As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chair in Stained Wood with Rush Seat
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ armchair, model '892', stained beech, rush, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous chairs. Originally designed...
Rush, Beech
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Vidun' Dining Table with Colorful Geometric Base
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 'Vidun' dining table, stained beech, glass, Italy, 1986 Although the object appears immediately playful because of its vivid coloration and exposed m...
Glass, Beech
Vico Magistretti Lambda Wall Lamp for Artemide, Opaline Crystal, 1961
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Vico Magistretti was among the first external collaborators of the young company Artemide, founded in 1959 originally for the production of lamps only, to which furniture was later a...
Crystal, Brass
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Set of 6 Model 122 Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1967 Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967 for Cassina, this set of six Model 122 chairs is a refined example of Ita...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$4,874 / set
Set of 2 "Carimate" chairs
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Forest, BE
An icon of Italian design, the Carimate chair combines a lacquered solid wood frame with a handwoven straw seat. Designed in 1959 by Vico Magistretti for the Carimate Golf Club in Co...
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico ...
Leather, Beech
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce: Pair of "Adam" Wall Lamps, Chrome Steel, 1975
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in bari, IT
This pair features a chrome-plated steel stem attached to a circular, white-lacquered metal wall base, with an articulated black thermoplastic joint that allows the cylindrical refle...
Metal, Steel
Vico Magistretti for Artemide "Manai" Glass Brass Wall Lights, Italy 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 with Murano white glass models and brass detail with Murano Glass...
Brass
Large Ceiling Lamp PENTACLINIO, designed by Vico MAGISTRETTI for Artemide, 1961
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Ceiling lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1961. Italy, Artemide. The 'Pentaclinio' ceiling lamp by Magistretti, uses 5 double diffuser glass shades. Opaline glass pieces and brus...
Opaline Glass
'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Hagenbach, DE
The iconic “Omega” flush mount, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in Italy around 1960, is a masterful example of Italian modernist lighting. Defined by its sculptural, layer...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Space Age Demetrio Coffee Lounge Table by Vico, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple coffee table by the renowned manufacturer Artemide after a design by Vico Magistretti from the 60s. A simple design with elegant curves. The flat table has a square design. T...
Plastic
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chair in Leather & Dark Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chair, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico Ma...
Leather, Beech
Vigo Magistretti for Cassina Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, two-seater sofa, model 'Veranda', fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1983. Beautiful esthetically balanced two-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassi...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Italian Space Age Demetrio Coffee Lounge Table, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple coffee table by the renowned manufacturer Artemide after a design by Vico Magistretti from the 60s. A simple design with elegant curves. The flat table has a square design. T...
Plastic
Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Red Armchair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Novetrenta Rope Armchair by Vico Magistretti – Red Outdoor Lounge Chair for Cassina, 2025 Elegant outdoor armchair from the Novetrenta collection...
Wood
Cassina - Vico Magistretti Maralunga 2 Seater Leather Sofa
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Bern, CH
Vico Magistretti Maralunga two seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With two adjustable backrests for variable sitt...
Leather
Set of 8 "Model 122" Dining Room Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant set of eight Model 122 chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s, a refined example of Italian modernist design where sculptural clarity meets everyday fun...
Leather, Foam, Ash
Cassina 2‑Seat Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti, Italy, 1990
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully proportioned two‑seat sofa designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina in 1990, reflecting the enduring influence of mid‑century Italian design. Magistretti, o...
Fabric
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern bench Carimate by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s Bench model Carimate in black lacquered wood with a glossy finish and a straw seat. The armrests and backrest ar...
Straw, Wood
Cassina Veranda Longue Chair By Vico Magistretti Italy 1980s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Čelinac, BA
CASSINA Veranda Longue Chair By Vico Magistretti Italy 1980s
Fabric
Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico M...
Leather, Beech
Vico Magistretti for De Padova 'Vidun' Dining Table with Colorful Geometric Base
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for De Padova, 'Vidun' round dining table, stained beech, glass, Italy, 1986 Although the object appears immediately playful because of its vivid coloration and exp...
Glass, Beech
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy 1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
first edition Atollo table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 Oluce Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
This rare “Atollo” table lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 for Oluce, is a true icon of Italian modern design. Awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, the Atollo is celebrated w...
Metal
$9,748 / set
Set of 4 "Carimate" Chairs
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Forest, BE
An icon of Italian design, the Carimate chair combines a lacquered solid wood frame with a handwoven straw seat. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1960s, it stands out ...
Straw, Wood, Lacquer
Vico Magistretti 'Carimate' Dining Chairs in White Upholstery
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti, ‘Carimate’ dining chairs, model '892', stained beech, fabric, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Carimate’ chair is one of Vico Magistre...
Fabric, Beech
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce 'Atollo' First Edition '233' Table Lamp
By O-Luce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, 'Atollo' lamp, first edition model '233', aluminum, Italy, 1977 The Atollo lighting object, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977, stands as one of his m...
Aluminum
3-Seater Maralunga Sofa in Black Leather by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features opulent black leather. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look t...
Leather
Maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Maralunga two-seat sofa for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973. It features enveloping shapes, curved armrests folded toward the seat, and an elegant brown corduroy uphols...
Velvet
Maralunga armchair and footstool by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy1973
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Iconic Maralunga seating set for Cassina, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, consisting of an armchair and a footstool (pouf). The pieces feature wrap-around shapes, curved armres...
Velvet
Vico Magistretti, Carimate, Pair of Chairs, Cassina, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Carimate A pair of red lacquered beech wood and straw chairs, each with four cylindrical feet and conforming back, with a square seat covered with stra...
