Afra and Tobia Scarpa Erasmo Lounge Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Afra and Tobia Scarpa Erasmo Lounge Chairs stand as a testament to timeless elegance and
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Erasmo Lounge Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Afra and Tobia Scarpa Erasmo Lounge Chairs stand as a testament to timeless elegance and
Leather
$6,800 / set
H 26.8 in W 49 in D 38.5 in
Pair of Vintage B&B Italia Erasmo Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Legendary pair of leather Erasmo lounge chairs by the famed Italian designer duo Afra & Tobia
Leather, Foam, Wood
$12,294
H 25.6 in W 111.42 in D 75.99 in
Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1973 - New Upholstery
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1973 - New Upholstery
Fabric
$3,084
H 31.5 in W 102.37 in D 35.44 in
Original Erasmo Couch Modul Sofa B&B Italia Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Berlin, DE
an. Der Entwurf stammt von Afra & Tobia Scarpa und wurde unter dem Namen "Erasmo" international
Fabric
Erasmo Ottomans by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Full leather construction.
Leather
$2,269
H 24.02 in W 74.81 in D 35.44 in
Italian 1970s Erasmo Sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Manner Living Room
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, GB
This stunning and amazingly comfortable sofa in the manner of the iconic Erasmo sofa from Afra
Wood, Fabric
$3,579
H 25.6 in W 83.08 in D 36.23 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Erasmo sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s, 2 couches available
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Italian modern blue/brown very soft fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
Fabric
Leather Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Italy. Injection molded foam frame. Extremely comfy. We have two available.
Leather
$6,870
H 25.6 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Erasmo sofa in brown Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo sofa in brown Leather by Afra e Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1970s Erasmo sofa covered in
Leather
$5,785 / set
H 31.5 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in
Erasmo black leather sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s Modular sofa model Erasmo, consisting of
Metal
$7,232
H 25.6 in W 83.08 in D 36.23 in
Italian modern blue fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern blue fabric sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Modular sofa model
Fabric, Plastic
$23,684
H 25.99 in W 145.67 in D 145.67 in
Italian modern modular white sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular white sofa Erasmo by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Modular sofa mod
Fabric, Plastic
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Erasmo Sofa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black leather sofa with a nice worn in look. Designed by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia.
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Erasmo” Sectional Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for B&B Italia in great vintage condition. This sofa features a modular design allowing you to rearrange the parts to extend individual sides. It’s incredibly comfortable. W...
Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Erasmo' Sofa, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Erasmo' sofa, 1970s.
Textile
Afra & Tobia Scarpa For B&B Italia, 'Erasmo' Armchair, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Erasmo' armchair, 1970s.
Textile
Three Tobia Scarpa For B&B Italia Erasmo Lounges Sofa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Pasadena, TX
A set of three mid century modern brown leather Erasmo lounges which when used together could be a
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Erasmo” Chairs, a pair
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s, signed. These have been fully restored in & corduroy and are in excellent condition
Fabric
Erasmo Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia - 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Amazing 3 seats Erasmo Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in 1974. This iconic and modular
Fabric
Poltrona Erasmo B&B Italia Afra e Tobia Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Ghedi, IT
The Erasmo armchair, designed by the renowned Italian duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in
Leather
Sold
H 26 in W 118 in L 26 in
Contemporary Modernist Pair of Sofas & Chair Set Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia Erasmo
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a terrific and comfortable pair of sofas and matching chair, Erasmo by
Fabric
Pair of "Erasmo" Leather Sofas by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Exceptional pair of cognac leather sofa Erasmo designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B. They
Leather
Sold
H 26.78 in W 40.95 in D 35.44 in
Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1973, New Upholstery
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Erasmo sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, 1973 - New Upholstery. With armrest : 104 x 90
Velvet
Erasmo Sectional by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Italy. Injection molded foam frame. Reupholstered in Camira Main Line Flax Alperton fabric. New feet.
Fabric
Tobia & Afra Scarpa Erasmo Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1974
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, GB
Formidable husband and wife team Tobia & Afra Bianchin Scarpa created interiors and furni¬ture that
Fabric
'Erasmo' sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B 1970s-80s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
2-seater sofa, foam padding, leather upholstery. Fair condition, worn leather upholstery.
