In its heyday, Móveis Cimo was the most prolific furniture manufacturer in Brazil. From humble beginnings, the company grew into a leading mid-century modern and modern design and production house. It made stylish and quality wood furniture like lounge chairs, coffee tables and buffets, which were made available to the average homeowner who wanted functional and attractive pieces.
Móveis Cimo was founded in 1921 by brothers Jorge and Martin Zipperer in the municipality of Rio Negrinho. Initially a chair company, Móveis Cimo quickly expanded its repertoire to include many types of furniture. At the time, there was a substantial gap in the Brazilian furniture market for quality furniture produced at an industrial scale for homes, schools, offices, cinemas and other public spaces.
Móveis Cimo filled this niche with simple but chic furniture that brought the latest styles to the masses. According to designer João Livoti, who spoke about the company to Gazeta do Povo, the brothers made frequent trips abroad to stay on top of post-war design trends. Comfort, ergonomics and the modern use of different shades of wood characterized the company’s furniture. Móveis Cimo was also the first company in Brazil to employ steam wood lamination techniques.
Jorge Zipperer died in 1944, just as the company was hitting its stride. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Móveis Cimo produced thousands of pieces of wood furniture for the Brazilian market. At the end of the 1960s, new wood fiber panel production methods shifted the furniture landscape in Brazil and introduced a host of new competitors. After Martin Zipperer died in 1971, the company began experimenting with new Dutch and French designs, although these were not widely popular.
Móveis Cimo closed its doors in 1982, but the company left behind a legacy of innovation that paved the way for future furniture makers. Today, Móveis Cimo furniture is collected worldwide as an inventive example of modern Brazilian furniture design.
On 1stDibs, find Móveis Cimo seating, tables, case pieces and more.
Brazilian Modern Patchwork Imbuia Chest of Drawers by Cimo, Brazil, 1950s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Brazilian Modern design, this rare chest of drawers was produced by Cimo and crafted in richly figured imbuia wood, one of Brazil’s most celebrated hardwoods. D...
Imbuia
$16,500
Moveis Cimo Commode
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Washington, DC
Striking vintage commode from the 1960's by Moveis Cimo made with solid Brazilian Imbuia wood and contrasting bright yellow leather dots on the front. A unique and very recognizable ...
Leather, Wood
Scandinavian modern chest of drawers, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great functionalistic chest of drawers produced in Sweden during the 1950s. Made in birch with brass handles.
Brass
Chippendale Bedside Commode
By Jonathan Sainsbury
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A elegant Georgian design mahogany open fronted bedside commode on tapering legs terminating in a pad foot. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time and that ...
Mahogany
Burled Commode
Located in Annville, PA
A Hepplewhite inspired Burled Commode great for use as a side table or entry way piece. The three drawers are dovetailed and feature designer style hard...
Mahogany
Small commode
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Very decorative small marquetry commode, Italy, circa 1850. Inlaid with different woods such as mahogany and ebony. Bone has also been used. The lovely masterpiece is in a very good ...
Bone, Ebony, Mahogany
1950s Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Chest of Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful Sabre leg chest of drawers on mahogany by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Great scale and stunning hardware Other notable designer from the period include T.H. Robsjohn...
Mahogany
Midcentury chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely chest of drawers by Carl Malmsten, made from birch with clean lines. Veneer laid in a striking graphic pattern.
Birch
Móveis Cimo, Sideboard, Rosewood, Brazil, 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Móveis Cimo Rosewood Sideboard Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Brass
1950s Chest of Drawers, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood
Russel Wright, Chest of Drawers, Maple, USA, 1950s
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in High Point, NC
A maple chest of drawers designed by Russel Wright and produced by Conant Ball, USA, c. 1950s.
Maple
Empire Commode
Located in London, England
Small sized French " Empire " style mahogany commode with marble top and original brass fittings. Circa 1870.
Marble
French & Heald, Chests of Drawers, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood chests of drawers produced by French & Heald, USA, c. 1950s. Refinished. Heavy wear to drawer pulls. Mild to moderate wear to exterior. Minimal wear to inside ...
Wood
Mel Smilow, Chests of Drawers, Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Mel Smilow, Smilow-Thielle
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut chests of drawers designed by Mel Smilow and produced by Smilow-Thielle, USA, 1950s.
Walnut
1960s Mid-Century Modern Commode by Móveis Cimo
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage commode from the 1960's by Moveis Cimo made with solid Brazilian Imbuia wood and contrasting bright yellow leather dots on the front. A unique and very recognizable...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.9 in W 37 in D 19.3 in
Brazilian Modern Chest of Drawers in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers made in hardwood and yellow formica designed by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The chest i...
Hardwood
Sold
H 38.19 in W 41.34 in D 21.66 in
Chest of Drawers in Solid Hardwood, by Móveis Cimo, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This chest of drawers is a classic example of mid-20th century Brazilian furniture, manufactured by Móveis Cimo. This piece embodies the aesthetic of the period with its clean lines,...
Hardwood
Mid-century Modern Chest of Drawers in Hardwood by Cimo, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful chest of drawers in Brazilian Rosewood (known as Jacaranda) and Rosewood veneer. It consists of 4 drawers resting in four delicate legs. What makes this piece are the wood patterns displaying colorful veins. This gorgeous piece is showcased in our showroom next to JD movies...
Hardwood
Sold
H 36.62 in W 31.5 in D 20.87 in
1950's dresser with drawers, Móveis Cimo, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exquisite chest of drawers was expertly crafted in the 1950s by the esteemed Brazilian manufacturer, Móveis Cimo. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and exception...
Wood
Sold
H 33.9 in W 37 in D 19.3 in
Brazilian Modern Chest of Drawers in Hardwood by Moveis Cimo, 1950s, Brazil
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers made in hardwood and yellow formica designed by Moveis Cimo in the fifties is a very rare FIND and is gorgeous! The chest...
Formica, Hardwood