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Paolo Buffa Wingback Chairs

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 Italian Mid-Century Modern Wing Back Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wing Back Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Wing Back Lounge Chairs by Paolo Buffa

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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 ...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Wingback Chairs

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Italian Armchair with Ears Paolo Buffa 1950s Grey Velvet Wooden Feet

Italian Armchair with Ears Paolo Buffa 1950s Grey Velvet Wooden Feet

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Located in Palermo, Sicily

Original 1950's high-backed armchair with earmuffs typical design by famous architect Paolo Buffa. In dark gray velvet and light wood feet

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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Wingback Chairs

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Midcentury Pair of Armchairs in Walnut by Paolo Buffa for Framar Made in Italy
Midcentury Pair of Armchairs in Walnut by Paolo Buffa for Framar Made in Italy

Midcentury Pair of Armchairs in Walnut by Paolo Buffa for Framar Made in Italy

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Pair of wingback armchairs by Paolo Buffa with a wood frame in walnut and reupholstered in Italian blue wool. Paolo Buffa is an Italian designer and architect. He is one of the most...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Wingback Chairs

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Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Paolo Buffa Wingback Lounge Chairs
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Paolo Buffa Wingback Lounge Chairs

Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Paolo Buffa Wingback Lounge Chairs

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Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian paolo buffa wingback lounge chairs. Iconic paolo buffa styling, Italy, circa 1960’s. Masterfully restored to its original condition with ne...

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Pair of Walnut Mid-Century Modern, Wingback Armchairs by Paolo Buffa
Pair of Walnut Mid-Century Modern, Wingback Armchairs by Paolo Buffa

Pair of Walnut Mid-Century Modern, Wingback Armchairs by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

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Pair of walnut Mid-Century Modern, upholstered wingback armchairs by Paolo Buffa.

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Pair of wing armchairs by Paolo Buffa – Italy 1950
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Vintage Armchair Designed by Paolo Buffa, 1960s

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Paolo Buffa wingback chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Buffa wingback chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wingback chairs by and Gio Ponti.