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.
'Canto' Mid-Century Modern Pedestal in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Canto is a piece that can fit into any environment, with its combination of minimalist and mid-century modern styles, it can serve as a pedestal for art...
Brass
Coito Sculptural Side Table in Tropical Hardwood by Pedro Paulo Venzon
By Pedro Paulo Venzon
Located in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
Coito (translate into English as "Coitus") is a side table that forms part of a trio of pieces called the "Tríptico Infame" (Infamous Triptych). The “Tríptico Infame” is a look a...
Hardwood
Coito Sculptural Side Table in Tropical Hardwood by Pedro Paulo Venzon
By Pedro Paulo Venzon
Located in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
Coito (translate into English as "Coitus") is a side table that forms part of a trio of pieces called the "Tríptico Infame" (Infamous Triptych). The “Tríptico Infame” is a look a...
Hardwood
Wonderful Large Mid Century Modern Brushed Nickel Silver Planter Pedestal
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Large Mid Century Modern Brushed Nickel / Silver Tone Planter That May Also Be Used As A Pedestal If A Top Were To Be Put On It.
Nickel
Mid-Century Modern Travertine Marble Tall Tower Shape Table Pedestal
By Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern travertine hexagon shape side table pedestal. high accordingly. Harvey Probber influence.
Travertine
Sculptural Side Table Mango Wood Bleached Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wonderfully sculptural round side table features a ribbed pattern along its sides. The table's neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. It was crafted from a solid block ...
Wood, Fruitwood
Sculptural Side Table Crafted from Mango Wood, Burnt Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural side table. Its neutral pigment and subtle wood texture makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece. This table was crafted fro...
Wood, Fruitwood
Tall Square Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Pedestal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bring a touch of classical architecture into your home with this impressive tall square pedestal. This stand features burl veneer on all sides. Sturdy enough to hold your favorite ob...
Burl
Sculptural Side Table Crafted from Solid Mango Wood
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table with clear coated finish. Its neutral pigment and wood texture makes it perfect for any space. Carved from a solid trunk of mango wood, the ...
Wood, Fruitwood
Sculptural Round Side Table Mango Wood, Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wonderfully sculptural round side table features a ribbed & spiral pattern along its sides. The table's neutral pigment makes it p...
Wood, Fruitwood
Sculptural Side Table Crafted from Mango Wood, Bleached Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table. Its cream/white pigment was achieved through a bleaching process creating both a wonderful colour and effect. Its neutral pigment and subtl...
Wood, Fruitwood
Sculptural Side Table Mango Wood Sanded Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wonderfully sculptural round side table features a ribbed pattern along its sides. The table's neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatil...
Wood, Fruitwood
$720 / item
H 11.23 in Dm 9.85 in
Sculptural Side Table Crafted from Teak Wood, With Stunning Textures
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table in a natural finish. Its neutral pigment and wood texture makes it perfect for any space. Carved from a solid trunk of teak, the wood textur...
Wood, Fruitwood
$4,270Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 39.5 in W 12 in D 10 in
Mid-Century Modern Cerused Oak Pedestals, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern cerused oak pedestals. Each pedestal has black lacquered bases.
Oak
$980 / item
H 16.54 in Dm 12.6 in
Sculptural Side Table Crafted from Teak, Modern Organic, Burnt Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table. Its neutral pigment and wood texture makes it perfect for any space. Carved from a solid trunk o...
Wood, Teak
Rosewood Round Pedestal Base Dining Table
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian Rosewood dining table in the manner of Sergio Rodriques' Alex table. The table is crafted of rosewood on pedestal base with glass top. Meas...
Rosewood
Elisa Bench by Leonardo Bueno
By Leonardo Bueno
Located in Miami, FL
W 75”X H 18”X D 16” Elisa bench by Leonardo Bueno. Leonardo Bueno Art and Design is a showroom furniture and design objects factory located in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil . Th...
Brazilian 1940s Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unknown sculptor. Brazilian origin.