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.
Set of Twelve Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate...
Straw, Beech
Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
Paolo Buffa Chiavarine Armchairs, Cherry Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of fully restored ladder back chiavarine arm chairs manufactured in cherry wood, complete with new hand woven paper cord seats. Stamped with the makers mark.
Rush, Wood
Set of 5 Italian Walnut Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa, Dark Green, 20th century
By Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A green, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian set of five green, stylish Italian chairs. Designed by Paolo Buffa in good condition. Original leather seat covers, dark shellac polished ...
Leather, Walnut
Set of 6 elegant walnut dining chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-1893 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Set of 6 elegant dining chairs in walnut with nice carved back and upholsterd seat. Manifactured by Serafino Arrighi, Italy, 1938. Bibl. Mobili di...
Walnut
$5,992Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set of 8 Ebonized Velvet High Back Chiavari Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Fratelli Marelli, Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Rare set of eight high back side Chiavari ebonized dining chairs, by Paolo Buffa. Manufactured by Marelli & Colico, Italy Ebonized wood, white velvet fabric Very good condition ...
Velvet, Wood
$12,927
Paolo Buffa, Dining Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
c.1940s Set of four Wood and rattan Made in Italy H100 x W42 x D42 cm
Rattan, Wood
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 8
By Galdino Maspero, Paolo Buffa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Paolo Buffa Sculptural dining chairs for Galdino Maspero, wood and straw, Italy, 1948, set of eight. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century moveme...
Straw, Wood
$4,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Black Lacquered Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A refined and architecturally striking set of chairs by Paolo Buffa, crafted in Italy in the 1940s. Executed in solid wood with a satin black lacquer finish and upholstered in full-g...
Mahogany, Lacquer, Leather
Paolo Buffa Pair of Italian Chiavari High Back Chairs in Blonde Beechwood, 1950s
By Chiavari, Paolo Buffa
Located in Roma, IT
Woderful pair of high back Chiavari chairs made ina charming blonde beech wood with blue faux leather sear. These elegant chairs were designed by Paolo Buffa and produced in Italy du...
Fabric, Wood, Beech, Faux Leather
$3,642 / set
Paolo Buffa, Set of Six Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Firenze, IT
Paolo Buffa, Set of Six Chairs Six wooden chairs designed by Paolo Buffa, with geometric decoration inlaid in the backrest, seat upholstered in fabric in shades of white. Produced b...
Fabric, Wood
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chair for Galdino Maspero, 1948
By Galdino Maspero, Paolo Buffa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Colombo Sanguineti Sculptural dining chair, wood and straw, Italy, 1948 Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movement, designed this unique set ...
Straw, Wood
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 straw, Italy, 1948, set of six. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movement...
Straw, Wood
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 straw, Italy, 1948, set of four. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movemen...
Straw, Wood
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 straw, Italy, 1948, set of two. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movement...
Straw, Wood
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, 1948, Set of 10
By Galdino Maspero, Paolo Buffa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Paolo Buffa Sculptural Dining Chairs for Galdino Maspero, wood and straw, Italy, 1948, set of ten. Paolo Buffa, celebrated architect and designer of the Italian mid-century movement...
Straw, Wood
Set of Four Paolo Buffa Highback Chiavari Dining Chairs
By Paolo Buffa, Chiavari
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Italy Designer: Paolo Buffa Manufacturer: Chiavari Era: 1960s Materials: Mahogany Measurements: 18? wide x 17? deep x 52.5? tall Seat: 19? tall Condition: In excelle...
Mahogany
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 ...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
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.
Fabric, Wood
Set of four splendid high back chairs attr. Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-Z23 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Set of four splendid high back chairs in light wood with original straw seat in very good condition. Italy, 1940's
Wood
$1,500 / set
H 38 in W 17 in D 16.5 in
Mid-century Italian Modern Ladder Back Dining Chairs, Rush Seats, Set of 4
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-century Italian Modern Ladder Back Dining Chairs, Rush Seats, Set of 4 Offered for sale is s set of 4 vintage Mid-century Italian Modern ladder-back dining chairs with woven rush seats. The chairs are very graceful with slightly flaring tops. They retain the original "Made in Italy" paper labels and they look as though they've hardly ever been used. They can be used as side chairs if 2 coordinated chairs are added to the set or they will make lovely breakfast room chairs...
Rush
Paolo Buffa, Set of Six Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Firenze, IT
Paolo Buffa, Set of Six Chairs Six wooden chairs designed by Paolo Buffa, with geometric decoration inlaid in the backrest, seat upholstered in fabric in shades of white. Produced b...
Fabric, Wood
$18,683 / set
H 32.68 in W 17.33 in D 18.51 in
Gio Ponti set of twelve Leggera chairs with rope seat, Cassina, Italy, 1951
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Set of 12 ash wood chairs with hand-knotted rope seats, designed by Gio Ponti as model 646 Leggera in 1951 and manufactured by Figli di Amedeo Cassina during the late 1950s. Concept...
Cane, Ash
$9,600 / set
H 31.7 in W 25.6 in D 22.64 in
Set of 6 Contemporary Dining Chairs With Upholstered Seat and Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This exceptionally versatile dining Chair adapts seamlessly to any setting, from homes to offices. Its bold architectural design features a wooden frame with striking angular-cut leg...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$2,495 / item
H 32.75 in W 20.5 in D 22.75 in
Solid Wood, Walnut Finish, Contemporary Dining Chair with Floating Seat & Back
By Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully striking, contemporary dining chair with elegant scissor legs and floating back, inspired by the midcentury chairs of Spanish designer Eugenio Escudero from the the 195...
Ash
$4,112 / set
H 34.65 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Armchairs, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful pair of armchairs with curved armrests, made by Paolo Buffa in 1950. The structure in curved and padded wood, the upholstery was redone more than twenty years ago but is in...
Fabric, Beech
$10,575 / set
H 37.8 in W 18.12 in D 18.51 in
Six Sculptural Dining Chairs, Paolo Buffa Attributed Restored, Original Velvet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Midcentury six sculptural dining chairs, Paolo Buffa attributed , restored, in blond walnut, wax polished with original velvet still usable. On request we can perform the new upholst...
Velvet, Walnut
$325
H 38.75 in W 18 in D 18.25 in
Single Quaker Style Ladder Back Dining Chair with Rush Seat and Bible Shelf
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Quaker style ladder back dining chair with rush seat and Bible shelf. One left from group of many. In original condition, with visible patina and heavy wear, including some br...
Rush, Wood
Set of Six Period 18th Century George II Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Set of six period English walnut George II side chairs Six period Georgian side chairs in transitional form moving from Queen Anne to Ge...
Walnut
$5,400 / set
H 38 in W 27 in D 36 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wing Back Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback / Hi Back Lounge Chairs / armchairs by Paolo Buffa. These chairs are large, deep and comfortable; They have sensuous lines and a ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$3,800 / item
H 35.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Constantine Armless Dining Chair with Upholstered Back and Seat, by Mark Zeff
By Mark Zeff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Constantine armless dining chair from Blackbarn Bronze Age collection by Mark Zeff, cerused oak frame with antique brass details and upholstered back and seat. Bronze Age collection...
Brass
$7,500 / set
H 37 in W 24 in D 24 in
Set of Twelve Regency-Style Ebonized Dining Chairs with Linen Seats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking set of ten dining chairs is a modern interpretation of classic Regency and Hollywood Regency design. Crafted in wood and finished in a rich ebonized black paint, the ch...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 40.95 in W 18.51 in D 16.93 in
set of 8 Paolo Buffa fine high dining chairs, walnut and velvet, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
set of rare and elegant eight high dining chairs, 1950 designed by Paolo Buffa manufactured probably by Serafino Arrighi very good original condition re-upholstery in green mint v...
Velvet, Walnut
A set of six chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful, original set of six dining chairs by Paolo Buffa. Paolo Buffa was an Italian architect and designer best known for his designs of mid-century furniture. Characterized by ...
Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 17.72 in D 18.9 in
set of six cherrywood Paolo Buffa ondulations dining chairs, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
set of six elegant dining chairs designed by Paolo Buffa circa 1950 manufactured by Mario Quarti ondulation chairs Carved wooden back and spiral-carved front supports re-upholste...
Velvet, Cherry
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
Mahogany
Set of Four Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of four Paolo Buffa walnut dining chairs. The frames are fully restored. Price includes upholstery of seats in COM.
Walnut
Paolo Buffa, Rare Pair of Wooden Chairs, 1950 ca
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare pair of chairs by the famous Italian architect and designer Paolo Buffa, wooden structure and rope seat, 1950s. The rope is the original one and in the meantime it has been rest...
Rope, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 18.9 in D 20.08 in
Maple and Rosewood and Leather Chairs by Paolo Buffa, 1940s, Set of 6
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Set of six Art Deco chairs in maple and rosewood with leather-covered seat designed by Paolo Buffa, 1940s. Seat height: 52 cm. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is incl...
Leather, Maple
Set Of Ten Fine Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Kent, Dover
A set of ten Italian Mid-Century dining chairs by Paolo Buffa in birch wood. With beautifully sculpted lire shaped backs and newly upholstered in dark green wool boucle. Measure: 10...
Birch
Sold
H 41.74 in W 16.93 in D 19.69 in
Paolo Buffa Set of Six Dining Chairs in Wood and Green Velvet, Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milan, IT
Paolo Buffa Set of Six Dining Chairs in Wood and Green Velvet, Italy 1950s
Velvet, Wood
Set of 4 Paolo Buffa Dining Chairs
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 4 Paolo Buffa dining chairs with scalloped back rest.
Rush, Wood
Sold
H 38.25 in W 19 in D 17.25 in
Decorative Side or Dining Chair by Paolo Buffa Made in Italy Ca. 1950’s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Voguish, chic mid century style really only the Italians could attain, this gem was produced by master designer Paolo Buffa, and it is in very fine, original, untouched condition. P...
Rush, Wood
Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa, Giuseppe Anzani
Located in London, GB
A beautiful set of 8 mahogany and beechwood dining chairs upholstered in red velvet with brass sabots by Paolo Buffa in collaboration with Giuseppe Anzani.
Brass