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.
Rarissime armoire de Zanine Caldas, pièce unique
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Armoire monoxyde par Zanine Caldas (1919-2001) de la série dite : « Denúncia » en pegui, commande spéciale pour madame Marcia Helena Rabelo, São Paulo vers 1970. Pièce unique experti...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Bloch Editores' Wardrobe, Rosewood, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Wardrobe for 'Bloch Editores' Rosewood, Brazil, 1965 Offered by RAFA gallery
Rosewood
$1,372 / item
"Freyr" Coat Rack in Natural Wood and Carbon Steel
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The modern Freyr coat rack is a support for our daily routines, used in the environment's entrance for hang personal objects. The piece of extreme functionality and beauty, is produced in natural tauari wood (a Brazilian reforested wood). It has a support table and also handles for hanging hats, clothes, bags, etc. The structure is made in metal carbon steel painted in black color, in matte finish. The color's metal could be customized in golden matte. Because it is a slim and vertical piece, it can be used in the hall of small environments, in bedrooms and also in corporate environments. It is versatile, practical and contemporary. A timeless and elegant coat...
Hardwood
$17,603 / item
Bucha Soberana by Cultivado em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Bucha Soberana by Cultivado em Casa Materials: Luffa, wood Dimensions: 80 x 45 x 175 cm Luffa (known scientifically as luffa cynlindrica), a recurrent climbing plant in Brazilia...
Wood
Rare Brazil Colonial 18th Century Armoire / Wardrobe
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This magnificent late 18th-century Brazilian armoire is a perfect piece for clothing storage, reflecting the timeless elegance of colonial craftsmanship. Constructed from solid wood, it showcases a natural patina and warm tones that speak to its rich history and enduring quality. With its substantial size and sturdy build, this armoire was likely a prominent fixture in an estate, perhaps originating from a distinguished plantation. The armoire features two beautifully paneled doors that open to a spacious interior, designed specifically for hanging garments or storing linens and other essentials. Inside, a wooden hanging bar offers a functional yet refined solution for keeping clothes organized. Below, it boasts two large drawers with elegant iron pulls, providing additional storage space for folded items or accessories. The lower compartment adds a practical element, ideal for bulkier items or those you’d like to keep neatly tucked away. Not only does this piece provide ample storage, but it also carries the character and charm that only centuries of history can impart. The iron hinges and lock details reflect the rustic charm of Brazilian colonial furniture...
Wood
Early 19th C. Wood 2-Door Cabinet w/Drawers and Original Paint in Blue & Yellow
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early 19th century wooden Brazilian cabinet with original old blue and yellow paint, two doors over three drawers and multiple inner shelves. This rustic cabinet stands tall a...
Wood
An 8+ Ft. Tall Antique Storage Cabinet from Brazil, with it's Original Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Brazilian painted wood cabinet, just over 8 feet tall. This antique wooden wardrobe from Brazilian retains it's original paint, ...
Wood
Brazilian Handcrafted Clothes Rail "Cumuru" by Dimitrih Correa
By Dimitrih Correa
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Recently launched at Collectible, in Brussels, it’s part of the Bahia, de Todos os Santos’ Collection. Inspired in the beautiful destinations in the Northeast, each piece of the c...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Magnificent 18th Century Brazil Colonial Armoire Cabinet
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This exquisite 18th-century Brazilian armoire, circa 1780-1790, originating from a historic sugar cane plantation, carries with it the rich legacy of colonial Brazil. Crafted from so...
Wood
CASTLE Wardrobe
By House of Hackney
Located in New York, NY
No castle would be complete without a wardrobe in which to keep your royal robes (aka your pyjamas). A majestically beautiful addition to your dream bedroom, this piece is handcrafte...
Wood
$4,245
H 66.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Vintage Modern Rosewood & Brass Plate Wardrobe Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Topeka, KS
Phenomenal vintage modern rosewood & brass plate wardrobe or chifforobe by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Comprised of gorgeous rosewood veneer and brass plated steel bands. Beauti...
