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.
to
2
84
5
89
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
12
18
11
20
7
15
3
6
2
2
2
73
5
89
1
87
81
66
34
30
24
23
83
83
89
89
89
89
74
8
8
7
Creator: Mario Bellini
Search Within: Camaleonda
C&B Gold Camaleonda Modules
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in London, England
Modular in nature, this set of three Camaleonda units can be arranged in any position.
Backs and arms can be sourced and attached via cordage, which hooks to the metal 'o's used as d...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Steel
$5,303 / item
Blue Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa (one module)
By Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
A classic Italian design upholstered in Sky Blue cotton velvet by Rose Uniacke, a lovely soft velvet.
The iconic Camaleonda units can be arranged in any position, with adaptable ba...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini B&B
Camaleonda
Lounge Chair in leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original cognac leather, 1973
The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970 fo...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
B&B Italia Camaleonda Modular Sofas and Matching Ottomans
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Foam
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa (price per module; four available)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in London, England
C&B Italia four large modules with large backs, three detachable armrests, newly reupholstered in Ivory bouclé by Dedar (Karakorum 001, 00T1701100001).
Listed price is per module. F...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Mario Bellini B&B
Camaleonda
Lounge Sofa in cognac leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge sofa in original cognac leather, 1973
The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini B&B
Camaleonda
Lounge Chairs in cognac leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original cognac leather, 1973
The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 197...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
"Camaleonda" Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waasmunster, BE
The Camaleonda is a classic modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini in 1970. Known for its distinctive, soft, and curvilinear forms, the sofa features a unique structure that allows f...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Iconic Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini – Newly Upholstered Black Cotton, 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in IT
This iconic Camaleonda Sofa, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1973, has been newly upholstered in luxurious 100% Italian black cotton fabric. The sofa features two pieces with a single armrest...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Cotton
Mario Bellini C&B
Camaleonda
Lounge Chair in original velvet (First Edition)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original red velvet 1973
The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini C&B
Camaleonda
modular sofa in original velvet (First Edition)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original red velvet 1973
Listed price is per module (2 modules ).
The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect ...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini C&B
Camaleonda
modular sofa in original velvet (First Edition)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original red velvet 1973
Listed price is per module (4 modules available).
The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian a...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Metal
White Modular Sofa Model Camaleonda Designed By Mario Bellini. Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover unparalleled comfort and versatility with the iconic Camaleonda Modular Sofa, a timeless masterpiece designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. Crafted to perfection,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Mario Bellini B&B Italia Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Exceptional original sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, composed of 3 modular seatings with its backrest and 2 armrests White bouclé wool upholstery.
- Three...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Modular Sofa "Camaleonda", Design Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Napoli, IT
Modular sofa "Camaleonda", covered with original striped velvet fabric, design Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1970.
The modular elements with which the sofa was made can be used freel...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Modular Sofa for B&B Italia in Brown Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia is one of the most influential works of Italian design from the 1970s. This original vintage example consists of two modular elemen...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini, Italy 70s, White Bouclé Reupholstered
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935) for C&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 4 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 1 small module without backrest and 1 shoe remover chair. White bouclé wool upholstery.
Measurements of large seats (5): W 96 x D 96 x H 40/65 cm.
Measures small seats...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
"Camaleonda" Sofa modular by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in green fabric. There are 4 large pieces and an ottoman. Seat height: 35 cm. Dimensions of one piece: H: 65 cm W: 93 cm D: 93 cm
Dimensions of the ottoman : H : 35 cm W : 93 cm...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna Velvet, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, set of four.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Plastic
Mid Century by Mario Bellini Italian Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Exceptional original sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, composed of 6 modular seatings with its backrest and a foot stool.
Composed of:
- Six large seatings with...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Wood
Orange Cord Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Original
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original early B&B Italia Organic Modern 2-piece Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini in orange cord fabric. Consists of two lounge chairs of the largest 3x3 format in the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Cord, Foam, Plywood
Colorful Four-Piece Camaleonda Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia.
