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.
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
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair for Arflex 1059s
Brass
$4,569Sale Price|30% Off
rare marco zanuso lady sofa by arflex
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Munich, DE
rare and elegant lady sofa by marco zanuso. only produced for a short period by arflex / italy.
Metal, Brass
Pair of Woodline Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Woodline Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s An iconic pair of Woodline lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy. Originally conceived in ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Arflex Sofa Triennale Model Design Marco Zanuso 60's Vintage
By Marco Zanuso
Located in taranto, IT
Rare two-seater sofa produced by Arflex, "triennale" model, design Marco Zanuso, late 50s. Polyurethane structure with ribbed velvet upholstery of light beige sand color, measurin...
Velvet
“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 Ottoman, Brass tubular, fabric. Arflex, 1950, Italy.
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Footstool, Ottoman matching to Lady and Senior Chairs by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy, 1951 Feel free to ask for more images or a quote for shipping.
Brass
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair for Cassina, Walnut & Leather, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina Marco Zanuso’s exploration of support structures upon which to anchor the seat dates back to the design for an armchair entered in a MoMA...
Wood
Set of 2 original Italian armchairs Model "Lady" by Marco Zanuso, Arflex 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Pair of “Lady” Armchairs, Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s This Italian pair of armchairs was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex. They are still covered i...
Steel
$3,357Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Marco Zanuso Reclining 'Lady' Lounge Chair in Leatherette, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use - rare model
Faux Leather
Marco Zanuso Martingala Chair – Vivid Yellow Cotton Upholstery
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Dronten, NL
A single, statement-making Martingala chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, marked with label. Upholstered in a striking yellow cotton – a 1960s Italian silhouette for maximalist and mod...
Steel
$25,390 / set
Marco Zanuso Set of Three Lady Armchair For Cassina
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Set of Three Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Woodline Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Cassina
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An armchair with a striking, rigorous design, the outcome of research by Marco Zanus...
Leather, Wood
Zanotta Maggiolina Brown Leather Lounge Chair with Pouf in Polished Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or black nickel-satin finish. Sling in cowhide pigmentato 90. Back cushion in 100% new goose feathers in sections. Seat cushion upholstered in polyurethane/Dacron Du Pont in sections. Fixed internal cotton cover. Removable external cover in fabric, Ecofire or leather. The model with fabric-covered cushions has the armrests covered in leather matching...
Steel
Marco Zanuso Leather Woodline Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodline armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Leather and stained walnut wood. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A...
Leather, Wood
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair by 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 stylistic, material and technological innovation, Lady by Marco Zanuso made history with its...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair for Cassina, Italy, in red
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material.
Fabric
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
Folding chair Marco Zanuso
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
This folding chair with armrests was designed for Arflex by Italian industrial designer and architect Marco Zanuso. The “Bridge” model has a solid wood frame with brass elements. Th...
Wood
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Modern Fabric Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
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
Marco Zanuso Iconic Edition Black and White Lady Divano by Cassina
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The armchair is now flanked by a two-seat sofa ith the same production features as the a...
Metal
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in White Leather & Steel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular f...
Steel
Marco Zanuso Single Martingala Armchair, Italy 1950's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A Martingale armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. It takes its name from the pleated feature on its back.
Brass
Velvet Deep Blue Three-Seat Sofa Model “Triennale”, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1956
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This three-seater "Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The deep blue velvet cover of the upholstery contrasts beautifully with the patinated brass sleeves. The piece of furniture is in good overall condition. Do not hesitate to contact us for further details. Literatur: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio 1950-2000, Allemandi, Torino, 2003, p. 84 Mobili Tipo...
Brass
$14,035 / item
Marco Zanuso Grey Fabric Woodline Armchair by Cassina
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodline armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Grey fabric and black stained wood. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. ...
Leather, Wood
"Woodline" Lounge Chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milan, IT
"Woodline" lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Unusual combination of white lacquered plywood frame and blue leather cushions.
Leather, Plywood
Marco Zanuso Pair of Martingala armchairs for Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An elegant pair of early Martingala armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, designed in the 1950s and reupholstered in high-quality grey fabric, are now in excellent vintage condition....
Brass
Zanotta Maggiolina Brown Leather Lounge Chair with Pouf in Polished Steel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or black nickel-satin finish. Sling in cowhide pigmentato 90. Back cushion in 100% new goose feathers in ...
Steel
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in White Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in White Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Frame in black or white painted steel. Nylon seat and back covered in...
Steel
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Italian Lady Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso for the Casa e Arflex manufacturing company in the 1950s. This iconic design piece has been completely restored fr...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Lady Divano Sofa in Green for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
Sofa designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen color/fabric.
Metal
Pair of Celestina folding chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta - 70s, 80s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Padova, IT
2 Celestina chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978. Famous leather folding chairs with a high quality finish. Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 1916 - Milan, July 11, 2001) was an Ital...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century 'Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa in Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
An Important Italian Midcentury Modern 'Sleep-o-Matic" model sofa / couch in Tan Calf Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1951. The divan / canape is composed of a metal structure, s...
