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.
"Piccola Tentazione" Armchair by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Dallas, TX
The "Piccola Tentazione" chair, designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973, embodies Italian modernist elegance with a seductive, inviting form. This Model 684 armchair features a...
Steel
Mario Bellini C&B 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original velvet (First Edition)
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' modular sofa in original red velvet 1973 Listed price is per module (2 modules ). The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect ...
Metal
Pair of Early Elephant Hide Grey Cassina Cab 414 Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Dronten, NL
Pair of very early Mario Bellini Cab 414 arm chairs made by Cassina, with elephant hide grey saddle leather upholstery zippered over the steel frame. M...
Steel
Pair of Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of Le Bambole two-seat sofas designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known individually as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is pa...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
Bambole Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Blue canvas fabric
Fabric
Space Age Vintage Modular Sofa Le Bambole Purple Lavender Mario Bellini 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage authentic modular sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini in purple and lavender striped colors from textile fabric 1970s, Italy. A great design icon modular sofa elements Le Bambole by Mario Bellini designed 1972 for B & B Italia consists of two ( 2 ) corner elements and one ( 1 ) seater. Two modular elements show labels, all elements show underneath original jute fabric stamped with company´s name. Beautiful original striped textile fabric in purple and lavender colors. These modular sofa elements gives a lot of options for installing a space and could perfectly create a thrilling contrast with contemporary environments. The condition is fair, it shows signs of age and use like stains, abrasions, fading, damages at the fabric and worn corners. Perfect for design connoisseurs, who love and appreciate preloved authentic design icons. Images are part of the description approx. measures: 2 corner elements: width 90 cm, depth 87 cm, height 71 cm, seat height 44 cm 1 one seater: width 79 cm, depth 87 cm, height 71 cm, seat height 44 cm Mario Bellini ( 1935 ) Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini designed many important furniture designs throughout its organic and complex shapes as Le Bambole Sofa, Amante or CAB Chair. This sofa design Le Bambole features cuddly and organic spirit and helps B & B Italia to earn many awards. Also the provocative advertising campaign with the female model Donna Jordan...
Textile, Upholstery
$23,192Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of 8 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
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 8 elements: - 5 armchairs (cm 71H x 65...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Amanta 24 armchair modular sofa Mario Bellini B&B Italia 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-Century Modern Amanta 24 Armchair Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s This exceptional set of 10 Amanta 24 lounge chairs, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Itali...
Fabric, Plastic
Mario Bellini Model 412 "CAB" Dining Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Model 412 "CAB" dining chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1977. Introduced in 1977, the CAB collection was the first chair in the world to feature ...
Leather
$1,300 / item
CAB 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Mario Bellini in 1977 for Cassina, the CAB chair is a masterpiece of Italian design. Each chair features a tubular steel frame enveloped in thick saddle leather, meticulo...
Leather
Blue Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa (one module)
By Mario Bellini
Located in London, England
Listed price is per module. One unit remaining from the original set of three modules. Reupholstered in Sky Blue cotton velvet by Rose Uniacke. Vintage item. Please refer to the It...
Metal
Le Bambole modular sofa 3 seats 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 fabric, Le Bambole is an iconic ...
Fabric
Mario Bellini Gli Scacchi Black Table (3) Elements for C&B Italy, circa 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vienna, AT
Mario Bellini 'Gli Scacchi' table/seat elements for C&B (later B&B) Italy, circa 1970- 3 elements Three black polyurethane elements by Mario Bellini that can either be used ...
Plastic
Mario Bellini Midcentury Brown Velvet Pianura Living Room Set for Cassina, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pianura sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by the Italian brand Cassina in 1970. The set is composed of a three seater sofa and two lounge chairs. It featur...
Velvet, Foam, Walnut
1990s Mario Bellini Vitra Figura High Back Desk Chair in Brown Leather
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, but the price is for each chair) 1990s vintage Figura desk chair by Vitra, designed by Mario Bellini. These are gorgeous o...
Metal
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa Four Seats in Fabric Italy 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Bellini Amanta B&B Italia Modular Sofa/ Five Seats, Italy 1970s Looking for a grand and comfortable sofa that can accommodate your entire family? Look no further than the "Ama...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Pair, B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Raleigh, NC
1970s Mario Bellini Bambole set newly upholstered, B&B Italia. A classic from the Italian designer with neutral patterned upholstery. Listed as a four piece set, 2 chairs, 2 pouf...
Upholstery
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Le Bambole sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for B&B, 1980s Sofa model Bibambola, form Le Bambole series, in light blue fabric. The two-seater couch features a soft, ro...
Fabric
$8,500 / set
Four Break Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four leather "Break" armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Leather
Two 'Amanta' Armchairs by Mario Bellini Production B&B Italia Anni 70 in leather
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Three 'Amanta' model armchairs with plastic frame, foam padding and leather upholstery, original to the period. They show some signs of time as visible in the photographs.
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Chenille, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” three seater sofa for B&B Italia, ivory chenille, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furnitur...
Foam, Chenille
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Easy Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” easy chairs for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a larg...
Leather, Foam
Early edition Cab 413 armchairs in leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Cab 413 Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1979 – Matching Early Edition Set in Rich Burgundy Leather Iconic Free-Standing Saddle Leather Armchairs with Sculptural Elegance Des...
Leather
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 256cm (100.78 in)
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s. With its bold aesthetic and versatile structure, Le Mura allows infinite compo...
Fabric
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. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Polyurethane structure, cotton and linen fabric, restored....
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton, Linen
Mario Bellini 412 "CAB" Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini 412 "CAB" dining chairs for Cassina, China red leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight. One of the most iconic Bellini's creations, "CAB" i...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 5
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 five. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desi...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Camel Velvet, 1971, Set of 5
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 five (two corners + three easy chairs). The search for a new shape for upholstered fu...
Velvet, Foam
Cobalt Blue Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1970s, this iconic sectional sofa was designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The sofa consists of 6 modular pieces that can be arranged in various combinations to ...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Camaleonda Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini, Italy 70s, White Bouclé Reupholstered
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini (1935) for C&B Italia in 1972. Composed of 4 large modular seats with backrest, 3 small modular seats with backrest, 1 small module without backrest and 1 shoe remover chair. White bouclé wool upholstery. Measurements of large seats (5): W 96 x D 96 x H 40/65 cm. Measures small seats...
Bouclé, Wood
Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Misinto, IT
Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini in 1970, is the sofa that defined the interior design aesthetic of an entire era, becoming an icon of Italian design. Camaleonda achieved succe...
Chenille, Rubber
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Easy Chair for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" easy chair 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 o...
Velvet, Plastic
Pair of Postmodern Leather Armchairs "Tentazione" by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Beograd, RS
Pair of postmodern leather club chairs "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The club chairs feature spectacular, somewhat organic and curvy design. The chairs are very...
Steel
Pair of 1986 Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Imago Arm Chairs in Black Leather
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of vintage 1986 Vitra Figura arm chairs, designed by Mario Bellini. These are gorgeous original examples, which retain their ori...
Metal
Mario Bellini Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, Leather & Steel, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded...
Steel
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table, Wood & Glass, Mid-Century Modern
By Mario Bellini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Table For Cassina A table with timeless design by Mario Bellini, who morphs the natural warmth of the material into ...
Wood
Mario Bellini La Rotonda Round Table in Walnut Wood by Cassina 1980s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
La Rotonda round-shaped table in walnut wood, designed by Mario Bellini in 1976 and produced by Cassina. La Rotonda table is an exquisite fusion of ...
Walnut
Area Curvea Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Beautiful 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, REQ...
Metal
Mario Bellini Set of Four 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Unusual Dark Blue Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of four armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was th...
Leather, Plastic
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
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 60 cm / 35.4 x 23.6 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
Mario Bellini 'Bambole' Lounge Chairs for B&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Wien, AT
The Bambole Lounge Chairs were created in 1972 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The design is undeniable one of Bellini's most iconic creations, and won the Compasso d'Oro award ...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Coffee Table Glass Fumè Top by G. Frattini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Iconic design 1960s chrome coffee table with fumè glass, Gianfranco Frattini designer, Cassina manufacturer. Measures cm: H 34, W 75, D 75.
Steel
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 padding, original cotton fabric. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Le Ba...
Fabric, Cotton
1970s Mario Bellini 3-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 ma...
Wool, Upholstery
Mario Bellini 'Cab Tab' Table in Leather Marble, Wood for Cassina, Italy - new
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
Also available in 200cm or 240cm width.Prices vary dependent on the chosen size, color and material. The design approach that in 1977 led Mario Bellini and Cassina to clad the stru...
Marble
$2,500
Mario Bellini Cab Chair
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini cab chair manufactured by Cassina Italy, circa 1970’s Buttery soft Oxblood leather Light surface markings on the seat Perfectly ...
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. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, ideally replaced. Dimensions: 29...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, Tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of four. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Steel
Set of 3 Black Modular Tables "Gli Scacchi" by M. Bellini for C&B Italia, '71
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
The "scacchi" are parallelepipeds in self-skinning polyurethane. finishing technique used for car dashboards. The result is that of solids soft to the touch that can be freely combin...
Plastic, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 16
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of sixteen. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by th...
Leather
Vintage Area Curva Lamp by Mario Bellini. Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Catania, CT
The Area Curva Lamp by Mario Bellini is a distinctive vintage lighting piece that embodies the elegance and architectural vision of Italian modern design. Defined by its refined curv...
Metal
$5,280Sale Price / set|45% Off
Amanta Modular Sofa in Orange Leather for C&B Italy, from Mario Bellini 1960s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Oirlo, LI
Mario Bellini Amanta modular sofa in orange leather for C&B Italy, 1960s. Four separate elements can be used as lounge chairs or sofa. The shells are white fiberglass and the s...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sofa by mario bellini model “Le stelle” for B&B italia leather
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
60s/70s sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, published by B&B Italy, “La Stelle” model. Entirely in mustard yellow leather (original leather), this model is recognizable by its wi...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of six. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Tentazione" Leather Sofa or Loveseat for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in The Hague, NL
This lounge two-seat sofa or loveseat designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina manufacture in 1970s period, Italy. Model No: 685, Creme color leather original upholstery, steel frame ...
Steel
Amanta Modular Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1976. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Previously reupholstered in beige leather. Rare and hard to find.
Leather, Plastic
'Le Bambole' Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s Italy
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Le Bambole chaise lounge chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Made in Italy and presented here with its original 1970s wool felt upholstery in Camel in fantastic condition...
Fabric, Foam
Mario Bellini B&B Italia Camaleonda White Bouclé Fabric Modular Sofa
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Exceptional original sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, composed of 3 modular seatings with its backrest and 2 armrests White bouclé wool upholstery. - Three...
Bouclé
Ornate Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
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 three large and three smaller...
Fabric