Paolo Piva Cupboards
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.
1970s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Crystal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Paolo Piva Cupboards
Felt, Rosewood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Brass
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Paolo Piva Cupboards
Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Paolo Piva Cupboards
Birch, Pine
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Paolo Piva Cupboards
Oak
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Paolo Piva Cupboards
Oak, Plywood
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Cupboards
Rosewood
1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Rosewood
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Paolo Piva Cupboards
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Brass
1970s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Cupboards
Crystal
