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Brazilian Sofas

BRAZILIAN FURNITURE

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 NiemeyerSergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim TenreiroJean 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 rosewoodjacaranda 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 chairssofastables and more.

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Item Ships From: Europe
Place of Origin: Brazilian
Jean Gillon Rodeio sofa Italma Woodart Brazil 1965
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Typical Brazilian modern sofa model 'Rodeio' designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart, Brazil 1965. This sofa features a sturdy rosewood frame in a rich brown-red h...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer MP-41 sofa in cognac leather, Brazil 1970s
By Maurice Percival
Located in Göteborg, SE
Fantastic MP-41 three-seater sofa in original cognac leather and dark solid wood frame. Designed by Percival Lafer for MP Lafer in the 70s. The sofa has its original mark in the lea...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Sofa in Black Uphosltery and Imbuia Wood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Sheriff' sofa, faux leather, imbuia wood, Brazil, 1960s Comfortable and large sofa by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodriques. This sofa breaths the characteristics o...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Imbuia

Midcentury Brazilian Sofa in Brown Leather and Rosewood by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Karlstad, SE
Four-seat sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1960s. This sofa consists of a rosewood frame upon which the cushions rest. The cushions are upholstered in brown leather with buttons of ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Rosewood

Carlo Hauner. Sofa, c. 1950. Green cotton wood and velvet
By Carlo Hauner
Located in PARIS, FR
This three-seater sofa entirely covered in green cotton velvet is the synthesis of the Brazilian modern spirit. Its slightly curved backrest gives sensuality to the piece in composi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà
By Branco & Preto
Located in Milan, IT
The name chosen by the young Brazilian architects Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plinio Groce, Roberta Aflalo, Carlos Millan and the Chinese Che Y Hwa for their design company literally...
Category

1950s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Wood

1970 Jorge Zalszupin- Set sofa armchair lowtable Private Collection Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Milan, IT
Polish-born designer Jorge Zalszupin decided to move to Brazil as soon as World War II ended. In São Paulo, he found the perfect conditions to develop a unique, elegant, sensual and ...
Category

1970s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Brazilian Oak and Olive Green Leather 3-Seat Sofa, Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Voorburg, NL
A wonderful original matching 1970s Brazilian sofa attributed to Jean Gillon. This amazing comfortable 3-seater has a unique washed dark-grey oak frame and soft Brazilian leather cus...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Anacastro Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Anacastro Sofa Manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1960s Jacaranda and natural leather Measurements 270 cm x 80 cm x 78 h cm (back) 106,3 in x 31,5 in x 30,7 h in (back) 270 cm x 80 cm x 42...
Category

1960s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Jacaranda

Round Brazilian Sofa in Red Upholstery and Black Wooden Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, lacquered wood, fabric, Brazil, 1970s This bulky Brazilian sofa consist of a round shell that forms an oval ring around the seat. The red fabric is tufted around the shell in...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer model MP097 Wool upholstery
By Percival Lafer
Located in Zandhoven, BE
This Percival Lafer MP097 is in excellent condition and was reupholstered in a high quality wool upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wool, Wood

Giuseppe Scapinelli. Sofa in Caviuna's wood, 4 seats, c. 1950
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in PARIS, FR
Four-seater sofa in solid Caviuna wood, recently redone tapestry in unbleached linen. The finesse and sinuousness of the wooden round section legs and armrests marks the elegance of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Geraldo de Barros, 2-seater Tubular sofa, c. 1970
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in the 1970s, this three-seater sofa in tubular metal and white fabric by Geraldo de Barros is to be placed in the artistic continuity of its creators, who was an important ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Metal

Moveis Cimo sculptural sofa Brazil 1960
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful sculptural B082 sofa manufactured by Moveis Cimo in Brazil in 1960. This sofa is bulky and yet playful, with a strong wooden frame made of Jatoba wood. The frame is like a ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Percival Lafer Yellow Leather 2 Seat Sofa, circa 1960
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Percival Lafer & produced by LAFER in São Paulo, this 1960s sofa is a fantastic example of Brazilian mid-century design. Featuring a boxy silhouette, the so...
Category

1960s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather

MP-091 Sofa by Percival Lafer, wood and leather, Brazil, 1960S
By Percival Lafer
Located in Argelato, BO
Mid-Century Modern MP-091 3-seater sofa by Percival Lafer in original Brazilian Jacaranda wood and upholstered in original cognac leather. Brazil, 1960s One of the most original and...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Brazilian Sizable Sofa in Light Yellow Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, lacquered wood, leatherette, Brazil, 1970s. Monumental and post modern sofa made in Brazil in the 1970s. This sofa consists of a large frame and seat out of one piece, upholst...
Category

