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.
Lagoas Accent Side Round Table "Old Gold" Finish 'Small' by Filipe Ramos
By Filipe Ramos
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Lagoas tables and lamps are inspired by nature, it is an allusion to the mangrove trees and the way it deeps into the water. The legs design plays with the senses of the obser...
Steel
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Set of 3 nesting tables, Lacquered wood and glass c. 1960
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in PARIS, FR
As usual, Scapinelli distinguishes himself with these nesting tables "gigogne" by the elegance of the lines and the finesse of the realization. Made of solid wood (probably Pau marfi...
Glass, Hardwood
On Hold|$7,600
H 14.5 in W 47.25 in D 20.375 in
Giuseppe Scapinelli, Coffee Table, Wood, Glass, Brazil, 1950s
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass coffee table designed and produced by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.5"H x 47.25"W x 20.375"D All items ship from High Poin...
Glass, Wood
$1,417Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 46.5 in W 60.5 in D 35.5 in
Midcentury Italian Brass and Glass Set of 3 Nesting Tables
By Romeo Rega
Located in Roma, IT
A glamorous set of Nesting Tables made in Italy during the 1970s, composed of 3 tables in three different sizes. the measurements of the biggest are: Height 46.5 cm Width 60.5 cm ...
Brass
$2,730 / item
H 22.05 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Pedestal Table Small in Lemurian, Shagreen and Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The pedestal side table small is the perfect accent pieces due to its sleek and lightweight aesthetic. The small size is inlaid on the top surface with Lemurian Quartz...
Quartz, Brass
Set of 3 French Black Glass and Brass Nesting Tables
By Maison Jansen
Located in Buchanan, NY
This set of three French nesting tables is a beautiful blend of black glass and brass, reflecting the distinctive style of Maison Jansen. Dating back to the 1940s, these tables featu...
Brass
$2,350 / item
H 21.66 in W 12.01 in D 13.98 in
Pedestal Table Small in Cream Shagreen & Brass by R & Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
$2,775 / item
H 21.6 in W 12.2 in D 16.92 in
Melting Shagreen Side Table with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The melting nesting side table...
Brass
$2,350 / item
H 21.66 in W 12.01 in D 13.98 in
Pedestal Table Small in Cream Shagreen & Brass by R & Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
$7,185 / set
H 23.63 in Dm 19.69 in
Shagreen and Shell Nesting Tables w/ Bronze-Patina Brass Accents by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The set of 2 round melting nesting side tables...
Brass
$7,185 / set
H 23.63 in Dm 19.69 in
Shagreen Nesting Side Tables with Bronze-Patina Brass Accents by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The set of 2 round melting nesting side...
Brass
$2,953 / set
H 23.63 in W 9.85 in D 14.57 in
Polygonal Nesting Tables in Green Marquetry and Old Brass Patina by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
These futurist nesting tables are made of polished green marquetry. They have a polygonal shape top and the metal feet have an antique brass patina. The tables are small and very v...
Wood
$383
H 19.69 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
Set Of Nesting Tables Made In Dark Wood, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of side tables is an elegant example of Danish design from the 1960s, created with a beautiful dark wood that exudes a timeless elegance. The different sizes allow them to ...
Wood
$5,165 / set
H 19.69 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Duna Nest Table, Side Table, Bedside Table in Solid Poplar Wood by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Duna Nest Table, Side Table, Bedside Table in Solid Poplar Wood by Joel Escalona Duna Collection is a set of wood tables and surfaces inspired by the vast sand dune regions of the w...
Wood, Poplar, Oak, Hardwood
Sold
H 19.69 in W 22.45 in D 15.75 in
Hauner & Eisler - Moveis Artesanal - Rare Pair of 1950s nest table in wood
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, SP
This set of nesting tables, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Móveis Artesanal in the mid-1950s, is a rare and iconic example of modern Brazilian design. Made from solid wood, the tables stand out for their light forms and sophisticated use of materials. The thin, tapered legs add elegance, while the white Formica tops create a striking contrast with the warm tone of the wood. Móveis Artesanal was a company that preceded Forma, where the design duo became more widely recognized. The functional and versatile design of the nesting tables reflects the designers’ ability to combine aesthetics with practicality, allowing the tables to be used separately or grouped together. This set is a classic example of Brazilian modernist furniture...
Formica, Wood
Sold
H 16.93 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Brazilian Coffee Table with 4 Nesting Stools by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
By Jean Gillon
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This elegant square coffee table with 4 nesting stools was designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in Brazil in the 1960s. The coffee table is handmade of Jacaranda wood with a nice pa...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Wood Nesting Side Tables, 1950s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Wood nesting side tables, 1950s Charming Brazilian 1950s set of four nesting tables, featuring solid wood feet w...
Plywood, Wood
Set of Three Joaquim Tenreiro Nesting Tables
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The set consisting of three black lacquered solid hardwood nesting tables with white Formica tops.
Formica, Wood
1950s Duo of Tripod Side Tables in Iron, Brass and Formica, Brazil Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Delicate and super useful tripod side tables in Iron and Formica tops. The formica is in original condition but can be replaced to customer's taste. Brass details finish the touch. P...
Brass, Iron
1950s Nesting Tables in Brazilian Jacarandá
Located in Astoria, NY
A set of nesting tables, manufactured circa 1950s, crafted of deep Brazilian jacarandá wood, with brass sabots. The tables remain in excellent original condition, wear and patina to ...
Jacaranda
Set of 1960s Jacaranda Nesting Tables
Located in Astoria, NY
Three, circa 1960s nesting tables, crafted of jacaranda wood, on modernist form tapered legs, dimensions provided reflect largest table. Excellent vintage condition, wear consistent ...
Jacaranda
Modernist Rosewood and Laminate Nesting Tables, Brazil
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist rosewood and laminate nesting tables, beautiful figured rosewood construction, Classic European quality and construction. Simple architectural design, remnants of original ...
Laminate, Rosewood
Six part `Pinwheel` Coffee Table by CIMO
Located in London, London
Six part `Pinwheel` Coffee Table forming a complete circle by CIMO, c1955, Brazil.
Wood
PK 71 set of three nesting tables by Poul Kjaerholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
PK 71 set of three nesting tables with square steel frame and black acrylic top. Originally designed by Poul Kjaerholm, Denmark, 1957. Produced by Fritz Hansen since 1982.