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.
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in White Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in White Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Frame in black or white painted steel. Nylon seat and back covered in...
Steel
$4,585Sale Price|30% Off
rare marco zanuso lady sofa by arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Munich, DE
rare and elegant lady sofa by marco zanuso. only produced for a short period by arflex / italy.
Metal, Brass
Pair of Celestina folding chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta - 70s, 80s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
2 Celestina chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978. Famous leather folding chairs with a high quality finish. Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 1916 - Milan, July 11, 2001) was an Ital...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Pair of Martingala armchairs for Arflex, Italy, 1950s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An elegant pair of early Martingala armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, designed in the 1950s and reupholstered in high-quality grey fabric, are now in excellent vintage condition....
Brass
$14,083 / 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
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Space Age Food Scale by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this beautiful scale design by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon, circa 1970's, very light use and perfect working condition.
Plastic
$14,036 / set
Pair of Lady Armchairs, Marco Zanuso, Cassina
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Lady armchairs, two pieces, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, now Cassina. Made in Italy, original design period 1951. Made with upholstered tubular metal frame, covered in skai a...
Faux Leather
$1,169Sale Price|50% Off
Marco Zanuso Coffee Table - 1970s Design - Chrome and Smoked Glass
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manzano, IT
Gorgeous coffee table attributed to renowned designer Marco Zanuso, an iconic piece that perfectly embodies the rationalist and industrial elegance of Italian design. The table feat...
Chrome
Zanotta Maggiolina Brown Leather Lounge Chair with Pouf in Polished Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or black nickel-satin finish. Sling in cowhide pigmentato 90. Back cushion in 100% new goose feathers in sections. Seat cushion upholstered in polyurethane/Dacron Du Pont in sections. Fixed internal cotton cover. Removable external cover in fabric, Ecofire or leather. The model with fabric-covered cushions has the armrests covered in leather matching...
Steel
Set/2 Marco Zanuso Lady Armchairs, 1950s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Marco Zanuso, Greenapple, Arflex
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Italian Lady Armchair designed by Marco Zanuso for the Casa e Arflex manufacturing company in the 1950s. This iconic design piece has been completely restored fr...
Brass
TL58 Dining Table in Walnut by Marco zanuso for Poggi, Italy 1960s
By Poggi, Marco Zanuso
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
A refined walnut dining table model TL58 by Italian designer Marco Zanuso, produced during the 1960s. The table is executed in richly grained walnut, showing a warm tone and a natur...
Walnut
Marco Zanuso Lady Divano Sofa in Green for Cassina, Italy - new
By Marco Zanuso, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Sofa designed by Marco Zanuso in 1951, relaunched in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen color/fabric.
Metal
Marco Zanuso Model 275 'Zanuso' Table Lamp in White for Oluce
By Marco Zanuso, Oluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marco Zanuso Model 275 'Zanuso' table lamp in white for Oluce. Executed in white metal and opal perspex diffuser, this is one of the most refined Minimalist Italian designs of the ...
Metal
Lady model sofa, Marco Zanuso for Arflex Italia 50's velvet Pierre Frey
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Catania, IT
Beautiful and authentic sofa model Lady by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1950s. It has recently been upholstered with a fine velvet "OPERA" burnt orange/earth color produced by Mai...
Brass, Iron
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubula...
Steel
Pair of Marco Zanuso Wall Lamps or Sconces by O-Luce
By Marco Zanuso, O-Luce
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful pair of excellent Italian 1950s Marco Zanuso wall lamps with thick Murano glass diffusers by O-Luce. Matching pair! Three E14 each. To be on the safe side, the lamp should...
Brass
Woodline Chair by Marco Zanuso, Italy, 1970's
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Austin, TX
Woodline black calf leather lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Supple original black leather upholstery sits within a bent plywood matte black frame. Very comfortable. Italy...
Leather, Bentwood
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 b...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchairs for Arflex in Opaque Rose Suede Leather, Pair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in North Miami, FL
These wonderful and iconic ZANUSO Senior armchairs retain the original Arflex label to underside. Upholstered in a soft dusty rose suede leather which accentuates the tones of this l...
