Milan-born architect and designer Mario Bellini just may be the closest thing to a modern-day Renaissance man: His creative output spans genres, from electronics to furniture to architecture to cars, comprising iconic designs in each. Vintage Mario Bellini sofas, dining chairs and other seating pieces are widely coveted, and the designer has been the recipient of multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro awards. More than 20 of his works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Born in 1935, Bellini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan before founding his own firm in his native city in the early 1960s. He soon branched out beyond architecture, however, first for the tech manufacturer Olivetti, where he served as chief industrial design consultant from 1963 to 1991. During that time, Bellini oversaw the design of some of Olivetti’s most popular typewriters.
His penchant for electronic design didn’t stop there: Bellini also designed cameras for Fuji, televisions for Brionvega and a slew of audio devices for Yamaha, then served as design consultant for Renault and devised the interior of the 1980 Lancia Trevi for Fiat. Meanwhile, his architecture work spans continents, including such modern gems as the Museum of Islamic Arts at the Louvre, the National Gallery of Victoria extension in Melbourne, the Dubai Creek Complex and the Milan Convention Centre in his hometown.
And then there’s the furniture: Over the last 70 years, Bellini has designed office furniture for Vitra; lamps for Artemide, Erco and FLOS; porcelain for Rosenthal and long-admired sofas and other seating for Kartell, Natuzzi, B&B Italia, Cassina and more.
His oft-imitated 1977 Cab chair for Cassina, comprising 16 individual pieces of saddle leather that create a “skin” over a minimal metal frame, remains one of the manufacturer’s best sellers today. His pudgy-legged, round tables for Cassina foreshadow Faye Toogood’s widely loved Roly Poly line. His postmodern Summa armchairs for Kartell, as well as his elegant Chiara floor lamp, still lure collectors on vintage furniture websites.
Bellini’s most famous contribution to furniture design, though, may be his 1970 Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia (then C&B Italia). An entrant to the 1972 MoMA show “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape,” the seat takes its name from the Italian words for chameleon and wave. Its bulbous, modular form makes it infinitely flexible. The sofa was a runaway hit at the show and, once discontinued, remained so popular among vintage dealers that B&B Italia reissued it in 2020 with all recycled materials and interchangeable seat covers. “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom,” Bellini said.
Browse an expansive collection of vintage Mario Bellini furniture — including dining tables, armchairs, mid-century sofas and more — today on 1stDibs.
Bed Le Bambole in velvet & linen upholstery by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Bed of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1970, reupholster in cotton velvet and linen. Carefully restored in antique pink velvet and linen to ensure b...
Cotton, Linen, Velvet
Bamboletto by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Cognac Leather 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The "Le Bambole-Bamboletto" daybed a rare edition design by the Italian architect and designer, Mario Bellini. This iconic piece was manufactured by B&B Italia in 1970s. The Bambole series is considered a seminal work of Bellini's, and represents the culmination of his research into stuffed furniture. The daybed features a minimalist design, reduced to an archetypical idea of a cushion. The precise geometry of the stitches and covers define the piece, which was originally stuffed with a material that was the forerunner of memory foam. The metal frame was later removed, improving comfort and allowing the stuffing to support the daybed on its own. C&B Italia was founded in 1973 renamed B&B 1976 and quickly became one of the leading international design companies. Under the leadership of Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, the company cultivated a reputation for supporting up-and-coming talents, such as Mario Bellini and Gaetano Pesce, who went on to become some of the most renowned designers of the 20th century. The Le Bambole daybed...
Leather
Rare Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Le Mura' King Bed in Chestnut Brown Velvet
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Le Mura' king bed, reupholstered in Larsen velvet fabric, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1972 The 'Le Mura' line by Mario Bellini was introduced in 1972 and...
Steel, Chrome
Italian modern brown fabric bed Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown fabric bed Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Bamboletto double bed or daybed, from the Le Bambole series, fully upholstered and covered in brown fabric....
