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Paolo Piva Sofas

Italian, 1950-2017

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.

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Creator: Paolo Piva
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"

Mid-Century Modern Italian Two and a Half Seat White Leather Sofa B&B "Alanda"

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

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...

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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

Materials

Iron

Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo Piva
Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo Piva

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...

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2010s Austrian Paolo Piva Sofas

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Leather, Fabric

Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

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...

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1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s
Extremely Rare Vintage Sofa by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1970s

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...

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Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Sofas

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Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo Piva
Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo Piva

Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa 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...

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2010s Austrian Paolo Piva Sofas

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Leather, Fabric

Giovannetti, Contemporary 2 Seater Sofa from the 1970s by P. Piva Cream "Boss"
Giovannetti, Contemporary 2 Seater Sofa from the 1970s by P. Piva Cream "Boss"

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...

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1970s Italian Other Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

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Josef Hoffmann "Haus Koller" Armchair for Wittmann – Viennese Secession Elegance
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By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint

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DS-16 Cognac leather sofa by De Sede Switzerland, 1970s

DS-16 Cognac leather sofa by De Sede Switzerland, 1970s

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By De Sede

Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE

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By Wittmann

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De Sede Ds-47 Brown Neck Leather Sofa from Switzerland, 1970s
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By De Sede

Located in Almelo, NL

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Wittmann Set of Two Pink Velvet Merwyn Armchairs by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK
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By Wittmann, Sebastian Herkner

Located in New York, NY

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Previously Available Items
Sofa “Alanda” Designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1990s
Sofa “Alanda” Designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1990s

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...

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Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Sofas

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Extremely Rare white Sofa design by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1980
Extremely Rare white Sofa design by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1980

Extremely Rare white Sofa design by Paolo Piva for De Sede Swiss 1980

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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...

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Paolo Piva “Alanda” Adjustable Black Leather Sofa for B&b Italia, 1980s
Paolo Piva “Alanda” Adjustable Black Leather Sofa for B&b Italia, 1980s

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...

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Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Paolo Piva Sofas

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Mid-Century Italian Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&b Italia / C&b Italia, 1980s
Mid-Century Italian Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&b Italia / C&b Italia, 1980s

Mid-Century Italian Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&b Italia / C&b Italia, 1980s

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Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie

Adjustable sofa in good condition, all mechanism work well.

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1980s Paolo Piva Sofa Italian Pink Leather
1980s Paolo Piva Sofa Italian Pink Leather

1980s Paolo Piva Sofa Italian Pink Leather

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H 35.44 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in

1980s Paolo Piva Sofa Italian Pink Leather

By Paolo Piva

Located in Buxton, GB

**SALE ** Experience the allure of vintage Italian design with this stunning Paolo Piva salmon pink leather sofa. Crafted in Italy with a solid pat...

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1980s Italian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

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Vintage Alanda sofa, Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980's
Vintage Alanda sofa, Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980's

Vintage Alanda sofa, Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980's

Sold

H 33.47 in W 82.68 in D 34.65 in

Vintage Alanda sofa, Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980's

By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia

Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE

"Alanda" 2.5-seater by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s. Black leather. Equipped with adjustable arm and headrests. dxhxl 88x85x210 cm

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Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Sofas

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Metal

Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, Post Modern, Vintage Black Leather
Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, Post Modern, Vintage Black Leather

Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, Post Modern, Vintage Black Leather

By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva, Nicoletti Salotti

Located in Decatur, GA

Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia circa mid 1980s. Vintage post modern. High grade black leather. Adjustable head/back rests and arm rests. Fluted m...

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Paolo Piva Alanda Black Leather Convertible Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s
Paolo Piva Alanda Black Leather Convertible Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s

Paolo Piva Alanda Black Leather Convertible Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s

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Paolo Piva Alanda A rectangular two-seater sofa with mobile headrests and armrests covered with its multicolored original fabric upholstery. Original edition by B&B Italia. W...

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Sofa 'Alanda' by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, circa 1980
Sofa 'Alanda' by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, circa 1980

Sofa 'Alanda' by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, circa 1980

By BBB Italia, Paolo Piva

Located in Renens, CH

Sofa in grey leather 'Alanda', designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. 2 seats, clean lines, adjustable arms and back, original upholstery. Black metal legs. It is very comfortab...

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1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

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Havanna Sofa by Wittmann
Havanna Sofa by Wittmann

Havanna Sofa by Wittmann

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H 29.14 in W 76.38 in D 34.65 in

Havanna Sofa by Wittmann

By Wittmann, Paolo Piva

Located in Dronten, NL

A model in which comfort and visual elegance enjoy equal prominence. Havanna is equally suitable as a sophisticated, individual element or as a furnishing element within a generous a...

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Paolo Piva, Three-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989
Paolo Piva, Three-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989

Paolo Piva, Three-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989

By Paolo Piva, De Sede

Located in London, GB

Paolo Piva (1950-2017) was an Italian architect and designer whose interest in social housing influenced a career in making minimalist, elegant and functional buildings and furniture. This is particularly so for the DS-4251 / 53 sofa, designed for the prestigious Swiss furniture company De Sede. Its black leather frame establishes strong rectilinear frame which, alongside the selective use of material and elemental straight lines, is reminiscent of Bauhaus designs. This sofa was owned by the legendary English designer Mary Fox Linton...

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1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

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Paolo Piva, Two-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989
Paolo Piva, Two-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989

Paolo Piva, Two-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989

By De Sede, Paolo Piva

Located in London, GB

Paolo Piva (1950-2017) was an Italian architect and designer whose interest in social housing influenced a career in making minimalist, elegant and functional buildings and furniture. This is particularly so for the DS-4251 / 53 sofa, designed for the prestigious Swiss furniture company De Sede. Its black leather frame establishes strong rectilinear frame which, alongside the selective use of material and elemental straight lines, is reminiscent of Bauhaus designs. This sofa was owned by the legendary English designer Mary Fox Linton...

Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Sofas

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Leather, Wool, Bouclé

Paolo Piva sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Piva sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of leather and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paolo Piva sofas, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 12 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original sofas by Paolo Piva were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Ettore Sottsass, Carlo Bartoli, and Gaetano Pesce. Prices for Paolo Piva sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,892 and can go as high as $9,332, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,469.