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.
Rare Sofa by Móveis Cimo, Brazil, 1960s, Ivory Velvet
By Moveis Cimo
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Móveis Cimo / Rare Sofa Imbuia Wood, Ivory Velvet 1960s, Brazil Matching Pair of Lounge Chairs Available This rare Móveis Cimo model is offered as an exceptionally intact sofa and ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vintage MP-25 Sofa by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1950s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer Vintage MP-25 Sofa Brazil, 1967 *Matching Armchairs Available* The MP-25 model, designed by Percival Lafer in 1967, combines elements from earlier models: the MP-13 ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Vintage 'Curva' Sofa, 1950s, Brazil, Velvet
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Curva Sofa Velvet, Wood / Brazil, 1950s Matching Pair of Armchairs Available The Curva model, designed in the 1950s and produced in different variations through ...
Upholstery, Wood
Rare MP-61 Sofa, Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The MP-61 series from 1972 were the first designs in which Percival Lafer used a fully visible fiberglass shell. The molded shell allowed greater freedom in shaping the form while si...
Leather, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Percival Lafer, MP-01 Sofa, Velvet, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Percival Lafer MP-01 Sofa Velvet, Wood, Iron Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Iron
Vintage Rosewood Sofa, Liceu De Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, 1950s, Mid-Century
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Liceu de Artes e Oficios Vintage Sofa Rosewood, Fabric Brazil, 1950s
Upholstery, Hardwood
Imbuia wood Sofa, Brazilian Design by Móveis Cimo, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, this sofa structure is entirely made of solid imbuia, including the wooden partitions on both the armrests and backrest, s...
Brass
Vintage Imbuia Sofa by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This Imbuia sofa reupholstered in a stunning velvet was manufactured in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, a pioneer in Brazilian furniture industrialization. Cimo Sofa is very charming, presenting the seat and backrest as a single piece that seems to float over the Imbuia structure. It is a very comfortable piece of furniture and has many details to be in love with. It is worth highlighting the wooden partitions...
Velvet, Imbuia
Celina Decorações, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and red fabric sofa produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, c. 1960s Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dimensions ...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Móveis CIMO, 1960's
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, this sofa structure is entirely made of solid imbuia, including the wooden partitions on both the armrests and backrest, s...
Velvet, Imbuia
Celina Decorações, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brazil, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and yellow fabric sofa produced by Celina Decorações, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing one original wood screw cap. Small imperfection...
Fabric, Wood
Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood and Camel Mohair by Móveis Provenzal, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian modernism from the golden era of furniture design, this rare sofa by Móveis Provenzal captures the quiet sophistication and architectural refineme...
Mohair, Rosewood