Fabric
Italian Modern Le Bambole Striped Daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
This Le Bambole day bed was designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1976. It features a tubular steel structure, polyuretha...
Cotton, Foam
Bamboletto by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Grey Frosted Leather 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The "Le Bambole-Bamboletto" daybed a rare edition design by the Italian architect and designer, Mario Bellini. This iconic piece was manufactured by B&B Italia in 1970s. The Bambole series is considered a seminal work of Bellini's, and represents the culmination of his research into stuffed furniture. The daybed features a minimalist design, reduced to an archetypical idea of a cushion. The precise geometry of the stitches and covers define the piece, which was originally stuffed with a material that was the forerunner of memory foam. The metal frame was later removed, improving comfort and allowing the stuffing to support the daybed on its own. C&B Italia was founded in 1973 renamed B&B 1976 and quickly became one of the leading international design companies. Under the leadership of Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, the company cultivated a reputation for supporting up-and-coming talents, such as Mario Bellini and Gaetano Pesce, who went on to become some of the most renowned designers of the 20th century. The Le Bambole daybed...
Leather
American King Bed Offered in Stain Resistant Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Timeless design suitable for contemporary residential or hotel projects. Fabrics: Storm blue velvet Structure: Matt Smoked Eucalyptus. Other materials and ...
Velvet, Wood
$5,291
H 27.96 in W 79.14 in D 70.87 in
Mid-Century Modern Vanessa Bed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1950s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Vanessa bed, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Tobia Scarpa around 1959 and originally produced for Gavina (and later by Simon by Cassina), is an icon of Italia...
Metal
1970s Italian Brass Bed by Luciano Frigerio
By Luciano Frigerio
Located in London, London
Bed frame. By Luciano Frigerio. Brass. Hammered brass details. Bed head and foot joined by steel side stretchers. Internal measurement...
Brass, Steel
$4,513Sale Price|60% Off
H 37.41 in W 80.71 in D 92.52 in
Paolo Piva Double Bed King-Size Brass and Steel "Adia" by B&B, 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Fabulous Adia adjustable platform bed designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in the 1980s. The bed is made of cast steel and textured slate gray powder coated with brushed brass f...
Brass, Steel
1980s Ello Lighted Mirrored Floating Brass Bed King Size
By Ello Furniture, Karl Springer
Located in Bensalem, PA
Amazing king size Ello brass, and mirrored floating bed with headboard please look at video and pictures for overall detail and condition it also has four lights controlled by a swit...
Brass
‘Morna’ Bed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1972
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in 1972 by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, the ‘Morna’ bed is conceived as a complete composition in which the sleeping platform, headboard and bedside elements form a si...
Metal
$3,858
H 23.23 in W 78.75 in D 33.08 in
Italian modern daybed sofa Locus Solus by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern daybed sofa Locus Solus by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1970s Daybed mod. Locus Solus with patina chromed metal structure. The structure is entirely in tubular, which i...
Metal
Modern Platform Bed by Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture
By Thomas Pheasant, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A masterpiece of architectural minimalism, this bed features a low-profile silhouette with a recessed plinth base that creates a "floating" effect. The expansive headboard is typical...
Leather, Wood
B & B Italia Mid-Century King Bed, Upholstered Fabric, 1970s Italy
Located in Round Top, TX
A low-profile bed by B&B Italia dating to the 1970s, defined by its clean, architectural lines and grounded, lounge-like presence. The frame has been newly upholstered in a rich red Holly Hunt fabric, giving it a tailored, saturated look that feels both bold and refined. The design sits directly on the floor, with wide, fully upholstered rails and an integrated headboard...
Fabric
"Strips" Bed Designed By Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Cini Boeri
Located in Weehawken, NJ
“Strips” Bed Designed By Cini Boeri for Arflex, 1972 A celebrated piece of Italian modernist design, the Strips bed was designed by Cini Boeri in 1972 for Arflex, reflecting her dis...
