Italian designer Marco Zanuso helped cement his country’s place as a world leader in furniture design that used new materials in revolutionary ways.
Zanuso was part of a generation of furniture designers who encouraged a sharp departure from the traditionalism and classicalism that reigned over the design industry before the war. These designers, who are associated with what we now call mid-century modernism, experimented with new technologies and materials to deliver on the world’s newfound need for streamlined products that represented the future.
After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1939 with a degree in architecture, Zanuso served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after the war, he opened his own design firm in Milan in 1945. He later became an editor at well-regarded design magazines Domus and Casabella.
Zanuso used this editorial platform to both promote new Italian designs as well as his own pieces, some of which he made using unconventional materials like foam and latex. For instance, his famous Lady armchair from 1951 is a composition of foam rubber and Nastro Cord, a recently invented textile band of rubberized fabric that eliminated the need for metal springs. It was one of several pieces he designed for Italian manufacturer Arflex, along with the 1949 Antropus chair and the 1951 Sleep-o-matic sofa.
Zanuso often collaborated with other like-minded creatives. From 1955 until 1957, he was Olivetti’s architect, designing factories across Brazil, and for nearly two decades, he collaborated with German designer Richard Sapper. The pair’s most famous product is the 4999 children’s chair, manufactured in the 1960s by Kartell in Italy. The stackable chair was the first to be manufactured entirely of injection-molded plastic.
Zanuso and Sapper also partnered on the 1962 Brionvega Doney 14, the first European-made portable transistor TV; its sleek, compact and curvy form deeply influenced the design of television sets that followed, which were far more sculptural in form than the rigid boxes that characterized early models.
From the 1970s onward, Zanuso taught architecture and industrial design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He still exercised his creative talents, planning the headquarters for computer companies and renovating Italian theaters.
Each of Zanuso’s elegant works were demonstrative of a forward-looking sensibility. His projects saw an integration of novel industrial materials that not only helped emphasize the beauty of good design but also played a role in rendering these well-made products accessible to everyday consumers.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Marco Zanuso furniture, including armchairs, sofas, table lamps and other items.
Algol 11 Television by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Brionvega, 1960s
By Brionvega, Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper
Located in Torino, Piemonte
White television, Algol 11 model, designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Brionvega, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition; may show signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS: Hei...
Glass, Plastic
Mid-Century Lady Sofa in Powder Blue Velvet Mohair & Brass Legs by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
This elegant "Lady" sofa by renowned Italian designer Marco Zanuso is a timeless example of mid-century modernist design, known for its seamless blend of comfort, innovation, and scu...
Brass
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Gray Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, black steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, gray leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta ottoman: 25.6"...
Steel
$9,980 / set
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Later upholstery. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century “Marcuso” square coffee in chrome plated metal completed by a thick square shaped glass. This stylish table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta in ...
Crystal, Chrome
$3,259Sale Price|57% Off
Zanuso Senior Armchair Midcentury Italian Design Wool Fabric 1950s Brass Feet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Zanuso Senior armchair midcentury Italian design wool fabric 1950s brass feet.
Brass
Tile set series "Zanuso 31" design Marco Zanuso for Cedit, 1968
By Cedit Ceramiche 1, Marco Zanuso
Located in taranto, IT
set of 4 Tiles from the series "Zanuso 31" , consists of 4 elements decorated with orange decal on glossy white glaze forming a sun. In 1968, CEDIT introduced to the world of cerami...
Aluminum
Marco Zanuso for Arflex ‘Square’ Lounge Chair
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 'Square' lounge chair, fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1962 This eccentric chair by Marco Zanuso is well-executed embodying a solid construction. Characteristic...
Metal
Marco Zanuso 'Regent' Armchair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare 'Regent' armchair was designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in Italy in the 1960s. Characteristic for this iconic model are the generous, outward placed armrests ...
Metal
Pair of early Marco Zanuso design blue upholstery armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage 1950s armchairs Italian design. Light blue fabric upholstery tapered brown wood legs. Early Marco Zanuso " Lady Chair " Ideally for someone who wishes to re-uphols...
Metal
Set of 2 Two - Seater Sofas "Triennale", Design: Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of 2 This "IX Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The pair of sofas has an metal frame and seat cushions on Pirelli str...
Iron
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Martingala' Easy Chair in Coral Red Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, easy chair, model 'Martingala', fabric, chromium metal, Italy, 1950s. This eccentric easy chair, designed by Italian designer Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, is...