1970s Post-Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Jacaranda and leather Style: Mid century, Brazil Rare sofa model Mole Produced in Bra...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Jacaranda, Leather

White Fabric Sofa by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Milan, IT
Martin Eisler (Vienna, 1913 – Brasile, 1977) & Carlo Hauner (Brescia, 1927 – Isola di Salina, 1997) European by birth and Brazilian by adoption, Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner began...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner for Forma Modern Sofa & Armchairs Lounge Set, 1950s
By Forma
Located in Whitstable, GB
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler midcentury sofa and armchairs; 1950s Sofa designed for their manufacturing company, Forma around 1955. This model is an icon of Brazilian midcentury design and was used to illustrate some advertisements for Forma in the 1950s. We offer the set of sofa and matching armchairs. They are stunning together. The set has been newly reupholstered in beautiful blue velvet, feet in imbuia wood, lacquered finish. Sofa Dimensions: H28.35, W76.78, D30.32 in H72, W195, D77 cm Armchairs Dimenions: H 28.35, W30.32, D30.32 in H72, W77, D77 cm The creative duo were the leading designers behind the Brazilian furniture company Forma, and produced many celebrated pieces of Brazilian midcentury design. Martin Eisler (1913-1977) was born in Vienna, and studied architecture in his country. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Buenos Aires, where he settled and worked as an architect and designer. There here...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

Brazilian Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Uccle, BE
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Modern sofa made of Walnut wood and still with the original faux leather upholstery. Dimensions: L219cm/ 7ft Seat Depth 50cm/19.7 inches H69cm/26.75 inch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Geraldo de Barros, Tubular Sofa, c. 1970
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in the 1970s, this three-seater sofa in tubular metal and white fabric by Geraldo de Barros is to be placed in the artistic continuity of its creators, who was an important ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Metal

Jorge Zalszupin Manhattan Sofa L'atelier Brazil 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare and fully original ‘Manhattan’ sofa designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured in his own company L'Atelier, Brazil 1960. Since few were ma...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather

Eisler and Hauner 'Costela' Sofa, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Antwerp, BE
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner for Forma, sofa, Brazilian hardwood, metal, and fabric, Brazil, 1960s. Pair of 'Bone' chairs by Brazilian designer duo Eisler and Hauner. This chair i...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Metal

Jorge Zalszupin Brasiliana sofa L'Atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A beautiful and sophisticated so called ‘Brasiliana’ sofa designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. With ...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Suede

Sofa by “Liceu de Artes e Ofícios”, Brazil, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sofa designed and produced by “Liceu de Artes e Ofícios” around 1960’s in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Solid wood, brass details and new upholstery. Ready to...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Brass

Brazilian Wood Three-Seater Sofa by Rino Levi, Brazil 1950s
By Rino Levi
Located in Utrecht, NL
Rino Levi was one of the pioneers of the modern movement in Brazil, advocating for simple, practical and economical design, disparaging the imitation of classicism. ‘Classical spirit’ rather than classical forms was his ideal. Levi was instrumental in spreading the fame of Brazilian modernism through his furniture designs as well. As this beautiful Brazilian wood sofa shows, by the 1960s, Levi abandoned Italian rationalism in favour of an approach closer to that of the Rio modernists both in his architectural and furniture designs. As a piece of true Brazilian mid-century design, the beauty of the wood and organic shapes and lines dominate this three-seater sofa. The tilted, architectural lines of wood making up the armrests create a visually distinct and exciting appearance. The additional horizontal lines connecting to the backrest are a creative addition, while also supporting the overall stability. The frame with its joinery praises Rino Levi’s craftsmanship and architectural expertise. The beautiful colour of the wood is highlighted by the light upholstery of the body in a premium bouclé fabric, including the three removable cushions. This sofa model is rare to find, for as during Brazil's military dictatorship, it was against the law to export furniture. The ban on exports only ended in the 1980s, but it still took some time for things to change, not to mention that handmade pieces were created in limited editions. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this sofa is special, and a real rarity. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 86.41 in W x 28.74 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 16.14 in 219.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 41 cm About the Designer: Rino Levi was a Brazilian architect important to the development of modernism in Brazil. Levi was born to Italian Jewish parents on December 31, 1901 in São Paulo, Brazil. After graduating from Colégio Dante Alighieri in São Paulo, Levi studied in Milan and Rome under Marcello Piacentini. In 1924, he moved to the School of Architecture of Rome. There, he met Adalberto...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Jean Gillon Sofa Produced by Wood Art in Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Jean Gillon. Produced by Wood Art in Brazil.    
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brazilian Sofa in Rattan
Located in Milano, IT
This original vintage sofa in wood and rattan is of fine Brazilian manufacture. The structure is very particular with the front legs, characterized by rigid lines and sharp curves, that rise to become the armrests. The rear legs are attached to the front ones forming a softer arch in contrast with the rigidity of the armrest. The structure is elegant but minimal: the backrest is attached only to the seat and to the armrest, without compromising the stability. The two seats and backrests are made of woven rattan to form geometrical designs and separated by a wooden component. This elegant and original vintage sofa would be ideal to furnish vintage...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Two Large Brazilian Armchairs in the Manner of Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Armchairs, rosewood, Brazilian design, European execution, 1960s. The sofa set is still in the original upholstery fabric. Altogether a very good condition. This settee is execute...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Michel Arnoult, Sofa, 1960s, Unique Piece
By Michel Arnoult
Located in PARIS, FR
This two-seater sofa by Michel Arnoult, in Roxinho wood, cotton fabric and nylon rope a unique piece realized in order for a residence in São Paulo, is an ideal illustration of his t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Nylon, Hardwood

