Mario Bellini Furniture
Italian, b. 1935
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.
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Creator: Mario Bellini
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1970, set of five.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Pair Bellini "Amanta" for C&B Italia Modular Lounge Chairs
By Mario Bellini
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mario Bellini 'Amanta' Modular Chairs C&B Italia. Original velvet. Labeled. price for pair 32w 32d 27h 16.5s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini, Lounge Chairs, Beech, Vinyl, Italy, 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech and black vinyl lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini and produced by La Rinascente, Italy, c. 1960s.
Model documented in period advertisement.
Overall Dimensions...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Divano vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in None, IT
Divano a tre posti con struttura in legno e rivestimento in tessuto beige, modello “Tentazione” disegnato da Mario Bellini per Cassina, anni ’70.
CONDIZIONE:
In buone condizioni, po...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$6,841 Sale Price
20% Off
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco dark brown leather, Italy, 1977, set of two.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of Sconces or Ceiling Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of Sconces or Ceiling Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
Lampshade is in good condition and very clean.
This lamp works with E27 light bulb
Wired and suitable t...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Plastic, Parchment Paper
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chairs, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Ceramic Table Lamp
Area
by Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Malmö, SE
The iconic 'Area' Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1970s.
Great original condition. The shade has yellowed over time.
Light source: E14 screw bulb.
Switch on the bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Plastic
Nemo Nuvola H20 LED 2700K Wall Lamp 120V, 66W in White by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Family of pendant and wall/ceiling lamps with structure in natural opal polyethylene made in rotational molding. Diffused lighting for a widespread and comfortable output. The suspen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mario Bellini Furniture
Mario Bellini Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed 1977, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg fe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Steel
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Living Room Set for Cassina, Velvet, 1972, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" two armchairs, three-seater sofa and square coffee table for Cassina, argilla velvet and wood, Italy, 1972, set of four.
The “Pianura” living room set is a g...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" modular sofa for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of five.
The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Faux Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini Green Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972.
The set features two modules with backrest and two armrests.
Green linen velvet upholstery.
Fu...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Foam, Linen
Set of 2 Camaleonda armchairs and pouf by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in taranto, IT
Set of 3 modular elements of the world-famous "Camaleonda" by Mario Bellini, for B&B Italia, a timeless iconic piece that revolutionized the design of the 1970s, in this version, con...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Ivory “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in 4 Segments by Mario Bellini, Italy 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through 5 decades of design history as a true icon.
The modules of the sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. The elements that have made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The four separate segments of this “Camaleonda” were manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity.
The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The four modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules have been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
Big segment:
37.40 in W x 37.40 in D x 27.55 in H (with back)
95 cm W x 95 cm D x 70 cm H (with back)
Small segment:
25.59 in W x 37.40 in D x 27.55 in H (with back)
65 cm W x 95 cm D x 70 cm H (with back)
Literature:
Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.
About the designer:
Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.
He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.
His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina
A table with timeless design by Mario Bellini, who morphs the natural warmth of the material into ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Wood
$19,644 / item
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Dining or Coffee Table in Wood Marble for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material and size.
Available in 125 diameter x 43cm height OR 165 diameter x 71.5 - 74cm height (exact height of the table varies upon the chosen m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Marble
Le Bambole Chaise Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&b, Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole Chaise-Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972.
Polyurethane foam, suede, restored.
Bibliography: Domus n. 533, aprile 1974; C Fiell & P. Fiell,
1000 chairs,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Suede, Hemp
Vintage Italian Leather CAB Armchair by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic vintage Italian leather CAB armchair by Mario Bellini. This was made in Italy by Cassina.
It is of amazing quality and is also extremely comfortable. It has suc...
Category
Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Tentazione sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. Sofa has been reupholstered in a navy crushed velvet. Retains original Cassina label underneath.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini, Tentazione Sofa, Fabric, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric "Tentazione" sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini in 1973 and produced by Cassina, c. 1970s.
Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally replaced.
Dimensions: 29...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric
LUXURY RESTORED 1977 MARIO BELLINI FOR MATTEO GRASSI CAB 412 DESK / DiNING CHAIR
By Mario Bellini, Matteo Grassi
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare fully restored vintage 1977 Mario Bellini for Matteo Grassi Cab 412 desk or dining chair
Ple...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Bamboletto by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Light Grey Frosted 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 Bamb...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Pianura
Walnut Coffee Table or Corner Unit by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
The ‘Pianura’ coffee table, designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1972, takes its name from the Italian word for “flatland”—a fitting nod to its smooth, uninterrupted lines. Craft...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mario Bellini Reupholstered
Camaleonda
Modular Sofa in White Boucle
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970
The iconic Camaleonda sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini for...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Metal
B&B Italia Camaleonda Modular Sofas and Matching Ottomans
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the iconic Camaleonda Modular Sofas and Matching Ottomans by B&B Italia - a masterpiece of modern design and comfort. Crafted with high quality materials, this set fe...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Foam
Il Colonato Dining Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Red Persian Travertine with five columns. Can be arranged however you like. This is a very rare table.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Pair of Early Elephant Hide Grey Cassina Cab 414 Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Dronten, NL
Pair of very early Mario Bellini Cab 414 arm chairs made by Cassina, with elephant hide grey saddle leather upholstery zippered over the steel frame. M...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Steel
Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, 1970
s
By Mario Bellini
Located in LYON, FR
Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Vintage Le Bambole armchair created by Mario Bellini in 1972 for B&B Italia.
