In its heyday, Móveis Cimo was the most prolific furniture manufacturer in Brazil. From humble beginnings, the company grew into a leading mid-century modern and modern design and production house. It made stylish and quality wood furniture like lounge chairs, coffee tables and buffets, which were made available to the average homeowner who wanted functional and attractive pieces.
Móveis Cimo was founded in 1921 by brothers Jorge and Martin Zipperer in the municipality of Rio Negrinho. Initially a chair company, Móveis Cimo quickly expanded its repertoire to include many types of furniture. At the time, there was a substantial gap in the Brazilian furniture market for quality furniture produced at an industrial scale for homes, schools, offices, cinemas and other public spaces.
Móveis Cimo filled this niche with simple but chic furniture that brought the latest styles to the masses. According to designer João Livoti, who spoke about the company to Gazeta do Povo, the brothers made frequent trips abroad to stay on top of post-war design trends. Comfort, ergonomics and the modern use of different shades of wood characterized the company’s furniture. Móveis Cimo was also the first company in Brazil to employ steam wood lamination techniques.
Jorge Zipperer died in 1944, just as the company was hitting its stride. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Móveis Cimo produced thousands of pieces of wood furniture for the Brazilian market. At the end of the 1960s, new wood fiber panel production methods shifted the furniture landscape in Brazil and introduced a host of new competitors. After Martin Zipperer died in 1971, the company began experimenting with new Dutch and French designs, although these were not widely popular.
Móveis Cimo closed its doors in 1982, but the company left behind a legacy of innovation that paved the way for future furniture makers. Today, Móveis Cimo furniture is collected worldwide as an inventive example of modern Brazilian furniture design.
On 1stDibs, find Móveis Cimo seating, tables, case pieces and more.
$2,170
H 30.71 in W 25.6 in D 28.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Wood and Original Velvet Lounge Chair made in France, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern wood and original velvet lounge chair made in France 1950s. Mid-Century Modern wood and original velvet lounge chair made in France in the 1950s . This lovely a...
Velvet, Beech
$18,200
H 30.32 in W 25.6 in D 29.93 in
Single Armchair by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Mid-Century Brazilian Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This Armchair was produced in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, a pioneer in Brazilian furniture industrialization. Cimo's history starts in 1921 with a wood boxes fac...
Silk
$10,699
H 34.65 in W 28.75 in D 29.53 in
Carlo Hauner Armchair, Solid Wood & Mohair Velvet, Mid-Century 1950
By Carlo Hauner
Located in PARIS, FR
Carlo Hauner Armchair, c. 1950 This elegant armchair, designed by Carlo Hauner circa 1950, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of mid-century Brazilian design. The sculptural fram...
Textile, Wood
$7,500
H 34 in W 21 in D 25 in
Brazilian Modern Armchair in Sage-Greige Mohair and Hardwood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of Brazilian Modernism at its most elegant and enduring, this exceptional armchair embodies the optimism, craftsmanship, and sculptural innovation that defined Braz...
Mohair, Hardwood
Armchair in wood and velvet, Mid-Century style, 1950s
By Augusto Romano
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair, attributed to Augusto Romano, 1950s. This armchair from the 1950s encapsulates the essence of mid-century modern design with its timeless eleg...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Slipper Chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Walnut & Velour
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century slipper / side chair with a walnut frame, square profile, and orange velour upholstery, resting on four slightly tapered dowel legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$6,500
H 29 in W 25 in D 21 in
José Zanine Caldas Armchair in Hardwood & Fabric, Brazilian Modern, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1950s by José Zanine Caldas (1919–2001), this rare Brazilian armchair exemplifies the designer’s early modernist language—where sculptural wood construction meets a d...
Fabric, Hardwood
$8,600 / item
H 39.38 in W 26.38 in D 20.87 in
Armchair in Hardwood and Fabric by Michel Arnoult — Brazil, 1960s
By Michel Arnoult
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This stunning mid-century armchair, designed by Michel Arnoult, exemplifies the designer’s dedication to creating pieces that are both functional and visually striking. Known for his...
Fabric, Hardwood
Armchair by Jean Gillon, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1970s
By Jean Gillon
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A hallmark of Jean Gillon’s sensual and humanistic design philosophy, this 1970s armchair exemplifies his masterful fusion of structure and comfort. The sculptural jacarandá frame, w...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,750
H 28.5 in W 28 in D 24 in
Tomlinson Sophisticates Slipper Chair by John Lubberts and Lambert Muller
By Tomlinson, John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful and rare Tomlinson slipper chair from the Sophisticates line circa 1950's. The model 650 chair was designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder. This chair have a walnut ...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Móveis Cimo, Slipper Chair, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown vinyl slipper lounge chairs designed and produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Wood seams present with light fissures throughout. Vintage upholstery ideally re...
Faux Leather, Wood
Móveis Cimo, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and brown grey fabric lounge chair or slipper chair designed and produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1960s. Fabric distressed, reupholstery recommended. Wear to wood frame co...
Fabric, Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green velvet lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 43.25"H x 24.25"W x 24.5"D Seat Height (inches): 17.5" Arm Height (inc...
Velvet, Wood
Ficks Reed, Lounge Chair, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and velvet folding lounge chair produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Wooden frame presents with moderate wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric...
Velvet, Wood
French Designer, Rocking Lounge Chair, Wood, Velvet, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood rocking lounge chair designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Wood frame has mild imperfections to arm rests, feet, and backrest siding. Reupholstered in ...
Velvet, Wood
Móveis Continental, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A light grey fabric, wood and brass lounge chair or slipper chair produced by Fábricas de Móveis Continental, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Brass
