Skip to main content

Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
4
8
5
1
8
6
3
3
8
6
6
2
1
8
8
8
8
8
177
142
105
45
40
Creator: Paolo Buffa
Mid-Century Modern Italian Chest of Drawers by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Italian chest of drawers by Paolo Buffa Six-drawer dresser, Italy circa 1940 Blonde walnut veneer with inlayed detailing, Floating loop legs and original ornat...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Wonderful Italian sideboard or chest of drawers designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s. Truly refined the used wood combination in maple for the drawers and walnut for the furniture re...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers/Commode circa 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
A fine and elegant chest of drawers or commode by Paolo Buffa, circa 1940. The handsome mahogany case is perfectly proportioned with four horizontal drawers, all with a slight curve...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

6 drawers commode in gold wood by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Monaco, MC
Important 6 drawers commode designed by Paolo Buffa. Golden oakwood, bronze handles, brass feet. Italian work circa 1950 Hight feet and rounded notch under the deck. More info...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Paolo Buffa rosewood sycamore and brass chest of drawers 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful chest of drawers 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 Art Deco Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa, Console table, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rivoli, IT
Console table with wooden drawers, wood veneer with brass knobs attributed to the craftsmanship of Paolo Buffa, 1950s production. Minor signs of wear and tear present
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Italian Modern Inlaid Commode, Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern Inlaid Commode, Paolo Buffa
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Mahogany and Marble 6-Drawer Dresser / Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century mahogany dresser / sideboard / chest with 6 drawers mounted with brass drawer pulls supporting a dark green / black marble top, resting on four legs, the front tw...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Brass

Related Items
Pair of Italian Midcentury Nightstands in the Style of Paolo Buffa, circa 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of remarkable bedsides rosewood in the style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Rosewood Petite Chest of Drawers
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Oakland, CA
High-quality Danish chest of drawers attributed to Kofoed Larsen, crafted of Brazilian rosewood with four book-matched drawers featuring recessed handles, raised on solid rosewood le...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Rosewood Petite Chest of Drawers
Danish Rosewood Petite Chest of Drawers
H 27.5 in W 23.5 in D 13.75 in
Italian Credenza Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Budapest, HU
A fine Italian credenza attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s.   
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Italian Bar Cabinet in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Budapest, HU
Adorable bar cabinet in the style by Paolo Buffa. Precious wood inlays.  
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Palisander

Elegant Italian Cabinet Bookcase Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
A fine Italian bookcase cabinet with brass finishes in excellent vintage condition. attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s.   
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Nightstands in the Style of Paolo Buffa, circa 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of remarkable bedsides rosewood in the style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s. The same set includes the dressing table with the mirror, but the two nightstands are also sold individually.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Italian Sideboard Style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Budapest, HU
A wonderful multifunctional Italian sideboard cabinet bar style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Italian Sideboard Style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s
Italian Sideboard Style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s
H 58.27 in W 89.77 in D 20.08 in
Italian Wooden Writing Desk Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chicago, IL
A meticulously crafted 1950s solid wood desk attributed to Paola Buffa. Buffa’s eye for detail is highlighted through its elegant form: a rectangular top with softly rounded corners,...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Commode with 4 drawers in rattan and raffia
Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR
Beautiful chest of drawers with 4 drawers in rattan and raffia with palmtrees patterns on the face and on the sides. With its brass handles, its design is unique and typical of the I...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Raffia, Rattan