An iconic model with a generous, rounded desi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Area Floor Lamp by Mario Bellini
Giorgio Origlia for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in St. Leonards-On-Sea, GB
"Area" Floor Lamp by Mario Bellini & Giorgio Origlia for Artemide
An iconic "Area" floor lamp designed by Mario Bellini and Giorgio Origlia for Artemide. This sculptural piece featu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
12 Mario Bellini CAB 412 Chairs in Black Saddle Leather for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 12 Mario Bellini CAB 412 chairs, made by Cassina in the 1980s. Flexible steel frame covered with a skin of high quality black saddle leath...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table by Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table model La Rotonda designed by Mario Bellini in 1976.
Manufactured by Cassina, Italy.
A table with timeless design by Mario Bellini, who morphs the ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Wood
$19,644 / item
Mario Bellini for Cassina
Pianura
Lounge Chair in Walnut
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chair, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1971
The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a compact yet scul...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 10
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, set of ten
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione Loveseat
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mario Bellini for Cassina Tentazione loveseat, in a beautiful linen upholstery from renowned textile brand, Elitis. A true classic of midcen...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Linen
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, four elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Plastic
Le Bambole Chaise by Mario Bellini B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
B&B Italia chaise lounge Le Bambole
1972 design by Mario Bellini
Italian chaise made of heavy foam and newly upholstered in leather
A great design from ...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina
A table with timeless design by Mario Bellini, who morphs the natural warmth of the material into ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Wood
$27,447 / item
Mario Bellini 412 "CAB" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1978, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini 412 "CAB" dining chairs for Cassina, China red leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight.
One of the most iconic Bellini's creations, "CAB" i...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Steel
20th Century Vintage Italian Red Leather Chairs CAB by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Sofia, BG
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in late 1970s, Italy, features the original deep red saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back legs feature...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
$2,302 Sale Price
30% Off
Set of 3 Black Modular Tables "Gli Scacchi" by M. Bellini for C&B Italia,
71
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
The "scacchi" are parallelepipeds in self-skinning polyurethane. finishing technique used for car dashboards. The result is that of solids soft to the touch that can be freely combin...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Plastic, Foam
“Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in 3 Segments by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through 5 decades of design history as a true icon. The modules of the sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, thanks to its great success both in terms of the public and critics. It is constantly featured in most international design museums and in the film sets that have defined the collective imagination.
The elements that have made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The seven generous segments of the “Camaleonda” was manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity.
The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The seven modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The three pieces have all been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
98.42 in W x 37.40 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 13.77 in
250 cm W x 95 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 35 cm
Literature:
Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.
About the designer:
Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.
He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.
His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971.
This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Foam, Velvet
"Opera" Round Dining Table Drawn by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Opera" round dining table drawn by Mario Bellini and Manufactured by Meritalia
Crafted of solid oak, this large round dining table designed by Mario Bellini has an uncommon and scu...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of twelve.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the r...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini Green Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972.
The set features two big modules with two backrests and one armrest.
Green linen velvet upholster...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina
A table with timeless design by Mario Bellini, who morphs the natural warmth of the material into an elega...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Wood
$19,644 / item
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Steel
6 Mario Bellini 401 Break Dining Chairs in Tan Leather for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Rare set of 6 elegant tan leather 401 Break dining chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina in marvelous condition. The set consists of two arm chairs and four chairs without arms.
The c...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini Set of Six
Lira e Liuto
Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1989
This set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs has beautiful cognac colored leather tha...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Le Bambole Leather Sofa Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
cognac leather Le Bambole-seater Sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1978.
Price per sofa,
ONLY ONE SOFA STILL AVAILABLE!
The Bambole series today is a true icon ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather, Foam
Italian Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini le Bambole for B&B Italia 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early editions, and still 100% original, r...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Bambole Lounge chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
The Bambole lounge chair is part of the Le Bambole series, which was designed in 1973. Bambole is a timelessly modern icon and an expression of first-class Made in Italy design. What...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
$6,235 Sale Price
30% Off
“Le Bambole” Armchair and Ottoman by Mario Bellini, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
“Le Bambole” Armchair and Ottoman by Mario Bellini, Italy, 1970s
Ottoman :105x52x40cm
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight.
The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table by Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table model La Rotonda designed by Mario Bellini in 1976.
Manufactured by Cassina, Italy.
A table with timeless design by Mario Bellini, who morphs the ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Wood
$27,447 / item
Mario Bellini Italian Carrara Marble Oval Dining Table for Cassina, 70s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Puglia, Puglia
'Il Colonnato' oval dining table in white Carrara marble with evident gray veins by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The table features an...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mario Bellini furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mario Bellini furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of animal skin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Mario Bellini furniture, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 508 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 47 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Mario Bellini were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Afra
Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, and Vico Magistretti. Prices for Mario Bellini furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $217 and can go as high as $58,161, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,447.
Creators Similar to Mario Bellini
Questions About Mario Bellini Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether or not a Mario Bellini sofa is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that the designer's sofas provide plush support due to their thick backrests and seat cushions. With its sumptuous tufted cushions, seductive low profile and endless rearrangement possibilities, the Bellini–designed Camaleonda sofa, for example, is infinitely flexible and can double as sculpture in any interior. Shop a selection of Mario Bellini furniture on 1stDibs.
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