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Paolo Buffa Dressers

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
Paolo Buffa Dresser
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous sideboard or chest of drawers by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940's Signature curved lines and angular legs with ornate brass handles Black glass inlayed top Incredible detail and ...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Paola Buffa Dresser
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Paolo Buffa chest of drawers with 4 drawers, bowtie shaped solid brass handles and original gold glass top. Curved splayed lets with brass feet. Gorgeous from all angles.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Burl

Paolo Buffa Furniture in Wood with Decorated Panels for Reguitti
By Esposizione Permanente mobili Cantù, Fratelli Reguitti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid living room furniture with bookcase shelves designed by the great designer Paolo Buffa for Permanente Cantù in the 1950s, with the collaboration of Reguitti for the decorati...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass, Iron

Italian Mid-Century Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, c.1930s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
Italian mid-century cabinet made by Paolo Buffa in cherry wood, circa 1930s. Dimension: W102 x D40 x H153 cm.  
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Wood

Paolo Buffa Vintage Pearwood, Glass and Brass Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Charming 5-door vintage pear wood cabinet designed in the 1950s by the great designer Paolo Buffa, fine Italian manufacture. The cabinet is made entirely...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Vintage Wood and Brass Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Enchanting vintage 6-door wooden cabinet designed in the 1950s by the great designer Paolo Buffa, fine Italian manufacture. The closet is made entirely in the light-colored fine woo...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

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 Dressers

Materials

Brass

Related Items
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 Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

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.
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Dressers

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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.  
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Dressers

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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.   
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Paolo Buffa Eight-Legs Grande Credenza in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1950's
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Amsterdam, 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 Dressers

Materials

Brass

Italian 1940s Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A fine 1940s Italian cabinet by Paolo Buffa Resting on slender tapered legs with deep brass sabot feet. This piece has wonderful four panelled...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Wood

Italian 1940s Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
Italian 1940s Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
H 57.09 in W 43.31 in D 16.54 in
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 Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

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
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 Dressers

Extraordinary Trumeau by Paolo Buffa
Extraordinary Trumeau by Paolo Buffa
H 92.92 in W 46.86 in D 18.51 in
Vintage Pine Cabinet, 1930's
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Dresser made of pine. Produced in the 1930s. With a drawer and a shelf inside.
Category

1930s Hungarian Rustic Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Pine

Vintage Pine Cabinet, 1930's
Vintage Pine Cabinet, 1930's
H 42.13 in W 39.38 in D 18.51 in
Paolo Buffa Walnut Wood Bar
By Paolo Buffa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful and functional Italian mobile bar in light walnut with mirrored interiors and brass fittings. Inlaid wood pattern on the front and sides of the doors, with diamond shaped d...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Walnut Wood Bar
Paolo Buffa Walnut Wood Bar
H 53.55 in W 52.37 in D 15.75 in
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 Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Paolo Buffa Bar Cabinet, Italy, 1950s-1960s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Paolo Buffa bar cabinet with gold star detailing. Incredible cabinet in perfect condition. This is a rare piece and not many of this model were made.   
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items
Paolo Buffa Dresser Italian Midcentury 40's
By Paolo Buffa
Located in bari, IT
Beautiful three-drawer console with clean and rational lines Paolo Buffa production late 1940s. In his long professional activity, Milanese architect Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) tri...
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1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Paolo Buffa Dresser Italian Midcentury 40's
Paolo Buffa Dresser Italian Midcentury 40's
H 24.81 in W 48.82 in D 15.75 in
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 Dressers

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 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 Dressers

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
Paola Buffa Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Paolo Buffa sideboard, circa 1940s. Gorgeous mahogany wood with inlayed detailing, floating loop legs and original ornate brass hardware.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Paola Buffa Sideboard
Paola Buffa Sideboard
H 35.5 in W 65.75 in D 21.25 in
Pair of Bedside Tables by Paolo Buffa in Wood Glass and Brass, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant pair of nightstands by Paolo Buffa in wood glass and brass from the 1950s. Paolo Buffa nightstands are made of beechwood. Its special feature is its cornucopias at the base a...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Italian Chest of Drawers by Paolo Buffa with Cornocopies, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and Classic Italian chest of drawers by Paolo Buffa, circa 1950. The chest of drawers is in well made walnut wood. The chest of drawers has 3 drawers that can be pulled out t...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Oversized 6 Door Sideboard by Paolo Buffa Italy 1950 Mahogany
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Epfach, DE
Oversized 6 door sideboard by Paolo Buffa Italy 1950 mahogany Paolo Buffa was an Italian architect and designer, best known for his midcentury furniture. Very rare and elegant 6 do...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Paola Buffa Sideboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Paolo Buffa sideboard, circa 1940s. Gorgeous inlayed detailing, floating loop legs and original ornate hardware.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Paola Buffa Sideboard
Paola Buffa Sideboard
H 35.5 in W 65.75 in D 21.25 in
Pair of 1950s Italian Nightstands by Paolo Buffa Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Roma, IT
A set of two beautifully carved nightstands or side tables executed in fine rosewood. The glass tops perfeclty fit with the wood. The leg ends are finished with lightly patinated cop...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Copper

Paolo Buffa Dresser
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Six-drawer dresser in satin walnut each with original hardware and lockable capabilities. Incredibly restored to original excellent condition.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Dresser
Paolo Buffa Dresser
H 34 in W 63 in D 20 in
Ebonized Oak Dresser by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made from ebonized oak. In excellent original condition.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Oak

Ebonized Oak Dresser by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
Ebonized Oak Dresser by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
H 40.95 in W 63.39 in D 19.69 in
Important Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers, 1948
By Paolo Buffa, Paolo Lietti & Figli
Located in Rome, IT
Impressive and rare chest of drawers designed by Paolo Buffa, 1948. Executed by F.lli Lietti, Cantù. Nine drawers, nine sculptural brass handle brass sabot. Top in rare pink Can...
Category

1940s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Dressers

Materials

Brass

Important Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers, 1948
Important Paolo Buffa Chest of Drawers, 1948
H 35.44 in W 70.87 in D 20.87 in

Paolo Buffa dressers for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Buffa dressers 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 dressers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dressers 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 dressers by and Gio Ponti. Prices for Paolo Buffa dressers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,762 and can go as high as $15,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,500.

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