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Paolo Buffa Furniture

Italian, 1903-1970

With a surname that loosely translates to a synonym for “bizarre” in Italian, Milanese designer and architect Paolo Buffa is best known for capturing the best of both old and new in his plush, enveloping lounge chairs and wingback chairs as well as his range of modern tables, each dazzling and provocative but built using classical techniques.

Purposely playful and airy, mid-century Italian interiors encouraged merriment and socializing. Buffa’s work was well suited to this, but unlike the postwar designers who established recognizable trademarks and signatures, his vintage furniture for Cassina and other firms — the sculptural side tables and case pieces of walnut and solid oak, the luxurious sheepskin sofas — differed considerably from one design to the next, making them appealing to a range of interior decorators and socialites with specific taste. The son of a highly sought-after artist, Giovanni Buffa, Paolo graduated in 1927 from Politecnico di Milano. He then spent time working under architects and designers Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. Ponti, who himself crafted thousands of furnishings and endlessly creative rooms, was so taken with the young designer that in 1928 he featured his simple and elegant rosewood dressing table in his new magazine, Domus.

After opening a firm with his regular collaborator Antonio Cassi Ramelli, Buffa became one of the leading tastemakers of Italian mid-century modern furnishings, designing for villas and residential buildings across the country. His style was a mix of Art Deco, Rationalism, neoclassicism and a bit of whimsy. He used high-quality materials and regularly worked with local ateliers known for their fine craftsmanship to produce his designs, such as Serafino Arrighi and Marelli & Colico. In 1940, he partnered with the Mario Quarti furniture studio on the royal palace of Albania’s King Zog, with Buffa designing the furniture, and in 1951, Egypt’s King Farouk enlisted him to redecorate his yacht.

While Buffa’s transcendent pieces are now collector’s items, there are a few still in production, such as those he made with Angelo Marelli. His eponymous firm, the Italian furniture producer Eredi Marelli, still manufactures some designs based on Buffa’s archives.

Find a collection of vintage Paolo Buffa furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Color:  Black
Creator: Paolo Buffa
Paolo Buffa Handles Brass, 1940, Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Paolo Buffa handles brass, 1940 Italy.
Category

1940s Italian Other Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bruno Gambone Ceramic Vase or Bottle, Italy, 1970s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Bruno Gambone light black glazed ceramic bottle or vase with a flattened circular body and elongated tapering neck, Italy 1970s. The body is incised with an abstract engraved decorat...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Paolo Buffa Art Deco figured walnut full length Mirror with metal crown 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A Paolo Buffa good quality, heavy 1940s Art Deco Figured Walnut full length wall mirror with a thick black metal Crown decoration (possibly bronze). The mirrored surface is original ...
Category

20th Century Italian Art Deco Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Italian Modern End Tables by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of 1950s nightstands feature elegant Italian Modern design, and make excellent two tier bedside tables in any interior. Stylish glass shelf, sculpted two tone frame, and tapered legs with brass sabots add to the Classic mid-century charm of this pair of Paolo Buffa nightstands...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Blue Fabric Armchair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Blue Fabric Armchair Single armchair
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard/ Bar / Console by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant, Timeless and Enchanting Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical cabinet / bar / sideboard / credenza / console / sofa table by Paolo Buffa, circa 1950. The cabinet / ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair Italian Modern Paolo Buffa Style Armchairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of vintage modern Italian armchairs make an elegant mid-century addition to home or business lounge or salon seating. The sculptural lacquer...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Four Black Lacquered Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Stunning modernist set of chairs by Paolo Buffa in black lacquer and full grain black leather.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Lacquer

Large Rosewood Console by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Impressive rosewood console by Italian designer Paolo Buffa. Long rosewood console featuring elegant legs supported by brass sabots, and a marquetry neoclassical lidded tazza flanke...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Arm Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Sculptural pair of wingbacks chairs by Paolo Buffa, with interesting reclining backs and stunning lines. Upholstered in white vinyl with cushion for backs, cushion removed for photo...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Related Items
Pair of Italian Nightstands, Paolo Buffa Style, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Very exquisite set of two beautifully carved nightstands or side tables most probably attributed to Paolo Buffa (1903-1970), Italy, circa 1950s. They feature black glass tops and she...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Guido Gambone Blue Glazed Ceramic Vase Donkey Mark
By Guido Gambone
Located in Munich, DE
Very colorful Guido Gambone ceramic vase with geometric underglaze painting in yellow, orange red, black on blue textured background, signed with GAMBONE and the donkey mark. Litera...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

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Ceramic

Traveling Jewelry Case in Cream Shagreen Brass W/Leather Handles by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
As an ode to vintage steamer trunks, R&Y Augousti revisits this old-world piece in a modern context by recreating their own version inlaid in th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Lane Rhythm Collection Walnut End Tables a Pair
By Lane Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Classic Mid-Century Modern pair of end tables by Lane Furniture for their Rhythm Collection comprised of walnut and brass plated metal hardware. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are two small light spots on the top and we have done light re-staining on all finished surfaces. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1964. Yes, you are seeing double!! What a fabulous pair of Lane Rhythm Collection...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

