Of his mid-century modern furniture designs, which marry minimalist simplicity with elegance and symmetry, Italian designer Giovanni Offredi once said: “Beauty should not be confused with appearance, since the latter is the superficial part of the form.”
Born in Milan, in 1927, Offredi did not pursue formal education as an architect, unlike many of his contemporaries in the first half of the 20th century. He also did not begin designing furniture until later in his career. His earliest known furnishings were commissioned by wealthy Milanese families in 1960.
It wasn’t until the late 1960s — when Offredi met Sergio Saporiti, owner of Italian furniture manufacturer and design shop Saporiti — that his furniture designs would become more prominent. In 1970, Offredi entered into a partnership with Saporiti, producing several innovative and modernistic furniture lines.
Among Offredi’s most notable pieces are the gently curving Wave chair, sofa and lounge chair, the Onda coffee table and the Paracarro dining room table, with its cylindrical concrete base, glass top and metal cross section. He also designed a series of credenzas and sideboards in lacquered wood, featuring a high gloss finish and bold colors.
Offredi enjoyed a successful collaboration with Saporiti throughout the 1970s. In 1984, he began a partnership with Italian cabinet and kitchen manufacturer Snaidero, designing modern kitchens. His final kitchen design, Kube, in 2006, featured streamlined forms, contrasting materials and colors and a recessed aluminum toe kick with a reflective mirror finish, which made the kitchen appear suspended above the ground. The kitchen won a Good Design Award from the Chicago Design Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, in 2008. Offredi never had the opportunity to accept that prize — he died in 2007.
Although Offredi’s works are relatively obscure, they are sought out by in-the-know furniture collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Giovanni Offredi chairs, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Pair of Matching Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Wave Sofas
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Matching Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Wave Sofas
Stainless Steel
Saporiti Italia Two Seater "Wave" Sofa by Giovanni Offredi 1970s
By Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi, "Wave" two seat sofa / settee. Since 1950 Saporiti has produced some of the most sophisticated and advanced pieces of furniture in the history o...
Steel
$1,261Sale Price|63% Off
Saporiti Italia 2 seater leather sofa by Giovanni Offredi
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather sofa comes in very good condition. The black leather is soft and supple and shows hardly any signs of wear. There are 2 dents in the leather on the back of the sofa, but...
Leather
Saporiti Italia "Wave" Sofa by Giovanni Offredi 1970s
By Fratelli Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi, "Wave" three seat sofa. Since 1950 Saporiti has produced some of the most sophisticated and advanced pieces of furniture in the history of Itali...
Steel
Saporiti Italia Wave Sofa Giovanni Offredi 1970 Dreisitzer Design
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Dreisitzer von Saporiti Italia aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf für dieses stabilen und äußerst komfortablen Sofas stammt von Giovanni...
Steel
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Sofa
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Chicago, IL
Leather sofa designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1980. All original and in great vintage condition. Arms are removable.
Leather
Wave Sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy 1970
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Roma, IT
Wave Sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy 1970. Cm 385,00 x 75,00 x 105,00. Steel and padded fabric. Good cond...
Steel
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Corner Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, corner sofa, lacquered wood, metal, fabric, Italy, 1970s. Magnificent corner sofa designed by Italian designer Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. The rich...
Metal
Saporiti Italia Wave Sofa Giovanni Offredi 1970 Zweisitzer Design
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zweisitzer von Saporiti Italia aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf für dieses stabilen und äußerst komfortablen Sofas stammt von Giovanni...
Steel
Rectangular parchment low coffee table Aldo Tura 1950s
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Conversano, IT
Pair of Saporiti "Strato" sofas, an extraordinary project by Giovanni Offredi, produced in Italy in the 1970s for Saporiti Italia, one of the most radical and experimental companies ...
Leather, Wood
Three-seater sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia, 1970s
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Three-seater sofa designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia from the 1970s. The sofa has been completely restored using upholstery that echoes the original tones and features...
Metal
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Dining Chairs
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A set of 4 Saporiti Sled Chairs Original Upholstery
Upholstery
$7,210 / set
H 32.68 in W 31.5 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Onda lounge chairs in brown fabric by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in amstelveen, NL
Onda lounge chairs, Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti, 1970s Designed in the 1970s by the visionary Italian designer Giovanni Offredi, the Onda Chair embodies the sculptural sophistication ...
Steel
$10,815 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.47 in D 94.49 in
Saporiti Italia Confidential Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman Living Room Set, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set is from Italian manufacture Saporiti Italia and the model is confidential design by Alberto Rosselli. It consist a 3-seat sofa, an armchair and a rare ottoman. ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Leather
$3,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 34.5 in D 35.5 in
Pair of Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Vela Alta Chairs
By Fratelli Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of organic shaped, cream leather lounge chairs by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. A classic design by Offredi. Who began working with th...
Steel, Chrome
$24,950 / set
H 29 in W 66 in D 36 in
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofas, a Pair From B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of 1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofas, B&B Italia An icon newly restored. This pair feature Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki). 66" long, 36" ...