Brass, Steel
A Pair of 1950s Marco Zanco Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, Lambeth
A of Pair of Lady 720 armchair from Cassina in an elegant design language The Lady 720 armchair from Italian manufacturer Cassina is a stylish and cozy retreat in your living a...
Cotton
$13,989 / set
Pair of Lady Armchairs, Marco Zanuso, Cassina
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Lady armchairs, two pieces, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, now Cassina. Made in Italy, original design period 1951. Made with upholstered tubular metal frame, covered in skai a...
Faux Leather
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Steel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubula...
Steel
Lady model sofa, Marco Zanuso for Arflex Italia 50's velvet Pierre Frey
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Catania, IT
Beautiful and authentic sofa model Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1950s. It has recently been upholstered with a fine velvet "OPERA" burnt orange/earth color produced by Mai...
Brass, Iron
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or black nickel-satin...
Steel
Woodline Chair by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1970's
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Austin, TX
Woodline black calf leather lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Supple original black leather upholstery sits within a bent plywood matte black frame. Very comfortable. Italy...
Leather, Bentwood
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Trama Upholstery with Black Nickel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Trama Upholstery with Black Nickel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular...
Nickel
Marco Zanuso Sofa for Arflex Mid Century Italian Modern Teal Upholstery Clean!
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Marco Zanuso Sofa Pull Out Daybed for Arflex Mid Century Italian Modern Teal Upholstery Clean! seat height: 16
Upholstery
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchairs for Arflex in Opaque Rose Suede Leather, Pair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in North Miami, FL
These wonderful and iconic ZANUSO Senior armchairs retain the original Arflex label to underside. Upholstered in a soft dusty rose suede leather which accentuates the tones of this l...
Brass
Rare Curved Italian Mid-Century Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa / Divan/ Couch by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951. The piece is in it's original Ultra-marine faux leather / vinyl upholstery and Features a rare, subtle, curved form and recessed cushions. The slightly curved form sets it apart from other Zanuso Triennale sofa...
Brass, Steel
$8,743Sale Price|25% Off
Marco Zanuso "Milord" armchair and sofa in white Bouclé for Arflex, 1957
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Vigevano, PV
Marco Zanuso. "Milord" model sofa and armchair Teak wood with white bouclé covering. Arflex production 1957. Completely restored. Bibliography: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertoire of Ital...
Brass
Marco Zanuso "IX Triennale" Sofa for Arflex, Italy 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Utrecht, NL
“There is no border between craftsmanship and design. What we do on the model, which will then be reproduced a thousand times, is an activity in which we bring all our experience.” s...
Metal
$17,600 / set
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchairs 1950-1960 for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous senior chairs that even a junior can sit in. Re-upholstery.
Brass
Set of 2 sofas and 1 armchair model "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Correggio, IT
"Square" living room set, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1962. The set consists of a 3-seater sofa (193 cm x 90 cm x h 70 cm), a 2-seater sofa (142 cm x 90 cm x h 70 cm) and ...
Iron
$5,409Sale Price / item|20% Off
lady Zanusi Arfkex armchair 1960s green velvet
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Lady armchair was designed in 1951 by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Iconic in style and innovation, it was the first armchair made with foam rubber and elastic straps. Flowing and env...
Metal
"Nuovasquare" Cognal Leather Settee by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milan, IT
"NuovaSquare" lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Fully cognac leather covered chair composed by padded blocks combination. Also available a matching lounge chair, pictured on t...
Leather
Mid Century Baby Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare "Baby" chair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 50's. This lounge chair is very comfortable and classic elegant. This chair has been totally restored and reupholste...
Metal
Italian modern red black Celestina folding chair Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red black Celestina folding chair Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s Folding chair mod. Celestina. The metal frame is painted red, the backrest and seat are made of bands...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair, Brass & Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare Zanuso Senior armchair dated 1958 for Arflex, coated with a new padding on 2010 and lined with a vintage elegant tissue "The Forest" (1954) by Michele Cascella...
Brass
Mid-Century Brown Leather Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Brown Leather Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s.
Leather
$2,797Sale Price / set|46% Off
Armchairs Lady in the Style of Marco Zanuso, 1950s, Set of 2
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Armchairs Lady In the style of Marco Zanuso, 1950s, set of 2. These armchairs have been designed on the style of Marco Zanuso. Restored: new rigid padding, fabric replaced. Packaging...
Brass
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Black Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Black Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or ...
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Black Leather and Polished Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Black Leather and Polished Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural o...
Steel
Lady Marco Zanuso by Arflex Cotton Velvet and Hermes Fabric Italian Armchair
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair model «Lady» designed by Marco Zanuso edited by Arflex. Structure made of solid wood, and metal legs. Seat and back upholstered in cotton velvet designed by India Mahdavi an...
Cotton, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Zanuso Armchairs for Arflex, Model Lady, 1950S
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of Zanuso armchairs for Arflex, Model Lady, 1950.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Senior Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arlfex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Senior Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arlfex, Italy,1950s - New Upholstery
Brass
Italian Mid Century Armchairs in the Style of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
As one of the first Italian designers to go beyond aesthetic issues to incorporate technological, industrial, and communication variables into his art, Marco Zanuso introduced the co...
Silk