1970s Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Round Italian Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A ceramic vase designed and hand-crafted in italy in the Fifties, good conditions overall. This Italian vase exhibits the iconic design elements of that era. Mid-Century Modern desig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Distressed Leather Suitcase with Brass Locks, circa 1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About A distressed leather suitcase with leather handle, fabric interior and brass locks. Key is missing. Creator: Unknown. Date of manufacture: circa 1940. Materials and technique...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Brass Nightstands or End Tables by Rougier
By Roger Rougier, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super handsome and sophisticated pair of night stands made by Rougier. They feature well made laminate cases, with beautiful rosewood drawers, and brass plinth bases. Very much in ...
Category

1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wall console Paolo Buffa style of the 50s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Catania, IT
Magnificent console in the style of Paolo Buffa of the ani 50 of the 900 with excellent quality raw material. The structure is composed of wood with a marble surface at the top and a...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wall console Paolo Buffa style of the 50s
Wall console Paolo Buffa style of the 50s
H 32.6 in W 34.6 in D 12.2 in
Italian Mid-Century Black Lacquer Console with Marble Top Attributed to P. Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Beautiful Italian mid-century console designed by Paolo Buffa. An unusually tall console with a precious marble top on owl beak cut, shaped legs with brass sabots, and a very refined...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Bedside Tables Attributed to Paolo Buffa in Brass and Glass
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of bedside tables attributed to Paolo Buffa from the Italian 1950s. The pair features an elegant and understated wooden frame with small designs on the wood as a decorative elem...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Library Ladder with Brass Top Handle
Located in Chicago, IL
Very nice library ladder with brass top handle. Rare and fun. Very cool.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Library Ladder with Brass Top Handle
Library Ladder with Brass Top Handle
H 65.75 in W 26.5 in D 26.5 in
Paolo Buffa Style Mid-Century Italian Armchair Heavenly Velvet Wood, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Paolo Buffa style mid-cemtury Italian armchair heavenly velvet wood brown 1940s.
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Small Mid Century Italian Console Table by Paola Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Westport, CT
Lovely demilune-shaped ebonized console shown with its orginal dusty rose marble top above three graceful saber-shaped legs finishing on brass sabots and joined by a sculptural stret...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Large Black Lacquered Paolo Buffa Six Drawer Console
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A large Italian black lacquered six drawer console table in the neo-classical taste, by Paolo Buffa. On slender tapering legs, with brass sabot and handles to each drawer.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Beech

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Blue Velvet and Walnut Lounge Armchairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian mid-century Paolo Buffa style lounge Armchairs with a walnut frames with x-detailing and teal blue velvet upholstery.      
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Pair of Console Paolo Buffa Midcentury Italian Design Brass Black Marble, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Neoclassical pair of console Paolo Buffa midcentury Italian design brass black marble 1950 mahogany wood. Mahogany wood structure, highly elegant polished black marble top, shaped ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Brass

20th Century Set of Paolo Buffa Side Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Paolo Buffa high back side chairs designed for Marelli and Collico, Italy with metal frame brass backrest and brass feet. Very sculptural design. Wear consistent with age and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Paolo Buffa Armchairs in Mahogany and Black Velvet, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in The Hague, NL
A rare pair of armchairs designed by Paolo Buffa in the late 1940s. The mahogany frames are characterized by the intricately carved lines of the open arms, the spindled back and the ...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Mahogany

Pair of Paolo Buffa Armchairs, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautiful 1950s Paolo Buffa lounge chairs with “tusk” shaped legs. Upholstered in a dark green velvet. Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minor wear consistent with a...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of high back armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s. The pair has been recently upholstered in a grey and beige pinstripe velvet. Original wear on the walnut legs.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Stunning Paolo Buffa Black Lacquered Console, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Rare and elegant console by Paolo Buffa, 1950. One central drawer, top in black opaline glass. Four legs with brass sabot. Lacquered cherrywood, brass, opaline glass. Measures: H...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Wingback Lounge Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage wingback lounge chairs by Paolo Buffa have been recently reupholstered, while still retaining their Classic Mid-Century beauty. Elegant details includin...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

20th Century Italian Rosewood Cabinet, Cherrywood Secretaire by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern, detailed "petit secretaire". The exterior is made of Palisander wood and has a paneled front, original brass hardware and key. The cabinet interior is made of cherry, rose and Thujawood. The Italian hand carved cabinet...
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20th Century Italian Art Deco Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Wingback Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Pair of wingback lounge chairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s. Beautifully restored with dark mahogany frames and charcoal velvet. See this item in our private NYC showroom! Refine...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Velvet

Paolo Buffa furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Buffa furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paolo Buffa furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Paolo Buffa were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Franco Albini, Marco Zanuso, and Arflex. Prices for Paolo Buffa furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $660 and can go as high as $77,668, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,644.

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