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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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Place of Origin: Brazilian
Recognized Seller Listings
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

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

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 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

Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Sofa, Rosewood, Grey Fabric, Brazil, 1955
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in High Point, NC
A grey fabric and rosewood sofa designed and produced by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, 1955. Presents with partial makers label to underside.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

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

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

Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Liceu de Arte e Officios
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Brazilian hardwood sofa. Attractive slatted back, cyclindrical legs and curved arms. Cushions not included. We have matching side chairs, coffe...
Category

1950s Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Jacaranda, Rosewood, Wool

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

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

Three-seat sofa by Oscar Niemeyer
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in New York, NY
Three-seat sofa in rosewood veneer with upholstered cushions. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the SESC hotel, Brazil, 1990.
Category

1990s Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Two-Seat Sofa by Oscar Niemeyer
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in New York, NY
Two-seat sofa in rosewood veneer with upholstered cushions. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the SESC hotel, Brazil, 1990.
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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.
Category

1960s Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Rosewood

"Sofá Güell" in Laminated Jotoba Wood by Julia Krantz, 2008
By Julia Krantz
Located in New York, NY
Unique "Sofá Güell" in stack-laminated jatoba wood. Designed and made by Julia Krantz, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2008.
Category

Early 2000s Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Two-seater alcantara fabric sofa, 1950s
Located in Catania, IT
Two-seater sofa of 1950s Italian design. Completion restored with alcantara fabric upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Two-seater alcantara fabric sofa, 1950s
Two-seater alcantara fabric sofa, 1950s
H 37.8 in W 53.15 in D 29.53 in
Brazilian Minimalist PK2 Sofa in Black Canvas Upholstery by Paulo Kobylka
By Paulo Kobylka
Located in Londrina, Paraná
Project awarded by German Design Award: Special Mention - Excellent Product Design. The inspiration comes from concrete structural elements found in architecture. Designed with simple lines, the minimalist structure is exactly what shapes it. The sofa is basically assembled by three main volumes: base, seat and back. The “mismatches” between these volumes generate small spaces to house furnishings. PK2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Canvas

Sergio Rodrigues, Moleca Sofa - Brazilian, Mid-Century Modern - 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Houston, TX
Indulge in the elegance of the "Moleca" series, a creation by the internationally renowned Brazilian architect. This series is an exportation version of the celebrated Mole series, e...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Brown Fabric, Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1950s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available today in NYC with free domestic shipping included, these Pair of Armchairs in Hardwood and Brown Fabric, by Jorge Zalszupin made in the fifties in Brazil are nothing less t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

XL Sofa Set in Linen Color Fabric Upholstery
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
It's an original design for a getaway home the Arena Sofa XL is ultra-comfortable as it is practical for everyday family life. A geometric, still soft body ...
Category

2010s Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

XL Sofa Set in Linen Color Fabric Upholstery
XL Sofa Set in Linen Color Fabric Upholstery
H 24.81 in W 192.92 in D 63 in
Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Celina Decorações, Midcentury Brazilian Design, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian company Celina Decorações manufactured this sofa in the 1960s. The piece is composed of a solid Rosewood structure, with cushions upholstered with leather. This three-s...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues "Sheriff" Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues Leather "Sheriff" Lounge Chair and Ottoman - All solid wood - with NO Cushions. Cushions can be custom made by most upholstery shops that...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Vintage 'Mole' Solid Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Brazilian Imbuia 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 piece is made of Imbuia wood, with seats and backs upholstered with a gorgeous 100% organic silk f...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Silk, Hardwood

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% Organic Silk, from our collection Bossa Fabrics. The armrests have a rectangular design that favors the visualization of the beautiful veins of the wood, with upholstered sides. The base consists of four rectangular legs, providing lightness to this three-seat sofa. Celina Decorações signed one of the most modern lines of Brazilian furniture in the 1960s. Based in Rio de Janeiro, the Celina Decorações factory imposed high-quality standards, maintaining handcrafted characteristics. With a color pallet rooted in natural shades, our Fabric collection tells a bit about Brazilian biodiversity, through raw and natural materials and artisanal processes. For dyeing this textured fabric was used yerba mate...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Silk, Rosewood

Pair of Manhattan Armchairs by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Manhattan is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1960 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The piece is made of a wood s...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Faux Leather

