When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.
Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, Lafer introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career.
The silhouettes of Lafer lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.
Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.
Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.
Find vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1970s Percival Lafer MP-167 Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this authentic Brazilian sofa by Percival Lafer, circa 1970s. Recently reupholstered in premium yellow leather. Ships from Philadelphia.
Leather
Percival Lafer “MP-49” Sofa
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s in excellent, restored condition
Leather
Percival Lafer MP-97 Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Washington, DC
A stunning example of Brazilian modernism, this **MP-97 sofa by Percival Lafer** features the designer’s signature combination of comfort, craftsmanship, and sculptural form. The so...
Upholstery, Wood
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original mustard yellow leather seat with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The back of the sofa showcases ...
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960's
By Percival Lafer
Located in Uccle, BE
Sofa Mod. MP-13, 1960's Made by Lafer S. e Co, Sao Paulo Rosewood, chrome and faux leather H 70 x L219 x W80 x Seat Height 41Percival Lafer Mid-Century Brazilian sofa made of Walnut ...
Chrome
Vintage sofa in the style of Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautiful settee made in the manner of Percival Lafer. It's done in the sling style which screams of Brazil and Percival Lafer. It's in need of an upholstery job, but it wo...
Faux Leather, Oak
$13,547
H 28.35 in W 90.56 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer Sofa, Re-upholstered in Leather, Mid-Century Modern, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
A rare and beautifully preserved sofa by Percival Lafer, one of Brazil’s most celebrated modernist designers. Known for his innovative use of exotic woods and deeply comfortable upho...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Sofa for Lafer MP, 1972
By Percival Lafer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Sofa for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” sofa by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushions to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushions to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather Sofa with Extended Headrest
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original burnt rust leather with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The top of the seat back has an extended...
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-13 Sofa, designed by Percival Lafer, is a quintessential piece reflecting the Brazilian mid-century modern style, renowned for its emphasis on form, fun...
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Style Osvaldo Borsani Italian Sofa Daybed from Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1950s Italian Sofa-Day Bed manner of architect designer Osvaldo Borsani. Iron and Wood. New upholstery. Unmarked. Arms can be lifted providing more room for...
Iron
1960s Whipstitch Sofa Brown Leather after De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1960s Modern Whipstitched Brown Leather Three-Seater Sofa unmarked in the style of Swiss De Sede 85 W 29 H x 36 D, Seat 17 H, Arm rest 24, deep seat. Origin...
Leather
1950s Frank Kyle Floating Mahogany Sofa End Tables Mexico City
By Frank Kyle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1950s Sensational mahogany sofa designed by Frank Kyle Mexico City Asian inspired design. Mexico modernism at its finest. ...
Brass, Bronze
1960s Percival Lafer Large Sofa Frame Jacaranda Rosewood Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Percival Lafer Large Jacaranda Rosewood Sofa Frame made in Brazil Unmarked. Attribution Percival Lafer 25.5 tall x 73 wide front 71.5 back, 37 d, Seat without cushion, 10 tall....
Rosewood
Paolo Buffa attributed Original Italian Lounge Chairs 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Paolo Buffa attributed sexy lounge chairs made Italy. Circa the 1950s selling as a pair No label present, attributed Paolo Buffa. Original floral pattern uph...
Brass
Octavio Vidales Muebles Johrvy Two Leather Chairs Mexico City1950s
By Octavio Vidales
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration Octavio Vidales for Muebles Johrvy Mexico City, Mexico circa the 1950s Octavio Vidales Iconic Leather Chairs with Mahogany...
Leather, Mahogany
