In 1966, Piero Ambrogio Busnelli cofounded C&B Italia, a modern Italian furniture manufacturer, with Cesare Cassina in northern Milan. From the outset, Busnelli and Cassina set about recruiting the most talented modernists in Italy to conceive of creative furnishings manufactured in modern ways. In the early 1970s, the company split, with Cassina founding his own eponymous firm and Busnelli taking leadership of what became B&B Italia.
For decades, Busnelli cultivated relationships with the world’s best design talent, resulting in furniture pieces that remain iconic today — be they Gaetano Pesce’s outwardly curvaceous Up seating (made for C&B, reintroduced by B&B) or tables from industrial designer Paolo Piva, each more sophisticated than the next in their geometrically complex steel-tube bases. B&B Italia earned four prestigious Compasso d’Oro design awards: in 1979 for Mario Bellini’s Le Bambole, in 1984 for the Sisamo wardrobe system by Studio Kairos, in 1987 for Antonio Citterio’s modular Sity sofa and, in 1989, the first award given to a manufacturing company itself.
Other notable names who designed for B&B Italia over the course of its 54-year history include Patricia Urquiola, Naoto Fukasawa, Zaha Hadid, Ettore Sottsass and Vincent Van Duysen, to name a very few. And while these names bring star power to the B&B brand, in many cases, it was B&B Italia who helped usher in their celebrity, fostering a wave of design talent on the world stage.
The company’s forward-thinking vision manifested in its own headquarters, too: In 1972, B&B Italia tapped architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers to design a steel-framed, postmodern-style home for the brand, whose crisscrossing metal exoskeleton is reminiscent of the pair’s Centre Pompidou in Paris, which was built at roughly the same time. Now, B&B Italia manages a contract division and outdoor section as well as its residential arm, and it also controls production for Maxalto, a brand spun out with furniture designs by Antonio Citterio.
At 1stDibs, find a range of vintage B&B Italia furniture — including sofas, cocktail tables and more.
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwid...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, newly upholstered in luxury cream alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping world...
Alpaca
1986 Antonio Citterio "Sity" Corner Chairs for B&B Italia in Black Leather, Pair
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Extremely chic and versatile. This pair of fully leather-wrapped Italian corner chairs / armchairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia can be positioned in a myriad of arrangements, i...
Steel
"Le Stelle" Loveseat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970s. Newly reupholstered in white Knoll boucle, the sofa features angled arm rests and Bellini's signatu...
Bouclé
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in a beautifully soft premium, taupe, pure alpaca fabric. Marked on the u...
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Leather
$4,950 / item
Paolo Piva 'Arca' sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arca two seater sofa with right and left armrest provided with transparent glass serving tables which swing out from under the armrest. Framework made of structural steel embedded i...
Steel
Vintage Boho Tobia Scarpa for B&b Italian Leather “Coronado” Loveseat
By Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in the iconic comfort and sculptural elegance of this vintage "Coronado" loveseat, a masterpiece designed by Tobia Scarpa for the esteemed B&B Italia. This exquisite piece, a...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
$16,900 / set
H 29.53 in W 63 in D 33.47 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, Mongolian faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag contain...
Faux Fur, Foam
$5,649
H 29.53 in W 90.56 in D 33.47 in
Jacquard fabric Sofa, Mario Bellini, "Le stelle" B&B Italia, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa by Italian designer Mario Bellini, produced by B&B Italia, model "La Stelle". Made with a metal frame and upholstered in the original linen and cotton jacquard fabric. The origi...
Metal
$6,120
H 28.35 in W 70.08 in D 38.59 in
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
$14,065
H 28.75 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Berlin, DE
The Bambole series stands as one of the defining statements of Italian design in the 1970s—an object that treats seating not as a frame with padding, but as a continuous upholstered...
Leather
Antonio Citterio Woven Leather Longue Chair For B&B Italia
By Antonio Citterio
Located in Čelinac, BA
Antonio Citterio Wovn Leather Longoe Chair for B&B Italia 1980s
Leather
$11,500
H 29.14 in W 96.46 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Olive Green Velvet, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” two-seater sofa for B&B Italia, olive green velvet, Italy, 1971. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag cont...
Velvet, Foam
$5,002 / set
H 31.89 in W 114.18 in D 106.3 in
Postmodern 'Sity' Modular Sectional Sofa, Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1972
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Zagreb, HR
An amazing, rare and early production, three-piece modular Sity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Original upholstery, leather pole armrests, loose back and seat cushions, pink upholstered frames. Original B&B Italia labels. This sculptural Memphis sofa...
Leather, Fabric
$4,354
H 32.68 in W 87.01 in D 39.77 in
Baisity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1980s.
