Percival Lafer sofa

This is a rare three-seat sofa designed by Percival Lafer and manufactured by Lafer MP in Brazil during the 1960s. The sofa is constructed using a solid rosewood frame and fitted with generously cushioned upholstery in brown leather. The wood has a deep, warm reddish-brown hue with visible grain and a satin finish, providing a sturdy and richly textured structure. The leather upholstery is button-tufted and slightly glossy, with a uniform patina and visible wear that gives it depth and character while maintaining its functional integrity.

The sofa features an ergonomic and low-slung profile, with deep seating and an oversized cylindrical headrest that rests above the back cushion via a black powder-coated metal bracket. The seat and back cushions are suspended by a system of broad leather straps affixed to the rear wooden frame, a signature construction technique by Lafer that emphasizes modularity, tension, and support. The armrests are softly draped and slightly curved, seamlessly integrated into the seating envelope. The design balances informal comfort with the structural clarity of modernist construction.

Percival Lafer, one of the leading figures in Brazilian mid-century design, was known for his innovation in seating systems that prioritized comfort without abandoning the design principles of modern architecture. His work with Lafer MP introduced a variety of forms combining industrial production methods with artisan-level material quality. The MP series, to which this sofa belongs, is recognized for its exposed frames, leather strap systems, and plush tufted upholstery, and has become a benchmark for Brazilian modern lounge furniture.

The sofa is in good vintage condition with signs of age and use. The leather surface shows natural creasing and minor abrasions, typical of well-maintained original leather from this period. The rosewood frame is in solid structural condition with minor surface marks and a consistent finish.

The dimensions of the sofa are 200 cm in width, 100 cm in depth, and 85 cm in height, with a seat height of 38 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 78.7 inches wide, 39.4 inches deep, and 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inches. Matching two-seat sofa and easy chair versions are also available as part of the complete seating group.