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Paolo Piva Side Tables

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
MidCentury Modern “Alanda” Coffee Table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, Italy 1970
By Paolo Piva
Located in Madrid, ES
Iconic Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, Italy, in the 1970s. This is the sought-after Alanda model, featuring a geometric black lacquered tubula...
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Side Tables

Materials

Metal

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Paolo Piva side tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Piva side tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original side tables by Paolo Piva were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 1970s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side tables by Willy Rizzo, Dal Vera, and Romeo Rega. Prices for Paolo Piva side tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,162 and can go as high as $3,162, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,162.

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