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Athens, Attiki
Baisity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1980s. Original fabric with extraordinary paisley pattern and leather. Excellent condition
Leather, Fabric, Silk
Baisity Lounge Chair by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1986
By Antonio Citterio
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
The Baisity lounge chair, designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 1986, reflects the refined balance between comfort and architectural clarity that characterizes Italian d...
Leather, Fabric
$29,000 / set
H 33.47 in W 27.96 in D 32.29 in
1970s Mario Bellini 5-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless Organic Modern elegance of the original 1970s Le Bambole Italian sofa set with beige woven wool upholstery in superb condition. A Mid-Century Modern Italian masterpiece by the renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia. It was an instant success on launch in 1971. Today, it commands an extreme desirability as it's timeless playful aesthetic fits so well with both period and contemporary interiors. This vintage collection combines luxurious comfort, captivating aesthetics, and a rich history. Crafted with utmost precision, the set consists of three armchairs, one corner armchair, and one ottoman...
Wool, Upholstery
$898Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 24.81 in D 22.05 in
Side Chairs - B&B Italia Iuta by Antonio Citterio
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Pair of white metal mesh and fabric B&B Italia Iuta side chairs by Antonio Citterio. Antonia Citterio’s work encompasses furniture, architecture and interiors and spans the last 30 years; most notably with B&B Italia, Vitra and Kartell. The Iuta collection is a B&B Italia icon that dates back to the late 1980s and has been produced and re-introduced over the years in a number of versions. The seating range uses...
Steel, Chrome
Le Bambole sofa By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in original structured fabric in aubergine tones designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition comes in its original high q...
Fabric
Sold
H 34.5 in W 81 in D 34 in
Postmodern Alanda Italian Black Leather Loveseat by Paola Pive for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Paola Pivi
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A postmodern Alanda loveseat by Paola Pive for B&B Italia. This beautiful black leather loveseat features a fantastic postmodern design with a black metal frame. The loveseat has hig...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Coronado' Loveseat for B&B Italia, 1966
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original 'Coronado' loveseat in butterscotch leather, designed in 1966 by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. A celebrated design from the golden era of Italian Mid-Century -...
Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 66 in D 33 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Loveseat 2 Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1986
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
Original iconic Le Bambole loveseat 2-seater sofa, rendered in molded full foam structure with original cotton upholstery and burlap base. Ready to be reupholstered. Designed by Ma...
Fabric, Burlap, Foam
Mario Bellini Le Stelle Loveseat
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Toronto, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini, designed in 1974 for B&B Italia. An early Postmodern design by Mario Bellini that would work in a host of environments - especially given ...
Metal
Sold
H 27 in W 68 in D 42 in
Paolo Piva “Alanda” Adjustable Black Leather Loveseat Sofa for B&b Italia, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Miami, FL
Black leather Alanda loveseat sofa with adjustable backrests and armrests designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s. This smaller version sofa with width of 68” comfortably seats...
Steel
Mario Bellini ‘Le Bambole’ Blue-Grey Suede Loveseat for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 'le Bambole' blue-grey suede loveseat. Iconic and distinctive soft form sofa with curved silhouette. In original condition with visible signs of wear inc...
Suede
Sold
H 28 in W 65.5 in D 34.5 in
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Dark Brown Leather Loveseat for B&B Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic 'Le Bambole' dark brown leather loveseat designed by legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972 and awarded with the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. An absolute ico...
Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 65.5 in D 34.5 in
Mario Bellini 'Le Bambole' Dark Brown Leather Loveseat for B&B Italia, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Le Bambole' brown leather loveseat designed by legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972 and awarded with the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. An absolute icon of timeles...
Leather
"Le Stelle" Loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Skokie, IL
"Le Stelle" Loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia This is a beautiful example of a "Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. "Le Stelle" was originally designed ...
Wool
1972 Mario Bellini Leather 'Le Bambole' Sofa for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dark brown leather soft form sofa 'Le Bambole' designed by legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972 and awarded with the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. An absolute icon...
Leather
B&B Italia Leather Diesis Sofa, Italy
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Austin, TX
Extraordinary recent edition (exact date of manufacture is unknown) of Antonio Citterio's 1979 Diesis DS217 model sofa for B & B Italia. Aniline dyed saddle colored leather and polis...
Aluminum
Sold
H 28.35 in W 66.93 in D 37.41 in
Two-Seater Sofa 'Le Bambole' in Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1972
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Hellouw, NL
The 'Bambole' line is a famous mid-century design classic designed by the legendary Italian designer Mario Bellini. It was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. This specific two-seate...
Leather