Mario Bellini Sofas
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
Search Within: Camaleonda
Mario Bellini B&B Italia Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa 3 Seater
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Modular sofa Camaleonda model designed by Mario Bellini (1935) for B&B Italy in 1972. Composed of 3 large modular seats with support. White Bouclé wool upholstery.
Large seats measures (3): W 96...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of six.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs, e...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Plastic
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 Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclè, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of three.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, six elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it w...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, set of four.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa designs,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 2
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was o...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
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 Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in white velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972.
Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy.
The sofa is very comfort...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Foam, Chenille
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 2
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it w...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of four.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 8
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, eight elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Belli...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, three elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Belli...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 6.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Camaleonda Sofa 8 modules + Ottoman by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Mario Bellini, Camaleonda Sofa Set 8 modules+ottoman, realized for C&B, first series 1970 ca.
Original C&B Label.
Wood, Metal and Leather
Height: 65cm
Width: 95cm
Depth: 95 cm
...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Bouclé, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa des...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue petrol velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Plastic, Velvet
“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 Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini Azure Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 6
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 six modules with backrest.
High quality Italian azure linen velvet upholstery.
...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Linen, Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini Blue Cotton Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 7
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 seven modules with backrest (four big modules and three small ones) and one armres...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Velvet, 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 Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Foam, Linen
Mario Bellini Red Cotton Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in red cotton upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972.
Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy.
The sofa is very comfo...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Foam, Cotton
Mario Bellini Brown Alpaca Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
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 three modules with big backrest, and two modules with small backrest.
Alpaca...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Foam, Alpaca
Mario Bellini Azure Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 6
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 seven modules with backrest (four big modules and three small ones) and one armre...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
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 Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Mario Bellini Modular Sofa by C&B 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Camaleonda sofa is one of the most iconic creations by Mario Bellini, designed in 1970 for the company B&B Italia. This sofa exemplifies how design can be functional, modular, an...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Three-seater Sofa for Cassina, White, 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" three-seater modular sofa for Cassina, white fabric and wood, Italy, 1972
The “Pianura” living room set is a great expression of the minimalism and elegance ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Mario Bellini sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Mario Bellini sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas 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 sofas by B&B Italia, Afra
Tobia Scarpa, and Giancarlo Piretti. Prices for Mario Bellini sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,520 and can go as high as $32,956, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,056.
Creators Similar to Mario Bellini
Questions About Mario Bellini Sofas
- 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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