Skip to main content

Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Italian

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.

to
3
6
2
8
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
4
8
2
6
1
5
5
4
3
3
3
8
8
8
8
8
416
22
18
17
16
Creator: Afra & Tobia Scarpa
1970s Soriana Settee by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina with Pierre Frey Wool
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Soriana settee designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1969. This iconic sofa has been beautifully upholstered in a luxurious sabre print wool/alpaca/mohair blend by...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cassina Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Afra; Tobia; Scarpa; Cassina; Soriana; Settee; Couch; Italy; 1970's; Hollywood Regency; Minimalist; Italian Design; Soriana sofa in original upholstery, designed by Afra &...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Wool

Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Bouclé Wool, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Two-Seater; Cassina; Bouclé Wool; Italy; Italian Design; 1970s; Mid-Century Modern; This Soriana two-seater sofa, reupholstered in bouclé ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

piccolo Divano Cassina mod 920 Afra Tobia Scarpa per Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, MI
Rara versione del divano 920 di Cassina disegnato da Afra e Tobia Scarpa negli anni 60. Struttura in legno e rivestimento in pelle. Buone condizioni generali con piccoli segni del te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

Cassina 'Soriana' Four Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, soriana, Cassina, Italy 1970s, bouclé wool Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a w...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Settee in Brown Leather
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, two-seat sofa brown leather, walnut, Italy, 1966. This high quality settee is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1966. The design is bu...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Leather Lounge Suite For Cassina, circa 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Englewood, NJ
Very Cool and Comfortable Italian Mid Century Modern leather upholstered "Soriana" suite by, Tobia & Afra Scarpa designed for Cassina. The suite is made up of one settee, two lounge ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather

Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Cassina; 1970s; Italian Design; Italy; Two Seater; Post-Modern; Green; Fabric; Mohair; This Soriana two-seater ...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Related Items
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Ivory Bouclé, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” two-seater sofa for Cassina, ivory bouclé, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. The most notable feature of this couch, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Bouclé

Pair of '920' Sofas by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of fully restored '920' sofas designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, 1960. Refinished rosewood frames reupholstered in green velvet.
Category

1960s Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of '920' Sofas by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
Pair of '920' Sofas by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
$19,500 / set
H 27 in W 80 in D 30 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Bouclé Wool, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Sofa and Two lounge chairs, Ivory Bouclé Wool and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969, Set of three. Although technically designed...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Plastic

Afra & Tobia Scarpa "925" Easy Chair for Cassina, 1966
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "925" easy chair for Cassina, plywood and red leather, Italy, 1966. In 1966 Afra & Tobia Scarpa designed the "925" chair, realized in walnut and leather. The low chair is inspired by a sketch made in 1943...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Afra & Tobia Scarpa "925" Easy Chair for Cassina, 1966
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "925" Easy Chair for Cassina, 1966
$9,200
H 27.56 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Carlotta” Easy Chair for Cassina, 1967
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Carlotta” Easy Chair for Cassina, wood, Italy, 1967 These eccentric, easy chairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for the ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Bouclé Wool, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Bouclé Wool and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. Its most notable feature, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Bouclé

Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Leather Lounge Suite For Cassina, circa 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Englewood, NJ
Very Cool and Comfortable Italian Mid Century Modern leather upholstered "Soriana" suite by, Tobia & Afra Scarpa designed for Cassina. The suite is made up of one settee, two lounge ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather

Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 925 Lounge Chair
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First-issue Model 925 Lounge Chair, in walnut and cognac leather, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Based on an earlier sketch by Carlo Scarpa, the design was finally re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 925 Lounge Chair
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 925 Lounge Chair
$13,750
H 27.5 in W 25.5 in D 25.5 in
'Soriana' 4-Seater Sofa - Tobia & Afra Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A 'Soriana' 4-seater sofa, designed in 1969 by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Cassina, Italy. The metal structure holds the foam corpus in a tight grip, so no internal suppo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Metal

