Paolo Buffa Credenzas
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.
12
to
2
9
3
12
12
12
11
12
12
10
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
12
7
7
6
6
10
9
218
71
60
58
58
Creator: Paolo Buffa
Wall Mounted Credenza by Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi, Italy, 1950's
By Serafino Arrighi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Paolo Buffa wall-mounted ribbed credenza in patinated, brass and glass, by master woodmaker Serafino Arrighi, 1950's
What stands out in this small w...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Set of 2 Extra Large Credenza's in Walnut and Mahogany, Italy, 1956
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Exceptional pair of high credenza's by Paolo Buffa in very good condition. What notices most is the size and the quality of these magnificent works of art. They are high and mighty a...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa's Exquisite Mid-Century Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the elegance of Italian mid-century modern design through this exquisite Paolo Buffa sideboard. Known for his seamless blend of functionality and style, Buffa's work epitomi...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Wood
A Paolo Buffa Blond Credenza with Rose Mirror Top
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Stamford, CT
A Paolo Buffa 6 drawer blond credenza with "wave" pulls and rose mirror top. Circa 1950. Italy.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Paolo Buffa Eight-Legs Grande Credenza in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1950's
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) architect, designer
Paolo Buffa was the son of artist Giovanni Buffa, long-considered a modern innovator of early 20th century applied arts. The elder Buffa was renowned for his studio works in stained glass, often collaborating with Eugenio Quarti and other important architects.
After graduating in 1927 from Politecnico di Milano, Paolo began training in the studio of Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. The following year he opened his own studio with the architect Cassi Ramelli, designing private villas and residential buildings with a strong focus on fine furniture done in the neoclassical style of the Milanese School and its luminaries: Ponti, Lancia, Buzzi, Marellin, and Albini. His designs (which included lighting and textiles) were characterized by perfect execution, for homes of the wealthy middle class with a taste for modern design, that blended functionality and comfort with quality materials. His pieces were primarily executed by the highly skilled artisans of the Mario Quarti studio in Milan, by Serafino Arrighi, and later by the Angelo Marelli workshop.
In 1930 Buffa and Cassi Remelli participated in The International Exhibition of Decorative Arts,which would later become the Triennale di Milano. At this time he also began his first collaboration with Gio Ponti's Domus magazine, to which he would contribute many writings in the years to follow.
The 1933 Triennale, "Mostra dell Arredamento," presented a solo exhibition on Buffa, as well as a group show that featured his textile designs alongside works by Buzzi, Albini, and Pollini in the display hall of the government institution National Crafts and Small Industries (ENAPI).
By the time of his participation in the 1936 VI Triennale, Buffa was considered one of the elite arbiters of modern taste and style. The painter Roberto Aloi, director of “L’Arredamento Modern” (the Hoepli periodic review of modern design) dedicated more space to Buffa in his publication than to any other Italian architect in future editions.
1940 saw an intense collaboration with the acclaimed Mario Quarti furniture studio in Milan, in which Buffa created the furnishings for the Royal Palace of King Zog, in Tirana, Albania. In 1945 Ico Parisi organized the exhibition "Prima Mostra dell Arredamento" in Como. Together he and Buffa designed 12 environments, displayed as real rooms in a home. The following year the show travelled to Milan as “Mostra Mercato per la Reconstruzione” (Exhibition of Reconstruction). In addition to Buffa and Parisi, among the participants were Cassi Ramelli, Gio Ponti, and Guillermo Ulrich, all working under an objective to foster a profound collaboration between architect and expert craftsman.
