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.
Monumental Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Solid Rosewood with Storage, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A commanding example of Brazilian Modern design from the 1960s, this monumental rosewood bookshelf combines architectural presence with exceptional functionality. Crafted in richly f...
Rosewood
The Mono-Leg Architectural Bookshelf in Brazilian hardwood
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Mono-Pé Bookshelf is a natural evolution of the Mono-Pé console, a signature design by Brazilian studio am.o atelier. Based on the same structural principle — a single central ax...
Hardwood
Minimalist Brazilian Shelf System 'Carlos' by Samuel Lamas
By Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Carlos Shelf by Samuel Lamas, 2022 The Carlos Shelf by Samuel Lamas is a testament to the architectural finesse and modernist ethos of Brazilian design. This shelf unit, composed of...
Steel
$95,550Sale Price|25% Off
Bookshelf by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A prolific and gifted designer, Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) masterfully laid the groundwork for modern living in Brazil through his furniture and interiors. Born in Portugal and tra...
Wood, Hardwood
Joaquim Tenreiro Bookshelf, Rosewood Veneers, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1950s, this bookshelf is a rare example of his refined approach to proportion and material. Recently restored according to its original specificat...
Metal
$34,058 / item
Geraldo de Barros MF-710 bookcases Unilabor Brazil 1955
By Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare pair of MF-710 bookcases, designed by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) and manufactured by Unilabor, Brazil, in 1955, is an outstanding example of mid-century Brazilian modern...
Metal
Francesco Scapinelli “Novo Rumo” Bookcase, Brazil Mid-Century Modern, 1960
By Novo Rumo
Located in Curitiba, PR
A refined and authentic example of Brazilian modern design, this Novo Rumo bookcase was designed by Francesco Scapinelli in the early 1960s and crafted in solid jacarandá (Brazilian ...
Hardwood
Moveis Cimo, Bookcase/ Vitrine, c. 1960, Brazilian Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in PARIS, FR
Wooden bookcase by Imbuia's wood, an exotic species of Brazil very appreciated for its warm natural hue and the finesse of its grain. This room has two sliding doors in Imporia wood ...
Glass, Hardwood
Bookcase in Brazilian Imbuia and Cane by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Mid-Century Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bookshelf is one of the many Móveis Cimo's furniture pieces manufactured during the 1960s. The piece is composed of five shelves and one...
Hardwood, Cane
Rare Wall Unit in Brazilian Hardwood, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This stunning wall unit is a fine example of Joaquim Tenreiro's work, which is an emblematic master of the mid-20th century modern Brazilian furniture design. Tenreiro is often celeb...
Hardwood, Imbuia
$9,285 / item
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design Materials: MDF veneered in natural wood, Tempered glass 12mm Dimensions: w 141 x h 182 x d 41,2 cm Finishing: Cristal glass Wood (availa...
Glass, Wood
Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Ebonized Pau Marfim with Bronze Sabots, Valerio
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of Brazilian modernist restraint, this 1950s bookshelf by Móveis Valério pairs architectural clarity with material precision. The structure is executed in solid ebo...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Bookshelf by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1954
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, this bookshelf is an important piece produced by Forma Móveis e objetos de Arte, the pioneering vanguard of Brazilian modernism founded in...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A solid bookshelf produced by Oca in the mid-1960s, designed by Sergio Rodrigues. This piece features mid-century design with clean lines and a focus on functionality. Made of solid ...
Wood, Rosewood
$2,282 / item
Wall Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Wall Bookcase by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 100 x D 30 x H 200 cm Materials: Structure: Aged steel, Shelf: Veneer or lacquer. With the intention of providing good taste and per...
Steel
Brazilian Mid-Century Rosewood Bookshelf
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Bookshelf constructed in plywood veneered in Brazilian rosewood, featuring six shelves that can be installed at adjustable heights. Produced during the height of Brazilian modern fur...
Rosewood
$2,189 / item
Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 100 x D 30 x H 200 cm Materials: Structure: Aged steel, Shelf: Veneer or lacquer. With the intention of providing good taste and pe...
Steel
Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Caviúna wood, Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
An early and architecturally disciplined example of Brazilian modernism by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma S.A., executed in solid caviúna with caviúna veneer. Designed circ...
Hardwood
Pair of Modular Bookshelves by Ernesto Hauner, Brazilian Rosewood, 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Designed in Brazil in the 1960s, this modular bookshelf by Ernesto Hauner exemplifies the disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern de...
Brass
$1,653 / item
Low Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 150 x D 30 x H 65 cm Materials: Structure: painted metal, Top: leather, Shelf: venner. With the intention of providing good tas...
Steel
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit in Rosewood by Ernesto Hauner, 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Designed in Brazil in the 1960s, this modular bookshelf by Ernesto Hauner exemplifies the disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern de...
Brass
$7,044 / item
D33, Bookcase by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
D33 - bookcase by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 70 x 40 x 80 cm Materials: D33 foam, acrylic paint, acrylic resin, carbon steel. Also available: different colors The D33 coll...
Resin
Sergio Rodrigues Bookcase Model Adolpho, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR
Excellent condition. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by OCA in Brazil in the 1960s, the "Adolpho" bookcase perfectly embodies the aesthetic of mid-century modern desig...
