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 “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...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Cab 413 cowhide leather armchair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen size and color. Also available in 66cm width, 57cm depth, 82cm height and 45cm seat height. Cab is the world’s first free-standing cowhide chair,...
Cowhide, Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, natural leather, Italy, 1978, set of four The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric 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 ...
Textile
Mario Bellini "Le Stelle" Lounge Chairs Original B&B Italia 1974
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by Mario Bellini, the “Le Stelle” 1974 for B&B Italia lounge chair is a celebrated example of Bellini’s sculptural and highly sensual approach to furniture design. Defined b...
Leather, Linen
Mario Bellini "Pianura" Rectangular Coffee Table for Cassina, 1971
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Pianura" rectangular coffee table for Cassina, brown mohair velvet and wood, Italy, 1971. The “Pianura” living room set is a great expression of the minimalism and el...
Wood
$4,400 / item
Mario Bellini 684 Armchair for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Price dependent on the chosen material/color. A soft upholstered armchair with optional casters by Mario Bellini for the dining room or living room featuring a simple, inviting, reas...
Leather, Fabric
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofas, a Pair From B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of 1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas, B&B Italia An icon newly restored. This pair feature Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki). 66" long, 36" ...
Upholstery
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...
Velvet
Vintage Italian Leather CAB Armchair by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
A stylish and iconic vintage Italian leather CAB armchair by Mario Bellini. This was made in Italy by Cassina. It is of amazing quality and is also extremely comfortable. It has suc...
Leather
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,...
Leather
$29,733
Canapé "Camaleonda"
By Mario Bellini
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning “Camaleonda” sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, made from polyurethane, leather, stainless steel carabiners, chrome-plated brass rings, and solid beech wood legs.
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, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso d...
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton
Mario Bellini Azure Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 6
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 six modules with backrest. High quality Italian azure linen velvet upholstery. ...
Linen, Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini Model 413 "CAB" Armchair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Model 413 "CAB" armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1977. Introduced in 1977, the CAB collection was the first seating series in the world to fea...
Leather
CAB 413 Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina in a Dark brown leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship...
Cowhide, Leather
Mid-Century Modern Bambole Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern sofa Model Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1970s- 2 available Sold individually.
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 3 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 2 armrests and...
Wool
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978, Set of 12
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, set of twelve The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather
Mario Bellini Bambole lounge chair B&B Italia 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic Bambole lounge chair and poof designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The Le Bambole collection marked a breakthrough i...
Bouclé
Vintage 2 Seater Sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini produced by B&B ca. 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage 2 seater sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini produced by B&B Italia ca. 1970s. Fully restored in light green water stop soft fabric. Signed underneath. Mario Bellini receiv...
Fabric
Tentazione Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Original Cassina fabric
Fabric
Brown leather Le Bambole folding bed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Iconic Le Bambole folding bed / daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in its original brown leather. A celebrated Italian design known for its soft, sculptural presence and excep...
Leather, Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Il Colonnato Round Table by Mario Bellini, Black Marble, 1970s Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
Il Colonnato’, a 1977 project by Mario Bellini. In this project, Mario Bellini took his inspiration from a basic elemental structure in architecture. His design emulated the colonnad...
Marble
Mario Bellini Duc-Duc Sofa for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini Duc-Duc Sofa For Cassina The latest version of the Duc sofa, updated in both comfort and seat size, retains its panel structure and th...
Fabric
Italian modern brown velvet pouf Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1960s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown velvet pouf Camaleonda by Mario Bellini for C&B, 1960s Pouf Camaleonda with squared base and rounded corners, fully padded and upholstered in brown velvet. Sphe...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of three Camaleonda modular sofa elements with backrest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia and produced in Italy in the 1970s. This iconic seating system is one of th...
Velvet, Foam
Pianura by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Pianura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, designed in the 1971, is a refined exploration of horizontality and proportion, where seating is conceived as a low, expansive landscap...
Velvet, Wood
MCM 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Leather
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 405 Duc Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Plum Leather Beautiful Italian mid century modern 3 seat plum/eg...
Leather
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Four Seats in Fabric Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa/ Four Seats, Italy 1970s Looking for a grand and comfortable sofa that can accommodate your entire family? Look no further than the "A...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, designed 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed b...
Leather
Set of Six Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 413 Armchairs, Distributed by Atelier
By Mario Bellini, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina, Atelier International
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Few designs in the postwar canon achieve what Bellini accomplished with the Cab series: a chair that is simultaneously a feat of engineering and an act of tailoring. The steel skelet...