Leather
Modern Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set Erasmo Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia 1970s
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a luxurious lounge chair with matching ottoman, Erasmo style by Tobia
Fabric
Modern Large Sofa Sectional Erasmo by Tobia Scarpa B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a chic and comfortable sofa sectional, Erasmo by Tobia Scapra, made in
Fabric
Sold
H 27.5 in W 40 in D 51 in
Pair of 2 Erasmo' Lounge Chairby Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 1990s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pair of 2 Erasmo Lounge Chairs, designed by the renowned Italian duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa for
Bouclé, Wood
Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Made in Italy. Injection molded foam frame. Extremely comfy.
Fabric
Sold
H 24.41 in W 83.08 in D 36.23 in
Divano 2 posti erasmo B&B Italia Afra e Tobia Scarpa velluto marrone
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ghedi, IT
Scopri l’eleganza senza tempo del divano Erasmo di B&B Italia, un’icona del design firmata da Afra
Velvet
Sold
H 29.53 in W 86.62 in D 43.31 in
Erasmo Brown Velvet Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing the exclusive Afra and Tobia Scarpa's Erasmo four-seater corner sofa. With its iconic
Steel, Iron
Sold
H 24.81 in W 49.22 in D 39.38 in
Italian Armchairs by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Model Erasmo in Brown Leather
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and modern pair of large armchairs designed by Tobia Scarpa for the B&B Italia manufacture
Leather
Sold
H 25.99 in W 33.86 in D 35.04 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Sectional 'Erasmo' Sofa in Camel Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, sectional 'Erasmo' sofa, leather, Italy, 1974. An early
Leather
Sold
H 21 in W 118 in D 33.5 in
‘Erasmo’ Leather Sofa With Ottoman by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for B&b Italia, 1980s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
A three-section modular ‘Erasmo’ sectional sofa designed by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 24.02 in W 43.31 in D 40.95 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 2 Seater 'Erasmo' Black Leather Sofa + Table B&B Italia 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This black leather 2 seater + matching table version 'Erasmo' sectional sofa was produced in 1976
Leather, Foam, Plywood
Sold
H 26.5 in W 151 in D 39 in
"Erasmo" Modular 4 Piece Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&b Italia, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Culver City, CA
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern find! This early Erasmo sofa designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa is a
Fabric
Sold
H 26 in W 136 in D 35 in
Tobia & Afra Scarpa Erasmo Sectional in Black Leather for B&B Italia Vintage 70s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Dallas, TX
4 Piece modular erasmo sectional sofa. Includes 2 lumbar cushions and certificate of authenticity
Leather
Sold
H 27.5 in W 108 in D 37 in
B&B Italia Afra & Tobia Scarpa Modular Erasmo 4-Piece Sectional Sofa Made Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in West Hartford, CT
A magnificent signed four piece modular Erasmo sectional by B&B Italia. The Erasmo is one of the
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 27.5 in W 108 in L 27.5 in
B&B Italia Afra & Tobia Scarpa Modular Erasmo 4-Piece Sectional Sofa Made Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in West Hartford, CT
A magnificent signed four piece modular Erasmo sectional by B&B Italia. The Erasmo is one of the
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 24.81 in W 33.86 in D 33.86 in
Italian Mid-Century Erasmo Brown Leather Sofa Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B 1980
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Erasmo brown leather Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1980s. Erasmo
Steel, Iron
Vintage Pair of Afra E Tobia Scarpa Erasmo Chairs in Cashmere, 1970s
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by the iconic post-modern Italian duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, this pair is newly
Wool
Sold
H 26 in W 34 in D 35 in
B&B Italia Lounge Chair Erasmo Newly Upholstered in Donghia Boucle Afra& TScarpa
By Donghia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare B&B Italia Erasmo chair that our team of upholsterers just redid in a stunning Donghia blue
Textile, Bouclé, Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 34 in D 35 in
B&B Italia Lounge Chair Erasmo Newly Upholstered in Donghia Boucle Afra& TScarpa
By Donghia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare B&B Italia Erasmo chair that our team of upholsterers just redid in a stunning Donghia blue
Textile, Bouclé, Wood
'Erasmo' Sectional Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Sectional sofa 'Erasmo', Space Age black and orange fabric
Fabric
Sold
H 27.55 in W 155.5 in D 35.43 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Grey Leather Sofa Erasmo for B&B Italia, 1976
