With a surname that loosely translates to a synonym for “bizarre” in Italian, Milanese designer and architect Paolo Buffa is best known for capturing the best of both old and new in his plush, enveloping lounge chairs and wingback chairs as well as his range of modern tables, each dazzling and provocative but built using classical techniques.
Purposely playful and airy, mid-century Italian interiors encouraged merriment and socializing. Buffa’s work was well suited to this, but unlike the postwar designers who established recognizable trademarks and signatures, his vintage furniture for Cassina and other firms — the sculptural side tables and case pieces of walnut and solid oak, the luxurious sheepskin sofas — differed considerably from one design to the next, making them appealing to a range of interior decorators and socialites with specific taste. The son of a highly sought-after artist, Giovanni Buffa, Paolo graduated in 1927 from Politecnico di Milano. He then spent time working under architects and designers Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. Ponti, who himself crafted thousands of furnishings and endlessly creative rooms, was so taken with the young designer that in 1928 he featured his simple and elegant rosewood dressing table in his new magazine, Domus.
After opening a firm with his regular collaborator Antonio Cassi Ramelli, Buffa became one of the leading tastemakers of Italian mid-century modern furnishings, designing for villas and residential buildings across the country. His style was a mix of Art Deco, Rationalism, neoclassicism and a bit of whimsy. He used high-quality materials and regularly worked with local ateliers known for their fine craftsmanship to produce his designs, such as Serafino Arrighi and Marelli & Colico. In 1940, he partnered with the Mario Quarti furniture studio on the royal palace of Albania’s King Zog, with Buffa designing the furniture, and in 1951, Egypt’s King Farouk enlisted him to redecorate his yacht.
While Buffa’s transcendent pieces are now collector’s items, there are a few still in production, such as those he made with Angelo Marelli. His eponymous firm, the Italian furniture producer Eredi Marelli, still manufactures some designs based on Buffa’s archives.
Find a collection of vintage Paolo Buffa furniture today on 1stDibs.
Paolo buffa chestnut cabinet with drop-down front and drawers, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A secretaire with drop-down front, drawers and open compartments, chestnut wood, design by Paolo Buffa, Italian manufacture, 1940s In the 1940s, Paolo Buffa’s style embraced the tas...
Chestnut
Paolo Buffa Pair of Cabinets, Dry-Bar Cabinet and Secretary, circa 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and rare pair of Paolo Buffa, Italy, circa 1950 mahogany cabinets with molded front panels, rectangular top and dentil carved moldings. One, a dry-bar cabinet and the...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Wooden Cabinet with Flowers Ceramic Tiles and Fashion Prints, 1950s
By Serafino Arrighi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Paolo Buffa Wooden Cabinet with wooden frames containing flowers decorated ceramic tiles, and larger central frames containing fashion prints, Italy 1950s
Brass
Paolo Buffa unique 1940's Italian highboard
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Unique Italian highboard with six grinded doors and beautiful handles. Bibl. R.Rizzi, I mobili di Paolo Buffa, p 16. Italy 1940's 206x40xh145
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Trumeau by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare trumeau by Paolo Buffa. Palisander with brass inlay by Giovanni Gariboldi. Brass sabots. Similar example I mobili di Paolo Buffa di R . Rizzi pag56
Glass, Wood
$11,178Sale Price|20% Off
Cabinet Attributed to Giovanni Gariboldi, possibly made by Colli
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Enchanting vintage 6-door wooden cabinet designed Attributed to Giovanni Gariboldi, possibly made by Colli, circa 1948, fine Italian manufacture. The closet is made entirely in the l...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Tall Sideboard Cabinet Designed by Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This magnificent sideboard, designed by Paolo Buffa and produced in Italy during the 1950s, perfectly embodies the refined elegance and exceptional cabinetmaking that established Buf...
Brass
$30,021
Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
Exceptional cabinet by Paolo Buffa in walnut with mahogany interior and brass detail. Italy circa 1950. Measures: height 133cm, width 26cm, dept...