'Soriana' 4-Seater Sofa - Tobia & Afra Scarpa
'Soriana' 4-Seater Sofa - Tobia & Afra Scarpa
$26,826
H 25.2 in W 96.46 in D 39.38 in
Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Three-seater Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, a rare and coveted piece of Italian design from the 1970s. Upholstered in sumptuous black leather, the sofa embodies t...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Black Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, black leather, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "So...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Afra & Tobia Scarpa per Cassina Model 121 Leather Walnut Dinning Chairs, 1967
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Rome, IT
Exciting Italian style for this group of six chairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Linear and clean design, but at the same time amazing for the combination of materi...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Coronado Settee by Tobia & Afra Scarpa B & B Italia
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Nashville, TN
Coronado Loveseat Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B &B Italia. Full leather. Great vintage condition. Minor wear. Soft Italian leather, c late 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Soriana Italian Black Leather Settee or Sofa
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid-Century Modern timeless and iconic "Soriana" two -seats black leather settee designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for the Italian luxury house...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Early Production #920 Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, c 1966, Signed
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early production Model #920 modular four-seat sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina was designed in circa 1966 and this example is from the earlier years of production as evidenced by the early style 'Figli di Amedeo Cassina' labels on each section (see photos). Featuring soft supple black leather cushions which extend to the arms and backside along with nicely grained Walnut accents to the frame, this sofa is in two parts and can either be used together as one long four-seat sofa or separated as two loveseat...
Category

1960s Italian Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Afra and Tobia Scarpa Bastiano Two Seater Sofa, Gavina, Italy
By Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in London, GB
The Bastiano series by Afra and Tobia Scarpa is one of the highly influential Italian design duo’s earliest furniture productions. The intention of the design was to provide “seating...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Cassina Soriana Four Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in green Peter Dunham
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Soriana, Cassina, Italy 1970s, reupholstered in Peter Dunham Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was ...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Settee for Cassina, circa 1975
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana settee for Cassina, circa 1975.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Steel

Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Soriana three-seat couch Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bu...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Settee for Cassina in Bouclé, circa 1975
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Soriana Settee for Cassina in Bouclé, circa 1975. This piece has been expertly upholstered in alpaca bouclé.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Tobia Scarpa 'Bastiano' Rosewood Loveseats for Gavina, Italy 1960s, Signed
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly sought after pair of black leather and Brazilian Rosewood 'Bastiano' loveseat sofas by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, signed with several Gavina labels. This elegantly crafted sofa has been fabricated from Rosewood which displays a beautiful and vivid grain and the original black leather cushions. The sofa backs and sides features sculptural frames, making this sofa ideal for placing centrally in a space so the sofa can be appreciated from all angles. *NOTE, this listing is priced for the pair. If you wish to purchase a single, contact us to discuss. This pair of Bastiano settees retains their original black leather cushions which exhibit moderate patina and age which adds additional beauty for those who love the casual laid back vintage vibe of aged leather. Gavina, being the original Italian producer of this design, are the more sought after examples above and beyond the later produced Knoll International examples, plus add in the fact that these are in Rosewood which is much more desirable and sought after than Walnut examples, and also consider these are in their original black leather cushions with original early production Gavina labels.... making this pair of highly sought after Bastiano loveseats ideal for a design collector or interior designer with a hard to please and demanding client. This pair of black leather and Brazilian Rosewood Afra and Tobia Scarpa Bastiano...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina, Italy, 1970s, for Re-Upholstery
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in LEWES, GB
A two-seat ‘Soriana’ sofa, designed in the 1970s by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina. Due to wear and damaged fabric this Soriana is sold for re-upholstery. Fast shippin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Soriana Sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Sofa, couch or settee Soriana by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for the editor Cassina. Fully upholstered with a nice fabric from Dedar Milano.
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Soriana Ottoman by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in LEWES, GB
A ‘Soriana’ ottoman, designed in the 1970s by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina. Chromed metal rod structure and beautiful new ivory upholstery. The ottoman is on wheels. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees

Materials

Chrome

Afra & Tobia Scarpa settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Afra & Tobia Scarpa settees are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Afra & Tobia Scarpa settees, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original settees by Afra & Tobia Scarpa were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider settees by Paolo Buffa, ISA Bergamo, and Casa e Giardino. Prices for Afra & Tobia Scarpa settees can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,320 and can go as high as $48,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $14,693.
Questions About Afra & Tobia Scarpa Settees
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024
    Yes, Tobia Scarpa is related to Carlo Scarpa. A well-known architect and designer in his own right, Tobia is the son of the legendary architect Carlo Scarpa. Tobia studied architecture at the Università Iuav di Venezia in Venice, where he met designer Afra Bianchin, who would become his wife and long-time collaborator. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Tobia Scarpa furniture.

Recently Viewed

View All