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vienna, AT
Grey modular leather sofa with 5 elements, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa Grey for B&B Italia
Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 41.34 in D 35.44 in
Erasmo leather sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s Modular sofa model Erasmo, consisting of
Metal
Sold
H 26 in W 39 in L 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Afra Tobia Scarpa B&B Erasmo Italia Pair Brown Sofas, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
, by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, called The Erasmo collection, circa the 1970s. In excellent
Velvet
Sold
H 27.56 in W 151.58 in D 36.23 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Erasmo Sofa in Original Mohair, circa 1970
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Amazing 4-piece Erasmo sofa in original mohair by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, circa 1970
Mohair
Sold
H 70 in W 445 in D 95 in
Italian modern brown Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1980s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown Erasmo Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1980s Angular sofa mod
Metal
Erasmo Chair by Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, BBB Italia
Located in London, GB
1970's camel leather armchair desiged by the duo Tobia & Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia. This model is
Leather
Erasmo sofa by Tobia and Afra Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Den Haag, ZH
the dawn of C&B, in 1973 the ‘Erasmo’ sofa by Tobia and Afra Scarpa was
Velvet
Sold
H 26.5 in W 82 in D 38 in
"Erasmo" Black Leather Modular Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable and adaptable 2-seat sectional sofa configuration. The sofa is derived from the Scarpas
Leather
Sold
H 78 in W 145 in L 78 in
'Erasmo' Sectional Sofa, Chair + Ottoman by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia
Located in Asheville, NC
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Sectional sofa, chair and ottoman 'Erasmo', made in Italy
Upholstery
'Erasmo' Sectional Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia
Located in Asheville, NC
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Sectional sofa 'Erasmo', made in Italy, early 1990s. This
Upholstery
Sold
H 27.5 in W 40 in D 51 in
'Erasmo' Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia
Located in Asheville, NC
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Erasmo' lounge chair and ottoman, made in Italy, early 1990s
Upholstery
French Limed Oak Armoire
Located in Antwerp, BE
Limed oak two door armoire. Height 210 cm. Width 127 cm. Depth 64 cm.
Glass, Wood, Oak
$12,600
H 71.2 in W 54.4 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Vanity Console by Cesare Lacca with Mirror in Burl Walnut
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH27 Majestic vanity dressing table console with mirror, 1950s by Cesare Lacca per La Permanente Mobili Cantù , in burl walnut folder. Large shaped mirror. Console with two si...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
$4,000
H 16 in W 81 in D 74 in
Vintage Minimalist Dutch old growth pine King floating bed Frame Rustic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Minimalist Dutch pine Custom Made European grand king bed bed Frame or Daybed by Ate Van Apeldoorn. Very cubic and brutalist with dovetail joinery. Bed sitting on two bases w...
Pine
$3,393Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 7.75 in W 5.35 in D 7.75 in
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Sconces
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris patinated outdoor sconces. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed ...
Metal
On Hold|$2,950
H 29.25 in W 83.25 in D 37.5 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Coronado' Sofa in Butterscotch Leather, 1966
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic 'Coronado' three-seater sofa, a testament to the revolutionary Italian Mid-Century Modern movement, was designed by the esteemed duo Afra & Tobia Scarpa for the world...
Steel
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 Malmsten's iconic curved sofa was designed in 1956 and produced by Swedish cabinetmakers AB Record in Bollnas. It is considered one the finest exa...
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
Bespoke Round Italian Dining Table in Travertine
Located in London, London
Travertine dining table Made to order in Italy Round top Honed or polished finish Rounded or straight edges Travertine pedestal. The photos show a selection of tables we have m...
Travertine
$2,181Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 12.6 in W 17.72 in D 12.6 in
Acerbis LOKUM M Coffee Table in smoked grey by Sabine Marcelis
By Sabine Marcelis, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Matter, light and colour come together in an intense interaction of materials. This collection embodies the elegance of pure forms, elevated through the use of hand-blown glass. Sabi...