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jatoba and Beige Mohair Sofa
By Jean Gillon
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the ultimate in comfort and style: the large Brazilian three-seater sofa made with a Jatoba wooden frame and a soft camel-colored upholstery designed in the style of Jean...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Wood

Large Brazilian Sofa in the Manner of Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Sofa, rosewood, Brazilian design, European execution, 1960s. The sofa set is still in the original upholstery fabric. Altogether a very good condition. This settee is executed in ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Brazilian Mid-Century Cream Sofa by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner, Jacaranda wood
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
MArtin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Sofa (two units available) Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Caviuna wood legs, velvet and cotton upholstery Measurements 240 cm x 77 cm x 72h cm. 94,48 in x 30,3 in x 28,3h in. Literature Casa & Jardim, 1956. Nº 92 Provenance: Private collection, Sao Paulo Bio: Beside Carlos Hauner, Martin Eisler (1913­-1977) was the founder for the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. He was born in Vienna, Austria, and studied architecture in his country. In 1938 he moved to Buenos Aires. After meeting Carlos Hauner in Brazil, he started traveling there frequently to collaborate on designs and, they founded Forma to sell their own designs as well as pieces licensed from Knoll International. Eisler also opened Forma in Buenos Aires, along with partners Arnold Hakel and Susi Aczel...
Category

1950s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Velvet, Wood

Lounge Sofa Manufactured by Lyceu de Artes e Officios
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Milan, IT
Lounge sofa Brazil, 1958 Manufactured by Lyc¸eu de Artes e Officios Brazilian ironwood, fabric upholstery 220 x 90 x H 70 H seat 45 cm 86.6 x 35.4 x H ...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Joaquim Tenreiro Three-Seat Sofa, Brazil, 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro Three seats sofa Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1954 Jacaranda, upholstery From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements: ...
Category

1950s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Jacaranda

Stella Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Milan, IT
Stella sofa by Sergio Rodrigues. Brazil, 1965. Manufactured by Oca. Example provided with Brazilian Government fiscal stamp. Solid wood, fabric upholstery...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Joaquim Tenreiro Three-Seat Sofa, Brasil, 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro Three seats sofa Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brasil, 1954 Jacaranda, upholstery From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements: ...
Category

1950s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Jacaranda

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Brazilian Mid-century Design White upholstered Sofa
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) and Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Sofa Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Black painted metal, white/cream fabric upholstery...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Metal

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" sofa, 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...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather

Franco Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, GB
Iconic and rare "Franco" sofa by Sergio Rodrigues.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, GB
Rare sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro. Preserves traces of manufacture's label on the back.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Rare 4-Seater Sofa by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in London, GB
Designed by Martin Eisler for his company FORMA S/A, this is a rare 4-seater version of a very iconic sofa in Midcentury Brazilian. Feet are in Pau-Marfim...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Jean Gillon Rosewood Suede, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Rare Brazilian rosewood sofa by Jean Gillon from the 1960s. The sofa has been refinished but has original suede cushions. The buyer receiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Suede, Rosewood

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