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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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Creator: Paolo Buffa
Pair of 1940s Italian Wing Armchairs Light Blue Tufted Back by Paolo Buffa
Pair of 1940s Italian Wing Armchairs Light Blue Tufted Back by Paolo Buffa

Pair of 1940s Italian Wing Armchairs Light Blue Tufted Back by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in London, GB

A great pair of 1940s wing armchairs, Italian design by Poalo Buffa. Tufted back, light blue fabric upholstery tapered cone shaped dark wooden feet, compl...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Fine Italian Modern Palisander, Mahogany and Brass Sideboard, Paolo Buffa
Fine Italian Modern Palisander, Mahogany and Brass Sideboard, Paolo Buffa

Fine Italian Modern Palisander, Mahogany and Brass Sideboard, Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Queens, NY

Fine Italian Mid-Century Modern Palisander, Mahogany and Brass Sideboard, Paolo Buffa

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Set of six chairs by Paolo Buffa with original velvet fabric of the period
Set of six chairs by Paolo Buffa with original velvet fabric of the period

Set of six chairs by Paolo Buffa with original velvet fabric of the period

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Milano, IT

Immerse yourself in the refined atmosphere of 1950s Italian design with this splendid set of six original chairs signed by Paolo Buffa, one of the most distinguished protagonists of ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood

Wall Mounted Credenza by Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi, Italy, 1950's
Wall Mounted Credenza by Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi, Italy, 1950's

Wall Mounted Credenza by Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi, Italy, 1950's

By Paolo Buffa, Serafino Arrighi

Located in Uithoorn, NL

Wall Mounted Credenza by Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi, Italy, 1950's Paolo Buffa wall-mounted credenza, Italy, 1950s. This compact cabinet is executed with a vertically ribbed f...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Emanuele Rambaldi for Paolo Buffa Single Oak Wood and Straw Chair, Italy 1940s
Emanuele Rambaldi for Paolo Buffa Single Oak Wood and Straw Chair, Italy 1940s

Emanuele Rambaldi for Paolo Buffa Single Oak Wood and Straw Chair, Italy 1940s

By Emanuele Rambaldi, Paolo Buffa

Located in Milan, IT

Splendid Emanuele Rambaldi for Paolo Buffa Single Oak Wood and Straw Chair, Italy 1940s

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Straw, Oak

Set of 8 Paolo Buffa Italian Modern Dark Walnut Red Upholstered Armchairs
Set of 8 Paolo Buffa Italian Modern Dark Walnut Red Upholstered Armchairs

Set of 8 Paolo Buffa Italian Modern Dark Walnut Red Upholstered Armchairs

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 8 Mid-Century (1950s) Italian Modern dark brown finished walnut armchairs with shaped frames and red vinyl upholstered back rests and seats, standing on tapered front legs and...

Category

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

Materials

Leather

Pair of Trumeau Bookcases in Mahogany Designed by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
Pair of Trumeau Bookcases in Mahogany Designed by Paolo Buffa, 1950s

Pair of Trumeau Bookcases in Mahogany Designed by Paolo Buffa, 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Traversetolo, IT

This exquisite Mahogany trumeau boasts a stunning design, featuring two doors at the base, along with an upper section that includes a showcase with two doors, a central connecting p...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Rome, IT

Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 2
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 2

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 2

By Galdino Maspero, Paolo Buffa

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Paolo Buffa Sculptural dining chairs for Galdino Maspero, wood and velvet, Italy, 1948, set of four. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century moveme...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa, 1950
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa, 1950

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa, 1950

By Paolo Buffa

Located in New York, NY

An Elegant and Timeless Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Lounge Chairs / Armchairs or Club Chairs by Paolo Buffa circa 1947 -1955. The chairs have a classic profile wi...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Paolo Buffa Console Brass Wood Marbre 1940 Italy
Paolo Buffa Console Brass Wood Marbre 1940 Italy

Paolo Buffa Console Brass Wood Marbre 1940 Italy

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Milano, IT

Paul Buffa Console

Category

1940s Italian Other Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Rome, IT

Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 6
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 6