Glass, Art Glass
Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall unit or wardrobe, walnut, Italy, 1970s This striking wall unit from the 1970s reflects a bold modernist approach with an architectural appearance. Crafted from rich walnut, the...
Walnut
Pair of Bauhaus Modernist StyleTubular Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Great pair of Bauhaus tubular sling chairs in cowhide and matte steel. The arm covers are black leather that lace up underneath while the seat and back are lace-up cowhide. Similar ...
Steel
$3,370Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27.56 in W 49.22 in D 39.38 in
Vintage Mid-century Modern Danish Monza Armchairs from Niels Eilersen, 1970s
By Jens Juul Eilersen, Niels Eilersen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This large armchairs were designed by Jens Juul Eilersen and manufactured during 1970s by Niels Eilersen, a very well regarded Danish furniture maker. It is Monza model with down wra...
Leather, Wood
$5,550
H 29.53 in W 50.79 in D 39.38 in
Dudouyt - Table - Extendable - Oak - 1940s - France - Brutalist
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a remarkable French Art Deco dining table designed by the renowned Charles Dudouyt, a celebrated furniture designer known for his exceptional craftsmanship, innovative de...
Oak
$2,450
H 30 in W 78.75 in D 39.375 in
Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s
By EEKA, Coen de Vries, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Table, Wood, Italian, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Table, Wood, Italian, 1960s
Wood
$4,336Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.83 in W 126.38 in D 83.86 in
Vintage Italian double bed with bedside tables attributed to Ico Pairisi
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
In the enchanting embrace of the 1950s, from the hands of a master, Ico Pairisi, emerged a work of art that effortlessly fuses functionality with the poetic essence of design. Behold...
Wood
Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez
By laura gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish. Flared legs, backrest and seat upholstered in a textured cream fabric by Dedar.
Oak, Fabric, Bouclé
Widely recognized as superstars of postmodern Italian design, husband-and-wife team Afra and Tobia Scarpa (1937–2011; b. 1935) collaboratively created chairs, sofas and other furniture that work equally well in both traditional and cutting-edge environments.
Ranging from architecture and interior design to furniture and clothing, the Scarpas’ practice from its beginnings in the mid-1950s to the 21st century has included a diverse scope of projects combining new technology with thoughtful function and sculptural yet simple forms.
Afra Bianchin and Tobia Scarpa met as architecture students at the Università Iuav di Venezia. In a class led by architect and furniture designer Franco Albini, they created their first collaborative piece, the Pigreco armchair, later produced with Gavina. After graduating in 1957, Tobia worked for Murano glass company Venini & Co. before the couple opened a studio in Afra’s hometown, Montebelluna, in 1960. (Tobia, the son of famed glass artist and architect Carlo Scarpa, was born in Venice.)
For Afra and Tobia, a close collaborative process was pivotal to the success of their designs. The duo was also prolific — they designed for the most influential European manufacturers, including B&B Italia, Cassina, Knoll and FLOS. With respect to the latter, Afra and Tobia were among the legendary Italian lighting maker’s earliest collaborators, and their pioneering designs for the brand included the Papillon lamp, one of the first fixtures to use halogen technology. Their most recognized designs include the Bastiano sofa (1962), the Vanessa bed (1959), the Coronado sofa (1966) and the Soriana seating collection (1970). Work on the Soriana sofa began in late 1969 for an early 1970 debut, and it feels as radical today as it did in its heyday.
Architecture was also a central part of Afra and Tobia’s practice, which spanned residential buildings and factories for Italian companies such as Benetton. Their commissions for the global fashion brand included numerous industrial projects, from textile plants to storefronts. By 1985, Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work was celebrated in a 30-year retrospective at Center Four in Queens, New York. Looking around the 30,000-square-foot exhibition space, Afra joked to the New York Times, “Seeing all those things makes us feel very tired, and now we feel that maybe we worked too much.”
It was not too much for their legacy, as Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s work continues to inspire new generations. Scarpa designs are in collections at the Louvre, the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The couple was awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1970 for the Soriana armchair.
Find vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa lounge chairs, dining chairs, floor lamps and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.