Juxtaposing sleek curves with angular, geometric shapes, the sophisticated minimalism of Paolo Piva’s furniture made him one of the most significant mid-century modern designers. Using understated, classic materials such as patent leather and glass, he created furniture that is as timeless as the buildings he designed as an internationally renowned architect. Piva’s armchairs, floor lamps and other furniture pieces were built to withstand changing tastes.
Born in 1950 in Adria in northern Italy, Piva pursued his career in design and architecture at the International University of the Arts in Venice under renowned architect Carlo Scarpa. While a student, he also worked with the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna and the Institute of History and Architecture in Venice to create a major exhibition on Viennese architecture during the socialist period.
Gaining notice during his graduate studies in Rome, Piva established himself as an up-and-coming architect. In 1980, he emerged on the international scene with an acclaimed design for the Kuwait Embassy in Qatar, which led to design commissions for buildings and factories across Western Europe. At the same time, Piva began designing furniture that reflected the clean lines and artful forms of his building style. His most popular piece was the Pyramid coffee table, with inverted pyramids supporting a glass top.
A lifelong academic, Piva began teaching at the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in 1988, becoming a full professor in 1991. He also collaborated with top brands, including Poliform, de Sede, B&B Italia, Wittmann and Riva 1920, designing center tables, club chairs and other furniture items. He continued his design pursuits throughout his life, traveling to conferences and exhibitions internationally up until his death in 2017.
Piva gained a nomination for the Compasso d’Oro award in 1987 and was one of the architects selected to design the Science and Technology Park in Vienna in 1995. His work has been exhibited at Galerie Ulysses in Vienna and the Architekturgalerie München in Munich, as well as in the VI Mostra internazionale di Architettura della Biennale di Buenos Aires.
On 1stDibs, delve into the graceful simplicity and elegant geometry of Paolo Piva’s lighting, tables, seating, and other furniture and collectibles.
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy ...
Leather
$4,950 / item
Paolo Piva 'Arca' sofa for B&B Italia, Italy 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arca two seater sofa with right and left armrest provided with transparent glass serving tables which swing out from under the armrest. Framework made of structural steel embedded i...
Steel
Wittmann Black Leather Armchair Model Ducale Cube Design by Paolo Piva
By Wittmann, Paolo Piva
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Leather Armchair by Austrian - Italian architect Paolo Piva. Model Ducale manufactured by Wittmann. Black Semianiline leather. The design is a cube design with little curves. 2 ch...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Alanda sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. A true design product, typical of the 1990s. Made of Steel and upholstered in Grey color Alcantara, fully removable cover. Armrests and head...
Fabric
2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia Dining Side Chair in Tan Leather
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Arcadia armless dining chairs, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in 1989. These particular examples date to 2005. They feature a simplistic modern design ...
Steel, Chrome
B & B Italia Armchair Set by Paolo Piva (2 pieces)
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Budapest, Budapest
B&B Italia armchair set of 2, desiged by Paolo Piva. The leather is in poor condition.
Metal
Set of Six De Sede DS 218 Bar Stools by Paolo Piva in Nappa Leather
By De Sede, Paolo Piva
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of six bar stools with red seats made of high-quality nappa leather is in excellent condition. The leather seats show minimal signs of wear. The cubic frames made of polishe...
Stainless Steel
Set of Two Armchairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
By Paolo Piva
Located in Praha, CZ
Design armchairs designed by Paolo Piva. The iron mechanism on the back leg allows easy movement of the chair on the floor. Very good original condition.
Steel
Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s
By Paolo Piva
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Very rare vintage 3-seat sofa in its original black leather. Stunning patina. Designed in the 1990s by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss. Very good condition with normal signs of use...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian B&B "Alanda" two-and-a-half-seat white leather sofa by Paolo Piva with adjustable back pillows and armrests, 1970s. The sofa shows wear due to age and use...
Iron
Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Aura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of furniture design in 1983 following a partnership with Paolo Piva. An integral part of t...
