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.
Brazilian Designer, Rocking Chair, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige fabric rocking chair or lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Overall Dimensio...
Fabric, Wood
'Caverna' contemporary wooden rocking chair by Brazilian Studio Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Cavernas are the arched structures that, when combined, form the skeleton of a vessel. These delicately sculpted pieces are the pure embodiment of design, blending the strength and...
Wood
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes, Caramel
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes is crafted from natural leather threads, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship through techniques such as braidin...
Leather
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fring Pearl Color
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes is crafted from natural leather threads, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship through techniques such as braidi...
Leather
Brazilian Designer, Rocking Chair, Wood, Cowhide, Brazil, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige cowhide rocking lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1970s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and moderate use. Reupholstered in brand new cowhide...
Cowhide, Wood
Brazilian Platform Rocking Chair in Solid Wood with Hand-Painted Upholstery
Located in São Paulo, BR
Brazilian platform rocking chair in solid wood from around 1970, by an unknown maker, with upholstery in canvas painted by hand by the artist Márcia Cirne Lima. In a platform rocker ...
Fabric, Wood
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather Fringes Light Pink
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes, is crafted from natural leather threads, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship through techniques such as braid...
Leather
Sleepy Rocking Chair in Brazilian Solid Wood with a rocking footstool
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Sleepy is the smaller version of the Laziness rocking chair and is just as comfortable, perfect for moments of rest and relaxation. The low seat height is inspired by Japanese rocking chairs...
Linen, Wood, Hardwood
"Pearl" Hanging Swing Chair Aluminium Naval Rope 21st Century Off-white
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Pearl swing can be used in both indoor and outdoor areas. The structure is made of aluminum with a high performance electrostatic paint finish. The seat is made in naval rope br...
Aluminum
"Felicità" Modern Outdoor Indoor Swing in Aluminum Upholstered
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
Felicità Modern Swing – Outdoor & Indoor The Felicità Swing embodies the lightness of well-being through timeless design. Crafted with a powder-coated aluminum structure, it comb...
Aluminum
Brazilian Designer, Rocking Chaise Longue, Iron, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and leather rocking chaise longue designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Heavy oxidation present throughout metal frame. Leather likely replaced at some po...
Iron
Móveis Cimo, Rocking Chair, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood rocking lounge chair produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 41.75"H x 28.0"W x 39.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.5" Arm Height (inches): 25.8...
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Rocking Chair, Iron, Rattan, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and cane rocking lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Heavy oxidation to iron legs and frame. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.625” H x 31.5”...
Iron
Móveis Cimo, Rocking Chair, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood rocking lounge chair produced by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 41.75"H x 28.0"W x 39.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.5" Arm Height (inches): 25.8...
Wood
Rare “Cadeira de Embalo” Rocking Chair in Rosewood & Caning, Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and historically important "Cadeira de Embalo" (Rocking Chair) designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in 1948—one of the earliest and most celebrated seating designs crea...
Cane, Rosewood
"Revoar" Hanging Swing Chair Indoor e Outdoor, Teak Wood, Naval Rope Fringes
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Revoar swing is made entirely by hand with nautical macrame rope. The appreciation of manual work results in a sophisticated and exclusive design piece. The chains were represe...
Rope, Hardwood
Cane and Exotic Wood Brazilian Rocking Chair
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Buffalo, NY
Sculptural Brazilian rocking chair in the style of Joaquim Tenriero. Amazing quality and design. Original cane seat in need of restoration. (see photo). Hand delivery avail to New Yo...
Cane, Wood
Contemporary "Feijão" Rocking Chair by Rodrigo Simão in Corten Steel
By Rodrigo Simão
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Designed in 2015 by Rodrigo Simão, the “Feijão” chair pays homage to the award-winning designer’s country of origin not only in its name, “Feijão” – a la...
Steel
Mid-Century Walnut Brazilian Rocking Chair
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Brazilian rocking chair, circa 1950s, in walnut wood, exotic wood and leather. Dimensions: H101 x W71 x D84 cm.
Walnut
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes, Black
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes, Black (matte leather) is crafted from natural leather threads, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship through tec...
Leather
"Perlage" Outdoor Swing in Aluminum Upholstered in Bouclé and Nautical Rope
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Perlage outdoor swing is made with highly resistant nautical materials, which allows it to be used both indoors and outdoors. The foam is dry, repels rain and dries in two hours...
Aluminum
"Gunga" Outdoor Hanging Swing Chair, Aluminium, Naval Rope Handmade
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
The Gunga swing can be used in both indoor and outdoor areas. Inspired by one of the most beautiful postcards in Brazil, Gunga beach in Alagoas. The swing represents Brazilianness t...