Metal, Chrome
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Cream Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, cream leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta We have two sets av...
Steel
Rare Important Original 4 Seater Lady Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arlfex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is a unicorn and may be one of only a few every produced. Hang on, because this is special! The Marco Zanuso “Lady” Sofa, designed in the early 1950s for Arflex, is one of...
Brass, Steel
Coffee Center Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Chrome and Smoked Glass
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Midcentury table 'Marcuso' by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta steel chrome and large tempered thickness smoked cristal. Excellent condition. Measures cm: H 33, W 103, D 56 About This...
Crystal, Steel
$8,018 / item
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Italy, new
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the color/material of the chair. Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An icon of 1950s Italian ...
Metal
Original SENIOR Armchair by Marco ZANUSO, Arflex Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
An early original 'Senior' lounge chair, upholstered in new green English velvet. Metal frame with brass leg fittings and wooden construction. Literature: Repertorio del Design Ital...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso Model 275 'Zanuso' Table Lamp in White and Brown for Oluce
By Oluce, Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marco Zanuso Model 275 'Zanuso' table lamp in white and brown for Oluce. Executed in nut brown metal and white opal perspex diffuser, this is one of the most refined Minimalist Ita...
Metal
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Moss Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, green grey coloured pure mohair fabric. Fast shipping worl...
Brass, Metal
Zanotta Large Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Large Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in ...
Glass
Marco Zanuso, Coffee Table, Wood, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass coffee table, model Square, designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex, Italy, c. 1960s. Water marks to one edge of tabletop. Minor scratches on glass; wear c...
Glass, Wood
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Lady' Armchair in Green Upholstery
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, easy chair, fabric, metal, Italy, 1950s A quintessential representation of 1950s Italian Design, the 'Lady' armchair stands as a celebrated testament to con...
Metal
LB65 Vitrine by Marco Zanuso for Poggi, Italy, 1970s
By Poggi, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milan, IT
Rare vitrine - storage unit model Lb65 by Marco Zanuso for Poggi. Glass shelves three doors featuring Carabottino wood frame. An apparently simple piece, mastery assembled by Poggi.
Glass, Wood
$2,328Sale Price|30% Off
Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Reclining Armchair, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Reclining armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, the armchair has been restored and upholstered in navy blue velvet with a gray piping finish. The extended armchair...
Iron
$9,600 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs for Arflex.
Brass
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, lounge chair, black leather, steel, Italy, 1964 This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is no...
Steel
Two-Seat Triennale Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The upholstery is covered in pink velvet fabric, which shows slight si...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Original Senior Lounge Chair for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Francisco, CA
Marco Zanuso original senior lounge chair for Arflex. Rare and iconic chair by Marco Zanuso just newly upholstered in velvet. Very comfortable and ready to install, retains manufactu...
Brass
$3,991Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Leather Reclining Armchairs, 50s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of reclining armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s. The armchairs have their original eco-leather upholstery, as shown in the photos. The upholstery is worn. A new uph...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Marco Zanuso 'Lady' Sofa by Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Raleigh, NC
Newly upholstered in sturdy mohair velvet this 1950s classic is ready for another 70 years. With beautiful curved form and brass feet this classic from Marco Zanuso is instantly re...
Brass
Large Italian Gio Ponti Style Curved Bench with Brass Legs
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Marco Zanuso, Osvaldo Borsani, Ico Parisi
Located in Houston, TX
Large Italian Gio Ponti style curved bench with brass legs. Large Italian curved bench with splayed brass legs. This stunning Italian modern Gio Po...
Brass
$4,371
Marco Zanusso Lady Chair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Dublin, IE
This Marco Zanuso "Lady" chair, designed in 1951, epitomizes Italian mid-century modernism with its bold, yet graceful design. Its sleek, curved silhouette combines a sculptural stee...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Pair of Lady Armchairs Hermès Blue Velvet Italy 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Extraordinary pair of armchairs designed in the 1950s by Marco Zanuso, one of the most renowned names in modern Italian design. Zanuso created the "Lady" model, culminating in a hist...
Iron
“Triennale” 4 seater curved sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex 60s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
The Triennale seater (often referred to as the Triennale sofa or settee) is a landmark piece of mid-century Italian design created by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1951. It is named aft...
