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B&B Italia Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Italian

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. 

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Creator: B&B Italia
Alanda Dresser by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Conversano, IT
Discover a true design masterpiece - the rare "Alanda" dresser by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. This exclusive chest of drawers showcases a unique postmodern design, featuring four spacious drawers and two slimmer ones at the top, supported by elegant twin feet similar to those found on the sofas and beds from the same series. Crafted with white laminate over a wooden base and accented with black steel details, this piece is a true work of art for design enthusiasts. Currently a one-of-a-kind item on the market, this dresser is extremely rare and collectible, due to its high original production cost. In excellent condition, it shows only minor signs of wear consistent with age, as shown in the photographs. Matching nightstands and a queen-size bed from the same series are available upon request to complete the set. Bring a distinctive touch to your space with this extraordinary Alanda dresser. Product Name: "Alanda" Dresser by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia Designer: Paolo Piva Year of Design: 1970 Style: Postmodern Main Materials: White laminate, wood, black steel Distinctive Design: The "Alanda" dresser is defined by its postmodern silhouette, slender shape, and elegant twin feet. This design is a true icon of its era. Typical Dimensions: 170 x 60 x 68 cm Comfort: Designed with functionality in mind, the "Alanda" dresser offers generous and practical storage space. Typical Use: Ideal for organizing personal belongings with style in a variety of interiors, from living rooms to bedrooms. Design Icon: The "Alanda" dresser is considered a postmodern design icon and a major creation by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. Versatility: Its sleek design allows it to adapt to different rooms and décor styles, adding elegance wherever placed. Current Condition: A unique piece on today's market, showcasing extreme rarity and collectibility. In excellent condition, with only light signs of wear. Additional Notes: Matching nightstands and a queen-size bed from the same series are available upon request to create a cohesive and refined interior. Paolo Piva (1933-2017) was a renowned Italian architect and designer, celebrated for his influential contributions to industrial design and architecture. Career Beginnings: Born in Adria, Italy, Piva studied architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. His design career began in the 1960s and flourished through the 1970s. Iconic Designs: Paolo Piva gained fame for his work in furniture design, particularly for his collaboration with B&B Italia. One of his most iconic designs is the "Alanda" dresser, now considered a symbol of postmodern design. Distinctive Style: His work is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a strong sense of minimalist aesthetics-elements that helped shape the language of contemporary Italian design. Successful Collaborations: In addition to B&B Italia, Piva worked with several prestigious furniture and design companies, creating pieces that have become modern design classics. Lasting Influence: His approach to balancing aesthetics and functionality continues to influence contemporary design. Piva's works are highly desirable among collectors and design lovers alike. Architectural Work: Beyond furniture, Piva also worked in architecture, designing both residential and commercial buildings around the world. Prestige and Recognition: He received numerous accolades and honors throughout his career, highlighting his importance in the design world. Paolo Piva remains a key figure in Italian design history. His legacy is rich in innovation and elegance, and his creations continue to be internationally recognized and appreciated. B&B Italia, short for B&B Italia S.p.A., is a prestigious Italian furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality, contemporary design pieces. History and Foundation: Founded in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli in Novedrate, Lombardy, B&B Italia was created with the goal of producing cutting-edge designer furniture for the international market. Collaboration with Renowned Designers: B&B Italia is known for its partnerships with some of the world's most acclaimed designers, including Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Naoto Fukasawa, Marcel Wanders, and more. These collaborations have resulted in a broad portfolio of iconic pieces. Innovation and Research: The company has always emphasized innovation and research, developing advanced materials and production techniques to craft highly functional, contemporary furniture. Quality and Craftsmanship: Each piece is made with top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring durability, comfort, and visual appeal. Diverse Portfolio: B&B Italia offers a wide range of products-from sofas and chairs to beds...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage B&B Italia Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

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B&b Italia commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

B&B Italia commodes and chests of drawers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Dal Vera, and Gianfranco Frattini. Prices for B&B Italia commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,629 and can go as high as $5,629, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,629.
Questions About B&B Italia Commodes and Chests of Drawers
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    B&B Italia makes their furniture at a company-owned factory in Novedrate, Como, Italy. The brand's headquarters are also in the city. To ensure quality, skilled artisans produce each piece by hand. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of B&B Italia furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The maker’s mark R&B is from the company Roberts & Belk. Originally known as Furniss, Poles and Turner in 1809, the company went through many different names until it landed on Roberts & Belk in 1864. Known for their silver flatware and cutlery, the brand became quite desirable. Shop a collection of authentic Roberts and Belk silver from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, B. Altman is not still in business. The last remaining B. Altman store closed in 1990 after the company went bankrupt. Benjamin Altman founded the retail department store chain in New York, New York, in 1865. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of B. Altman apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Hamilton 992B Railroad Watch was first produced in November, 1940, nine years after design and research began. The 992B featured brand-new technologies and was made with gold, steel and gilt parts and the newly designed Elinvar Extra hairspring. The last Hamilton 992B was sold in 1969. Shop Hamilton 992B Railroad Watches from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between Steelcase Grade A and Grade B is condition. A previously owned chair that has been inspected by Steelcase and found to be in like-new condition receives the Grade A designation. On the other hand, a piece that has minor issues, such as scuffs on the frame, receives a Grade B classification. Shop a collection of Steelcase chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How to clean a Bulgari B Zero ring depends on the material. You can clean the metal with a soft-bristled toothbrush, warm water and dish soap, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Use a cleaning product formulated for leather to clean leather rings. Wipe gemstones with a soft cloth. Bulgari recommends that you visit a Bulgari boutique once every year for professional cleaning. On 1stDibs, find a range of Bulgari B Zero rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How you style Dior B23 sneakers is largely a matter of personal preference. High-top styles tend to look best worn with socks no higher than the collar, while low-top options work well with socks of varying heights. Feel free to get creative and wear your sneakers with everything from dresses to jeans. Shop a range of Dior sneakers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    What was most innovative about Marcel Breuer's Model B3 chair was its frame. Also known as the Wassily lounge chair, the piece featured a lightweight, sturdy tubular steel frame inspired by the artist's Adler bicycle. His use of the metal started a radical shift in furniture design. You’ll find a variety of Marcel Breuer Model B3 chairs 1stDibs.

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