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant and iconic four-piece Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini in the 1970's, manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy. This rare version features four individual sections,...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
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 Sofas
Materials
Metal
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of six.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of eight.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia "Camaleonda" White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935-) for B&B Italia in 1972. Composed of large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest and 1 shoe re...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Wood
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia "Camaleonda" White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935-) for B&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 3 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 2 armrests and...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Wool
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 11
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 eleven.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eight.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
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 six.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa d...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 5
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 five.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
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 Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 3
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 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
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 2
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 two.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of two.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of four.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition
Camaleonda
Modular Sofa, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970.
The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric.
Original label. Prod. C&B,...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, set of two.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, set of four.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Camaleonda
in Original Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976, Signed
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are someone who seeks the absolute best of the best - this is for you. This is an all original modular Camaleonda sectional by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia made within the fir...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
$52,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, set of three.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sof...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Velvet, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, eight elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Plastic, Velvet
Early
Camaleonda
Sectional by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, c 1971, Signed
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumentally sized modular 'Camaleonda' sectional living room set (fourteen pieces in total) by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, each section signed with labels as can be seen in the photos. Included in the set are eight (8) full-sized seat sections, each is quite large and spacious which adds to the incredible comfort. And six (6) full-sized seat backs leaving two of the seat sections to be used as ottomans or free-floating seat elements to open the sectional to either side. This set has been previously professionally reupholstered with only light use and in very good condition.
Designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 for C&B Italia, later produced after 1973 by B&B Italia after Piero Busnelli bought out Cassina and changed the name to B&B. This set consists of six sections labelled with C&B labels and two sections with B&B labels, meaning that most of this set was produced between 1970 and 1973 - the original production years of the Camaleonda, and making this set ideal for collectors and investors of art and design.
*We have a large quantity of other Camaleonda elements (C&B Italia and B&B Italia examples, both in mohair fabric and in leather including some sets ready for reupholstery to a new fabric or leather of your choice) if you are looking for a larger set, contact us to discuss.
MEASUREMENTS:
*This is a modular set with fourteen (14) total pieces and can be configured in many ways as each seating section can be placed wherever you desire and the seat backs can be fixed to the seating elements where you want. You can configure as one large sectional sofa, three-seat couch with loveseats...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Fabric
$50,000 Sale Price / set
26% Off
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda Sofa and Ottoman - Set of 4
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Vintage authentic Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa; a designer classic.
Modular design includes three seating pieces and one ottoman.
The ottoman was reconstructed to match the existing original seating modules.
Includes three spherical pillows.
Total reupholstery required.
3 Seat Sections, dimensions per piece:
D: 37.75"
H: 26"
W: 37.75"
Arm height: 21"
Seat height: 15.75
Overall width of three seat sections together: 113"
1 Ottoman Section...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 11
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eleven.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eight.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modul...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modula...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool 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 wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, two elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa de...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, 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 Modular "Camaleonda" Sofa in Four Segments for B&B, Italy 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words for ‘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 five decades of design history as a true icon.
The elements that 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 specifically this 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.”
The modules of this sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. Considering the inherently modern and innovative design, this shall comes as no surprise.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules are upholstered in a brown velour 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:
Large segments:
147.63 in W x 37.79 in D x 26.37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 19.68 in
375 cm W x 96 cm D x 67 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 50 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
Fabric, 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, six elements.
"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, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 6
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 6.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, i...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Sand Beige, 1970, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, sand beige leather, Italy, 1970, five elements.
"Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Be...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
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 Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
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 four.
“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
Wood, Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 6
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 six.
“Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Mario Bellini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" sofa for B&B Italia, blue petrol velvet, Italy, 1970, set of three.
“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
Velvet, Wood
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 petrol velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four.
“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
Velvet, 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.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Mario Bellini Furniture
Mario Bellini Dining Room Chairs
Mario Bellini Sectional Sofas
Mario Bellini Chairs
Mario Bellini Lounge Chairs
Mario Bellini Armchairs
Mario Bellini Living Room Sets
Mario Bellini Side Chairs
Mario Bellini Loveseats
Mario Bellini Ottomans and Poufs
Mario Bellini Club Chairs
Mario Bellini Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Mario Bellini Daybeds