-grain leather, its folds resembling those of origami. The timeless, nostalgic shape is reminiscent of those old bedside...
Leather
Pair of “Cubo” Lounge Chairs by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Part of the “Cubo” line, this beautiful pair has just been reupholstered in French Boucle. Sold as set of 4.
Fabric
Percival Lafer Ottoman in Olive Green Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, ottoman or stool, wood, leather, Brazil, 1970s Bulky and voluptuous pouf designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. The seat is upholstered in olive green tufted leath...
Leather, Wood
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
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