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.
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'CAB 414' Chairs in black stitched Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Cab' chairs. Model no 414. Stitched black leather. Zips onto a metal frame. In very good condition. Leather, stitching and zips on these chairs are all ...
Metal
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989, set of 4 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal l...
Leather
$12,775Sale Price|65% Off
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
CAT M- MALVA 02 WOOL PADDING MATT BLACK NICKEL CLASP AND ZIP T148 WITH CAL117 INTERLINER The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went ...
Velvet
$18,459 / item
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa designed by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to questions n...
Upholstery
Cab 412 leather dining chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Cab' dining chair, model '412', leather, Italy, designed in 1976. Upholstered in original red brown leather.
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Pianura' Lounge Chair in Walnut
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' lounge chair, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1971 The ‘Pianura’ lounge chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in 1971, presents a compact yet scul...
Fabric, Walnut
"Le Bambole" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
4-piece modular fabric sofa by Mario Bellini, “Le Bambole” model. Branded under the seat. Seat height: 41 cm. Wear due to age and time. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST ...
Fabric
Il Colonato Dining Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Red Persian Travertine with five columns. Can be arranged however you like. This is a very rare table.
Travertine
$3,005 / set
Set of 2 Ki Wood Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Horm
Located in Milan, IT
In Japanese, “ki” represents the energy found in every element. Mario Bellini takes inspiration from this concept for his refined and modern collection of chairs. Each piece is sinuo...
Other
Mario Bellini La Basilica Dining Table in Ash Wood for Cassina, new
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen size and number of legs (6 or 8). A designer table with an expressive name and exemplary construction, and a solid linear shape that reflects the new...
Wood, Ash
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Amanta Sectional Sofa/Lounge Chairs, 1973
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of 'Amanta' cognac brown leather and fiberglass lounge chairs, originally designed in Italy by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1966. The design was extremely popular and i...
Leather, Fiberglass
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...
Chrome
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 ...
Fabric, Cord, Foam, Plywood
Area 50 Hanging Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Paper and plastic hanging lamp by Mario Bellini, model: Area 50. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Plastic, Parchment Paper
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mario Bellini Amanta Chair Lounge Chair For B&B Italia Circa 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
The "Amanta" modular chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, designed in 1966. This example is reupholstered in a Pierre Frey dark olive neutral green mohair Teddy fabric and dark bla...
Upholstery, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
$22,478Sale Price|30% Off
Mario Bellini Italian Carrara Marble Oval Dining Table for Cassina, 70s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Puglia, Puglia
'Il Colonnato' oval dining table in white Carrara marble with evident gray veins by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The table features an...
Carrara Marble
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” easy chair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cush...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of four (two corners + two easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furn...
Velvet, Foam
5 Section 'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Caramel Leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Section 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in original caramel leather. Originally designed in 1970 and commercially released in 1972, Bellini combined two terms tha...
Leather
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton f...
Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to questions not only of aesthetics, ...
Textile
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971, set of 5 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
$32,362Sale Price / set|20% Off
Large Modular Camaleonda sofa cognac-colored leather M.Bellini original 70s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Large Camaleonda sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina he 1960s. this generous set has been completely refurbished and retouched with quality cognac-colored leather. The upholst...
Leather
Mario Bellini Model 684 "Piccola Tentazione" Armchair by Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Highland, IN
Mario Bellini's model 684 "Piccola Tentazione" was designed for Cassina in 1973. Piccola Tentazione translates as "Little Temptation". Created in the same period as his iconic CAB c...
Steel
Mario Bellini Red Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, 1970s Italian Design
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original Red Russian saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded l...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, camel velvet, Italy, 1971, set of six (two corners + four easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered furnitur...
Velvet, Foam
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 3 armchairs ( cm 71h x...
Metal, Chrome
Area 50 Pendant Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1974
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This iconic Area 50 pendant lamp, designed by renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini for Artemide in 1974, is a true masterpiece of modernist lighting design. Featuring a sleek and ...
Metal
Set of 2 Mario Bellini CAB 413 Chairs in Black Leather for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 2 Mario Bellini 414 CAB armchairs. Made by Cassina in Italy in the 1980s. Flexible steel frame covered with a skin of high quality black saddle le...
Leather
Le Bambole Bed In Buffalo Leather By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The Iconic “Le Bambole” collection by Mario Bellini also features this amazing kingsize foldable bed: “The Bambolettone”. The bed can be used as a daybed, lounge sofa, dormeuse, and ...
