Percival Lafer Yellow Leather 2 Seat Sofa, circa 1960
About the Item
- Creator:Lafer (Manufacturer),Percival Lafer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.32 in (77 cm)Width: 60.24 in (153 cm)Depth: 38.98 in (99 cm)Seat Height: 16.93 in (43 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa is visibly used with marks to the leather and scuffs all over.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
Percival Lafer
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Philippe Hurel Brown leather & Fabric 2 Seater SofaBy Philippe HurelLocated in London, GBThis Philippe Hurel design is a contemporary form fit with a versatile look that suits an array of interiors. Philippe Hurel has over 100 years of creation, craftsmanship and inspira...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Yngve Ekström for Swedese Grey Fabric 2 Seat Sofa, 1960sBy Yngve Ekström, SwedeseLocated in London, GBYngve Ekström was one of the most important figures in the evolution of the Scandinavian Modernism movement and co-founder of the furniture design company Swedese. This 2-seat sofa is constructed from a pine wood frame with sleek lines and curved corners. The sofa is formed of two separate seats next to each other with individual seat and back cushions, upholstered in grey fabric with button tufting detailing. A fantastic example of mid-century Swedish design, this sofa would add a touch of vintage...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsPine
- Cassina by Le Corbusier Tan Leather LC3 Grand Confort 3-Seat SofaBy Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre JeanneretLocated in London, GBOriginally designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, the LC3 sofa has since become a design icon and was re-issued by Cassina in 1965. One of the fi...Category
2010s Italian Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Antonio Citterio for Vitra Grey Leather Suita Three-Seat Sofa, 2021By Vitra, Antonio CitterioLocated in London, GBOriginally designed in 2010 by Antonio Citterio for Vitra, the suita sofa is a fantastic example of modern design. The sofa has a slimlin...Category
2010s German Sofas
MaterialsAluminum
- Ligne Roset by Didier Gomez Feng Ivory and Brown Leather Three-Seat SofaBy Didier Gomez, Ligne RosetLocated in London, GBDesigned by Didier Gomez for Ligne Roset, this Feng three-seat sofa combines modern elegance with ultimate comfort. The sturdy frame is upholstered in ivory woven fabric and sits on...Category
Early 2000s French Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Fabric
- De Sede By Mathias Hoffman DS-102 Leather Pony Hide Three Seater Curved SofaBy De Sede, Mathias HoffmannLocated in London, GBDesigned by Mathias Hoffman for De Sede, the De Sede DS-102 is a three seater sofa featuring a beautiful pony hide spotted in an array of shades. The cream leather backing to the sof...Category
2010s Swiss Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Percival Lafer SofaBy Percival LaferLocated in Beverly Hills, CASofa by Percival Lafer with rosewood frame and black leather. Signature sling shape with headrest and straps. Matching sofa and settee available....Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
- Rosewood and Suede MP-091 Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MPBy Lafer, Percival LaferLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by Brazilian modernist Percival Lafer, this bold sofa, model MP-091, is deeply inviting. The comfortable tufted cushion sits on sturdy straps, attac...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Modern Sofas
MaterialsSuede, Rosewood
- Brazilian Modern Sofa, Percival Lafer 1960'sBy Percival LaferLocated in Uccle, BEPercival Lafer Mid-Century Modern sofa made of Walnut wood and still with the original faux leather upholstery. Dimensions: L219cm/ 7ft Seat Depth 50cm/19.7 inches H69cm/26.75 inch...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsChrome
- Percival Lafer MP-97 Leather SofaBy Percival LaferLocated in Los Angeles, CALeather sofa by Percival Lafer c.1960's, Brazil. The sofa features the original cognac brown leather seat with a beautiful Brazilian hardwood frame. The back of the sofa showcases le...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Upholstery, Hardwood
- Wonderful Percival Lafer Rosewood 3 Seater Cognac leather "S-1" Sofa Mid-CenturyBy Percival LaferLocated in Pemberton, NJWonderful Percival Lafer rosewood and leather 3-seater S-1 sofa. The S-1 design features Brazilian exoticness paired with Scandinavian sensibility. Of Lafer's designs, the S-1 is a...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
- 1960 Sofa Mp129 Leather tufted by Percival LaferBy Percival LaferLocated in Surrey, BCVery nicely shaped lounge sofa designed and manufactured by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970. This sofa has a solid rosewood wooden frame and leather upholstery, chrome connections and l...Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel