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
Two-Tone Blue Mohair Paulo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Sculptural Sofa
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Italian blue mohair sculptural sofa by Paulo Buffa. Very nice Mid-Century Modern form sofa.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Mohair
20th Century White Italian Pair of Vintage Velvet Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian pair of lounge chairs were designed by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa. In Walnut with a hand polished Shellac finish in good conditio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Italy Midcentury Pair of Mahogany Chiavari Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Very rare pair of Chiavari chairs in ebonized mahogany by Paolo Buffa. The chairs have original fabric seating in geometric designs in excellent conditions. Gilt brass feet.
Measures cm: H 123/48, W 40, D 44.
About PAOLO BUFFA
Italian architect and designer Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) was active between the 1930s and 1960s, and is known for his décor that blends neoclassical style with Art Deco motifs and modernist principles. His pieces are often devoid of trademarks or hallmarks, thus making them difficult to authenticate.
Born and raised in Milan, Buffa studied architecture at the famous Polytechnic of the city, where he graduated in 1927. The following year he founded a design studio together with Antonio Cassi Ramelli, met during a short work in the atelier of Gio Ponti and Emilio Launch. The two designers' professional debut took place in 1930, when the duo presented a dining room installation at that year's Triennale. Between 1933 and 1936, Buffa will found his own studio.
Drawing for the upper social classes in Milan, Buffa's designs are handcrafted in the finest and most quality materials, and are able to rival Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, a legend of French Art Déco. Collaborating with talented cabinetmakers such as Mario Quarti, and skilled craftsmen, Buffa slowly manages to introduce modern techniques to the design scene of the early 1940s. The evolution of Buffa's aesthetics, progressively more and more modern, is very clear and linear; from early neoclassical furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Sculptural Paolo Buffa Armchairs Italian Midcentury
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rovereta, SM
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970). Handsome pair of walnut stained armchairs with spindled back and arms, sculpted armrests and tapered legs, Italy, circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Paolo Buffa Rare Vanity Table or Console, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Paolo Buffa was a prolific Italian designer who worked for Gio Ponti, his success with Milanese upper classes pushed him to open his own studio where he could create unique furniture combining high quality techniques and finest materials due to his collaboration with talented ebenists.
Streamline movement, opulent touches and modern vision of Art where Buffa main principles.
This elegant vanity table or console (dual use item )is made of Maple wood with three large hand carved leaves holding the table top.
There is a single drawer and a creamy parchment around the free form shape.
Full of sensuality ,graciousness: this piece represents Buffa sensitivity for avant garde form and lighter Art Deco...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Maple, Parchment Paper
Paolo Buffa Console, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Graciousness for this ash tree console 1940 with a black glass on top. Paolo Buffa, renowned Italian designer for his midcentury furniture: Tradition, modernity in his easy
living -...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Glass, Ash
Pair of Cabinet Paolo Buffa Design Mid-Century Modern Bar Furniture
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of cabinet Paolo Buffa design Mid-Century Modern bar furniture, mahogany and brass.
It has a large flap door that hides an elegant mirrored bar with glass shelf, noteworthy car...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Lacquered Beech Dining Table by Paolo Buffa with Taupe Glass Top, Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s.
This table is made in black lacquered beech and features brass feet caps and details and a taupe back-painted glass top.
It is a vintage item, therefore it migh...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Free Standing Cabinet Bar by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Fine mahogany free standing cabinet bar by Paolo Buffa made in Italy, circa 1950s. Opposing doors swing open to reveal mirrored and fitted interi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Paolo Buffa Furniture
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
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
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
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
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
Sofa by Paolo Buffa Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Two-seater sofa by the Italian designer Paolo Buffa, featuring a wooden structure and cushions in texture. Made in Italy, circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Art Deco Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa per Cassina in Mahogany with Onix Top
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Very elegant 1940s Italian design table by Paolo Buffa per Cassina with oval shaped rosa coloured onix top . Stunning carved stem with golden brass feet finish. The table is signed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Onyx
1940s Mid-Century Coffee Table Centre Table by Paolo Buffa, Walnut wax-polished
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1940s Mid-Century Art Deco coffee table by Paolo Buffa in walnut with glass top , restored and polished to wax.
Measure cm: H 48 x D 68.
Category
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Extraordinary Trumeau by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare trumeau by Paolo Buffa.
Palisander with brass inlay by Giovanni Gariboldi.
Brass sabots.