Previously Available Items
Percival Lafer 'S-1' Rosewood and Leather Three Seat Sofa, Brazil, 1976, Signed
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous restored 'S-1' sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP. This sofa was designed in 1976 and was Lafer's concept of merging Brazilian design with Scandinav...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer 'S-1' Rosewood and Leather Living Room Set, Brazil, 1976, Signed
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous restored 'S-1' sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP. This sofa was designed in 1976 and was Lafer's concept of merging Brazilian design with Scandina...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer 'MP-13' Rosewood and Leather Four-Seat Sofa, Brazil, c. 1967
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous MP-13 four-seat sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP was designed in 1967, this example an early production made for Brazil and recently imported to t...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Percival Lafer 'S-1' Rosewood and Leather Living Room Set, Brazil, 1976, Signed
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous restored 'S-1' living room set comprised of a pair of cognac leather lounge chairs and a three-seat sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP. This set was designed in 1976 and was Lafer's concept of merging Brazilian design with Scandinavian sensibility - the sling seat cushions are made of molded foam carried by Rosewood frames. Signed with Lafer labels throughout underneath seat cushions. This incredible signed collectors set is also ideal for interior designers working on high end projects as it was fully restored - Rosewood frames were refinished and joinery tightened, the original cognac leather cushions cleaned, conditioned and spot-dyed with color matched leather dye...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer 'MP-97' Rosewood Three-Seat Sofa, Brazil, c. 1970
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous MP-97 three-seat sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP was designed in 1970, this example an early production made for Brazil. Featuring a Rosewood fra...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Faux Leather

Percival Lafer Sofa in Original Black Leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, sofa, leather and brazilian hardwood, Brazil, late 1960s. Bulky and grand sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer. This set features a solid dark wooden base wit...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Percival Lafer Sofa in Original Black Leather
Percival Lafer Sofa in Original Black Leather
H 25.99 in W 76.78 in D 31.5 in
'Presidencial' Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin for L'Atelier Brazil, c. 1960, Signed
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an ideal signed collectors example of the extremely rare 'Presidencial' three seat sofa by Jorge Zalszupin for L'Atelier Moveis, Sao Paolo Brazil, circa 1960. Featuring a sculptural Jacaranda (an exotic variant of Brazilian Rosewood) frame with slatted seat backs and seductive curved arms sitting on top of three black and chrome steel legs. Subtle details complete this exotic couch such as the oversized brass screw on the sides - a beautiful detail sometimes lacking on other examples. The Jacaranda Rosewood has exquisite grain and is finished in an expert French Polish. This is the perfect collectors example of the 'Presidencial' design as it is signed with a L'Atelier label and in such beautiful condition. Interior designers also consider this for your favorite collector client. These are so incredibly rare, get it before your competition does. This Jorge Zalszupin for L'Atelier three seat Presidencial sofa would work great in a brazilian modern, mid-century modern, scandinavian or danish modern, or post-modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a contemporary, hollywood regency or art deco room. Also consider mixing it up in a traditional, classical or art deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. This sofa would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge, members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Would pair well with other Brazilian Modern pieces from designers such as Sergio Rodrigues, Joaquim Tenreiro, Giuseppe Scapinelli, Novo Rumo, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Percival Lafer, Fatima Arquitetura e Interiores, and JD...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Steel

Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather Modular Living Room Set, c. 1960 Brazil, Signed
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An impressive 1960s modular set of twenty-one (21) elements of cognac brown patchwork leather sectional living room set by Brazilian Modern...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather Modular Living Room Set, circa 1960 Signed
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An impressive 1960s modular set of eight (8) sections of cognac brown patchwork leather sectional living room set by Brazilian Modern desig...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Percival Lafer Sofa Produced by Lafer MP in Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare 2-seat sofa designed by Percival Lafer. Produced by Lafer MP in Brazil.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer Sofa Produced by Lafer MP in Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare 3-seat sofa designed by Percival Lafer. Produced by Lafer MP in Brazil.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Percival Lafer Patchwork Leather Modular Living Room Set, circa 1960, Signed
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An impressive 1960s modular set of twelve (12) elements of dark brown patchwork leather sectional living room set by Brazilian Modern desig...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

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