Upholstery
$5,624
H 29.53 in W 37.8 in D 70.87 in
Italian chaise lounge model Wave by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1974
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Postmodern chaise longue Wave model designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. A timeless piece, characterized by a steel structure and a minimalist aesthetic in perfect postmodern style. The chair cushion...
Steel
Wave Lounge Chair by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A “Wave” lounge chair by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. Heavy textured metal base supports a wave form upholstered seat. Newly upholstered in green leather. 2 chairs available, sold ...
Steel
Giovanni Offredi 'Wave' Sofa By Saporiti, Italy #1
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Crafted with industrial steel frames with the two seat upholstered loveseat mounted atop the frame. The sofa has affixed upholstered seat and seat back cushions. Presents as sleek ...
Steel
$2,495 / set
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 29 in
Pr G Maletti Lounge Chairs Style of Onda by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia
By G. Maletti, Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Topeka, KS
Vintage pair of handsome lounge chairs produced by G. Maletti. These chairs are made in the style of the Onda chair by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia....
Chrome
$2,600
H 35 in W 29.5 in D 29.5 in
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia "Ondo" Executive Leather 1970s Desk Chair
By Saporiti, Gianni Offredi
Located in Peabody, MA
A Saporiti Italia “Onda” executive swivel desk chair in leather with polished steel swivel base designed by Giovanni Offredi, ca. 1970s
Steel
$8,000 / set
H 33 in W 32 in D 31 in
Giovanni Offredi 'Onda' Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Saporiti, Italy, circa 1970
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic original 'Onda' or wave lounge chair and accompanying ottoman by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970's. It is covered in a wonderful designer cotton velvet fabric depict...
Stainless Steel
Giovanni Offredi P80 dining chairs Saporiti Italy 1973
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
These Model P80 dining chairs, designed by Giovanni Offredi and manufactured by Saporiti Italia in 1973, are a striking example of mid-century Italian design. The chairs feature cast...
Metal
Saporiti Italia "Wave" Leather Two-Seat Sofa
By Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Astoria, NY
Saporiti Italia Cream Leather Upholstered Two-Seat "Wave" Sofa, designed by Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti label beneath cushion, with polished steel frame. 28 H x 62" W x 36" ...
Steel
Saporiti Italia "Wave" Leather Two-Seat Sofa
By Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Astoria, NY
Saporiti Italia Cream Leather Upholstered Two-Seat "Wave" Sofa, designed by Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti label beneath cushion, with polished steel frame. 28 H x 62" W x 36" ...
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
Modular Vela Bassa Sofa set by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Set of 7 - 1970s
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare Model 'Vela Bassa' sofa set designed by Italian designer Giovanni Offred and produced by Saporiti Italia. This sofa set is completely modular, with 2 coffee tables with aluminu...
Aluminum
Sold
H 24.02 in W 97.25 in D 36.03 in
Special listing for A: Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Sofa & Pair Lounge Chairs
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
This is a special listing for A: Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, sofa, lacquered wood, steel, patinated leather, Italy, 1970s. + Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, pair of lounge chairs,...
Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 72.05 in D 44.89 in
Italian modern steel and fabric Wave sofa by Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti 1974
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern steel and fabric Wave sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia, 1974. Wave model two seater sofa, with o...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 44.89 in D 35.44 in
Italian modern steel and fabric Wave armchair by Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti 1974
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern steel and fabric Wave armchair by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia, 1974. Wave model armchair, with original orange fabric and satin steel structure and legs. Prod...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 27.56 in W 100.79 in D 37.01 in
P10 Proposals Modular Sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Brussels, BE
P10 Proposals Modular Sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric
Sold
H 29 in W 87 in D 35.75 in
Pair of Sofas by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s. Ready to Use.
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two sofas designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s. Newer muted green upholstery, Leather covered arms and back, lacquered wood backrest supported on a stainless stee...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 27.56 in W 98.43 in D 32.29 in
Very rare three seater sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy 1970s.
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very rare three seater sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy 1970s. This sofa features a frame made out of ash wood and features still the original cotton fabric upholstery. E...
Fabric, Ash
Contemporary Modern Saporiti Perforated Leather Dove Grey Sofa
By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A contemporary modern Saporiti leather dove grey sofa. A classic three seater perforated off white leather sofa by Giovanni Offredi for Saporit...
Leather
Sold
H 28.75 in W 93.71 in D 38.19 in
Italian Mid-Century 3 Seater Sofa Wave by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century 3 seater sofa Wave by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s Three seater sofa mod. Wave with rectangular seat. The seat and back are made up of curved cushions, padded and upholstered in red / purple fabric. The structure is made up of exposed black steel beams...
Steel
Sold
H 94 in W 34 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti "Wave" Three Seater Sofa
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Asheville, NC
Iconic 'Wave' sofa designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti in the 70s. The dynamic design for this sofa is comfortable and functional, with ample space for 3 people. Sofa is in min...
Steel