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.
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
$1,279Sale Price / item|22% Off
De Sede DS-218/15 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
By De Sede, Paolo Piva
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
$1,100Sale Price / item|20% Off
De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black Leather Upholstery by Paolo Piva
By De Sede, Paolo Piva
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
$1,368Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
De Sede ‘DS-15’ Modular Sofa in Patinated Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sectional sofa, model 'DS-15', leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This high-quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1970s contains eight modular elements. Its flexible ...
Leather
De Sede ‘DS-15’ Modular Sofa in Patinated Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sectional sofa with ottoman, model 'DS-15', leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This high-quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1970s contains six modular elements. It...
Leather
De Sede 'DS-31' Swivel Armchair in Black Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, lounge chair model 'DS-31', leather, chrome-plated metal, Switzerland, 1970s A design by De Sede that features a simple yet stately construction. A comfortable sitting expe...
Leather
1960s De Sede Leather Turtle
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare turtle shaped ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede. Circa 1960s. Very heavy and well made. This fun and unique turtle shaped ottoman can be used as a sit...
Leather
De Sede Grande Pouf in Bufalo Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede grande pouf in bufalo leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This robust De Sede grande pouf ensures ultimate comfort and building quality with its solid wooden frame and thick hand...
Leather, Beech
Barstool in Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Barstool, metal, velvet upholstery, Europe, 1970s This barstool is currently upholstered in eye-catching red velvet. A comfortable seat and curved backrest have an inviting look. ...
Metal
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
DS-2011 in Black Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
The DS-2011 sofa in Black Leather by De Sede made in Switzerland.
Leather
De Sede Pouf in Bufalo Leather, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede Pouf in Bufalo Leather, Switzerland, 1970s This De Sede pouf is made of buffalo leather and was produced in Switzerland in the 1970s. Its sturd...
Leather, Beech
$3,061
H 31.89 in W 34.26 in D 34.65 in
De Sede DS-84 Armchair: 1970s Leather Upholstery, Modern Design
By De Sede
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Armchair from the DS-84 series, produced by De Sede in Switzerland during the 1970s. The DS-84 series represents an early phase of De Sede’s design language, where sculptural form, m...
Leather
$3,990 / set
H 14 in Dm 17 in
Pair of Swiss Modern Patchwork Leather Storage Ottomans/ Stools by De Sede, 1970
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Finely Crafted Swiss Mid-Century Modern Ottomans / Poufs / Stools / Benches by De Sede, Switzerland circa 1970s. This matched pair is round / circular and features De Sede's ...
Leather, Felt
De Sede DS 14 Black Leather Armchair
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede model DS 14 leather armchair Black aniline leather. The legs were made of black lacquered wood. .
Leather, Upholstery, Wood