Similar example I mobili di Paolo Buffa di R . Rizzi pag56
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Italian Midcentury Sideboard with Mirror Attributed Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful sideboard with mirror i by Paolo Buffa, 1950s. The piece is really rare and important. The sideboard cabinet is supported by two major foot socks with bronze. Handmade edge...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paolo Buffa Pair of Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Velvet, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Paolo Buffa pair of lounge chairs or armchairs with curved wingback and back buttons, cushion seat, rounded armrests and elegantly tapered legs, Italy, 1950s. These incredibly chic lounge chairs or modernist wingback chairs have been fully restored and newly upholstered in a light blue cotton velvet. Beautifully proportioned with gently graceful curved lines throughout, these stylish and sophisticated lounge chairs have a more sculptural and sleek form unlike traditional wingback chairs...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Parchment Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century (1930s) sideboard / bar cabinet with parchment veneer & a drop front with wood inlaid cupid figures in chariots & a glass fi...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Parchment Paper, Glass
Italian Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical Vanity / Sofa Table by Paolo Buffa, 1930
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and stylish Italian Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical vanity or sofa table or console by Paolo Buffa. it is a rare and singular work. The piece is highlighted by a sweeping, sen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Two Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Buffa designed some of the cleanest and most elegant pieces of the post Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, 'Novecento' period. These side or desk chairs illustrate his total mastery of hi...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
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
Wooden Console by Paolo Buffa circa 1930, Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milan, Italy
A beautiful console with structure in wood and marble base designed and produced by Paolo Buffa, circa 1930, Italy.
Biography
Paolo Buffa (born 1903, Milan – died 1970, Milan) was a...
Category
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Marble
Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
Exceptional cabinet by Paolo Buffa in walnut with mahogany interior and brass detail. Italy circa 1950. Measures: height 133cm, width 26cm, dept...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Side Table by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Italian side table by Paolo Buffa for the Hotel Bristol.
Etched rectangular glass with stars and circles motives hold by a mahogany pedestal base...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Armchairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Set of two armchairs by Paolo Buffa.
Provenance: Hotel Bristol Merano.
Newly Upholstered in Linen
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Linen, Walnut
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
Important Pair of Italian Modern Neoclassical Consoles by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare, exquisite Italian midcentury demilune consoles or end or side tables from a private commission by Paolo Buffa. The pieces present an exceptional sculptural form that bo...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Set of 4 Mahogany Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of 4 mahogany dining chairs by Paolo Buffa
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Paolo Buffa pair of wood and glass bedside tables, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A pair of wooden and glass bedside tables, Italian craftsmanship from the 1950s, designed by Paolo Buffa.
Characterized by two small doors framed ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Paolo Buffa Italian 1940s oak wood cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Paolo Buffa oakwood cabinet
Beautifully crafted with large copper hinges.
Italy 1940s
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Paolo Buffa Storage Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany, brass. 6-drawer storage cabinet with highly figured mahogany veneer. Open and closed storage areas, 8 stylized feet with brass sabots and branded line decorations. A very u...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa RARE Coffee Table in Wood Essences
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Very rare coffee table in various wood essences designed by designer Paolo Buffa of Italian production from the 1950s.
The coffee table is made of fine wood: the frame is dark, while...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paolo Buffa Rosewood Sycamore and Brass Console Vanity, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Paris, IDF
This rare and beautiful vanity designed by Paolo Buffa in Italy in the 1940s imparts a cosy, chic and glowing mood to a space. The warm rosewood remains looking beautiful and smooth ...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Coffee Table in Wood and Glass
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant coffee table designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s, of fine Italian manufacture.
The coffee table is made of wood in the frame, a detail to note is its workmanship underneath...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Rare brass mirror by Paolo Buffa, with cornocopies
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Rare wall mirror by Paolo Buffa in brass from the Italian 1950s. the mirror has a very classic and elegant line typical of Paolo Buffa's achievements. Particularly noteworthy is its ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Sideboard for Serafino Arrighi
By Paolo Buffa, Serafino Arrighi
Located in Milano, IT
Large and beautiful Mid-century sideboard designed by Paolo Buffa for the fine Italian manufacture of Serafino Arrighi in the 50s.
The sideboard is entirely made of fine and solid wo...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Chest of Drawers in Wood
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful and elegant wooden chest of drawers designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s, of fine Italian workmanship.
The desk is made entirely of wood. The frame is supported by four stu...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paolo Buffa, Italia, 1950 Ca, Wooden Armchair with Brown Leather Upholstery
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
Wooden armchair with brown leather upholstery. Authentic upholstery of the period. Specially designed by Paolo Buffa for a house built by architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni. This famou...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Paolo Buffa Single Bed and Bedside Table in Wood
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
This wooden single bed and bedside table are designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s and they are of fine Italian workmanship. The bed has a classi...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Bookcase Cabinet in Wood by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful wooden bookcase cabinet designed by Paolo Buffa in the 50's, fine Italian manufacture. Provenance is from the house on Lake Como.
The structure is totally made of bleached...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Mahogany, Lacquer, Leather
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.