In 1947 Buffa was invited by esteemed textile designer Fede Cheti to participate in the exhibition “Lo Stile nell Arredamento Moderno” (The Style of Modern Furniture), celebrating the rebirth of quality execution and technical perfection in the reinvention of classic Italian furniture...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Credenza Italiana in pergamena intarsiata disegnata da Paolo Buffa nel 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Magnifica credenza italiana disegnata da Paolo Buffa ed eseguita probabilmente su commissione di alto livello dall'Associazione Artigiani Canturini...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Grande Credenza by Paolo Buffa in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1950's
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) architect, designer
Paolo Buffa was the son of artist Giovanni Buffa, long-considered a modern innovator of early 20th centu...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Credenza Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Carpi, IT
Paolo Buffa's wooden credenzas from the 1950s are exceptional examples of his talent as a designer and craftsman in the field of furniture and interior design. During this period, Pa...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Paolo Buffa: Imposing Four-Door Cabinet in Walnut and Polished Brass, Italy 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Paolo Buffa (1903 - 1970)
A large and imposing sideboard by Milanese architect and designer Paolo Buffa, in walnut with round mirror-polished brass handles. The buffet's long, rect...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
In the 1950s, Paolo Buffa designed this stylish Italian mid-century sideboard. There is a great deal of elegance in this piece. The sinuous lines of the sides and the refined combination of different shades of wood make this piece special. It's also noteworthy that the brass parts were cast in lost wax (it almost appears that they were made by a goldsmith).
Very well-kept conditions, completely restored, ready to use. The large sideboard, the dining table, and the chairs are also available, currently undergoing restoration.
Literature "I mobili di Paolo...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
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 Credenzas
Materials
Marble
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 Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Related Items
Exquisite Mid-Century Modern Marble-Top Sideboard by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This handsome vintage modern sideboard features plenty of room for storage within its hefty drawers and large hidden compartment with a shelf....
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Mahogany and Sycomore Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany and Sycomore Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa decorated with fencing scenes. Interior fitted with four movable shelves Italy: circa 1950 Provenance: Blackman Cruz...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Cabinet by Paolo Buffa Cantù Blond Walnut Burl Birch Inlay Threaded
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern small cabinet from Esposizione Mobili Cantù , by Paolo Buffa, period 1940s years, in blond walnut and two doors in burr birch inlay...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Birch, Walnut
H 24 in W 22.8 in D 12.8 in
Gio Ponti Classic 3 Door Credenza in Walnut 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in New York, NY
3 Door credenza model 2160 in walnut with raised panels on doors and tapering legs by Gio Ponti for M.Singer & Sons, American 1950's. The interior is b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Paolo Buffa Dresser
Located in London, GB
Italian architect and designer Paolo Buffa is one of the most important designers of the 20th century. Active primarily from the 1930-1960 - Buffa greatly contributed to the construc...
Category
1940s Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Harvey Probber Wall Mounted Credenza with Inset Caned Doors, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Wall-mounted credenza in mahogany with brass pulls and inset caned doors by Harvey Probber, American, 1950s. “Harvey Probber” label inside the top drawer on right side.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
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 Credenzas
Materials
Hardwood
Italy Mid-Century Sideboard Credenza by Paolo Buffa per Palazzi dell'Arte Cantù
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian Paolo Buffa credenza of the 1940s, in massive walnut and veneer rosewood chessboard. Shaped top mirror, black lacquered glass top, four doors with internal shelf, original gi...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
H 66.93 in W 82.68 in D 18.9 in
Italian Renaissance Walnut Credenza
Located in Essex, MA
With old finish. Rectangular top with molded edge over a frieze with mounted corbels and a false drawer over a pair of cabinet doors with original handles all flanked by mask and flo...
Category
Mid-17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Other
Mid-Century Credenza Palazzi del Mobile with Showcase , Paolo Buffa atributed
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Cupboard two bodies 1940s curved walnut folder, Cantu production by Paolo Buffa designer
Top: Central display case with internal shelf and sandblasted stained glass; two doors with i...
Category
Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
H 72 in W 70 in D 20.8 in
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 Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Italian 1950s Credenza , Mahogany Interiors by Paolo Buffa for Permanente Mobili
By Cantu
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Vintage design sideboard from the 1950s by paolo Buffa for Permanente Mobili di Cantù, in lacquered beech: with two doors with frames and oval central golden reliefs; one with three...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
H 40.95 in W 81.11 in D 17.72 in
Previously Available Items
20th Century Italian Mario Quarti Cabinet, Walnut Sideboard by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa, Eugenio Quarti, Mario Quarti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian credenza, sideboard made of hand crafted polished walnut with three doors and detailed brass handles, designed by Paolo Buffa and produced by Mario Quarti in good condition. The large cabinet is supported by six round legs, enhanced by particularized wood carvings. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1940 - 1950, Milan, Italy.
