Skip to main content

Marco Zanuso Chairs

Italian, 1916-2001

Italian designer Marco Zanuso helped cement his country’s place as a world leader in furniture design that used new materials in revolutionary ways.

Zanuso was part of a generation of furniture designers who encouraged a sharp departure from the traditionalism and classicalism that reigned over the design industry before the war. These designers, who are associated with what we now call mid-century modernism, experimented with new technologies and materials to deliver on the world’s newfound need for streamlined products that represented the future.

After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1939 with a degree in architecture, Zanuso served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after the war, he opened his own design firm in Milan in 1945. He later became an editor at well-regarded design magazines Domus and Casabella.

Zanuso used this editorial platform to both promote new Italian designs as well as his own pieces, some of which he made using unconventional materials like foam and latex. For instance, his famous Lady armchair from 1951 is a composition of foam rubber and Nastro Cord, a recently invented textile band of rubberized fabric that eliminated the need for metal springs. It was one of several pieces he designed for Italian manufacturer Arflex, along with the 1949 Antropus chair and the 1951 Sleep-o-matic sofa.

Zanuso often collaborated with other like-minded creatives. From 1955 until 1957, he was Olivetti’s architect, designing factories across Brazil, and for nearly two decades, he collaborated with German designer Richard Sapper. The pair’s most famous product is the 4999 children’s chair, manufactured in the 1960s by Kartell in Italy. The stackable chair was the first to be manufactured entirely of injection-molded plastic.

Zanuso and Sapper also partnered on the 1962 Brionvega Doney 14, the first European-made portable transistor TV; its sleek, compact and curvy form deeply influenced the design of television sets that followed, which were far more sculptural in form than the rigid boxes that characterized early models.

From the 1970s onward, Zanuso taught architecture and industrial design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He still exercised his creative talents, planning the headquarters for computer companies and renovating Italian theaters.

Each of Zanuso’s elegant works were demonstrative of a forward-looking sensibility. His projects saw an integration of novel industrial materials that not only helped emphasize the beauty of good design but also played a role in rendering these well-made products accessible to everyday consumers.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Marco Zanuso furniture, including armchairs, sofas, table lamps and other items.

12
5
to
3
14
3
17
12
12
8
1
12
5
7
4
4
3
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
10
9
6
6
5
5
5
7
5
5
5
5
14
8
7
7
3
16
16
171
354
343
299
294
Creator: Marco Zanuso
Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper, ‘Lambda’ Chairs, Gavina Production, Italy, 1959
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Argelato, BO
Designed by the famous Italian architect Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper nel 1959, the chair has an absolutely futuristic shape for the times which it was made. The "Lambda" was desi...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Folding Chairs Celestina 70s, 80s by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Padova, IT
2 Celestina chairs by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978, 1990s. Famous leather folding chairs with a high quality finish. Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 19...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Tocco Upholstery with Nickel Satin Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Tocco Upholstery with Nickel Satin Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Nickel

Black Leather in the Style of Marco Zanuso, circa 1960s Three Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in IT
1960s Black Leather Zanuso for Poltronova Three Armchairs Available wood Armrest and steel leg endings Price refers to single piece Size : Conditions : wears coherent with age ,...
Category

1960s Italian Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Marco Zanuso Senior Armchairs for Arflex, Italy c1950
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in London, GB
Original Marco Zanuso 'Senior' armchairs for Arflex. Italy c1950. Re upholstered in a soft 'greige' colour velvet. (Neutral beige / grey).
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in White Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or black nickel-satin fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Frame in black or white painted steel. Nylon seat and back covered in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in White Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Celestina Folding Chair in White Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Frame in black or white painted steel. Nylon seat and back covered in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Trama Upholstery with Black Nickel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Trama Upholstery with Black Nickel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Nickel

Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Top Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Top Upholstery with Black Painted Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso Ø 11/16” 18/8 polished or black painted steel tubular frame, or with natural or bl...
Category

20th Century Italian Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper Metal ‘Lambda’ Chairs, Italy, 1959
By Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Set of four Lambda chairs by Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso for Gavina, Italy 1959. Industrial and revolutionary design made from stamped and enameled metal and rubber feet. The tec...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Fourline' Chair in Leather
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, lounge chair, black leather, steel, Italy, designed in 1964 This lounge chair by Zanuso remains among the best examples of armchairs designed by the archi...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Eight Chairs “Celestina” by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1978
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered steel, leather. Measures: H 83 cm/ 2' 8 2/3" W 38 cm/ 14 15/16" D 44 cm/ 17 1/3" SH 46 cm/ 18 1/8".
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Marco Zanuso Brown Leather & Brass Slipper Chairs by Arflex Italy 1955
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso for Arflex slipper chairs. Measurements: 21" D seat , 20" W seat, 15" H seat front, 13" H seat back, 24" H back seat, 33"H overall.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass, Metal

Marco Zanuso Adjustable Boucle and Wood Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marco Zansuo adjustable armchairs - Italy 1960's Chairs have wooden L-shape base with an inlayed brass mechanism on the side that can recline seat into...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Leather

Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Celestina Set of 4 Black Leather Modern Folding Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An iconic set of 4 folding chairs with a black steel frame with black leather banding by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Celestina. Italy 1970s. A fantastic...
Category

1970s Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian Mid-Century Leather Steel Celestina Chairs by Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Leather and steel Celestina chairs by Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978 Set of 8 chairs Celestina model, with rectangular seat and back in b...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Related Items
Marco Zanuso Maggiolina Sling Black Leather Chair by Zanotta, 1947
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Maggiolina chair by Zanotta designed by Marco Zanuso, originally designed in 1947. Later production. Cowhide sling supports one large Nappa le...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Marco Zanuso Maggiolina White Leather Chair by Zanotta, 1947
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Maggiolina chair by Zanotta designed by Marco Zanuso, originally designed in 1947. Cowhide sling supports one large Nappa leather cushion. A s...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, GB
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass