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 6

By Paolo Buffa, Galdino Maspero

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Paolo Buffa Sculptural dining chairs for Galdino Maspero, wood and velvet, Italy, 1948, set of six. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movemen...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Paolo Buffa Mobile Bar / Container Walnut Root Brass 1950 Italy
Paolo Buffa Mobile Bar / Container Walnut Root Brass 1950 Italy

Paolo Buffa Mobile Bar / Container Walnut Root Brass 1950 Italy

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Milano, IT

Exceptional Walnut Root Bar Furniture By Paolo Buffa

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Nutwood, Glass

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 8
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 8

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 8

By Paolo Buffa, Galdino Maspero

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Paolo Buffa Sculptural dining chairs for Galdino Maspero, wood and velvet, Italy, 1948, set of eight. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movem...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Paolo Buffa Neoclassical Mahogany Sideboard, Buffet or Console Certificate 1950s
Paolo Buffa Neoclassical Mahogany Sideboard, Buffet or Console Certificate 1950s

Paolo Buffa Neoclassical Mahogany Sideboard, Buffet or Console Certificate 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in New York, NY

Paolo Buffa rare and exceptional sideboard, buffet, or console believed to have been executed by Fratelli Lietti fu Paolo of Cantù, Italy, circa 1955. Masterfully handcrafted in Cub...

Category

1950s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Arm Chairs by Paolo Buffa
Pair of Arm Chairs by Paolo Buffa

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

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s - New Upholstery

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Paolo Buffa Bookcase/Drawer Chest /Mobile Bar brass Glass wood 1950s Italy
Paolo Buffa Bookcase/Drawer Chest /Mobile Bar brass Glass wood 1950s Italy

Paolo Buffa Bookcase/Drawer Chest /Mobile Bar brass Glass wood 1950s Italy

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Milano, IT

Outstanding Storage Cabinet that can Serve as a Bookcase Storage Secretere etc... By Paul Buffa, 1950

Category

1950s Italian Other Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wood

Curved Walnut Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Gold Velvet, Mid-Century, Italy
Curved Walnut Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Gold Velvet, Mid-Century, Italy

Curved Walnut Sofa by Paolo Buffa, Gold Velvet, Mid-Century, Italy

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Rome, IT

Rare curved sofa attributed to Paolo Buffa, circa 1950 walnut, original gold velvet, iron very good original condition Measures: 145.5 x 60 cm height 94 cm height seat. 41 cm.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa
Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

A fine example of a Mid-Century rosewood secretary by Italian designer, Paola Buffa (1903-1970) and brass intarsia inlay by artist Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971). The upper case with...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Italian Mid Century Lounge Chair
Paolo Buffa Italian Mid Century Lounge Chair

Paolo Buffa Italian Mid Century Lounge Chair

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paolo Buffa Italian mid century lounge chair Italy, circa 1950’s This chair is equal parts comfy and stylish A timeless classic newly reupholstered in vintage Italian wool bouclé We ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wood, Bouclé

Italian Midcentury Extendable Dining Table designed by Paolo Buffa in 1950s
Italian Midcentury Extendable Dining Table designed by Paolo Buffa in 1950s

Italian Midcentury Extendable Dining Table designed by Paolo Buffa in 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Beautiful Dining Table designed by Paolo Buffa in 1950s, great executive quality that is evident from various details, the top in precious green marble from the Alpes, the lateral ba...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of wing armchairs by Paolo Buffa – Italy 1950
Pair of wing armchairs by Paolo Buffa – Italy 1950

Pair of wing armchairs by Paolo Buffa – Italy 1950

By Framar, Paolo Buffa

Located in Girona, Girona

Pair of wing armchairs in solid french polished cherry, new fillings and redone upholstery in black bouclette fabric. Design by Paolo Buffa for Framar Italy 1950

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 4
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 4

Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 4

By Paolo Buffa, Galdino Maspero

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Paolo Buffa Sculptural dining chairs for Galdino Maspero, wood and velvet, Italy, 1948, set of four. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century moveme...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs for Marelli & Colico, Green Velvet, 1951, Set of 4
Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs for Marelli & Colico, Green Velvet, 1951, Set of 4

Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs for Marelli & Colico, Green Velvet, 1951, Set of 4

By Paolo Buffa, Marelli & Colico

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs for Marelli & Colico, Green Velvet, 1951 Paolo Buffa trained under Gio Ponti in Milan in the 1920s, and the neoclassical discipline he absorbed there r...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Paolo Buffa, Rocking chair
Paolo Buffa, Rocking chair

Paolo Buffa, Rocking chair

By Paolo Buffa

Located in London, GB

c.1950s Cherry wood H92 x W57 x D80 cm

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Bruno Gambone Ceramic Vase or Bottle, Italy, 1970s
Bruno Gambone Ceramic Vase or Bottle, Italy, 1970s

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 incise...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Wood & Magenta Fabric Seat 1950s Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa, Set of 4
Wood & Magenta Fabric Seat 1950s Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa, Set of 4

Wood & Magenta Fabric Seat 1950s Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa, Set of 4

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Varese, Lombardia

High back dining chairs with magenta fabric seats. The 4 chairs have been restored and reupholstered. The price is referred to the set of 4.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Rome, IT

Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare High-back Wood Lounge Chair by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
Rare High-back Wood Lounge Chair by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s

Rare High-back Wood Lounge Chair by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Milan, IT

Rare high-back lounge chair by Paolo Buffa. Solid wood frame with minimal carved decorations. Literature available upon request.

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wood

Italian Design Midcentury Cabinet Vitrine Attributed to Paolo Buffa
Italian Design Midcentury Cabinet Vitrine Attributed to Paolo Buffa

Italian Design Midcentury Cabinet Vitrine Attributed to Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Rome, IT

Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Archit...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Ivory Original Fabric Living Room Set of 3 Pieces by Paolo Buffa, Italy
Vintage Ivory Original Fabric Living Room Set of 3 Pieces by Paolo Buffa, Italy

Vintage Ivory Original Fabric Living Room Set of 3 Pieces by Paolo Buffa, Italy

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, 1950s. This set is very particular and interesting because both the sofa and the armchairs feature vintage brass cones feet. Their fabric is original and, as you can s...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Armchairs In Walnut And Tibetan Wool, Italy circa 1950s
Paolo Buffa Armchairs In Walnut And Tibetan Wool, Italy circa 1950s

Paolo Buffa Armchairs In Walnut And Tibetan Wool, Italy circa 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in San Angelo, TX

What a stunning and sleek pair of chairs by Paolo Buffa, which originated during the 1950s in Italy. These one of a kind chairs have a minimalist look to them with a Walnut frame and...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wool, Walnut

PAOLO BUFFA table mirror. Italy 1940s. Serafino Arrighi Manufactory. Cast brass.
PAOLO BUFFA table mirror. Italy 1940s. Serafino Arrighi Manufactory. Cast brass.

PAOLO BUFFA table mirror. Italy 1940s. Serafino Arrighi Manufactory. Cast brass.

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Köln, NW

Decorative PAOLO BUFFA table mirror. Serafino Arrighi Manufactory. Italy 1940s. Heavy solid quality. Very rare. The certificate of authenticity from the Paolo Buffa archive in Italy...

Category

1940s Italian Brutalist Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Dining Table for Galdino Maspero, 1948
Paolo Buffa Dining Table for Galdino Maspero, 1948

Paolo Buffa Dining Table for Galdino Maspero, 1948

By Paolo Buffa, Galdino Maspero

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Paolo Buffa dining table for Galdino Maspero, wood, Italy, 1948 A rare example of Paolo Buffa’s transition toward more architectural compositions, this dining table, designed in 194...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Wood

Grid Pattern Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa
Grid Pattern Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa

Grid Pattern Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Long Island City, NY

The Grid Pattern Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa features a glass top supported by tapered legs. About Paolo Buffa: Paolo Buffa was an Italian architect, designer, and decorator, born ...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

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.