Italian designer Marco Zanuso helped cement his country’s place as a world leader in furniture design that used new materials in revolutionary ways.
Zanuso was part of a generation of furniture designers who encouraged a sharp departure from the traditionalism and classicalism that reigned over the design industry before the war. These designers, who are associated with what we now call mid-century modernism, experimented with new technologies and materials to deliver on the world’s newfound need for streamlined products that represented the future.
After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1939 with a degree in architecture, Zanuso served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after the war, he opened his own design firm in Milan in 1945. He later became an editor at well-regarded design magazines Domus and Casabella.
Zanuso used this editorial platform to both promote new Italian designs as well as his own pieces, some of which he made using unconventional materials like foam and latex. For instance, his famous Lady armchair from 1951 is a composition of foam rubber and Nastro Cord, a recently invented textile band of rubberized fabric that eliminated the need for metal springs. It was one of several pieces he designed for Italian manufacturer Arflex, along with the 1949 Antropus chair and the 1951 Sleep-o-matic sofa.
Zanuso often collaborated with other like-minded creatives. From 1955 until 1957, he was Olivetti’s architect, designing factories across Brazil, and for nearly two decades, he collaborated with German designer Richard Sapper. The pair’s most famous product is the 4999 children’s chair, manufactured in the 1960s by Kartell in Italy. The stackable chair was the first to be manufactured entirely of injection-molded plastic.
Zanuso and Sapper also partnered on the 1962 Brionvega Doney 14, the first European-made portable transistor TV; its sleek, compact and curvy form deeply influenced the design of television sets that followed, which were far more sculptural in form than the rigid boxes that characterized early models.
From the 1970s onward, Zanuso taught architecture and industrial design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He still exercised his creative talents, planning the headquarters for computer companies and renovating Italian theaters.
Each of Zanuso’s elegant works were demonstrative of a forward-looking sensibility. His projects saw an integration of novel industrial materials that not only helped emphasize the beauty of good design but also played a role in rendering these well-made products accessible to everyday consumers.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Marco Zanuso furniture, including armchairs, sofas, table lamps and other items.
Cassina 720 Lady Chair with Iconic Pattern and Black Legs
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Vancouver, BC
Designed in 1951 by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, the Lady armchair won the gold medal at the IX Milan Triennale in the same year. The armchair stands as a modern icon, the fruit of innov...
Fabric
Italian modern stools Minisit by Marco Zanuso for Elam, 1970s
By Elam, Marco Zanuso
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern stools Minisit by Marco Zanuso for Elam, 1970s Pair of swivel stools model Minisit with a glossy black plastic shell seat and a chromed metal frame. They feature an er...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex circa 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
An Original Marco Zanuso Triennale Sofa , 3 seat model, made for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951. "This model was first presented by Marco Zanuso at t...
Brass, Steel
Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper, ‘Lambda’ Chairs, Gavina Production, Italy, 1959
By Gavina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Argelato, BO
Designed by the famous Italian architect Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper nel 1959, the chair has an absolutely futuristic shape for the times which it was made. The "Lambda" was desi...
Metal
$5,274 / set
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of Italian Mid-Century armchairs by Marco Zanuso. Marco Zanuso was an Italian architect and designer. Born in Milan in 1916, Zanuso graduated from Politecnico di Milano in 1939 ...
Brass
Lady Armchair by Marco Zanusso for Arflex, Italy
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Lady armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951 for Arflex, Italy. Early edition with original velvet fabric and brass bases.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern "Regent" Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Regent" Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Velvet
Vintage Marco Zanuso Club Chair for Poltronova, 1970s, Good Condition
By Marco Zanuso, Poltronova
Located in Taranto, IT
Marco Zanuso For Poltronova Armchair 70s Vintage Design. The item is in good conservative condition. various signs of aging due to use and age. (Please see photos) Armchair Measu...
Metal
Italian Steel and Glass Sconces by Marco Zanuso for Oluce, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Oluce
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian steel and glass sconces by Marco Zanuso for Oluce, 1950s Unfindable pair of Italian sconces by Marco Zanuso for Oluce, dating to the 19...
Steel
Marco Zanuso “Woodline” Model 722 Lounge Chair for Cassina - Italy - 1964
By Marco Zanuso
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Marco Zanuso “Woodline” Model 722 Lounge Chair for Cassina, Italy, 1964 An iconic example of Italian modernist design, the Woodline Model 722 lounge chair was designed by Marco Zanu...
Leather, Bentwood
Marco Zanuso Armchair Set by Poltronova, Vintage 1970s Design, Italy
By Poltronova, Marco Zanuso
Located in Taranto, IT
Marco Zanuso For Poltronova Set 2 Armchairs And Coffee Table 1970s Vintage Design. The seven is in good conservative condition. On one armchair there is the absence of a bolt on th...
