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.
Modular leather sofa "Camaleonda" by Mario Bellini original Italian 70s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gorgeous 3-seater modular sofa Camaleonda model designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini for C&B (later to become B&B). Since it is marked C&B it belongs to the first series so it also has ...
Leather, Plastic, Wood
Model 414 Cab Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Full leather construction. Signed.
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 10
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of ten. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini Brown Alpaca Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 5
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features three modules with big backrest, and two modules with small backrest. Alpaca...
Velvet, Foam, Alpaca
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 ...
Alpaca, Velvet
Area Curvea Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
White metal and paper table lamp by Mario Bellini. The adjustable shade allows the light to be directed in different directions. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FO...
Metal
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 2
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 two The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture...
Velvet, Foam
1980s Italian Designer CAB 414 2Seater Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wesseling, DE
Iconic vintage ‘CAB 414’ sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina during the 1980s. One of the most recognizable Italian postmodern seating designs, featuring Bellini’s signature s...
Leather
$4,521Sale Price / set|47% Off
Coppia di poltrone vintage anni 70 "Tentazione" design Mario Bellini per Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of armchairs with wooden frame and beige fabric upholstery, model "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. CONDITION: In buone condizioni, potrebbe presentare...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Bellini classic Duc-Duc velvet sofa for Cassina Italy, 1976 / 2024
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Skokie, IL
New showroom sample of the classic Duc-Duc sofa in velvet originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1976 and relaunched in 2020. A perfect balance of comfort and design. The sofa retai...
Steel
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...
Wood, Leather
2010s Mario Bellini for Cassina Bull 422 Dining Chair in Brown Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are 422 Bull Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 2008. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. Their design features a steel struct...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Daybed in Butterscotch Suede for C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A celebrated icon of Italian design, this 'Le Bambole' daybed was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. The series was an immediate critical success, earning the pres...
Fabric, Suede, Foam
Area table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy 1974.
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Athens, Attiki
Area table lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, Italy 1974. Very good condition
Ceramic, Paper
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
Le Bambole Sofa, Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los angeles, CA
Le Bambole Sofa
Leather
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...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Mario Bellini, Tentazione Sofa, Fabric, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini
Located in High Point, NC
A fabric "Tentazione" sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini in 1973 and produced by Cassina, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 29.5” H x 60” W x 33” D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" All it...
Fabric
Stunning natural leather Cab 413 dining chair by Mario Bellini for CASSINA Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
CAB 413 Dining Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina Natural Leather Dining Armchairs This set of CAB 413 dining armchairs is an iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, origina...
Leather
Pair of "Tentazione" chairs in Black Leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Dallas, TX
"Tentazione, pair of chairs - model 685 represents a significant work by the acclaimed designer Mario Bellini from the 1970s for Cassina. This piece exemplifies the celebrated union ...
Steel
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of three. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, ...
Velvet, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of one. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Dining Chair Mod.412, Italy, 1978
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Naples, IT
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, circa 1970s, features the original caramel-colored leather. The bottom of the chairs bears the inscription - Cassina.
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rel...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by t...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for uphol...
Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
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
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...
Leather
Mario Bellini Blue Cotton Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 7
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features seven modules with backrest (four big modules and three small ones) and one armres...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam
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...
Metal
$17,440Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Velvet Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising two large seating elements equipp...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it...
Plastic, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown Suede, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown suede, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag containing formle...
Foam, Suede
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Chair 415 in Black Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Greensboro, NC
Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab Chair 415 in Black Leather This example is circa early 2000s and shows beautifully with minimal wear to leather. 37" x 31" x 32" Seat 16.75"
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chair for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina in dark brown Tobacco leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Area floor lamp designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide in 1974
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Iconic Area floor lamp designed by Mario Bellini for Artemide in 1974. Raw cast iron base, lacquered metal frame, synthetic fabric shade, adjustable light. The project received an ho...
Metal, Cast Iron
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
“Le Bambole” Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Velvet Upholstery, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Iconic “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. One of the most celebrated Italian seating designs of the postmodern era, Le Bambole became internatio...
Velvet
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413 Set of Six Dining Chairs in Grey Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs, model 'CAB 413', leather, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chairs were designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the way B...
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...
Plastic, Velvet
La Rotonda Dinning Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The rare first edition from 1977 as Mario Bellini described the design for the table as “the essence of wood”. The oversized La Rotonda table who morphs the natural warmth of the ma...
Beech
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...
Plastic, Velvet
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 ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
$14,574Sale Price / set|30% Off
Sofa "Pianura" M.Bellini for Cassina 70s 4 seats wood and green velvet
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Modular sofa model Pianura made in 1975 by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Light Walnut Wood frame and green velvet upholstery. A sofa with elegant lines and the most natural materials, P...
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship bet...
Steel
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "AMANTA" Modular Sofa / Lounge Chair set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia / C&B Italia. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked with original lab...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Mustard Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, Natural leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Mario Bellini Brown Velvet Pianura Armchair for Cassina, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Pianura lounge chair, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. It features a brown velvet upholstery and a solid walnut structure. ...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut