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.
Paolo Buffa Dry-Bar Cabinet, Italy, circa 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and rare Paolo Buffa, Italy, circa 1950 mahogany cabinet with molded front panel, rectangular top and dentil carved moldings. (A pair available; the other a drop-down ...
Brass
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Free Standing Cabinet Bar by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
Fine mahogany free standing cabinet bar by Paolo Buffa made in Italy, circa 1950s. Opposing doors swing open to reveal mirrored and fitted interi...
Wood
Paolo Buffa, walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2534 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Rare walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front and lacquered metal interior. Two maple drawers with glass fronts, mirrors and hidden light. Drawing...
Maple
$23,079Sale Price|25% Off
Italian Art Deco Teak and Inlays Bar Cabinet By Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Meda, MB
This Art Deco bar cabinet was produced in Italy in the 1950s by Paolo Buffa. It is completely in teak wood with a chevron pattern. On the doors there are six decorative panels with i...
Brass
A fine bar cabinet by Paolo Buffa with mirrored panels
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A 1950s Italian mahogany newly restored freestanding bar cabinet by Paolo Buffa . Opposing doors revealing a lit interior when opened with inlay drawers and original mirrored walls ....
Brass, Bronze
A wonderful 1950 two door bar cabinet by Paolo Buffa with faux malachite panels
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A wonderful 1950s bar cabinet by Paolo Buffa with stunning herring bone mahogany veneer on both front doors and the sides. Each door has two faux malachite panels with brass surround...
Brass
$3,787Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Buffa. Mobile Bar from the 1950s Production La Permanente Cantù furniture
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigevano, PV
Paul Buffa. Mobile Bar from the 1950s Production La Permanente Cantù furniture
Brass
Bar Cabinet in Light Wood attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Oirlo, LI
This rare Grissinato Bar Cabinet in light wood, attributed to Paolo Buffa and dating from the 1940s, is an exquisite example of Italian Art Deco elegance. The exterior displays refin...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
$4,970Sale Price / set|43% Off
Pair of Cabinet Paolo Buffa Design Mid-Century Modern Bar Furniture
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of cabinet Paolo Buffa design Mid-Century Modern bar furniture, mahogany and brass. It has a large flap door that hides an elegant mirrored bar with glass shelf, noteworthy car...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Mobile Bar / Container Walnut Root Brass 1950 Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional Walnut Root Bar Furniture By Paolo Buffa
Nutwood, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
Brass
Vintage Paolo Buffa Design Bar Cabinet, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Biella, IT
Paolo Buffa cabinet bar years ’40 the cabinet bar is in vintage good condition; exterior frontal part, superior and each side part only the exterior two legs have the little defect, you see in photo’s particular. Internal part are complete and have all the little mirror...
Brass
Bar Cabinet Carmen by Comité De Proyectos
Located in Geneve, CH
Bar cabinet Carmen by Comité De Proyectos Dimensions: large: W 45 x D 90 x H 110 cm Materials: Huanacaxaxtle Wood, Sisal Fiber, Steel, Wicker, Mirror, Leather. We are an interior a...
Steel
$3,491
H 48.43 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Black Brutalist Bar Cabinet, Two Doors, Three Drawers, Belgium, 1970s
By De Coene Frères
Located in Hilversum, NL
This striking black Brutalist bar cabinet, crafted in Belgium in the 1970s, is a stunning example of minimalist design. Made from black lacquered oak, the sideboard features two door...
Oak
$2,776
H 26.38 in W 30.32 in D 15.75 in
1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl and Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, in beautiful wood, two doors and brass handles. When opened, on the right side an amazing interior part in mirrors m...
Brass
$2,958
H 29.93 in W 38.59 in D 17.72 in
Italian 1940s Art Deco Mid-Century Walnut Burl and Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern drinks dry bar cabinet with beautiful veneer walnut briar burl wood, two side doors and central turning compartments with great woode...
Brass
$3,200
H 43.75 in W 51.5 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Front Dry Bar Cabinet with Shelving
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century modern walnut dry bar is a beautifully designed piece that blends clean modernist lines with thoughtful functionality. Crafted i...
Aluminum
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.
Palisander
$2,722
H 27.56 in W 34.26 in D 15.36 in
Italian 1960s Art Deco Mid-Century Burl Walnut Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern drinks dry bar cabinet with black glass top and beautiful veneer walnut briar burl wood, two doors and great central wooden decor cra...
Brass
$1,949
H 27.96 in W 28.75 in D 14.57 in
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet cart characterized by its original Asian themed painted front wood pull-out tilt door with interior part in mirror glass, standing on its antique brass wheels...
Brass
$2,958
H 32.68 in W 33.47 in D 15.75 in
1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Burl Glass Top Dry Bar Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet with overall beautiful different veneer walnut briar burl wood decorations and especially the double front door with ...
Brass
Elegant Mid-Century Italian Mirrored Dry Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
An elegant Italian dry bar, crafted from dark wood with a high-gloss finish. The bar features two mirrored doors that reflect the surrounding space, adding a touch of brightness and ...
Glass, Wood
$1,775
H 25.6 in W 29.14 in D 14.18 in
Italian 1940s Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Waterfall Dry Bar Cocktail Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian side table in typical Art Deco shape and materials with its beautiful wood, central opening and the overall harmonic waterfall design. The Art Deco style, that p...
Brass
$5,266
H 53.94 in W 66.93 in D 17.72 in
Italian Mid-Century Bar Cabinet in Walnut and Brass, Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Paris, FR
A beautiful 1940s Italian bar cabinet attributed to Paolo Buffa, featuring a beautifully crafted walnut veneer, sculptural ebonized legs, and brass accents. The symmetrical facade co...
Brass
Paolo Buffa high sideboard on execution Serafino Arrighi
By Serafino Arrighi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Large sideboard by Paolo Buffa 1950s on Arrighi execution. 5 doors formed with elegant ashlar execution. Inside we find shelves, in the right side glass shelf and grissinated drawers...
Brass
Italian Modern Bar Designed By Paolo Buffa
By Osvaldo Borsani, Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi, Ico Parisi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Bar Designed By Paolo Buffa. Offered is a handsome mid-century Italian 2 door standing bar of mixed woods with a glamorous mirrored interior and the original lock and ...
Mirror, Wood
Paolo Buffa Elegant Italian Bar Cabinet with glass shelves
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Italian 1950s tall bar cabinet attributed to Paolo Buffa - Elegance and craftsmanship in postwar design A piece of furniture that tells a story of sty...
Brass
Sold
H 54.73 in W 39.77 in D 17.72 in
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard or Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This elegant cabinet bar, designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s, is a true example of mid-century Italian design. The front features four giltwood panels, enriched with 18th-century e...
Brass
Italian Art Deco Teak Cabinet By Paolo Buffa , 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Meda, MB
This bar cabinet was produced in Italy in the 1950s by Paolo Buffa. The external structure is completely made of teak wood. The beauty of this piece is crowned by the elegant inter...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet by Paolo Buffa, 1950s.
Wood
Italian 1940s Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in CA, CA
A fine 1940s Italian cabinet by Paolo Buffa Resting on slender tapered legs with deep brass sabot feet. This piece has wonderful four panelled...
Wood
Sold
H 54.73 in W 39.77 in D 17.72 in
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard or Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Italian mid-century cabinet bar or sideboard designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s. On the front doors, you find four giltwood panels, inserted with 18th-century engravings of classic...
Brass
Sold
H 51.97 in W 41.34 in D 16.15 in
Paolo Buffa Midcentury Wood Italian Dry Bar Cabinet with Mirrors, Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional Paolo Buffa midcentury Italian dry bar cabinet with mirrors. The cabinet was produced in Italy during the 1950s The slightly curv...
Brass
Paolo Buffa, Dry Bar Cabinet Mirrors and Drawers, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional bar art moderne bar by Paolo Buffa, designer and architect (1903-1970). The slightly curved front body with rounded sides and the balustra...
Brass
1950 Paolo Buffa Cabinet Bar
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1950 Paolo Buffa cabinet bar in wood , mirror details and brass sabot interior mirrored with light system included vintage condition.
Brass
Paolo Buffa Dry Bar Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
A magnificent 2-door dry bar cabinet standing on tapered feet with brass sabots. The cabinet also has brass framed antique battle scene prints. The interior is mirrored and lit when ...
Palisander