Brass
1970 Maggiolina Marco Zanuso Zanotta Design Black Leather First Edition Armchair
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brescia, IT
"Maggiolina" Armchair Designer Marco Zanuso By Zanotta Italy, 1972 Black Leather and Chrome Tubolar Frame Chaise longue designed in 1947 by Marco Zanuso, the great Milanese designer...
Metal
Vintage 1970s coffee table designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Coffee table with cylindrical chrome-plated metal legs and a smoked glass top, designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to a...
Metal
Zanotta Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Small Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top with Stainless Steel Legs Frame by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in ...
Glass
$16,000 / set
Pair of Marco Zanuso Lounge Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Marco Zanuso Mid Century Italian lounge chairs featuring brushed steel legs with brass feet. Chair upholstery has been professionally updated using a stylized shagreen white w...
Brass, Steel, Wrought Iron
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Black Leather
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, leather and chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1964. This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the architect. It is not ...
Steel, Chrome
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair by Marco Zanu...
Fabric
“Triennale” 4 seater curved sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex 60s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
The Triennale seater (often referred to as the Triennale sofa or settee) is a landmark piece of mid-century Italian design created by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1951. It is named aft...
Fabric
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Glass Dining Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Torino, IT
Glass Dining Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960 Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Italy Design Period – 1960 Production Period – 1960 Style – Midcentury /...
Glass
Marco Zanuso, Table mod. TL58, prod. Poggi, 1974
By Marco Zanuso, Poggi
Located in Rivoli, IT
Walnut wood table model TL 58 designed by Marco Zanuso for Poggi Italy in 1974. Bibl.: Giuliana Gramigna Repertorio del Design Italiano1950-2000 Allemandi 2011 pag. 224 Some marks ...
Wood
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair for Cassina, Modern Fabric Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair by Marco Zanu...
Fabric
Italian Industrial Design Grillo Flip Phone Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Oakland, CA
The Grillo "Cricket" phone the ringer sounds like crickets. designed by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper in 1965, this is a later version that can be used with touch tone architecture. This design has won numerous awards i.e. Compasso d' Oro 1967, Gold medal, Ljubljana, Bio, 1968. A fully working phone.
Plastic
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1950s, New Beige Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1950s - New Beige Upholstery.
Fabric
Midcentury coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Techniform, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Techniform. Stunning square coffee or bar table, wood structure, central top and storage compartment. Perfect vintage condition Italy 1960s
Wood
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marco Zanuso Lady Chair for Arflex 1059s
Brass
Marco Zanuso 'Zanuso' Table Lamp by Oluce, White Metal & Glass
By Oluce, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table lamp 'Zanuso' designed by Marco Zanuso in 2013. Table lamp giving diffused light. Opal PMMA diffuser rotating on the base. Painted metal curved support and base. Manufactured...
Metal
Pair of Woodline Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Woodline Lounge Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s An iconic pair of Woodline lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy. Originally conceived in ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Frame in black or white painted steel. Nylon seat and back covered in...
Steel
Living room table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Lugo, IT
Living room table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. The height to the glass. Custom shipping costs, please contact Good condition. Thanks
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Tocco Upholstery with Nickel Satin Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Tocco Upholstery with Nickel Satin Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular...
Nickel
Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Marcuso Round Coffee Table Smoked Glass Steel 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in bari, IT
In the late 1960s, Marco Zanuso conceived the Marcuso while observing automobile baffles, where a bracket was glued directly onto the glass: he imagined applying that technology to f...
Steel
"SD 57" chair by Marco Zanuso for Poggi, Italy, 1973
By Marco Zanuso, Poggi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Introducing a masterpiece of furniture design from the 1970s: the model SD57 chair designed by renowned Italian designer Marco Zanuso. This chair is a perfect combination of elegance...
Leather, Ash
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Black Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Black Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or black nickel-satin...
Steel
Arflex Sofa Triennale Model Design Marco Zanuso 60's Vintage
By Marco Zanuso
Located in taranto, IT
Rare two-seater sofa produced by Arflex, "triennale" model, design Marco Zanuso, late 50s. Polyurethane structure with ribbed velvet upholstery of light beige sand color, measurin...
Velvet
Marcuso Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1969
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Beograd, RS
Designed by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, the Marcuso coffee table is one of the most recognizable icons of Italian post-war design. Originally introd...
Steel, Chrome
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Marco Zanuso Reclining 'Lady' Lounge Chair in Leatherette, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use - rare model
Faux Leather
Tavolino Bar 'Square' di Marco Zanuso Produzione Arflex Anni '60
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
Tavolino da centro con vano bar chiuso tramite sportello e vani a giorno laterali. Arredo in ottime condizioni realizzato in legno con impiallacciatura in legno esotico, ha beneficia...
Wood
$2,697Sale Price|20% Off
Marco Zanuso Triennale Sofa for Arflex 1951 Red Velvet
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Red velvet two two-seater sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex Triennale 1951.
