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.
$8,900 / set
Tentazione Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Italy. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Original navy silky upholstery.
Upholstery
Mario Bellini Sectional Sofa Model 'Amanta' by B&B Italia, Italy 1970s
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
Iconic set of 5 Amanta lounge chairs by Mario Bellini manufactured by C&B Italia. A fascinating Italian design piece celebrating innovative modularity and 1970s style. Each chair...
Fabric
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green, 1971, Set of 4
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, set of 4 The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a l...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Mustard Leather, 1977
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chair for Cassina, Mustard yellow leather, Italy, 1977. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationshi...
Leather
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modula...
Alpaca, Velvet
$1,740Sale Price / item|25% Off
Pianura Mario Bellini coffee table for Cassina 1970's
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Wooden coffee table belonging to the Pianura collection designed in the 1970s by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Side tables are used to complement sofas and living rooms, and given the ...
Rubber, Wood
Mario Bellini, ‘Le Bambole’ Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mario Bellini, ‘Bambole’ Two-Seater Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s Mario Bellini's iconic 'Le Bambole' loveseat for B&B Italia showcases the revolutionary soft form design that defined 197...
Fabric, Foam, Wool
Olivetti Divisumma 18, designed by Mario Bellini, 1973
By Olivetti, Mario Bellini
Located in Firenze, IT
The Divisumma 18 is a portable electronic calculator made by Olivetti in 1973 through which the company entered the portable electronics market. Thanks to the design of Mario Bellin...
Plastic, Rubber
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Amanta Italian design modular sofa in velvet
By Mario Bellini
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Italian Design Icon: "Amanta" Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini Elevate your living space with one of the most emblematic pieces of 20th-century furniture design. Originally designed in ...
Velvet, Fiberglass
White Modular Sofa Model Camaleonda Designed By Mario Bellini. Italy 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover unparalleled comfort and versatility with the iconic Camaleonda Modular Sofa, a timeless masterpiece designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1972. Crafted to perfection,...
Bouclé
20th Century, Mario Bellini for Cassina Wooden Table Mod. Pianura
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Mario Bellini is an architect and designer internationally renowned. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and 25 of his works are in the permanent design collection of th...
Wood
B&B Italia “Le Bambole” Two-Seat Sofa – Design 1972 Produced 1988
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Iconic "Le Bambole" two-seat sofa by B&B Italia, originally designed in 1972 by Mario Bellini and widely regarded as one of the most influential seating designs of the 20th century. ...
Fabric, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of eight. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the r...
Leather
Area 50' Resin Pendant Light by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1976 - 2 Available
By Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
The ‘Area 50’ pendant light, designed by Mario Bellini, is a rare and iconic piece produced by Artemide in 1976. The resin shade, delicately folded like flowing fabric, diffuses ligh...
Metal
Italian Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini le Bambole for B&B Italia 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 'Le Bambole' sofa, brown patinated leather, Italy, 1972. This piece is one of the very rare prototypes or early editions, and still 100% original, r...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chair for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, designed 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
1990s Vitra Figura Cantilever Chair, Design by Mario Bellini, Object X, Metal
By Mario Bellini, Vitra
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1990s Vitra Figura Cantilever Chair, Design by Mario Bellini, Object X, Metal & Fabric Object: Cantilever Chair Manufacturer: Vitra Condition: Good Age: Circa 1990 Dimensions: ...
Metal
Bamboletto by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Cognac Leather 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The "Le Bambole-Bamboletto" daybed a rare edition design by the Italian architect and designer, Mario Bellini. This iconic piece was manufactured by B&B Italia in 1970s. The Bambole series is considered a seminal work of Bellini's, and represents the culmination of his research into stuffed furniture. The daybed features a minimalist design, reduced to an archetypical idea of a cushion. The precise geometry of the stitches and covers define the piece, which was originally stuffed with a material that was the forerunner of memory foam. The metal frame was later removed, improving comfort and allowing the stuffing to support the daybed on its own. C&B Italia was founded in 1973 renamed B&B 1976 and quickly became one of the leading international design companies. Under the leadership of Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, the company cultivated a reputation for supporting up-and-coming talents, such as Mario Bellini and Gaetano Pesce, who went on to become some of the most renowned designers of the 20th century. The Le Bambole daybed...
Leather
Mario Bellini Model 685 "Tentazione" Armchair by Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Atelier International
Located in Highland, IN
Mario Bellini's model 685 "Tentazione" was designed for Cassina in 1973. Tentazione translates as "Temptation". Created in the same period as his iconic CAB chair, the concept is si...
Leather
Area 50 Hanging Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Artemide
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
Set of six Break 401 armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1976
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Set of six Break 401 armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1976 Polyurethane foam upholstered sheetsteel frame with removable leather covers and feather filled cushion on ABS feet....
Steel
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Living Room Set for B&B Italia, Mohair, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” living room set for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971, set of three. (sofa + two armchairs) The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Dining Chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair,...
Leather
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of two 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 the most...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
Bibambola Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini Upholstered With Colored Arty fabric
By Mario Bellini
Located in Madrid, ES
Mario Bellini Bibambole Sofa in White Bouclé for B&B Italia, 1970s, Signed Iconic Bibambole modular sofa designed by Italian architect Mario Bellini (b. 1935) for B&B Italia...
Cotton, Wood
Tre Poltrone 'Amanta' di Mario Bellini Produzione B&B Italia Anni 70 in pelle
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Tre poltrone modello 'Amanta' con struttura in materiale plastico, imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in pelle, originale del periodo. Presentano alcuni segni del tempo come visib...
Leather
Pair Mario Bellini Black Leather Cab Chairs, Model 414 for Cassina Italy, 1980
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Mario Bellini Black Leather Cab Chairs, Model 414 for Cassina Italy, 1980's. Chairs are built with tubular steel frames and a thick sa...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Mohair Velvet, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The startin...
Foam, Velvet
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Lounge Chair for B&B Italia, Sky Blue 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 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete with ba...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, Tobacco Leather, 1978, Set of 12
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, tobacco brown leather, Italy, 1978, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by ...
Leather
Pianura Seating Group by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding, top rare seating group realized by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1971. Walnut structure, brown leather upholstery. Lade made of black rubber. The complete set is composed...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Leather
Set of 6 Cab 413 Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Surrey, BC
We have a set of six cab chairs, with tags, purchased in 1979 featuring two arm chairs and 4 regular chairs. Photo of set not available at time of entry ...polease request and i will get it sent. The Cassina CAB 412...
Leather
Two Italian Cognac Leather Lounge Chairs 413 - Bellini Design for Cassina, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in München, Bavaria
Iconic Mid-Century Italian design: A pair of Cab 413 armchairs by Mario Bellini, designed in 1977 for Cassina in cognac-colored leather. A steel frame is wrapped in thick saddle leat...
Steel
Cassina Cab 414 Armchairs PAIR by Mario Bellini in Dark Grey Matte Black Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous, RARE original Mario Bellini for Cassina 414 Cab Armchairs in gorgeous dark Grey / Black, PAIR of 2 chairs! Beautiful color, not available from Cassina anymore. All are in ...
Metal
Bellini Mario Design Years '70 Artemide Italy table, wall or ceiling lamp Area
By Mario Bellini
Located in Biella, IT
Bellini Mario design years '70 for Artemide Italy table, wall or ceiling lamp "area" in good structure condition with light sign of the years.
Metal
Mario Bellini "Torre" from "Gli Scacchi" Series for B&B Italy, 1971
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Torre" modular element from "Gli Scacchi" series for B&B Italy, leather, Italy, 1971, set of one. Playful in character and identity like its name suggests, the “Scacc...
Plastic
$64,242 / item
Opera Oval Table by Mario Bellini for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The “Opera” table is a sculptural exploration of craftsmanship and elegance, designed by Mario Bellini. Built with interlocked ribs of solid wood that form a striking “hull-like” str...
Oak
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1970, set of 2 "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini, it was o...
Leather, Plastic
Stunning & Early leather Cab 414 dining chair by Mario Bellini for CASSINA Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Cab 414 Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina Early Production Armchairs in Burnt Sienna Saddle Leather Designed by Mario Bellini and introduced in 1977, the Cab series stands as o...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1978
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1978. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betw...
Leather
Le Bambole armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchairs 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 pie...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Bambole" Settee
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Le Bambole settee by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia Italy, 1970's Beautiful greyish black leather with perfectly worm vintage patina
Leather
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Linen Velvet, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1970 and produced circa 1972. This set is composed of one large module (90 x 90 cm / 35.4 x 35.4 in) complete wit...
Chrome
Mario Bellini, Le Bambole Lounge Chair & Ottoman for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Iconic lounge set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, consisting of a lounge chair and ottoman, re-upholstered in a high quality, wax finished aniline leather. The Le Bambole serie...
Leather, Foam
1980s Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Office Desk Chair in Fabric 6x Available
By Vitra, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, initially designed by Mario Bellini for Vitra in 1979. These examples date to both 1984 and 1994, as we have six available for purchase. The liste...
Aluminum, Steel
Nemo Nuvola Minor H14 LED 2700K Wall Lamp 120V, 45W in White by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Family of pendant and wall/ceiling lamps with structure in natural opal polyethylene made in rotational molding. Diffused lighting for a widespread and comfortable output. The suspen...
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, Light Grey Canvas, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Le Bambole two-seat sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972 and produced in Italy in 1976. Known as the Bibambola, the two-seat version is part of the celebrated L...
Canvas, Cotton, Foam
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, White, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, steel, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a larg...
Faux Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1978, Set of 12
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chairs for Cassina, China Red leather, Italy, 1978, set of twelve. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the ...
Leather
Pair of Chestnut Colored Cab Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of cab chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina in chestnut color, Italy. Wonderful original patina and wear. Broken in like your favorite baseball ...
Steel
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Brown Suede, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, brown suede, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: ...
Foam
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Brown, 1970, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark brown leather, Italy, 1970, set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Leather
Mid-Century "Amanta" 24 Leather Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An iconic expression of Italian modern design, this original mid-century Amanta 24 modular seating system was designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in the early 1970s. Widely rega...
Leather, Fiberglass
Quartet 932 Chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina in Mohair
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Italy. Original purple mohair upholstery. Extremely rare example, tagged.
Mohair
Mario Bellini Green Linen Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Camaleonda sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. The set features two modules with backrest and two armrests. Green linen velvet upholstery. Fu...
Velvet, Foam, Linen
Vintage Bambole sofa in dark brown by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This "Le Bambole " sofa, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1972, is a true icon of Italian design history. In 1979, Bellini was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro f...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "CAB 412” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1978
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 412" dining chair for Cassina, Bordeaux leather, Italy, 1978 The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relationship betwe...
Leather
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are availab...
Leather, Foam