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.
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...
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
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...
Fabric
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
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...
Leather, Fabric
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
$2,009
H 35.44 in W 77.56 in D 34.85 in
LUXURY VIVA ITALIAN DESIGNER TAN LEATHER 3 SEATER SOFA ARMCHAiR ALSO AVAILABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this luxury Viva Italian designer tan leather 3 seater sofa. A stunning designer collection with boastful proportions. ...
Leather
1970s Green 3-Seater Sofa/bed, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fabric in good condition - Extended dimension: 167cm. - Cleaned - Seat Height 41cm
Fabric
$12,052
H 27.56 in W 90.56 in D 35.44 in
3-seater sofa / bed Anfibio, by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collections
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Manzano, IT
3-seater sofa / bed Anfibio, by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collections, 1970s Designed in 1970, the Amphibious sofa-bed has been called by critics of all over the world a...
Iron
$7,866Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 118.12 in D 35.44 in
4-Seater Sofa Gray Leather with Silk and Leather Cushions, Sormani Italy, 1980s
By Sormani, Luigi Sormani and Casabella Design Miami
Located in Arosio, IT
This four-seater, designed in the early 1980s by Luigi Sormani and Casabella Miami for a line of maxi-furniture destined to the United States is a comfortable one-block sofa for a luxury villa. The structure is in a warm gray leather and the fabric was especially made for this series called "Intrigue": a special very light grey silk fabric interwoven with burgundy leather threads. All cushions have grey leather inlays, entirely hand sewn. Julio Iglesias...
Leather, Fabric
$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
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black horsehair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Leather, Mahogany
$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
1970s Three Seater Beech Sofa, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Fabric in good original condition
Upholstery, Wood, Beech
DS-16 Cognac leather sofa by De Sede Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
DS-16 leather sofa by De Sede, Switzerland, dating from the 1970s. This three-seater showcases the signature rounded armrests, modular cushion design, and exceptional Swiss craftsman...
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
De Sede Ds-47 Brown Neck Leather Sofa from Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-47 neck leather sofa from Switzerland, 1970s Presenting a De Sede DS-47 Neck Leather Sofa from Switzerland, crafted in the 1970s. This sofa is a sturdy and comfortable ...
Leather, Beech
$2,785Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 31.89 in W 21.66 in D 22.45 in
Wittmann Set of Two Pink Velvet Merwyn Armchairs by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK
By Wittmann, Sebastian Herkner
Located in New York, NY
Collection by Sebastian Herkner Merwyn Dining Armchairs Cat E-Seat: Velvet Harald 612 Brass Satin matte pipping & Shell: Nappa flint Has some stains.
Brass
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
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
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 Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Adjustable sofa in good condition, all mechanism work well.
Steel
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...
Leather, Wood
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
Metal
Sold
H 30 in W 84 in D 34 in
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...
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 82.68 in D 41.74 in
Paolo Piva Alanda Black Leather Convertible Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Basel, BS
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...
Metal
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...
Metal
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...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 35.44 in W 92.13 in D 28.35 in
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...
Leather, Wool, Bouclé
Sold
H 35.44 in W 74.41 in D 28.35 in
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...
Leather, Wool, Bouclé