Brass
Marco Zanuso Ottoman, Brass tubular, fabric. Arflex, 1950, Italy.
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Footstool, Ottoman matching to Lady and Senior Chairs by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy, 1951 Feel free to ask for more images or a quote for shipping.
Brass
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair for Cassina, Walnut & Leather, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina Marco Zanuso’s exploration of support structures upon which to anchor the seat dates back to the design for an armchair entered in a MoMA...
Wood
Set of 2 original Italian armchairs Model "Lady" by Marco Zanuso, Arflex 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Pair of “Lady” Armchairs, Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s This Italian pair of armchairs was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex. They are still covered i...
Steel
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Extending table by Marco Zanuso mod. Eton, Italy 1972
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Firenze, FI
Extendable table with lacquered wood frame and recessed glass top. Produced by the company Arflex , designed by Marco Zanuso mod. Eton. Bibliography Published in "Repertoire of Itali...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Woodline Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Cassina
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An armchair with a striking, rigorous design, the outcome of research by Marco Zanus...
Leather, Wood
$25,413 / set
Marco Zanuso Set of Three Lady Armchair For Cassina
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Set of Three Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of the utmost stylistic, material and technological innovation, the Lady armchair...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Martingala Chair – Vivid Yellow Cotton Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Dronten, NL
A single, statement-making Martingala chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, marked with label. Upholstered in a striking yellow cotton – a 1960s Italian silhouette for maximalist and mod...
Steel
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair for Cassina, Italy, in red
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material.
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Leather Woodline Armchair by Cassina, Mid-Century Italy
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodline armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Leather and stained walnut wood. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A...
Leather, Wood
Folding chair Marco Zanuso
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
This folding chair with armrests was designed for Arflex by Italian industrial designer and architect Marco Zanuso. The “Bridge” model has a solid wood frame with brass elements. Th...
Wood
$729Sale Price|50% Off
Tavolino Da Caffè Marco Zanuso Per Zanotta 1970-1980
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manzano, IT
Tavolino da caffè Marco Zanuso per Zanotta1970-1980 Tavolino con doppio piano in vetro temperato fumè. Gambe in ferro cromate. PERIODO DEL DESIGN 1970-1980 ANNO DI PRODUZIONE 1970...
Metal, Chrome
$14,748 / item
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Woodline Armchair For Cassina Marco Zanuso’s exploration of support structures upon which to anchor the seat dates back to the design for an armchair entered in a MoMA...
Wood
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair by Cassina, Modern Fabric Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marco Zanuso Lady Armchair For Cassina Icon of Italian design in the 1950s and symbol of stylistic, material and technological innovation, Lady by Marco Zanuso made history with its...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Single Martingala Armchair, Italy 1950's
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
A Martingale armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. It takes its name from the pleated feature on its back.
Brass
Marco Zanuso Antropus Armchair by Cassina, Modern Fabric Upholstery
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1949, relaunched in 2015. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Antropus was created at the end of the 1940s when Marco Zanuso was commissioned t...
Fabric
Marco Zanuso Iconic Edition Black and White Lady Divano by Cassina
By Cassina, Marco Zanuso
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The armchair is now flanked by a two-seat sofa ith the same production features as the a...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Model 275 Table Lamp for Oluce, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Oluce
Located in Milan, IT
Marco Zanuso model 275 table lamp for Oluce.
Metal
"Woodline" Lounge Chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milan, IT
"Woodline" lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Unusual combination of white lacquered plywood frame and blue leather cushions.
Leather, Plywood
A Pair of 1950s Marco Zanco Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, Lambeth
A of Pair of Lady 720 armchair from Cassina in an elegant design language The Lady 720 armchair from Italian manufacturer Cassina is a stylish and cozy retreat in your living a...
Cotton
Velvet Deep Blue Three-Seat Sofa Model “Triennale”, Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1956
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This three-seater "Triennale" sofa was designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1950s and manufactured by Arflex in Italy. The deep blue velvet cover of the upholstery contrasts beautifully with the patinated brass sleeves. The piece of furniture is in good overall condition. Do not hesitate to contact us for further details. Literatur: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio 1950-2000, Allemandi, Torino, 2003, p. 84 Mobili Tipo...
Brass
Truba Carlo Moretti Mouth Blown Murano Clear and Milk Glass Floor Lamp
By Carlo Moretti, Marco Zanuso
Located in IT
Floor lamp of clear mouth blown Murano glass illuminating body and rod, the illuminating body is adjustable in height, metal base in anthracite painted iron. The lamp was designed in...
Iron
$14,048 / item
Marco Zanuso Grey Fabric Woodline Armchair by Cassina
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Woodline armchair designed by Marco Zanuso in 1964, relaunched in 2015. Grey fabric and black stained wood. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. ...
Leather, Wood