Leather, Fabric
1990s Arcadia Dining Side Chair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in Ivory Leather
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an ‘Arcadia’ armless dining chair, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B & B Italia in 1989. This piece was produced in Italy around the same time. It features a simplis...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s
By Wittmann, Paolo Piva
Located in DE MEERN, NL
SET OF 2 LEATHER ARM CHAIRS BY PAOLO PIVA FOR WITTMANN, AUSTRIA 1980S Looking for a vintage touch to your home decor? Look no further than this set of 2 vintage blue leather armchai...
Leather
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy Di...
Leather
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 10
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 10 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in dark green leather. They are very comfortable. The set consists of 8 regul...
Leather
De Sede Leather Lounge Chair Armchair Creme Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede leather armchair designed by Paolo Piva. Great comfort and a Classic timeless design by De Sede. With patina on the leather and beec...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Paolo Piva, 4 Leather Armchairs, Edition Wittmann, circa 1980
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Paolo Piva, 4 leather armchairs, Edition Wittmann, circa 1980.
Metal
Vintage POSTMODERN Leather Club Chair by Paolo Piva
By Wittmann, Paolo Piva
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a fantastic postmodern 1980s leather chair by Paolo Piva for Wittman. This unique oversized chair features supple grey leather with ribbing details accented by spherical wood...
Leather
2x Original Wittmann Sessel Aura Leder schwarz Paolo Piva
By Wittmann, Paolo Piva
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von zwei wunderschönen Wittmann "Aura" Sesseln aus schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Paolo Piva für Wittmann und stammt aus dem Jahr 1983. Insge...
Leather
Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo Piva
By Wittmann, Paolo Piva
Located in New York, NY
Aura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of furniture design in 1983 following a partnership with Paolo Piva. An integral part of t...
Leather, Fabric
De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a Minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...
Leather
De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a Minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...
Leather
Giovannetti, Contemporary 2 Seater Sofa from the 1970s by P. Piva Cream "Boss"
By Paolo Piva
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Boss is directed to a public who loves "objects" with distinguishing character and a strong personality. After years of rigorous minimalism, Giovannetti brings back the forceful sinuous lines and extraordinary comfort of a design that has even achieved fame in films and television. Available in different colors and sizes. Frame in tubular steel, padding in polyurethane foam covered with protective lining. Seat and back cushion/armrest: polyurethane foam pad- ding, covered with acrylic thermo-welded fibre Springing with steel plasticized bogie and spiral springs Feet...
Leather, Fabric
De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...
Leather
B&B Italia Armchair Set of Six by Paolo Piva, Leather, Vintage, 1989
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Budapest, Budapest
B&B Italia armchair set of 6, desiged by Paolo Piva. The leather is in poor condition.
Metal
2005 Paolo Piva for B&B ltalia Arcadia High Back Dining Side Chair in Leather
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Arcadia armless high back dining chairs, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in 1989. These particular examples date to the 2000s. They feature a simplistic...
Steel, Chrome
$4,200 / set
H 33.5 in W 18 in D 18.5 in
Set of 8 Italian Post Modern White Leather Dining Chairs by Cattelan Italia
By Cattelan Italia
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Glamorous and sleek vintage white leather upholstered dining chairs by Cattelan Italy. Comfortable with nicely stitched leather. The chairs are beautifully designed and made from qua...
Chrome
$3,588 / set
H 35.04 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
B&B Italia Model Arcadia Dining Leather Chair Paolo Piva Set of 4
By Matteo Grassi
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Paolo Piva designed this dining chairs for B&B Italia. Model Arcadia in heavenblue leather colour and the insides from the feet are in black plastic. It fits well with memphis design...
Metal, Chrome
'Brigadier' Loveseats by Cini Boeri for Knoll, Italy, 1980s
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exceptional sofa from the award-winning Brigadier Series by renowned Italian architect and designer, Cini Boeri (1924–2020). Crafted in the 1980s for Knoll, these sofas feature a sle...
Leather, Lacquer
$2,690
H 29.53 in W 68.9 in D 39.38 in
1980s Vintage Comfortable Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset (1/2)
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Izegem, VWV
This deep seat comfortable 2-seater sofa model Brigantin was created by the famous French designer Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1981. All in foam, covered by a super soft grey/...
