B&B Italia and Mario Bellini: The Story Behind the Camaleonda Sofa
First introduced in 1970, the Camaleonda sofa has become a recognised design in Italian furniture history. Its rounded cushions, deep tufting and modular construction give it a distinctive look, but its story is also closely linked to the brand and designer behind it.
To understand Camaleonda, it helps to look at the collaboration between B&B Italia and designer Mario Bellini.
1. B&B Italia: Rethinking Furniture Design
B&B Italia began as C&B, founded by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli in 1966. The company explored how industrial production and new materials could open up new possibilities in furniture design. In 1973, it adopted the name B&B Italia.
Its collaborations with Mario Bellini resulted in several notable designs, including Camaleonda and Le Bambole. Both became part of the brand's design history, each exploring different approaches to the form and feel of upholstered furniture.
2. Mario Bellini: Architect, Designer and Innovator
Born in Milan in 1935, Mario Bellini graduated in architecture from the Politecnico di Milano in 1959. His work spans furniture, industrial design and architecture, earning him international recognition.
Bellini received the prestigious Compasso d'Oro design award eight times. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York also holds 25 of his works in its permanent collection and dedicated a retrospective exhibition to him in 1987.
3. Camaleonda: Designed to Be Rearranged
In 1970, Bellini designed Camaleonda for C&B, the company that later became B&B Italia. At a time when sofas were often treated as fixed pieces of furniture, he created a system that could be taken apart and rearranged.
The rounded cushions and deep tufting give the sofa its distinctive sculptural appearance. Beneath this look is a practical modular system: cables, hooks and rings connect the individual elements, allowing the seats, backrests and armrests to be rearranged.
This means the sofa can take on different layouts while retaining its recognisable design. It brings together two ideas that remain relevant today: a distinctive appearance and the freedom to adapt a seating arrangement to different spaces.
4. The 2020 Re-edition
Fifty years after the original design was introduced, B&B Italia worked with Mario Bellini to reintroduce Camaleonda in 2020.
The re-edition retained its signature tufted upholstery, modular concept and 90 × 90 cm seat module. The internal construction was also redesigned, using materials that can be separated more easily for recycling.
5. Best Camaleonda Sofa Alternatives (2026)
If you like the look of Camaleonda but would like more options, Hiksnra offers an alternative worth exploring.
Hiksnra's Camaleonda sofa range.
Designed for modern living, the range offers modular pieces that can be combined to suit different spaces. Upholstery options, including soft chenille, provide a choice of looks and textures.
The sofas are vacuum-compressed for easier delivery and handling, with no assembly required. After unpacking, they gradually return to shape.
Looking for a modular sofa with rounded forms and flexible layout options? Explore the Hiksnra Camaleonda sofa range and find a combination that suits your home.
