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.
"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Gray Linen and Wood Feet, Small Size
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is close...
Fabric, Hardwood
"Flag" Couch in Dark Grey Linen, Wood Feet, Modern Design
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart piece. -Accompanies plus two loose cushions to a better comfort. (If you want more, it is possible to request a quote). Cushion's measuring 45x45 cm each o...
Fabric, Hardwood
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...
Brass
"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Dark Brown Linen and Wood Feet
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is close...
Fabric, Hardwood
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: ...
Fabric, Jacaranda
Sofa in White Boucle, Forma Brazil, 1960s - Lot 51
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This sofa, made by Forma in the 1960s, retains its original structure and has been reupholstered in a White boucle. The legs, crafted from Caviuna wood, add a touch of elegance and d...
Bouclé, Hardwood
$12,600 / item
Móveis Cimo Round Sofa, 60's Brazilian Midcentury
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This amazing lounge sofa is definitely an eyecatcher. The design of this amazing Brazilian hardwood structure combines beautifully the curve lines of the comfortable seat. This piece...
Wood
"Toras" Sofa in Hardwood by Arthur Casas, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Arthur Casas
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This sofa is made out of steel and solid Cumaru wood, a typical hardwood from the northern part of Brazil. Arthur Casas is surely one of the most prominent contemporary Brazilian...
Steel
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Brazilian Mid-century Design White upholstered Sofa
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
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...
Metal
Price Upon Request
Sofa by Jose Zanine Caldas in Loro Piana
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in London, England
Sofa Jose Zanine Caldas for Moveis Artistic Z upholstered in Loro Piana Linen
Fabric, Plywood
Price Upon Request
Rare credenza by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Extremely rare bench credenza by Martin Eisler c. 1950 for Moveis Artesanal.
Hardwood, Cane
Price Upon Request
"Cubo" sofa by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Two-seater "Cubo" easy chairs by Jorge Zalszupin reupholstered in off-white Boucle.
Fabric
Price Upon Request
Pair of Rare slatted bench by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Extremely rare bench created by Martin Eisler c. 1950 for Moveis Artesanal.
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Rare Brazilian Sofa & Lounge Chairs Set by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Kensington, MD
Mid Century Modern as only the Brazilian designers do it! Rosewood frame with plush tufted leather cushions. Set includes a sofa and two lounge chairs. *Due to time, labor costs, ...
Rosewood, Leather
Price Upon Request
Franco Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic and rare "Franco" sofa by Sergio Rodrigues.
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Rare sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro. Preserves traces of manufacture's label on the back.
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Rare 4-Seater Sofa by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
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...
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Two-Seat Sofa with Rosewood Frame Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Two-seat sofa with rosewood frame and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, circa 1960s.
Rosewood
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
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