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.
Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 2022
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Athens, Attiki
B&B Italia’s Le Bambola has received a radical redesign for its 50th anniversary by its original designer, Italian architect Mario Bellini. Le bambola was designed in 1972 and awarde...
Metal
Newly Pierre Frey Upholstered Amanta Lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Set of 2 iconic vintage Mid Century Modern Amanta lounges by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Newly upholstered in spectacular Pierre Frey fabric: CHROMA F4019017 - Pêche. Very sturdy a...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Italian Modern 65 Inch Tripod Center Table Or Dining Table By Cassina
By Pierre Chapo, Cassina, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Mario Bellini
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern 65 Inch Tripod Center Table Or Dining Table By Cassina. Our outstanding grand scale Italian modern (La Rotonda) table with a beautiful geo...
Wood
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
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...
Velvet, Foam
Early & matching Cab 413 Armchairs (2) in leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
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
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, China Red Leather, 1977, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chair for Cassina, china red leather, Italy, 1977, set of six The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relat...
Leather
$6,567Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mid-Century Leather Sofa in China-Red by Mario Bellini for Cassina 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Salzburg, AT
Designer: Mario Bellini Manufacturer: Cassina Design period: 1970 to 1979 Production period: 1980 to 1989 Country of Manufacture: Made in Italy Marking present: This piece has a mark...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini Model 412 "CAB" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, Set of 4
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four Model 412 "CAB" dining chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1977. Introduced in 1977, the CAB collection was the first chair in the worl...
Leather
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, Sky Blue Velvet, 1972, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of five 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 mos...
Velvet, Foam
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 6
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 six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular...
Alpaca, Velvet
Mario Bellini Table Lamp Parchment Porcelain Metal, 1970, Italy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, IT
Mario Bellini table lamp parchment metal, 1970, Italy.
Metal
Rare red pouf model "Scacchi" Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1970's
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Chess are extra tables or seats, freely modular. In the 1970s version offered here they are made from a special material derived from rubber and plastic (Duraplum) that give a sp...
Plastic, Rubber
Stunning Excelsior sofa in black leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy, 1985.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Stunning & rare Excelsior sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy, 1985. Full black leather! Still 100% original. No damage. The leather has some normal wear for its age. Measurement...
Leather
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Varedo, MB
Le Mura Sofa - Designed by Mario Bellini 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 versatil...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Hazelnut Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, hazelnut leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the rela...
Steel
Italian Design Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413, Green leather, 2000s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
Rare dark green coloured leather Cab 413 arm chair by Mario Bellini for Cassina: The Cab chair is built up as a tubular frame over which a very thick saddle leather is fitted; the l...
Metal
Mario Bellini Vintage CAB 412 Duo Two Dining Chairs Brown Leather, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Vienna, AT
Mario Bellini duo pair two (2) vintage dining chairs or side chairs model CAB 412 from cognac brown leather designed 1970s, Italy. A timeless and sleek modern design icon, the CAB ...
Leather
Mid Century Modern Amanta Lounge Chair by Mario Bellini for B&B, Italy 1960s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an iconic "Amanta" lounge chair designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The 'Amanta' was produced as a modular piece so you can place the two together...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Le Bambole Chaise by Mario Bellini B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
B&B Italia chaise lounge Le Bambole 1972 design by Mario Bellini Italian chaise made of heavy foam and newly upholstered in leather A great design from ...
Leather
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.38 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Varedo, MB
Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini - Tacchini Design: Mario Bellini, 1970s Description: Le Mura is more than a sofa-it is a true modular system and a manifesto of radical 1970s d...
Leather
$31,960Sale Price / set|26% Off
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 four large and two smaller seatin...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, Mongolian faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag contain...
Faux Fur, Foam
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Blue Velvet, 1970, Set of 9
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, blue velvet, Italy, 1970, nine elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. First designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini,...
Leather, Plastic
$13,380Sale Price / set|25% Off
Bamboleuse by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Bamboleuse and Bambouff designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Le Bambole is an iconic piece of Italian design....
Leather
$6,244Sale Price|30% Off
Bambole Lounge chair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Wien, AT
The Bambole lounge chair is part of the Le Bambole series, which was designed in 1973. Bambole is a timelessly modern icon and an expression of first-class Made in Italy design. What...
Leather
Nemo Nuvola LED 2700K Pendant Lighting 120V, 132W in White by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pendant lamp available in two sizes with structure in natural opal polyethylene made with rotational molding. Diffused lighting for a widespread and comfortable output. Dimmable, DAL...
Le Bambole armchairs and pouf designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of Le Bambole armchairs and pouf designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series w...
Fabric, Rubber, Cotton
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, 1972 Polyurethane structure, bouclè cotton fabric, restored. Excellent conditions, the Bambole series won the Compasso ...
Fabric, Rubber
"Opera" Round Dining Table Drawn by Mario Bellini
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Opera" round dining table drawn by Mario Bellini and Manufactured by Meritalia Crafted of solid oak, this large round dining table designed by Mario Bellini has an uncommon and scu...