Steel, Brass
$2,541Sale Price|28% Off
H 71.26 in W 47.25 in D 9.06 in
Giò Ponti in the Manner Italian Midcentury Coat Racks 50's
By Gio Ponti
Located in bari, IT
Walnut wood structure coat rack with brass table anchored to the structure, embellished with brass circles creating harmony in the wooden panel. Crystal hood with brass anchors. 1950...
Brass
$1,600
H 10 in W 25 in D 10.5 in
1900s Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Secessionist Bentwood Wall Coat Rack, Austria
By Thonet, August Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, original, and authentic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil / Secession) wall-mounted coat and hat rack, dating from around 1900 and produced by Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna, Austria. Th...
Bentwood, Wood
$6,900
H 66.53 in W 38.58 in D 15.75 in
18th Century Cupboard or Cabinet, Walnut, Castillian Influence, Spain Restored
Located in Miami, FL
Grand 18th century Spanish armario or wardrobe armoire constructed from oak. Features a coffered case fronted by two large doors. This massive cabinet made in Spain features beautifu...
Oak
$3,469
H 75.6 in W 43.31 in D 3.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Mid-Century Modern wardrobe or wall unit, crafted in the 1960s. This striking piece features a bold red background framed by a wooden grid structure. Each grid unit is accented by sc...
Wood
19th Century Chinese Tapered Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
19th century painted tapered Chinese cabinet. Having elaborate panels with gilt painting and raised moldings. Warm red lacquer adorned with black lacquer and gilt painting. Framing the panels recessed into the molding are remnants of crushed seashell used...
Cypress, Fir
18th Century Louis XVI Armoire
Located in High Point, NC
18th century walnut armoire from France. The arched crown is wonderfully molded and sits atop a grand case. The doors have arches at the top, and are raised paneled with central ov...
Walnut
Armoire vintage en bois de chêne des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Armoire vintage des années 60, en bois de chêne, pieds compas, beaux rangements : 2 portes coulissantes, 2 tiroirs avec poignées dorées, très bon état général avec quelques signes du...
Wood
$3,575
H 104 in W 104.5 in D 35 in
Late 19th-Early 20th C. Large Scale Walnut French Dressing Cabinet With Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An incredible ensemble acting as its own complete sitting room. A large scale carved walnut cabinet in the Louis XV style with double beveled mirrored doors for the deep side compart...
Brass
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 66.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Vintage Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Rosewood Wardrobe
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pasadena, TX
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin rosewood wardrobe armoire 1970 design Rosewood composition with gold brass trim (Two) regular drawers, (tw...
Rosewood
Quebecois Armoire
Located in Greenwich, CT
A French-Canadian armoire in pine having two doors on a narrow case with an overhanging molded cornice, the doors each featuring rebated full door X-crosses in a rectangular surround...
Pine
Package deal for L. Z.
By Claudio Salocchi, Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pieces: - Jorge Zalszupin room divider, net price $19400,- - Sergio Rodrigues sideboard, net price $16000,- - Salocchi sidetables, net price $4450,- Crating per item*: - Zalszupi...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by CIMO Studio, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by CIMO Studio, Brazil, 1950s Desk/ Sideboard manufactured by CIMO Studio (Móveis CIMO) in solid wood with natural varnish finish. It has two drawers on...
Wood
Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this one-of-a-kind Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The armoire is entirely made in Imbuia h...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this one-of-a-kind Brazilian Modern Armoire in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The armoire is entirely made in Imbuia h...
Hardwood
Sold
H 99 in W 65 in D 26.5 in
Large-Sized Brazilian Two-Door Storage Cabinet w/ Scalloped Crest, Mid-20th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large sized Brazilian painted wood storage cabinet from the mid-20th century. This vintage cabinet from Brazil features a thickly molded, double hooded pediment, atop two decorativ...
Metal
Old Brazilian Armoire
Located in Atlanta, GA
Old Brazilian Armoire with Bottom Drawer. Cabinet has been scraped down to the original color. Wonderful size.
Wood, Paint
Rare Brazilian Rosewood Cupboard
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare Brazilian rosewood cupboard, the single door with arched and scalloped panels, the sides similarly constructed, fitted with shelves, original wroug...
Rosewood