Beech
Set of Two Novetrenta Rope Outdoor Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 Novetrenta Rope Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Outdoor Edition, 2025 Elegant and architectural set of two Novetrenta Rope outdoor armchairs, originally designed...
Wood
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage maralunga sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. This iconic design sofa is upholstered in its original striped fabric. The backrests are adjustable and mec...
Fabric
Vico Magistretti, Table Lamp, Plastic, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
An orange-colored plastic "Dalú" table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1960s. Light discoloration present to acrylic consistent with age and us...
Plastic
$2,981Sale Price|25% Off
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Bern, CH
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina, Italy in the late 1980's. Based on the Maralunga Sofa with fold down back rest. Adjustable three seater des...
Metal, Steel
Maralunga sofa/armchair/pouf set designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Set consisting of a pair of sofas, an armchair with ottoman, model "Maralunga" designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italia1973. Iconic Maralunga seating set for Cassina, designe...
Velvet
Shigeto Box bookcase by Vico Magistretti for De Padova
By Vico Magistretti, DePadova 1
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
In De Padova's philosophy, which also meets Magistretti's approach, furniture must adapt to different contexts, so the Shigeto Box version, in the form of a bookcase, is the solution...
Aluminum
Vico Magistretti, “L’Impiccato” ceiling lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1972
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The L’Impiccato ceiling lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1972 for Artemide, is a masterful synthesis of geometry, balance, and function — an example of how Magistretti transform...
Steel
Pair of 'Omicron’ Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Omicron' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, in 1961. Industrial steel frame wall sconce with vertical height adjustment and two-par...
Brass, Nickel
Vico Magistretti table lamp 'Telegono' by Artimide, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Stockholm, SE
Original Telegono table lamp designed in 1968 by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy. The pale white hemispherical inner shade can be swiveled.
Plastic
Maralunga Sofa Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This nice and comfortable two-seat sofa “Maralunga” was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973. Maralunga is one of the most famous Italian design sofas, a landmark that ha...
Leather
Italian mid-century modern plastic wall lamps Mania Magistretti Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern plastic wall lamps Mania by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s Pair of Mania wall lamps with round diffuser composed of two hemispherical elements made o...
Metal
Vintage Red 1970s Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Accent Armchair Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Basel, BS
For sale is a single sleek RED vintage Vico Magistretti beauty, the "Carimate" chair by Cassina. The chair model originated in the 1960s in Italy. This here is an original 1960s Car...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Pair of Maralunga ottomans by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of Maralunga ottomans designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1973, one of the most iconic creations of Italian design and winner of the Com...
Leather
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Two-seater Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" two-seater sofa for Cassina, green Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973 ...
Velvet
Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Beige Linen, Cassina 1970s Italian
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features beige linen. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look that never ...
Linen
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40 Maxi Sofa for Cassina, Italy - new
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
The two-seater is available in 204cm or 214cm width. The three-seater is available in 300cm or 310cm width. The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The ic...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Caori Coffee Table by Vico Magistretti Knoll International Gavina Black 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Gavina
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful Coffee Table by the famous italian Designer Vico Magistretti called ,,Caori“ , manufactured by Gavina in the 1960s. The coffee table is made of lacquered wood. The top is i...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$2,377Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Pair of Red Carimate Armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milan, IT
Vico Magistrett pair of red carimate armchairs for Cassina, Italy, 1961 Original red lacquer. Original straw seats.
Straw, Wood
Vico Magistretti Omega Opal Glass Pendant Lamps, Italy, 1960
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Vico Magistretti Pendant Lamps 'Omega' for Artemide, 1960 Large pair of opal glass suspension lights with nickeled brass frames from the sought-after Eptaclinio line from Ma...
Brass, Nickel
"Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1969
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Brescia, Brescia
The "Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed in 1969, is a quintessential example of timeless design. Its sinuous curves, formed by molding a sheet of opa...
Metal
'Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Mania” sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 1960s, exemplifies the refined simplicity and thoughtful geometry of mid‑century Ita...
Brass
675 MARALUNGA Sofa, Vico Magistretti, Cassina, vintage
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Neuss, NW
"675 MARALUNGA" Sofa based on the design by Vico Magistretti for Cassina from the early 1970s. Original cover made of high-quality black-grey striped fabric. The backrests of the two...
Fabric
Vico Magistretti For Cassina Italian Red Dining Chairs Carimate Ser, 1960s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design set of two dining chairs with armrests Carimate serie designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina from 1960s with an analine-stained beech w...
Straw, Beech
Demetrio 45 Coffee Table by Vico Magistretti, Italian Design, 1966
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in London, England
The Demetrio 45 coffee table, designed by Vico Magistretti for the Italian brand Artemide in 1966, embodies the genius of modern Italian design. Made of white plastic, this piece is ...
Resin
Mezzachimera Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning Mezzachimera table lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. An avant-garde lamp crafted from methacrylate, illuminated, creating a beautiful aesthetic. Art and des...
Acrylic
Maralunga armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 2 armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1973. Tubular steel frame structure, polyurethane, leather. Excellent condition, restored. The project won the Compasso ...
Steel
Vico Magistretti Bookcase Nuvola Rossa for Cassina, Italy, new
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Please get in touch. Available in: LACQUERED RED BEECHWOOD LACQUERED WHITE BEECHWOOD LACQUERED BLACK BEECHWOOD NATURAL BEECHWOOD AMERICAN WALNUT Magistretti designed this folding bookcase with its clean, modern lines that can be used on a wall or as a room divider, freely combining more than one unit, depending on the space available...
Wood
Pair of Mania Wall Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Originally a set of four, this listing is for a pair only. A rare and striking pair of Mania wall sconces designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy. These sculptural fixtures...
Plexiglass