Aluminum
$50,700Sale Price / item|35% Off
Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1947
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This rocking chair was one of the first pieces produced by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) when his Langenbach & Tenreiro store opened in 1947. Far beyond a designer and artist, Te...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
$19,994 / item
Supra Chair by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Supra chair by Mameluca Material:Copper plated steel, leather, Assorted fabrics Dimensions: D110x W90 x H90 cm Hélio Oiticica’s Parangolés inspired the creation of a rocking cha...
Steel
Vintage Rocking Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1947, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This rocking chair was one of the first pieces produced by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) when his Langenbach & Tenreiro store opened in 1947. Far beyond a designer and artist, Tenreiro was an intellectual and thinker of the Brazilian culture. The rocking chairs were part of the interior spaces in most Brazilian colonial...
Rosewood, Leather
Rocking Chair with Ottoman in Hardwood & Leather, Liceu de Artes, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian modern rocking chair and ottoman set dates to the 1960s and reflects the refined craftsmanship associated with mid-century production from the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios...
Leather, Hardwood
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Brazilian Modern Rocking Chair in Bentwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A masterful exercise in economy and material intelligence, this bentwood rocking chair by Moveis Cimo (c. 1950s) exemplifies mid-century Brazilian approaches to seating, where struct...
Bentwood
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Rocking Chair in Iron and Woven Rush, Forma
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, BR
Small rocking armchair designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and produced in Brazil by Forma around 1955, with a structure in welded iron rod painted black and a shell and arms ...
Iron
Brazilian Modern Rocking Chair in Hardwood & Leather, Liceu de Artes, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
This rocking chair by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios is a strong example of Brazilian modern design from the 1960s. The chair is constructed with a solid rosewood frame and features a susp...
Leather, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Rocking Chair in Metal, Wicker & Mohair, Carlo Hauner, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural Brazilian Modern rocking chair by Carlo Hauner, designed in the 1950s with a rare balance of architectural clarity, relaxed comfort, and understated luxury. The slender...
Metal
Tenreiro Rocking Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Solid Wood and Cane, Brazil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Lisboa, PT
Rocking chair designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1950s, a lounge rocker in solid wood with a hand woven cane seat and back. The rocking chair pairs a slender, sculptural solid wood ...
Cane, Wood
$1,260 / item
minimalist rocking chair "marcelo" by samuel lamas
By Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Marcelo Rocking Chair by Samuel Lamas, 2022 This minimalist rocking chair, crafted from stainless steel, nautical rope, wood, and tapestry, is designed with an architectonic and geo...
Stainless Steel
Rare Rocking chair par Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare rocking chair par Joaquim Tenreiro, vers 1947.
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Rocking Chairs in Bentwood, Cimo, c. 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Produced by Cimo in Brazil during the 1950s, this pair of rocking chairs reflects the manufacturer’s disciplined approach to bentwood construction and mid-century Brazilian modernism...
Bentwood
André Ferri, Side table - Swing "Viga", Friego Wood. 2018
By André Ferri
Located in PARIS, FR
André Ferri (né en 1990) Table d'appoint - Balançoire "Viga", 2018 Freijo, laiton et corde Dimensions : 72 x 44 x 13 cm (28.3 x 17.3 x 5.1 in) The Viga side table by André Ferri is ...
Brass
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes, Coffee
By Studio Marta Manente
Located in Centro, RS
“Revoar” Indoor Hanging Swing Chair, Hand-Braided Leather with Fringes, is crafted from natural leather threads, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship through techniques such as braid...
Leather
Brazilian Modern Ottoman in hardwood & Leather, Liceu de Artes, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century ottoman by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios is crafted in solid rosewood and upholstered in its original black leather, which remains in good condition for its age. The piec...
Leather, Hardwood
$2,788 / item
Wood Balanço Viga by Atelier Andre Ferri
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood Balanço Viga by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: W 71.5 x D 13 x H 43.5 cm. Materials: Wood. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990, graduated in Archi...
Wood
Brazilian Modern Rocking Chair in Metal and Acrylic, Unknown, 1970
Located in New York, NY
Departing from the material vocabulary typically associated with Brazilian modernism, this rocking chair is conceived in metal and acrylic—an exploration of line, transparency, and s...
Metal
Contemporary Leather and Wood Rocking Chair
By Pedro Useche
Located in Boston, MA
Flexus plywood rocking chair. One of a kind. Leather and wood.
Leather
The 'King of Slovenian Design' is getting discovered anew, thanks to reissues of his sleek and inventive postwar designs.
The noted design historian explores the origins of the rocking chair, a quintessentially American piece of furniture that is still going strong after 300 years.