Cotton, Foam
$7,617 / set
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
An Italian "Amanta" 4-Piece Modular Sofa By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia c.1980
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare four-piece “Amanta” modular seating system designed by Mario Bellini in 1966 and produced by C&B Italia (later B&B Italia), dating from the 1980s. Each module features...
Fabric
$4,400
H 28 in W 102 in D 41 in
B&B Italia “Alanda” Sofa in Caramel Leather – Fully Restored Excellent Condition
By B&B Italia
Located in Astoria, NY
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY WITHIN NEW YORK CITY Offered here is a rare and timeless “Alanda” sofa by B&B Italia, designed by Paolo Piva in the 1980s – a standout example of refined Ita...
Leather
$11,079
H 29.53 in W 66.93 in D 33.86 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, newly upholstered in luxury cream alpaca velvet, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping world...
Alpaca
$11,079
H 29.53 in W 68.9 in D 37.41 in
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, Upholstered in Alpaca, B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A beautiful Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, produced by B&B Italia, Italy in the 1970s, newly upholstered in luxurious 100% alpaca. Marked on the underside. Fast shipping worldwide.
Alpaca
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina designed 1977, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg fea...
Steel
$4,950 / set
H 31.89 in W 18.51 in D 20.48 in
Set of Four “Arcadia” Chairs by A. Caraceni for Tagliabue, Italy, 1970s
By Tagliabue
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of Four “Arcadia” Chairs by Adalberto Caraceni for Tagliabue, Italy, 1970s Curved Wood and Woven Cane, Excellent Vintage Condition Designed by A. Caraceni and produced by Tagli...
Cane, Beech, Plywood
Mario Bellini Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg features a black ...
Steel
$11,723
H 31.5 in W 110.24 in D 36.23 in
Italian modern black leather sofa Diesis by Citterio Nava for B&B Italia, 1980s
By Antonio Citterio, Paolo Nava, B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather sofa Diesis by Antonio Citterio and Paolo Nava for B&B Italia, 1980s Three-seater Diesis sofa in black leather. The seat and backrest are composed of rec...
Brass, Steel
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy Dim...
Leather
Sofa “Alanda” Designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1990s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Beerse, VAN
With the Alanda sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, you possess a touch of Italian design heritage that is modern in spirit, versatile in use, and built to last. With its easy ad...
Leather
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy Di...
Leather
Sold
H 44.1 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Arcalla high back dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcalla dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Very good condition Comes with ce...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 106.3 in D 39.38 in
Extremely Rare white Sofa design by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1980
By Paolo Piva
Located in Oirlo, LI
This exceptionally rare and elegant three-seater sofa designed by Paolo Piva for De Sede Switzerland in the 1980s showcases timeless design and superior craftsmanship The original wh...
Metal
Set of 4 leather Arcosa chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 very rare Arcosa dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia. Upholstered in brown leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition with normal age related we...
Chrome
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in dark green leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy...
Leather
Arcadia Dining Chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia Set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcara dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in dark b lue leather. They are very comfortable and the angle of the backrests c...
Metal
Sold
H 27 in W 68 in D 42 in
Paolo Piva “Alanda” Adjustable Black Leather Loveseat Sofa for B&b Italia, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Miami, FL
Black leather Alanda loveseat sofa with adjustable backrests and armrests designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s. This smaller version sofa with width of 68” comfortably seats...
Steel
Paolo Piva “Alanda” Adjustable Black Leather Sofa for B&b Italia, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Miami, FL
Black leather Alanda sofa with adjustable backrests and armrests designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s. This larger version sofa with width of 102” comfortably seats 3-4 peop...
Steel
Sold
H 35.83 in W 34.65 in D 77.56 in
Mid-Century Italian Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&b Italia / C&b Italia, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Adjustable sofa in good condition, all mechanism work well.
Steel
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in grey velvet. They are very comfortable and the angle of the backrests can be ...
Velvet