When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.
Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, Lafer introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career.
The silhouettes of Lafer lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.
Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.
Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.
Find vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1960s MP-211 Sofa by Percival Lafer in black leather and rosewood
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1960s, the MP-211 sofa stands as one of the defining seating designs of Brazilian modernism. The piece reflects Lafer’s unique approach to furni...
Leather, Wood
1970s MP-91 / MP-163 Earth Sofa by Percival Lafer in leather and hardwood
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Percival Lafer during the 1970s, the MP-91 / MP-163 “Earth” sofa remains one of the most recognizable and comfortable seating designs produced during the golden era of Brazilian modernism. The design combines structural clarity with an unusually relaxed and immersive seating experience, reflecting Lafer’s unique ability to merge engineering, ergonomics, and material expression. The sofa is constructed around a robust Brazilian hardwood frame that creates a suspended visual effect, where the upholstered body appears to float lightly above the base structure. The proportions are low and architectural, while the generous cushioning and suspended support system create a remarkably comfortable sit. Lafer approached seating with a strong emphasis on long-term comfort and practical construction, qualities that became central to his international success during the 1970s export period. This example has been fully reupholstered in high-quality Spinneybeck leather, a material widely recognized for its durability and refined surface quality. The arm cushions feature an uncommon pillow configuration. While this may represent a later upholstery interpretation introduced during restoration, similar variations were also seen in certain export-market configurations produced through Brazil Contempo...
Leather, Hardwood
1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in rosewood and black leather
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
This Amazonas sofa was designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Wood Art in Brazil during the 1960s. The structure is crafted in solid rosewood, with a strong architectural frame defi...
Leather, Cord, Wood
1970s Brazilian Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
One of the most comfortable sofas we’ve ever had the pleasure of offering, this stunning piece was designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. It features a solid Brazilian hardwood fra...
Leather
1970s Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, completely original.
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by renowned Brazilian designer Jean Gillon during the 1970s, this rare three-seat sofa is an outstanding example of Brazilian Modern design. Combining sculptural proportions...
Imbuia
1950s Danish Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
A rare and elegant sofa by Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, showcasing the refined proportions and architectural clarity that define his early Danish modern work. The sculptural frame, angled ...
Wood
Mid-Century MP-211 Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century leather and rosewood model no. MP-211 by Percival Lafer. Made circa 1970s, Brazil. A gorgeous mix of materials and incredible design showcase why Lafer is one of our favo...
Leather, Fiberglass, Foam, Rosewood
Percival Lafer Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Black Leather, 1958
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Percival Later three seat sofa in black leather. This beautiful piece of Brazilian Mid century is in good vintage condition with minimal wear and scuffing throughout. The foam interi...
Steel
Scandinavian 3 Seat Sofa in Solid Wood and Black Leather, 1960s
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Exceptional Scandinavian three-seat sofa from the 1960s, crafted from solid wood and upholstered in original black leather. The most distinctive feature of the piece is its beautifu...
Leather, Hardwood
Drabert Lobbytop Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf, Black, Modern Design, 1970
By Drabert, Otto Zapf
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This Lobbytop three-seater leather sofa is upholstered in soft, high-quality leather and is in very good condition. The black, smooth leather shows a slight patina on the seat cushio...
Leather
Fred Lowen T4 Sofa by Tessa Furniture, Black Leather & Teak, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Percival Lafer, Fred Lowen, TESSA Furniture Co
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Low profile meets high comfort without compromise with this T4 Sofa. This particular piece is an early 70s release, and is designed by Fred Lowen for Tessa Fu...
Leather, Teak
Exquisite Danish Design 3 seater sofa By Grete Jalk in Black Leather & teak 1950
By Grete Jalk
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this exquisite mid-century modern Danish 3-seater sofa, designed by the renowned Grete Jalk in the 1950s. A true icon of Scandinavian design, this pie...
Leather, Teak
