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.
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s Three-seater sofa mod. Square covered with cream-white linen fabric. The backrest has two round butto...
Metal
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair of Collectible Vintage Italian Lady Armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso for the Casa e Arflex manufacturing company in the 1950s. This iconic design piece has been completely re...
Brass
Set of 2 red "Lamda" chairs, Design. Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Gavina
By Richard Sapper, Marco Zanuso, Gavina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of two red chairs with the model name "Lamda" was made by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Gavina in the 1960s. The pieces are made of stamp...
Steel
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An icon of 1950s Italian design, the armchair-sofa lady stands out for its extrao...
Metal
$10,909 / item
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair for Cassina, Italy, new
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The seat is available in leather ...
Leather, Wood, Fabric, Ash, Walnut
Set of ten "Lamda" Chairs, designed by Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Gavina
By Marco Zanuso, Gavina, Richard Sapper
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of ten "Lamda"-chairs, which were designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper between 1959 and 1964 for Gavina. They are built of punched lacquered steel, which bears many traces...
Steel
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, Pair of ''Lady'' Armchairs in Blue Cotton Velvet
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An exquisite pair of Lady lounge chairs, originally designed by the renowned Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy in 1951. These remarkable chairs have undergone meticulous reupholstering,...
Metal
Large Italian Gio Ponti Style Curved Bench with Brass Legs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Marco Zanuso, Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
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
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic so called 'Lady chair' designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex, Italy, 1951. This lady chair has chrome-plated legs and original upholstery in grey. The upholstery...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Velvet
Pair of Marco Zanuso Brown Leather & Brass Slipper Chairs by Arflex Italy 1955
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex slipper chairs. Measurements: 21" D seat , 20" W seat, 15" H seat front, 13" H seat back, 24" H back seat, 33"H overall.
Brass, Metal
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
Original SENIOR Armchair by Marco ZANUSO, Arflex Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The 'Senior' lounge chair, upholstered in blue wool. Metal frame with metal leg fittings and wooden construction. Literature: Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000, p. 25, illust...
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
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
Pair of Armchairs Model "Woodline" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1964
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Curved lacquered plywood with leather-covered padding. Manufacturer's label. Very good condition. Rare and striking pair of lounge armchairs from the celebrated “Woodline” series ...
Leather, Wood
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Antropus was created at the end of the 1940s when Marco Zanuso was commissioned t...
Fabric
Set of Two Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchairs by Cassina
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Antropus was created at the end of the 1940s when Marco Zanuso was commissioned ...
Fabric
$2,035Sale Price / set|55% Off
Marco Zanuso, set of 4 Celestina foldable chairs for Zanotta, 1978
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Uppsala, SE
Set of four foldable Celestina chairs designed by renowned designer Marco Zanuso for Zanotta in 1978. Frame of black lacquered metal with seat and back of black cowhide over a nylon ...
Metal
Two-Seat Triennale Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
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 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
Yellow mustard velvet Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair for Arflex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
"Senior" model armchair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1951, with new mustard-colored velvet upholstery. Considered an icon of post-war Italian design, the "Senior" represent...
Velvet
$3,360Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Sleep-O-Matic Sofa / Daybed by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Munich, DE
Made by arflex. Can be pulled out as bed.
Fabric
1950s Early Lady Armchair by Marco Zanuso, Alpaca Upholstery, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Francisco, CA
This expertly restored early edition Lady armchair by Marco Zanuso features original patinated leg shrouds that beautifully complement the Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca bouclé upholster...
Upholstery, Wood
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Dark Brown with Black Steel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Dark Brown with Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natura...
Steel
$10,268 / set
Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs by Arflex, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wien, AT
A Rare Pair of Original Italian Mid-Century Modern "Lady" Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, France with the original upholstery. The chairs are set upon a set on boldly angled and t...
Brass
Set of Two Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Antropus was created at the end of the 1940s when Marco Zanuso was commissioned to ...
Fabric
Pair of Iconic Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs – Brass Feet, Green Velvet Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in IT
This iconic pair of Marco Zanuso "Lady" chairs from Italy epitomizes mid-century modern elegance and comfort. Newly upholstered in rich green velvet, these chairs offer a luxurious t...
Brass
Marco Zanuso by Arflex 1958 Vintage Lady Armchair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Biella, IT
Marco Zanuso lady arm chair years ’58 Arflex production general conditions and structure very good except in the two armrest problem c...
Metal
$7,963Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
This splendid Milord sofa, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 1950s, is a masterpiece of mid-century Italian design, perfectly balanced between elegance, innovation, and fun...
Brass
Superb Mohair 'Lady' Sitting Room Set Designed by Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Sumptuous and extremely rare 'lady' living room set designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex ,Italy in 1961. The set consists of a super rare and extremely elegant , three seat elliptical form, 'Lady' sofa ,the largest size produced complete with a matching pair of very early (artisan wood frame) production 'Lady Chairs '. Please note the coffee table is not included with this set. This set has been recovered in an extremely elegant high quality 'Musco' 00 mohair fabric by the famous Dutch textile manufacturer 'De Ploeg' . The fabric creates a warm luxurious organic glow as the mohair pile...