Paolo Buffa was born in 1903, in Milan, Italy and passed away in 1970. He was an Italian architect and designer. Before Buffa studied at the Polytechnic Institute in Milan, he worked for the Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. He established his own company with collaborator Antonio Cassi Ramello. Before Buffa passed away, he had been named one of the most important designers in Italy.
Eugenio Quarti was an Italian furniture maker...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 39 in W 100 in D 17.75 in
6 Drawer Sideboard/ Console Table by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany, birch, brass. Mahogany sideboard on tall, tapering legs with birch inlays, brass drawer pulls and feet.
Category
1950s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany, Birch
Paolo Buffa Credenza/Secretaires with Coat-of-Arms in Brass, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mid century credenza, secretaires, bookcase by Paolo Buffa.
Period: 1950s
Material: Brass, fruitwood, gold leaf.
Coat of arms: Noble Roman Family connected to the Chigi Family (Star Coat...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Paolo Buffa Italian Sideboard in Walnut and Brass, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Majestic sideboard designed by Paolo Buffa from the 1950s. The sideboard is made of walnut wood. The sideboard Paolo Buffa has inside six drawers, w...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Stamford, CT
A mahogany sideboard with minimal fruitwood stringing. Legs terminating in brass Sabot with brass ring handles with backplates. Produced by Prod. Marelli e Colico, Italy, circa 1930....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Maple Inlay Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Cantu, Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Cantù production,
Important beautiful Italian bar sideboard in walnut strongly attributed to Paolo Buffa, typical workmanship of the mid-20th century; in walnut with maple wood inla...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Walnut, Maple
Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Maple Inlay Sideboard Cabinet Bar, 1950s
By Cantu, Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Cantù production,
Important beautiful Italian walnut bar sideboard strongly attributed to Paolo Buffa, typical workmanship of the mid-20th century; in walnut with maple wood inlays....
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Walnut, Maple
H 63 in W 122.05 in D 21.66 in
Italian Paolo Buffa Palisander Wood, Marble-Top, Four Drawer Credenza, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
1940s Italian credenza designed by Paolo Buffa one of the most infuential architects and furniture designers of the 20th century.
This designer uses palisander wood topped by marble...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Marble
H 32.5 in W 64.5 in D 21.5 in
Midcentury Sideboard by Paolo Buffa in Wood, Italian Design, 1960s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular midcentury rectangular sideboard with 2 doors and 3 drawers with 2 shelves inside. 4 conical feet. Italian production, 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Free Shipping
H 35.44 in W 51.19 in D 17.52 in
Paolo Buffa Burled Buffet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Austin, TX
Paolo Buffa burled elm buffet from Italy. This striking credenza has four ‘bombées’ doors featuring oblong mirrored portholes. The doors open to rosewood veneered shelving within. Th...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa Marble Top Four Drawer Credenza, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
1940s Italian credenza designed by Paolo Buffa
Four drawers with a marble top
Pallisander wood
Bronze sabots.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Marble
Paolo Buffa Large Art Deco Sideboard in Walnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, sideboard, walnut and brass, Italy, 1940s.
This stunning sideboard by Paolo Buffa needs a new home, that has the space for it.
It consists of five doors, that offer plenty of storage space. Two doors have a fish bone pattern inlay. The three other doors have a Art Deco bombed pattern, finished with brass dots, creating rhythmic lines. These lines are repeated in the most peculiar base consisting of 10 brass front legs. The wooden base can be removed in case preferred.
Being able to look at this rare Italian beauty each morning, ensures a most fun start of the day.
Category
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Paolo Buffa Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paolo Buffa credenzas for sale on 1stDibs.
Paolo Buffa credenzas 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 credenzas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original credenzas 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 credenzas by Vittorio Dassi, Osvaldo Borsani, and Ico Parisi. Prices for Paolo Buffa credenzas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $7,572 and can go as high as $55,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $23,950.