Fabric
Postmodern Italian Marcuso Coffee Glass Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Hamburg, DE
Heavy glass coffee table from the Italian manufacturer Zanotta based on a design by Marco Zanuso from the late 1960s. A classic of Italian design. The design impresses with its simp...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Folding Chairs Celestina 70s, 80s by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
2 Celestina chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978, 1990s. Famous leather folding chairs with a high quality finish. Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 19...
Metal
Vintage 1970s coffee table designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Coffee table with cylindrical chrome-plated metal legs and a smoked glass top, designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to a...
Metal
1950's Italian Lady Armchair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Paris, FR
The Iconic 20th-century collectible vintage Lady chair was designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Italy in 1951. The very comfortable design features splayed expertly polished brass ...
Brass
"Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milan, IT
"Sleep-o-Matic" sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Evergreen shape and comfortable masterpiece of Italian 1950s design.
Metal
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1962, Set of 2
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962, set of two. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" armchairs, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commit...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair by Marco Zanu...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso "Square" Living Room Set for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Living Room Set for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" sofa, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to mod...
Velvet
Brionvega Algol 11
By Richard Sapper, Marco Zanuso, Brionvega
Located in Sacile, PN
White Algol 11 portable television by Marco Zanuso and richard sapper for Brionvega. A classic of Italian design. It needs some maintenance and a r...
Metal
Chair Model Poltrona Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Milan, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Delft, NL
Chair Model Poltrona Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Milan, 1950s Italian chair by Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) Original wool beige fabric ladies armchair...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Modern Leather Design
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair For Cassina A design armchair upholstered entirely in leather or fabric. Added depth lends shape to the comfortable, roomy seat flanked by sensuously ...
Foam
Original Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs, Italy, 1960s, For Reupholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. The original upholatery is worn and the chairs require reupholstery. They are sold as are for custom...
Brass
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962 The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" sofa, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to modernist desig...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, 1962
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962. The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" armchair, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to modern...
Velvet
Relax Sofa Set by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Poltronova
Located in Roma, IT
Relax sofa set is a set of tree realized by Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) for Poltronova in 1970s. Leather, wood, metal. Ashtrays on arms. Coach; height...
Metal
Marco Zanuso “Woodline” Model 722 Lounge Chair for Cassina - Italy - 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Marco Zanuso “Woodline” Model 722 Lounge Chair for Cassina, Italy, 1964 An iconic example of Italian modernist design, the Woodline Model 722 lounge chair was designed by Marco Zanu...
Leather, Bentwood
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Modern Fabric Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair by Marco Zanu...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Lady by Marco Zanuso Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
This iconic lounge chair Lady was designed by the masterful Marco Zanuso in the 1960s. Original upholstery and featuring a durable hardwood frame with steel legs and adjustable brass...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, leather and chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1964. This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is not ...
Steel, Chrome
Marco Zanuso, “Milord” Armchair in Black Skai, Arflex, 1957
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Kampen, NL
Designed by Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in 1957, the Milord armchair is a defining example of mid-century modern furniture design. Its elegant...
Brass
$1,425Sale Price|20% Off
Extending table by Marco Zanuso mod. Eton, Italy 1972
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Firenze, FI
Extendable table with lacquered wood frame and recessed glass top. Produced by the company Arflex , designed by Marco Zanuso mod. Eton. Bibliography Published in "Repertoire of Itali...
Crystal
Rare Original Leather Armchair & Ottoman by Marco Zanuso, Italy 1960's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A rare set in its original leather, the leather has been professionally preserved by MHG studio while the interiors have been replaced or reinforced where needed. The chair is on adj...
Brass
Coffee table "Antonio" by Marco Zanuso Anni 80-90 Production Memphis Milano
By Marco Zanuso, Memphis Milano
Located in Milano, IT
Center table with chrome-plated metal and aluminum base, there is natural beech solid wood and glass top. Good Condition
Aluminum
$4,656Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Reclining Armchairs, 50s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of reclining armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, the armchairs have been restored and upholstered in avio blue velvet with a gray mouse tail finish. The elongated ...
Iron
Brionvega Radio Cube mod. TS502, Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso
By Richard Sapper, Brionvega, Marco Zanuso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Brionvega TS502 Red Cube Radio with Knobs, designed by Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso
Metal
arflex armchair baronet model design marco zanuso 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in taranto, IT
very rare armchair model "baronet", Arflex production of 1964 on a design by marco zanuso, produced in very few copies made of rosewood with cushions in black leather (or eco-leathe...
Leather, Wood