Brass, Steel
Large Marco Zanuso Armchairs with Walnut Feet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marco Zanuso armchairs with walnut wood feet - Italy, 1960s Extra large simple square shape newly reupholstered in ultra soft chenille Great cubist shape with iron legs and waln...
Fabric, Wood
Marco Zanuso 'Sleep-o-Matic' Sofa for Arflex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare 'Sleep-o-Matic' sofa / daybed designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1951. The sofa seat pulls forward and levels out to allow for a sleeping surface. Fully restored and reupho...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso 'Square' White Velvet Chairs with Teak Feet, Italy, circa 1962
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Argelato, BO
Splendid pair of armchairs designed by the Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso for Arflex. The chairs are in excellent condition, and have recently been reupholstered in whit...
Velvet, Wood
Marco Zanuso, Pair of Senior Chairs, 1950s and matching pair of ottomans
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Marco Zanuso, Pair of Senior Chairs, originally designed 1951, these examples likely dating from late 1950s/early 1960s and manufactured by Arflex. Accompanied by a pair of matching...
Metal, Brass
Newly Upholstered Regent Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in Petrol Color
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Berlin, DE
Marco Zanuso Regent 3-seater for Arflex, Italy, 1960s. The piece is on walnut glides and newly upholstered in Kvadrat steelcut fabric.
Fabric
$5,500 / item
Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs by Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1951 and winning the Gold Medal at the IX Milan Triennale that year, Marco Zanuso's "Lady" chair is an icon of mid-century Italian design. It was made by Arflex until 201...
Metal
Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Set of 4 Chairs "Celestina," Italy 1980s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Naples, IT
Celestina, the folding chair designed by Marco Zanuso and first presented by Zanotta in 1978, revolutionizes the concept of the traditional folding chair, giving it unprecedented str...
Steel
Woodline armchair, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Woodline armchair, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1964, Italy. Dark brown stained ash wood frame and light brown suede leather. It shows some small marks due to time and wear. Marco Zanuso ex...
Suede, Wood
Marco Zanuso "Regent" Sofa for Arflex, Sage Green Velvet, 1960
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Regent" Sofa for Arflex, sage green velvet, Italy, 1960. In the realm of luxury design, few pieces evoke the essence of mid-century Italian style as eloquently as the ...
Velvet
Pair of First Edition “Lady Chairs” by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Kampen, NL
This elegant armchair features refined brass-plated legs and has been newly reupholstered in a soft white cream fabric by De Ploeg (Ploegwool 02), enhancing both its comfort and time...
Brass
Cassina 720 Lady Chair with Iconic Pattern and Black Legs
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Vancouver, BC
Designed in 1951 by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, the Lady armchair won the gold medal at the IX Milan Triennale in the same year. The armchair stands as a modern icon, the fruit of innov...
Fabric
Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex circa 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
An Original Marco Zanuso Triennale Sofa , 3 seat model, made for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951. "This model was first presented by Marco Zanuso at t...
Brass, Steel
Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper, ‘Lambda’ Chairs, Gavina Production, Italy, 1959
By Marco Zanuso, Gavina
Located in Argelato, BO
Designed by the famous Italian architect Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper nel 1959, the chair has an absolutely futuristic shape for the times which it was made. The "Lambda" was desi...
Metal
Italian modern stools Minisit by Marco Zanuso for Elam, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Elam
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern stools Minisit by Marco Zanuso for Elam, 1970s Pair of swivel stools model Minisit with a glossy black plastic shell seat and a chromed metal frame. They feature an er...
Metal
Lady Armchair by Marco Zanusso for Arflex, Italy
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Lady armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951 for Arflex, Italy. Early edition with original velvet fabric and brass bases.
Metal, Brass
$5,274 / set
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of Italian Mid-Century armchairs by Marco Zanuso. Marco Zanuso was an Italian architect and designer. Born in Milan in 1916, Zanuso graduated from Politecnico di Milano in 1939 ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern "Regent" Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Regent" Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Velvet
Vintage Marco Zanuso Club Chair for Poltronova, 1970s, Good Condition
By Poltronova, Marco Zanuso
Located in Taranto, IT
Marco Zanuso For Poltronova Armchair 70s Vintage Design. The item is in good conservative condition. various signs of aging due to use and age. (Please see photos) Armchair Measu...
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 Armchair Set by Poltronova, Vintage 1970s Design, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Poltronova
Located in Taranto, IT
Marco Zanuso For Poltronova Set 2 Armchairs And Coffee Table 1970s Vintage Design. The seven is in good conservative condition. On one armchair there is the absence of a bolt on th...
Brass
1970 Maggiolina Marco Zanuso Zanotta Design Black Leather First Edition Armchair
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brescia, IT
"Maggiolina" Armchair Designer Marco Zanuso By Zanotta Italy, 1972 Black Leather and Chrome Tubolar Frame Chaise longue designed in 1947 by Marco Zanuso, the great Milanese designer...
Metal
$16,000 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lounge Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Marco Zanuso Mid Century Italian lounge chairs featuring brushed steel legs with brass feet. Chair upholstery has been professionally updated using a stylized shagreen white w...
Brass, Steel, Wrought Iron
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 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
“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
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 Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1950s, New Beige Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1950s - New Beige Upholstery.
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair for Arflex 1059s
Brass
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Frame in black or white painted steel. Nylon seat and back covered in...
Steel