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.
De Sede set of 3 DS 218/55 leather bar stools by Paolo Piva, 2000
By De Sede, Paolo Piva
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of 3 De Sede DS 218/55 bar stools was manufactured around 2000, based on a design by Italian designer Paolo Piva. The characteristic, cubic shape combines a precisely crafte...
Leather
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
De Sede DS-218/55 Barstool in Off White 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
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
$1,009
H 12.6 in Dm 20.87 in
De Sede DS-80 Black Patchwork Leather Pouf, Ottoman, Stool, DeSede Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Unique and decorative handmade De Sede DS-80 pouf in black leather. The pouf is in very good condition. - Two identical in stock -
Leather
De Sede DS 47 Leather Loveseat
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A De Sede loveseat in thick buffalo neck leather with original maker marks. Hand-built Swiss construction, supple hide. The seat can be extended by approximately 8", creating a dee...
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 DS 600 "Snake" Sectional Sofa in white leather.
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional vintage De Sede modular sofa in original white leather, featuring the iconic sculptural design and deep channel-tufted seating. Twenty-four elements. This configuration...
Leather
De Sede Leather Lounge Chair Armchair Creme Paolo Piva
By De Sede, Paolo Piva
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
Stool Sedes 1/15 by Sculptur Ron van de Ven 1998
By Ron van de Ven
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare Sculptural Stool “Sedes” by Ron van de Ven, 1998 — Numbered 1/15 Offered here is an exceptionally rare collector’s piece: the “Sedes” sculptural stool by Dutch artist and desig...
Aluminum
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
DS-16 Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
DS-16 leather sofa by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s. Upholstered in original dark brown leather.
Leather, Wood
$58,976 / item
H 33.86 in W 40.95 in D 66.93 in
DS-2878 Sofa by De Sede: Modern Leather Upholstery from Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-2878 sofa by De Sede Dimensions: D 170 x W 104 x H 86 cm Materials: board material, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. A re-edition tha...
Leather
De Sede Leather Sofa DS 105 Ecru White
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede leather sofa DS 105. Aniline leather in ecru white Great comfort with an extendable seat for much more lounge comfort. I´ts a rare De sede ...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
$2,269 / set
H 33.47 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
B&B Italia Armchair Set of Six by Paolo Piva, Leather, Vintage, 1989
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Nagykovácsi, Central Hungary
B&B Italia armchair set of 6, desiged by Paolo Piva. The leather is in poor condition.
Metal
$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 Leather Armchair DS 105 Ecru White
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede leather armchair DS 105. Aniline leather in ecru white Great comfort with an extendable seat for much more lounge comfort. It’s a r...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
De Sede Leather Sofa DS 105 Ecru White
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede leather sofa DS 105. Aniline leather in ecru white Great comfort with an extendable seat for much more lounge comfort. I´ts a rare De sede ...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
DS-2011 in Brown Leather Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in New York, NY
The DS-2011 sofa in Brown Leather by De Sede made in Switzerland, 1980s.
Leather
Sold
H 30.32 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
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