Marco Zanuso Senior Chair, Pure Mohair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in London, GB
An authentic Marco Zanuso senior chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, beige, pure mohair velvet. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass

Zanotta Dismountable Safari Chair
By Zanotta, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
Exceptionally rare 1970s lounge chair in ash and canvas made by Zanotta. The chair is very solid and disassembles completely when desired. In wonderful vintage condition. All leather...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Ash

Zanotta Dismountable Safari Chair
Zanotta Dismountable Safari Chair
H 35.44 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in
"Dialogo" Brown Chair by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy, 70s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Sacile, PN
"Dialogo" brown fiberglass and pale wood chair by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy 70s The ‘Dialogo’ chair was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1970s and convinces with its tw...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

Marco Zanuso for Arflex Pair of 'Lady' Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, pair of easy chairs, fabric, metal, Italy, 1951 A quintessential representation of 1950s Italian Design, the 'Lady' armchair stands as a celebrated testamen...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Marco Zanuso for Arflex ‘Square’ Lounge Chair
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 'Square' lounge chair, fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1962 This eccentric chair by Marco Zanuso is well-executed embodying a so...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Marco Zanuso Senior Chairs, Pure Mohair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in London, GB
An pair of authentic marco zanuso senior chairs, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. These chairs have been reupholstered in a premium, ivory, 100% mohair velvet. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass

Zanotta, Pair of Grey Leather and White Lacquered Metal Folding Chairs, Italian
By Zanotta
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of folding chairs is made of white lacquered metal with a grey leather seat and back. These are comfortable and easy to store as they can be fold. These chairs are Italian,...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Osprey Lounge Chair with Maple Frame and Leather Upholstery
By Phloem Studio
Located in Stevenson, WA
The Osprey Lounge Chair has an exposed hardwood frame that cradles an upholstered shell, with leather upholstery. The unique frame takes inspiratio...
Category

2010s American Modern Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Pair of Marco Zanuso 'Senior' Chairs Mohair Velvet + Ottoman Arflex, Italy, 1951
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
These rare, very early examples ,of Zanuso's 'Senior' chair are identified by their artisan crafted wood frames which were soon replaced by a more cost effective pressed steel constr...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Previously Available Items
Marco Zanuso Adjustable Boucle and Wood Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marco Zansuo adjustable armchairs - Italy 1960's Chairs have wooden L-shape base with an inlayed brass mechanism on the side that can recline seat into...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Leather

Marco Zanuso Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marco Zanuso armchairs with wooden feet - Italy, 1960s Reupholstered in "teddy bear" colored boucle Great cubist shape / anglular arms.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany

Marco Zanuso Armchairs
Marco Zanuso Armchairs
H 30 in W 33.5 in D 29 in
Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Celestina Set of 4 Black Leather Modern Folding Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An iconic set of 4 folding chairs with a black steel frame with black leather banding by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Celestina. Italy 1970s. A fantastic...
Category

1970s Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Marco Zanuso for Arflex Mid-Century 'Lady Chair' Armchairs Italian Circa 1950
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Pair of Mid-Century 'Lady Chair' armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex. Original solid brass feet. Re-upholstered in faded brown Bouclé. Dimensions: H 90...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass

Italian Modern Red Metal Lamda Chair by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red metal Lamda model chair by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper, 1970s. Lamda model chair, entirely in original red metal of the time, with curved back. Present of the...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Two Marco Zanuso 'Baronet' Chairs for Arflex, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Hellouw, NL
A nice pair of Baronet lounge chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. These chairs, which date to roughly 1964, still bear their original labels. The foundation is built of wood with vene...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Set of 6 Celestina Chairs, Italy 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Naples, IT
Set of 6 chairs Celestina, Zanotta, by Marco Zanuso 1978 -.Famous folding chairs in leather with high' quality finish. Chairs are branded under the seat in the leather, black lacquer...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian Mid-Century Leather Steel Celestina Chairs by Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Leather and steel Celestina chairs by Zanuso for Zanotta, 1978 Set of 8 chairs Celestina model, with rectangular seat and back in b...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Steel

Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Marco Zanuso lady chairs re-upholstered in faux shearling. Manufactured by Arflex in the 1950s The lady chairs received a gold medal ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs
Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs
H 33 in W 31 in D 36 in
Marco Zanuso Arflex Lady Chair, Mohair and Shearling, Midcentury, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in New York, NY
Marco Zanuso lady chair, mohair and shearling, midcentury Italy Beautiful chair upholstered in mohair and shearling on the arms. Steel grey color. Perfect for any decor.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Brass

Senior Armchair by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Senior chair, designed by Marco Zanuso. Italy, Arflex, 1951. An early original lounge chair 'Senior' with fairly recent light green velvet upholstery. Metal frame with brass legs,...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Senior Armchair by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy
Senior Armchair by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy
H 39.38 in W 29.53 in D 36.23 in
Marco Zanuso for Poggi Angular Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Extremely rare angular chairs for Poggi designed by Marco Zaunso. Black ebony wood newly refinished with newly upholstered black leather seats with orig...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Marco Zanuso Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Marco Zanuso chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Marco Zanuso chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Marco Zanuso chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 6 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 5 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original chairs by Marco Zanuso were created in the modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Osvaldo Borsani, Franco Albini, and Ico Parisi. Prices for Marco Zanuso chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $582 and can go as high as $16,436, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,725.

Recently Viewed

View All