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.
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
Architectural Mid-Century Sofa - 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A three-seat mid-century modern sofa from the 1960s, executed in solid wood with black leather upholstery, defined by its architectural framework and grounded proportions. The expose...
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer “MP-49” Sofa
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s in excellent, restored condition
Leather
Lowell Deep Custom Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern leather upholstered sofa with sleek modern lines and raised on bold square block feet. Two long loose pillow backs with two long comfort down seat cushions. Completely Made i...
Leather, Fabric
Rare and Exclusive Loose Cushion Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
By george nelson. ultra soft high qualitily leather with nice and worm patina. down filled cushions.
Leather
Baker Furniture Large Sofa 94"
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful large 94" sofa by Baker Furniture in a soft blue/gray shade on a solid cherry frame with tapered legs. Back and sides are suede; cushions are upholstered in a herringbone p...
Suede, Fabric, Cherry
Powel Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Powel with solid wood structure, upholstered and covered with high Italian quality nubuck leather, ref: NP16, Cat D. in beige color finish. With 2 back cushion included. With ...
Bronze
Carter Sofa Sectional (Single Seat Sofa)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individual cushion. Industrial steel is cut and welded for legs OAK + DOWN / POLY BLEND STEEL DETAIL + PERFORMANCE HOME FABRIC HARDWAX OIL FINISH CUSTOMIZE THIS PIECE For all furniture, protection from heat and moisture is crucial to the longevity of the piece. To help prevent scratches, use adhesive felt pads, coasters, placemats, and avoid sliding objects across the surface of the piece when possible. Lacquer + Paint + Metal Surfaces - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel and mild cleaner as needed. Wipe dry promptly. We recommend that you clean with ammonia-free Windex or a mild surface cleaner. Please stay away from bleach, alcohol, or petroleum based cleaners. You may use a general purpose wood cleaner. Avoid using furniture polish as over time it can accumulate and leave a residue. Wax + Oil Finish - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Wipe dry immediately. Clean with ammonia-free Windex or a mild surface cleaner. Stay away from bleach, alcohol, or petroleum based cleaners. Our natural wax and oil finishes will dull over time. Wax or teak oil may be reapplied as needed using a soft white cloth. Raw Wood - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Use a damp microfiber towel or soft brush as needed. Do not use any product containing wax or oil to clean. Outdoor Furniture - Outdoor furniture may require frequent oiling. A cover is strongly recommended for all outdoor furniture. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and/or direct sunlight. If exposed to rain, allow cushions to air dry completely before putting them back on the frame. Leather Care - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Do not use cleaning products on the leather. The recommended leather conditioner is Skidmore’s Original Leather Cream. Marble + Stone - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Wipe dry immediately. For daily cleaning we recommend using Orange Glo and/or Method Stone Cleaner on the marble. All marble and stone surfaces are protected with a sealer. To maintain the overall appearance and protection of the marble or stone, reseal with Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance. It is important to use coasters and clean up moisture immediately on marble and stone surfaces. Additional Information: Dimensions: 144"W + 86"L + 24"H, 28"H WITH BACK PILLOWS SINGLE SEAT SOFA...
Oak
Danish Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brown leather single tufted Danish sofa on wood base.
Leather, Walnut
Leather Chesterfield Style Sofa
Located in Montreal, QC
Leather Chesterfield Style sofa
Leather
Gigi Radice Sofa
By Gigi Radice
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gigi Radice sofa for Minotti — Italy, 1950's Reupholstered in gorgeous dark green wool boucle with black iron splayed legs and brass feet. Wonderful curved shape with clean lines. ...
Brass, Iron
Michel Ducaroy Leather Sofa
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic chocolate brown leather sofa by Michel Ducaroy — France 1980's Great design with channeled stitched detailing Beautiful vintage leather patina throughout Matching smal...
Leather
1970's Italian Leather Sofa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970's Italian leather sofa with wonderful shape and patina
Leather
Italian Art Deco Sofa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic Italian Art Deco Sofa / Settee - Italy, 1940's Wonderful shape with curved floating arms and beautiful original upholstery with green buttons and piping. Unique wavy shaped ...
Fabric, Wood
Rene Gabriel Daybed
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rene Gabriel daybed with simple oak frame with wonderful patina and recessed legs. New cushion upholstered in natural Bouclé with taupe mohair bolster and leather strap.
Mohair, Oak, Bouclé
De Sede Daybed
By De Sede
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful De Sede daybed DS 80 in rich caramel brown leather. Signature patchwork leather has wonderful patina and sits on a black slatted wood frame.
Leather