Leather
Mario Bellini Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg features a black ...
Steel
Mario Bellini 684 Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini 684 Armchair For Cassina A soft upholstered armchair with optional casters by Mario Bellini for the dining room or living room featuring a simple, inviting, reassuring, authentic style, a testament to the exceptional construction skills typical of Cassina. The initial project, called Le Tentazioni, originated in 1973 to offer an alternative to the classic, stiff, vertical seat styles...
Steel
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, newly upholstered in luxury cream alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping world...
Alpaca
1st Edition C&B, Italy 1971 — Single Module from the “Gli Scacchi” Series Design
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
1st Edition C&B, Italy 1971 — Single Module from the “Gli Scacchi” Series Designed by Mario Bellini This rare first-edition piece, produced by C&B Italia in 1971, comes from the cel...
Plastic, Rubber
Footrest pouf of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Footrest of Le Bambole series designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the ...
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
Pair of Sconces or Ceiling Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of Sconces or Ceiling Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy Lampshade is in good condition and very clean. This lamp works with E27 light bulb Wired and suitable t...
Plastic, Parchment Paper
Set of Two “Le Bambole” Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Iconic set of two vintage “Le Bambole” lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. Celebrated for their revolutionary approach to comfort and form, the Le B...
Textile
Mario Bellini Ceramic Flush Mount Lamp Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in Vienna, AT
Mario Bellini Flush Mount Lamp Area 50 by Artemide, Italy, 1976 Originally conceived as a table lamp, we altered this rare ceramic lamp so it can be attached to the ceiling. It has ...
Plastic, Parchment Paper, Ceramic
Bellini CAB 413 Armchair in Watermarked Black Saddle Leather for Cassina, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original Mario Bellini CAB 413 armchair in black leather with purely cosmetic watermark damage. Visible as a vein across the seat bench and across the back panel. Photographed with a...
Leather
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in a beautifully soft premium, taupe, pure alpaca fabric. Marked on the u...
Alpaca
Scala module low table pouf “Gli Scacchi” by Mario Bellini C&B Italia 70’s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Padova, IT
With a playful character, the Gli Scacchi series is made up of three inspired elements as the name reveals at most classic game, in particular the Queen, Knight and Tower pieces. Lig...
Acrylic
$180Sale Price|19% Off
Vintage 1970s table lamp designed by Bellini for Targetti
By Mario Bellini, Targetti Sankey
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Chromed metal and black plastic table lamp, flexible and adjustable, design Mario Bellini for Targetti, 1970s. CONDITION: In good, working condition, may show signs of wear given by...
Metal
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...
Velvet
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 bouclè fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic piec...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1978 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship between ...
Leather
Le Bambole Chaise Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&b, Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole Chaise-Longue designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972. Polyurethane foam, suede, restored. Bibliography: Domus n. 533, aprile 1974; C Fiell & P. Fiell, 1000...
Animal Skin, Suede, Hemp
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Taupe Alpaca, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, taupe alpaca wool, Italy, 1970, set of four "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellin...
Velvet, Plastic
1990s Mario Bellini for Vitra Imago High Back Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Imago Executive Desk Chair, initially designed by Mario Bellini and Dieter Thiel for Vitra in 1984. This example dates to the 1990s and was produced in Germany. It feature...
Aluminum, Steel
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Russian red leather, Italy, set of twelve The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Modular Sofa / Armchair Set Amanta by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in dark brown
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
These Amanta armchairs, designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, are an iconic example of Italian design. The chair features a white synthetic base and has been reupholstered in dar...
Fabric, Plastic
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...
Leather
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chairs, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia...
Alpaca
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...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa, Ivory Bouclé, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
Listed price is per module. Four modules available. Please refer to the Item Condition section for specific details. C&B Italia four large modules with large backs, three detachable armrests, newly reupholstered in Ivory bouclé by Dedar (Karakorum 001, 00T1701100001). The Camaleonda sofa...
Bouclé
Floor lamp «Chiara» by Mario Bellini for Flos, 1960s
By Flos, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Floor lamp in metal designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Flos. Model: Chiara. Wear due to time and age of the floor lamp. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
"Le Bambole" Armchair Designed by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Lounge Chair, produced by B&B Italia in the 1970s, is an iconic piece of Italian design. Characterized by its distinctive and innovative form, the ...
Metal
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 2
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 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was...
Plastic, Velvet