Glass, Wood
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Lounge Chair for B&B Italia 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Bambole collection designed by Mario Bellini, this luxurious lounge chair embodies the perfect balance of sculptural form and relaxed comfort. Upholstered in rich ivory fabric...
Fabric
1980s Tentazione Two-Seater Sofa / Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina Model 685
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tentazione two-seater sofa, model 685, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. Its frame is made of steel, and the seat and back are formed from pliant mo...
Steel
Le Bambole Two Seat Sofa (LBA2) by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Rare and iconic Bambole sofa, designed in 1973, featuring bold, sculptural lines and unmistakable Italian flair. Upholstered in its original cotton twill fabric, this piece captures ...
Canvas
Italian Modern Le Bambole Striped Daybed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
This Le Bambole day bed was designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1976. It features a tubular steel structure, polyuretha...
Cotton, Foam
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Varedo, MB
Le Mura Sofa - Designed by Mario Bellini 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 versatil...
Leather
Pair of Mario Bellini 'Tentazione' armchairs for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Gently curving contours shape these plush Piccola Tentazione armchairs. These armchairs are a fine example of the pieces that the Milanese architect Mario Bellini – and former Domus ...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown velvet, Italy, 1970, set of eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 8
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 eight. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modul...
Alpaca, Velvet
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Tentazione sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s. Sofa has been reupholstered in a navy crushed velvet. Retains original Cassina label underneath.
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchairs for B&B Italia, Mohair, 1971, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchairs for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upho...
Velvet
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 2
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 two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Velvet
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Cream Fabric, Sculptural Design, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning “Le Bambole” sofa by the iconic Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Upholstered in luxurious cream fabric, this sculptural sofa features soft organic curves, deep comfortable ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Le Bambole Chaise Longue 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. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979. Le Bambole is an ...
Animal Skin
$1,946Sale Price|20% Off
LUXURY RESTORED 1977 MARIO BELLINI FOR MATTEO GRASSI CAB 412 DESK / DiNING CHAIR
By Matteo Grassi, Mario Bellini
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare fully restored vintage 1977 Mario Bellini for Matteo Grassi Cab 412 desk or dining chair Ple...
Leather
Le Piccole Tentazioni Mario Bellini Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Ghedi, IT
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...
Fabric
c.1972 C&B Italia Square Amanta Coffee Table by Mario Bellini Satin Black
By C&B Italia, B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Very early Organic Modern coffee table by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia (before B&B Italia) dating to 1971-1973. Constructed of heavy rigid molded fiberglass, not plastic like modern ...
Fiberglass
Le Bambole Lounge chair with ottoman in bouclé By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful “Le Bambole” lounge chair with ottoman in grey bouclé, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia in the 1970s. The design is celebrated for its soft, inviting s...
Bouclé
Nemo Nuvola Minor H25 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...
Glas Italia PLISSE' Low table in Ruby Red by Mario Bellini
By Glas Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Extremely functional low table with a light aspect and soft and gentle shapes in 12 mm extralight glass, shaped and curved thanks to a complex process of glass bending, obtaining two...
Glass
Pair of Piccola Tentazione armchairs by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Translated as 'small temptations', the Piccola Tentazione armchairs by Mario Bellini boast economical proportions and foam contouring for comfort. In soft forest green velvet, these ...
Velvet, Plastic, Foam
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, newly upholstered in a premium brown / grey 100% Alpaca fabric, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in ...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Leather
$7,892Sale Price / set|19% Off
Le Bambole" armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970
By Mario Bellini
Located in Manzano, IT
Le Bambole" armchairs by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1970 Attribution markThis piece has an attribution mark, I am confident that it is completely authentic and I take full responsi...
Iron
Vintage 20thC "Camaleonda" Green Fabric Armchair By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A “Camaleonda” armchair designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970, upholstered in green fabric. This sculptural, modular design is defined by its deep, generous...
Fabric
Italian Design Classic Cab 414 Armchairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Renens, CH
Set of two Cab 414 armchairs in black leather by Mario Bellini for Cassina. These very comfortable lounge chairs are built up with a tubular steel...
Metal
Le Bambole Leather Sofa Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
cognac leather Le Bambole-seater Sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1978. Price is per sofa ! The Bambole series today is a true icon amongst the 1970s design f...
Leather, Foam
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 10
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, set of ten The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relation...
Leather
Set of 5 “Amanta” Modules by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in MADRID, ES
Amanta armchair by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia. With a fiberglass frame stamped by C&B and original blue velvet upholstery C&B, or Cassina & Busnelli, was founded in 1966 by Cesare...
Fiberglass, Velvet
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Russian Red Leather, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB 413” dining chairs for Cassina, russian red leather, Italy, set of eight The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the relati...
Leather
Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Dark Green Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "CAB 413" dining chairs for Cassina, Dark Green leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide design chair, informed by the re...
Leather
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather, 1977, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “CAB” 414 Dining Chairs for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1977, set of two. The "CAB" is the world's first free-standing cowhide...
Leather