Jacaranda
Glass Shelves "Cross" by Alva Design, Contemporary Brazilian Design
By Alva Design
Located in New York, NY
This furniture came from the inversion of an idea, which was to create a shelf that reminds us of a "drusas", typical formations of some mineral crystals in which the contrast betwee...
Glass, Wood
L'Atelier Bookcase in Brazilian Rosewood by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in New York, NY
This Rosewood Bookcase, designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and manufactured by L'Atelier in the 1960s, is a great way to have the diversity of different tones of Rosewood in jus...
Hardwood, Cork
$2,154 / item
Step Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Step Bookcase by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 100 x D 30 x H 200 cm Materials: Structure: Aged steel, Shelf: Veneer or lacquer. With the intention of...
Steel
"Mare" Outdoor Boockcase in Aluminum and Natural Teak Wood 60
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Mare bookcase is Inspired by the movement of the sea waves coming and going from the waves. The bookcase brings in its design the lightness and elegance of the tubes and perfora...
Aluminum
Bookcase 'Adolpho' by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cabinet designed by Sergio Rodrigues and crafted by OCA in Brazil during the 1960s. This timeless piece embodies the essence of mid-century modern design with its rich jacaranda wood...
Leather, Wood
Rosewood Wall Bookshelf by Celina Decorações, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
This charming bookshelf, manufactured by Celina Decorações in the 1960s, is composed of a solid wood structure with Rosewood veneers. The piece is co...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of bookcases Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of bookcases Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1960 Jacaranda wood, brass trim From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements 102 cm x 22,22 cm x...
Brass
Bookcase model "MF-710" by Geraldo de Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bookcase model “MF-710” Manufactured by Unilabor Brasil, 1954 Jacaranda, formica, painted metal and brass Measurements 103 cm x 43,1 cm x 200h cm 44,5 in x 17 in x 78,7h in Literatur...
Metal, Brass
"Mare" Outdoor Boockcase in Aluminum and Natural Teak Wood
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Mare bookcase is Inspired by the movement of the sea waves coming and going from the waves. The bookcase brings in its design the lightness and elegance of the tubes and perforated aluminum sheet. The shelves and organizing boxes...
Aluminum
$64,040
Bookcase model “Adolpho”
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bookcase model “Adolpho” Manufactured by Sergio Rodrigues Brazil, 1960 Jacaranda, leather panels Measurements 203 x 43 x 210h cm 79,9 x 16,9 x 82,7h in
Jacaranda
Pair of Brazilian Modern Adjustable Bookshelves with Cabinets in Rosewood, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A striking and highly versatile pair of Brazilian Modern adjustable bookshelves crafted during the 1960s. Architecturally composed with solid rosewood uprights, floating adjustable s...
Brass
Brazilian Modern Modular Bookshelf in Rosewood, Ernesto Hauner, Rosewood, 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Designed in Brazil in the 1960s, this modular bookshelf by Ernesto Hauner exemplifies the disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern de...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bookshelf by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1954
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
A bookshelf with an integrated bar was produced by Forma Móveis e objetos de Arte, founded in 1950 by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. Constructed from solid wood with Rosewood ve...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Display Bookcase in Wood and Red Lacquer – 1950s
Located in LYON, FR
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Display Bookcase in Wood and Red Lacquer – 1950s Maison Lecan presents this rare modernist bookcase straight from 1950s Brazil. An architectural stateme...
Imbuia
José Zanine Caldas 'Attr.' Small Bookcase, Brazil, 1960s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Utrecht, NL
This bookcase is made out of thick plywood and features a sculptural and raw look that give it a lot of character. The sides have rounded out edges that are wider at the base and...
Wood
$23,861 / item
Cafofo Shelves by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Cafofo shelves by Mameluca Material:Various Brazilian reclaimed wood & acrylic & carbon steel Dimensions: D125 x W60 x H195 cm Favela (slum) was a place of high inspiration for ...
Steel
Rosewood Wall Bookshelf by Celina Decorações, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by Celina Decorações, this wall bookshelf has a minimalist design, enhanced by its beautiful rosewood veneers. It has three shelves with “T”-shaped lateral deta...
Rosewood
$30,227 / set
Set of 2 Symbiotic Shelves by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Symbiotic shelves by Mameluca Material: Brazilian Wood: Cedro marinheiro, Jequitibá Rosa, Vinhático,Roxinho, Braúna aço inoxidável ; stainless steel. Dimensions: D40 x W10...
Stainless Steel
$1,863 / item
Teteia, Wall Shelve by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Thethea - wall shelve by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 50 x 38 x 140 cm Materials: MDF, carbon steel. Painting in Duco paint Teteia is a suspended bookcase...
Steel
$15,907 / item
Symbiotic Shelf by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Symbiotic shelf by Mameluca Material: brazilian wood: Cedro marinheiro, Jequitibá Rosa, Vinhático, Roxinho, Braúna aço inoxidável; stainless steel. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 200...
Stainless Steel
$16,400 / item
Modular Bookcase by Andrew de Freitas
Located in São Paulo, BR
The objects on view in this collection extend through different forms of consciousness, intertwining layers of meaning and perception. Different modes of experiencing an object bleed...
Wood
An arrangement of shelves from floor to ceiling can turn your wall into a proud storage space for displaying books, artwork and collectibles. Get inspired by these rooms with smart, attractive bookcases and built-ins.
We look at the good, the bad and the weird methods people use to organize their books.