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.
2x Original Wittmann Sessel Aura Leder schwarz Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
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 Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Many different upholstery materials available. Price listed for STARTING leather. Aura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of fur...
Leather, Fabric
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
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
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
Wittmann Black Leather Armchair Model Ducale Cube Design by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
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
Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
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
Wittmann Atrium modular sofa Austria 1970
By Wittmann
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super cool Wittmann Atrium modular leather sofa manufactured in Austria 1970. This sofa is made of dark brown leather and consists of a 2-seater and 2 sin...
Leather
$3,515 / set
H 33.08 in W 24.81 in D 21.66 in
Set of Two Mid Century Dots Velvet Armchairs by J.Halabala Czech Republic, 1950s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Very original and classic armchair produced in Czech Republic by furniture designer J. Halabala. Made in the 1950s, the eye-catching Silhouette and comfortable design has an enduring...
Velvet, Beech
$2,950
H 37.41 in W 35.44 in D 33.08 in
Josef Hoffmann "Haus Koller" Armchair for Wittmann – Viennese Secession Elegance
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Dronten, NL
A stunning Haus Koller Armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann and produced by the esteemed Austrian manufacturer Wittmann. Originally conceived in 1911 for the Koller House in Oberwalte...
Velvet, Beech
De Sede Lounge Chair in Camel Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede lounge chair, model 'S231', patinated leather, chromed metal, Switzerland, 1960s This lovely and stylish chair is based on a solid const...
Metal, Chrome
1970s Wittmann Hochbaret leather Modular Sofa, Austria
By Wittmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of wear due to age - Patinated leather - heigh of seat 41 cm
Leather
Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and masterfully produced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, Austria, in the 1980s. Upholstered in beautiful, supple cognac-brown leat...
Leather, Wood
Leather Aura Longue Chair By Paolo Piva For Wittmann 1980
By Paolo Piva
Located in Čelinac, BA
Leather Aura Longue Chair By Paolo Piva For Wittmann Austria 1980
Leather
Aura Longue Chair By Paolo Piva For Wittmann 1980
By Paolo Piva
Located in Čelinac, BA
Aura Longue Chair By Paolo Piva for Wittmann Austria 1980
Fabric
$4,042 / set
H 28.35 in W 24.02 in D 24.02 in
1980s Set of Five Art Deco Brown Velvet Wooden Armchairs
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of five wooden armchairs upholstered in brown velvet. They come from renowned La Meridiana restaurant in Marbella, famous in the 1980s for being Marbella's Jet set meeting place....
Wood
$2,636 / set
H 34.65 in W 18.12 in D 22.45 in
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 10
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
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 r...
Leather
$10,683Sale Price|40% Off
H 30.32 in W 94.89 in D 44.89 in
Wittmann Vuelta Lounge Sofa by Jaime Hayon in STOCK
By Jaime Hayon, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
upholstered in Trieste ivory legs: Black grey powder coated Left facing Eclectic, exciting, Mediterranean Baroque – and yet wonderfully timeless. These are the characteristics that define the eye-catching style brought into being by the playful collaboration between Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and Austrian furniture maker Wittmann. If the brief was to create furniture to counteract boredom, then it’s safe to say mission accomplished. Jaime Hayon’s collection for Wittmann truly brings colour into the picture, in every respect. Vuelta Lounge...
Fabric, Bouclé
$5,280 / set
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 33.47 in
De Sede DS 14 Lounge Chairs in Patinated Cognac Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 14 lounge chairs in patinated cognac leather, Switzerland 1970s These robust patinated De Sede lounge chairs ensure ultimate comfort and buil...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 27.17 in
Paolo Piva Pair of Leather Cocktail Armchair Model Aura for Wittmann 1980s
By Wittmann, Paolo Piva
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pair of cocktail chairs model "Aura" designed by Paolo Piva in the 1980s for Wittmann. Seat and frame are upholstered in high quality light brown leather with beautiful saddle stitch...
Leather
Armchairs by Paolo Piva for B&B, Italy 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Greding, DE
Four armchairs with white leatherette upholstery and black details designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. Good original condition with signs of age an...
Metal