Velvet
1970s Mario Bellini 5-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless Organic Modern elegance of the original 1970s Le Bambole Italian sofa set with beige woven wool upholstery in superb condition. A Mid-Century Modern Italian masterpiece by the renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia. It was an instant success on launch in 1971. Today, it commands an extreme desirability as it's timeless playful aesthetic fits so well with both period and contemporary interiors. This vintage collection combines luxurious comfort, captivating aesthetics, and a rich history. Crafted with utmost precision, the set consists of three armchairs, one corner armchair, and one ottoman...
Wool, Upholstery
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushio...
Velvet
Le Bambole Mario Bellini sofa for B&B, 1970, brown leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Le Bambole sofa, set consisting of sofa and armchairs model “Le Bambole”, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970. The project represents one of the icons of Italian design ...
Leather
Le Bambole modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 3 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia , the Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, reupholster in cotton and linen fabric, Le Bambole is an i...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen
Pair of Mario Bellini Tentazione armchairs for Cassina - Italy, 1973
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A pair of generously proportioned and plush Piccola Tentazione armchairs by Milanese architect Mario Bellini. They are a fine example of the pieces that he designed for Cassina from ...
Mohair
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, mustard velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Landeau Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Reupholstered in plaid fabric with leather trim.
Leather, Fabric
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 and produced in 1972. This piece consists of one large square module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete with ba...
Chrome
Area 160 Floor Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Floor lamp with paper shade and metal base. The shade is adjustable. Stamped under the floor lamp. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
$4,164 / item
Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
The Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, designed in 1970, is a seminal work of radical Italian design, defined by its fully modular system and soft, sculptural articulat...
Velvet, Foam
Stereophonic TOTEM rr130 Radio by Mario Bellini for Brionvega, 1970s
By Brionvega, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
White Brionvega stereo radio, Totem model. The radio and record player work perfectly and have been completely overhauled by an engineer. There's a bluethoot connection for connectin...
Wood
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” modular sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large s...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Quartet sofa Cassina Italy 1964
By Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Extremely rare 932 'Quartet' sofa designed by architect Mario Bellini and manufactured by Cassina in Italy in 1964. Very early model made up of five separate pieces. It's quite challenging to come across one in this large and impressive size. What makes it even more special is its gorgeous cognac colour. This sofa's modular design means you can arrange its elements in various ways to suit different settings. It's still in good original condition, considering its age, with some expected wear and tear that adds character and enhances its beautiful appearance and patina. There are no holes or tears in it. In the 1960s Mario Bellini reinterpreted the concept of classic furniture stuffing with the 932 model, transforming the padding of the traditional armchair into an item of furniture: four independent cushions connected by a belt passed around the outside. Bellini took as his starting point Le Corbusier’s Grand...
Leather
Black Leather 'CAB' Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic leather CAB chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Priced individua...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina designed 1977, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg fea...
Steel
Mario Bellini Area 50 White Floor Lamps (3) by Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Vienna, AT
Floor light Area 50 by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy, 1976 Set of three, sold individually. Set of three floor lamps by Mario Bellini. Poetically conceived and practically execut...
Iron
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in White Boucle
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970 The iconic Camaleonda sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini for...
Metal
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of two The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Original Midcentury Couchtisch C&B Italia Mario Bellini Design schwarz
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen kleinen Couchtisch von C&B Italia aus den 1960-70er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Mario Bellini und gilt heute als wahrer Designkla...
Plastic
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful large Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, newly upholstered in luxury pure Alpaca wool fabric, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fa...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini "Colonnato" marble table by Cassina, Italy, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful and well preserved Colonnato table in Persian red travertine marble, design by Mario Bellini, produced by Cassina, 1977. In this table, the noble Persian red travertine ...
Marble
$13,087
Table by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The “La Basilica” table stands out for its sturdy, clean-lined design. It has six legs and is crafted from solid walnut. It was designed by Italian designer and architect Mario Belli...
Walnut
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Sofa model Granbambola, from Le Bambole series, in light blue fabric, marked Dàmeda. The three-seater couch f...
Fabric
$2,260 / item
Floor lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Lugo, IT
Floor lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide. Good condition. Thank you.
Metal
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, China red leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betw...
Leather
$3,640Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mario Bellini Vol Au Vent Chair Set of Four B&B, Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of four dining chairs in red fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Modern design, faboulos red dining chairs.
Fabric