Commode with 4 drawers in rattan and raffia
Commode with 4 drawers in rattan and raffia
H 31.5 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Italian Organic Chest of Drawers in Rattan, Bamboo and Brass, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera styledresser fully made in bamboo and woven rattan completed by solid brass handles. This stylish organic dresser was handcrafted in Italy during ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Italian Mid-Century Teak Sideboard Console Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Italian mid-century sideboard in teak, attributed to Paolo Buffa, from the 1950s. Very elegant and great executive quality piece. It has really refined design with a lot of details a...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Chest of Drawers in Rattan and Bamboo w/ Glass, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera chest of drawers fully made in rattan and bamboo and completed by a crystal glass top. This stylish organic dresser was handcrafted in Italy durin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Previously Available Items
Paolo Buffa, Mobile contenitore, Italia, anni '50
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rivoli, IT
Bellissimo mobile contenitore in legno, legno impiallacciato con pomoli in ottone attribuito alla maestria di Paolo Buffa, produzione anni '50. Presenti piccoli segni di usura
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Chest of Drawers in Mahogany, Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Art Deco Chest of Drawers, Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Commode 6 Drawers , Italy 1950’s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in PÉZENAS, FR
Beautiful 6-drawer chest by Paolo Buffa in blond walnut with a fine marquetry Its top is made of gray tinted glass, the 4 legs are conical with a brass finish and totally detactable ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Commode 6 Drawers , Italy 1950’s
Commode 6 Drawers , Italy 1950’s
H 30.32 in W 74.41 in D 20.48 in
Mobile contenitore Paolo Buffa, Italia, anni '50
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rivoli, IT
Bellissimo mobile contenitore in legno, legno impiallacciato con pomoli in ottone attribuito alla maestria di Paolo Buffa
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Mobile contenitore Paolo Buffa, Italia, anni '50
Mobile contenitore Paolo Buffa, Italia, anni '50
H 32.68 in W 62.21 in D 20.08 in
Paolo Buffa (Milan 1903/1970) Italian Double Chest of Drawers Cabinet Published
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Madrid, ES
Paolo Buffa ( Milan 1903 / Milan 1970 ) Italian Double Chest of Drawers Cabinet - Published Creator: Paolo Buffa (Designer) Dimensions...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Demi Lune Commode by Paolo Buffa, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Paolo Buffa is well known Italian Architect Designer active in the 1940s. The present commode is typical of his style. The repetition of fluted pattern is a characteristic of Buffa's work. The same applies to the encased mirrors on the doors of the commode. All these elements with the brass feet create an elegant piece of furniture. The marble too...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Demi Lune Commode by Paolo Buffa, 1940s
Demi Lune Commode by Paolo Buffa, 1940s
H 34.26 in W 53.55 in D 19.69 in
Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Chest of drawers in walnut with nice and thin legs and brass handles. Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers in Walnut
Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers in Walnut
H 31.5 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Cabinet with Painted Decorations
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful decorated wooden cabinet designed by designer Paolo Buffa in the 1950s, of fine Italian manufacture. The cabinet is entirely made of a massive and beautiful decorated wood...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Osvaldo Borsani Wooden Wardrobe for ABV, Label
By Serafino Arrighi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Impressive Mid-Century cabinet designed by designer Osvaldo Borsani for the fine Italian manufacture ABV Arredo, dating from the 1950s. The cabinet is made entirely of fine dark wood...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Osvaldo Borsani Wooden Wardrobe for ABV, Label
Osvaldo Borsani Wooden Wardrobe for ABV, Label
H 75.4 in W 78.75 in D 20.48 in
Paolo Buffa Wood Cabinet, 1950s Italian Design
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milan, IT
This cabinet is a wonderful mid-century piece with refined lines and shaped wood surface. The glass top add an elegant touch to a well proportioned element that can fit both the bedr...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paolo Buffa Wood Cabinet, 1950s Italian Design
Paolo Buffa Wood Cabinet, 1950s Italian Design
H 37.8 in W 21.66 in D 92.13 in
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Chest of Drawers in Wood
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Chest of Drawers in Wood
H 32.68 in W 42.52 in D 21.26 in
Paolo Buffa Italian Double Chest of Drawers Cabinet 1960 60's, F249
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian designer Paolo Buffa's desk and bookcase from the 50's in art deco style. This piece of furniture is composed of two parts: a desk and an overmantel that can be used as a boo...
Category

1950s Italian Art Deco Vintage Paolo Buffa Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Buffa commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers by Paolo Buffa were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by Angelo Mangiarotti, Carlo De Carli, and Sormani. Prices for Paolo Buffa commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,454 and can go as high as $16,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,001.

Recently Viewed

View All