Foam, Wood
$42,651
H 13.78 in W 125.99 in D 94.49 in
Exceptional signed TUCROMA bed in cognac leather by Guido Faleshini - i4 Mariani
By Faleschini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Guido Faleschini for Mariani, ‘Pace Collection’ Queen Tucroma Bed with Nightstands and Stools, Italy, ca. 1975 Natural Cognac Leather-Bodied Bed with Integrated Matching Round Stool...
Leather
$10,847Sale Price|26% Off
H 23.23 in W 126.78 in D 89.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa cognac leather bed model Morna for Molteni Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in IT
Afra & Tobia Scarpa - bed frame in cognac-colored leather - composed of headboard with integrated bedside tables and mattress base. Model "Morna" Molteni Italy 1972 Restored - wood ...
Leather
Sold|$5,641
H 21.66 in W 89.38 in D 126.78 in
Morna Bed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1972
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Morna Bed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, Italy, 1972 A masterpiece of Italian design from the golden age of modernism, the Morna bed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni ranks ...
Leather, Opaline Glass, Beech
Gae Aulenti bed mod. ‘Tennis’ for Gavina, Italy 1972
By Gavina, Gae Aulenti
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Large king size bed by Gae Aulenti mod. ‘Tennis’ for Gavina, Italy 1972. Unique and iconic bed from the ‘Tennis‘ series referring to the round shapes and th...
Leather, Wood
$16,022
H 80.32 in W 100.4 in D 90.95 in
Mario Ceroli for Poltronova Double Bed "Mouth of Truth," Italy 197
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Naples, IT
Beautiful, rare and original bed Mod. "The Mouth of Truth" designed in 1972 by Mario Ceroli as part of the "Furniture in the Valley" series, inspired by the metaphysical works of Gi...
Wood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 70.87 in D 92.52 in
Rare Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Le Mura' Double Bed in Green Upholstery
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Le Mura' king bed, Kvadrat x Raf Simons PHLOX 0933 fabric, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1972. The 'Le Mura' line by Mario Bellini was introduced in 1972 a...
Steel, Chrome
Bamboletto Bed, Mario Bellini, b&b
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Bamboletto bed is part of the Le Bambole collection, a 1972 design by Mario Bellini that celebrates 50 years of success with B&B Italia by introducing this exclusive model to the...
Velvet
Bamboletto bed, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare vintage Bamboletto bed from Mario Bellini’s bambole collection for B&B Italia in 1972. Resembling the iconic seating collection with a gorgeous silhouette, and featuring the ren...
Wool, Foam
"Bambole" Double Bed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milan, IT
Hard to find "Bambolettone" by Mario Bellini for B&B. Part of the "Bambiole" family, the piece features a full upholstered frame, two pillows and the whole piece can be folded.
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 98.43 in
Le Bambole Bed in Buffalo Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The Iconic "Le Bambole" collection by Mario Bellini also features this amazing kingsize foldable bed: "The Bambolettone". The bed can be used as a daybed, lounge sofa, dormeuse, and ...
Leather, Canvas
Le Bambole Bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The Iconic "Le Bambole" collection by Mario Bellini also features this amazing kingsize foldable bed: "The Bambolettone". The bed can be used as a daybed, lounge sofa, dormeuse, and ...
Alpaca, Velvet
Le Bambole Bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The Iconic "Le Bambole" collection by Mario Bellini also features this amazing kingsize foldable bed: "The Bambolettone". The bed can be used as a daybed, lounge sofa, dormeuse, and ...
Fabric
Sold
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 98.43 in
Mario Bellini " Le Bambole" Bed for B&B Italia, 1970s - Boucle Fabric
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mario Bellini " Le Bambole" Bed for B&B Italia, 1970s - Boucle Fabric New Upholstery
Fabric
Cassina Cab Leather King Bed
By Mario Bellini
Located in Tulsa, OK
LC50 cab leather night king bed with padded headrest and bed frame and legs upholstered in soft thick taupe leather and saddle leather. Poplar plywood and solid beechwood frame, head...
Leather