The Chair for Gossip & Leisure: Meet the Mole
A Brazilian modernist icon you’ll want to curl up in — with or without tea to spill.
What’s the Mole Chair?
You know that moment when the gossip’s good, the vibe is relaxed, and you need to sit somewhere really comfortable?
Turns out, designer Sergio Rodrigues thought about that all the way back in 1957, and delivered the Mole Chair, a low-slung, plush seat made for serious lounging.
It’s said that even John F. Kennedy used one to decompress from the demands of political life (and personal drama). Fitting, since mole means "soft" in Portuguese.
The Mole is the ultimate lounging chair — with history, swagger, and softness built in.
Why It’s More Than Just a Pretty Chair
The Mole is a standout example of Brazilian modernism, a design movement that challenged the cold, sterile feel of mid-century European modernism by infusing it with soul, softness, and sensuality.
In the 1950s and ’60s, Brazil was going through a cultural and architectural awakening. While European modernism prized industrial precision and minimalism, Brazilian designers brought emotion into the equation—merging modernist principles with local materials, climate-conscious forms, and a relaxed, tropical spirit.
Sérgio Rodrigues, often called the father of Brazilian furniture design, led this charge. With the Mole Chair (1957), he rejected rigidity and embraced comfort. He used rich, native woods like jacaranda and leather to reflect the warmth of Brazilian life. His furniture didn’t ask to be admired from a distance—it invited you to sink in and stay a while.
More than just a national style, Brazilian modernism became a global influence, admired for its ability to blend craftsmanship with casual sophistication. It helped redefine modernism itself—not as something to be obeyed, but adapted to real life. Today, you can see echoes of Rodrigues’ work in the rise of “soft modernism” and the global appetite for interiors that feel both elevated and easy.
So, the Mole isn’t just a chair. It’s a philosophy: modern doesn’t have to mean cold. Good design can—and should—make you feel at home.
The Problem? It’s Rare, and Pricey
As iconic as it is, most original Mole Chairs now live in high-end interiors or auction catalogues. They’re expensive (think $15K+), oversized, and not always renter-friendly.
So, what if you want the vibe without the price tag?
Modern Mole-Inspired Options
If you love the look but not the five-digit price, you’re not alone. Thankfully, several retailers and makers offer Mole-inspired chairs — some even with handcrafted quality.
Here are a few options to explore:
High-End Originals
- 1stDibs — Real-deal Sergio Rodrigues chairs. Investment pieces with serious history.
Design-Inspired Reproductions
- Eternity Modern — Faithful reproductions with premium materials.
- Poly & Bark — Stylish and comfortable, without the price shock.
Budget-Friendly Lookalikes
- Wayfair — Mole-adjacent chairs that deliver on comfort and cost.
- Article — Great mid-century silhouettes with similar vibes.
Pro Tip: Organise Your Chair Hunt with Bemazi
Finding a good Mole dupe can feel like a black hole of open tabs and second-guessing. Here’s a better way to shop smart:
👉 Create a board on Bemazi to organise your chair search.
- Save and compare different options
- Set budgets for dream vs. real picks
- Share with your design-savvy friends (or your wallet-holding partner)
- Revisit the list when you’re ready to buy
It’s your Pinterest-meets-practicality tool for intentional interiors.
Check our Brazilian Modernism board to understand what you can do.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a São Paulo penthouse or a presidential scandal to enjoy the softness of the Mole Chair. Whether you're buying an original or just capturing the aesthetic, this piece is a timeless nod to comfort, craft, and modernist magic.