Brass
Rare Curved Italian Mid-Century Triennale Sofa by Marco Zanuso, 1951
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important Italian Mid-Century Modern Triennale Sofa / Divan/ Couch by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1951. The piece is in it's original Ultra-marine faux leather / vinyl upholstery and Features a rare, subtle, curved form and recessed cushions. The slightly curved form sets it apart from other Zanuso Triennale sofa...
Brass, Steel
Zanotta Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top & Stainless Steel Legs by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Marcuso Table in Plate Glass Top & Stainless Steel Legs by Marco Zanuso 5/8” thick plate glass top, either clear or covered in acrylic finish ce...
Cement
$409Sale Price|50% Off
Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Manzano, IT
avolo by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s Coffee table "Zanuso," one of the BEST examples of industrial design, consists of two crystal shelves and 18/8 stainless steel legs. T...
Crystal, Steel
$5,427Sale Price / item|20% Off
lady Zanusi Arfkex armchair 1960s green velvet
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Lady armchair was designed in 1951 by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Iconic in style and innovation, it was the first armchair made with foam rubber and elastic straps. Flowing and env...
Metal
$17,600 / set
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchairs 1950-1960 for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous senior chairs that even a junior can sit in. Re-upholstery.
Brass
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in White Leather & Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular f...
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Trama Upholstery with Black Nickel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Trama Upholstery with Black Nickel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular...
Nickel
German Modern White Telephone Mod. Grillo by Zanuso Sapper for Siemens, 1960s
By Richard Sapper, Siemens, Marco Zanuso
Located in MIlano, IT
German Modern white telephone mod. Grillo by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper for Siemens, 1960s. Telephone mod. Grillo with "shell" shaped in plastic....
Plastic
Marco Zanuso "IX Triennale" Sofa for Arflex, Italy 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Utrecht, NL
“There is no border between craftsmanship and design. What we do on the model, which will then be reproduced a thousand times, is an activity in which we bring all our experience.” s...
Metal
Marco Zanuso Sofa for Arflex Mid Century Italian Modern Teal Upholstery Clean!
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Marco Zanuso Sofa Pull Out Daybed for Arflex Mid Century Italian Modern Teal Upholstery Clean! seat height: 16
Upholstery
$2,250 / item
Zanuso Table Lamp by Marco Zanuso for Oluce
By Marco Zanuso, Oluce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Zanuso table lamp designed by Marco Zanuso Soto for Oluce. A Classic, this lamp started in 1963 as the Model 275 and stands out with its large adjustable rotary Perspex diffuser, fastened to a lacquered metal base. Even though initially designed as a desk lamp it truly shines as a soft space light...
Metal
$8,772Sale Price|25% Off
Marco Zanuso "Milord" armchair and sofa in white Bouclé for Arflex, 1957
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Vigevano, PV
Marco Zanuso. "Milord" model sofa and armchair Teak wood with white bouclé covering. Arflex production 1957. Completely restored. Bibliography: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertoire of Ital...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Lounge Chairs in the Style of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage Italian lounge chairs in newly upholstered black and white geometric design, depicting animal print, also having black leather arm rests. Made in the style of Marco Z...
Brass
Set of 2 sofas and 1 armchair model "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Correggio, IT
"Square" living room set, designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1962. The set consists of a 3-seater sofa (193 cm x 90 cm x h 70 cm), a 2-seater sofa (142 cm x 90 cm x h 70 cm) and ...
Iron
Marco Zanuso Table Lamp 'Zanuso', White Metal & Opaline Glass, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Oluce
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 by Oluce, Italy. In 1963, Marco Zanuso designed the model 275 table lamp...
Metal
"Nuovasquare" Cognal Leather Settee by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milan, IT
"NuovaSquare" lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Fully cognac leather covered chair composed by padded blocks combination. Also available a matching lounge chair, pictured on t...
Leather
Italian modern red black Celestina folding chair Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red black Celestina folding chair Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1970s Folding chair mod. Celestina. The metal frame is painted red, the backrest and seat are made of bands...
Metal
Mid Century Baby Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare "Baby" chair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in the 50's. This lounge chair is very comfortable and classic elegant. This chair has been totally restored and reupholste...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century 'Sleep-o-Matic" Sofa in Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
An Important Italian Midcentury Modern 'Sleep-o-Matic" model sofa / couch in Tan Calf Leather by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1951. The divan / canape is composed of a metal structure, s...
Brass, Steel
Oluce Zanuso Table Lamp by Marco Zanuso - Nut brown - 220–240V
By Oluce, Marco Zanuso
Located in Varedo, MB
The Zanuso table lamp, originally designed by Marco Zanuso for Oluce in 1963, is a timeless design piece distinguished by its sculptural form and functional simplicity. Originally i...
Metal
Oluce Zanuso Table Lamp by Marco Zanuso - White - 220–240V
By Oluce, Marco Zanuso
Located in Varedo, MB
The Zanuso table lamp, originally designed by Marco Zanuso for Oluce in 1963, is a timeless design piece distinguished by its sculptural form and functional simplicity. Originally i...
Metal
$2,807Sale Price / set|46% Off
Armchairs Lady in the Style of Marco Zanuso, 1950s, Set of 2
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Armchairs Lady In the style of Marco Zanuso, 1950s, set of 2. These armchairs have been designed on the style of Marco Zanuso. Restored: new rigid padding, fabric replaced. Packaging...
Brass
Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Table, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marco Zanuso, by. Zanotta, edited by. Dining table. Round top in white marble, resting on a five-column base, the columns screwing to the top and ending in a decorative circle of...
Marble
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Black Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair with Pouf in Brown Leather & Black Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or ...
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Black Leather and Polished Steel Frame
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair & Pouf in Black Leather and Polished Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural o...
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in White 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
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Zanuso Armchairs for Arflex, Model Lady, 1950S
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of Zanuso armchairs for Arflex, Model Lady, 1950.
Metal
Lady Marco Zanuso by Arflex Cotton Velvet and Hermes Fabric Italian Armchair
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair model «Lady» designed by Marco Zanuso edited by Arflex. Structure made of solid wood, and metal legs. Seat and back upholstered in cotton velvet designed by India Mahdavi an...
Cotton, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Senior Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arlfex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Senior Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arlfex, Italy,1950s - New Upholstery
Brass
Italian Mid Century Armchairs in the Style of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
As one of the first Italian designers to go beyond aesthetic issues to incorporate technological, industrial, and communication variables into his art, Marco Zanuso introduced the co...
Silk
Marco Zanuso Senior Armchair, Brass & Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare Zanuso Senior armchair dated 1958 for Arflex, coated with a new padding on 2010 and lined with a vintage elegant tissue "The Forest" (1954) by Michele Cascella...
Brass
Marco Zanuso Mid-Century Modern Mod Lady Italian Armchair, 1950s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair model “Lady” designed by Marco Zanuso and edited by Arflex, made with solid wood structure and black metal legs. Bouclé wool upholstery Koala model edited by Pierre Frey. Fo...
Metal
Celestina Chairs by Marco Zanuso, Lacquered Steel & Leather, 1978
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered steel, leather. Measures: H 83 cm/ 2' 8 2/3" W 38 cm/ 14 15/16" D 44 cm/ 17 1/3" SH 46 cm/ 18 1/8".
Steel
Mid-Century Brown Leather Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Brown Leather Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s.
Leather
$11,697Sale Price / set|20% Off
Martingale Armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Martingale armchair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
Textile
$1,637Sale Price|22% Off
Black Lacquer Wood, Steel, and Glass Dining Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Vintage steel table with glass top edged in black lacquered wood Italy 1970. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the woo...
Crystal, Steel
Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper Metal ‘Lambda’ Chairs, Italy, 1959
By Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Set of four Lambda chairs by Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso for Gavina, Italy 1959. Industrial and revolutionary design made from stamped and enameled metal and rubber feet. The tec...
Metal