Hardwood
Italian Rosewood and Parchment Cabinet by Paolo Buffa circa 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very good labeled Paolo Buffa for Arrighi Serafino rosewood and parchment front cabinet circa 1940. Having upper open shelf with sliding glas...
Rosewood, Parchment Paper
Mahogany and Sycomore Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany and Sycomore Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa decorated with fencing scenes. Interior fitted with four movable shelves Italy: circa 1950 Provenance: Blackman Cruz...
Mahogany
$7,906Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Design Midcentury Cabinet Vitrine Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Architec...
Wood
$2,981Sale Price / set|65% Off
Pair of Cabinet Paolo Buffa Design Mid-Century Modern Bar Furniture
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of cabinet Paolo Buffa design Mid-Century Modern bar furniture, mahogany and brass. It has a large flap door that hides an elegant mirrored bar with glass shelf, noteworthy car...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Bookcase/Drawer Chest /Mobile Bar brass Glass wood 1950s Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Outstanding Storage Cabinet that can Serve as a Bookcase Storage Secretere etc... By Paul Buffa, 1950
Wood
Paolo Buffa Console Brass Wood Marbre 1940 Italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Paul Buffa Console
Wood
$7,906Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Design Midcentury Cabinet Vitrine Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Archit...
Wood
$4,424
H 21.26 in W 24.41 in D 13 in
Midcentury Art Deco Nightstand Paolo Buffa Attributed Walnut Burl Inlaid Cantù
By Consorzio Esposizione Mobili Cantù, Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Art Deco 1930s bedside table in walnut, veneer and burl walnut inlaid, Paolo Buffa design attributed, with originals golden bronze accessories. V...
Brass
$2,736
H 26.38 in W 30.32 in D 15.75 in
1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl and Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, in beautiful wood, two doors and brass handles. When opened, on the right side an amazing interior part in mirrors m...
Brass
$1,921
H 27.96 in W 28.75 in D 14.57 in
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
By Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet cart characterized by its original Asian themed painted front wood pull-out tilt door with interior part in mirror glass, standing on its antique brass wheels...
Brass
Cabinet designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cabinet designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1960s. Teak. Marked. Dimensions: H: 81 cm /2' 8'' W: 91 cm / 2' 11 3/4'' D: 48 cm / 19''
Teak
$10,464
H 61.03 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
Fine Mid-Century Trumeau Bar Cabinet Attr. to Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Dry bar, walnut, Italy, 1940s Elegant Italian bar cabinet in walnut and ebonized wood, inside with Mosaic mirrored glass attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1940. Lower part with two draw...
Brass
Italian Bar Cabinet in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Budapest, HU
Adorable bar cabinet in the style by Paolo Buffa. Precious wood inlays.
Palisander
Paolo Buffa Large Highboard or Wardrobe in Cherry 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or large cabinet, cherry, brass, Italy, 1940s This rare wardrobe exudes subtle decorative charm and is the work of the talented Italian designer and architect ...
Brass
Campaign Style Lacquered Tall Fitted Cabinets by Henredon, Pair
By Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Campaign style chifforobes or cabinets, made by esteemed American manufacturer, Henredon. Part of Henredon’s early Scene One collection. Each cabinet professionally lacquered...
Brass
Italian secretary attributed to Paolo Buffa circa 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful Italian secretary attributed to Paolo Buffa circa 1950 Top with brass stars decorations Nice condition
Brass
$4,301
H 37.41 in W 83.86 in D 17.72 in
Paolo Buffa FourDoor Walnut Credenza with Checkerboard Marquetry 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in bari, IT
Paolo Buffa (Milan, 1903-1970) trained in the studio of Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia and became one of Italy's most accomplished postwar architect-designers, known for furniture that ...
Walnut
$5,232
H 86.62 in W 41.34 in D 20.87 in
Elegant Italian Cabinet Bookcase Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
A fine Italian bookcase cabinet with brass finishes in excellent vintage condition. attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s.
Mahogany
Paolo Buffa, walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2534 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Rare walnut bar cabinet with maple inlaid front and lacquered metal interior. Two maple drawers with glass fronts, mirrors and hidden light. Drawing...
Maple
Italian Mid-Century Cabinet by Paolo Buffa, c.1930s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
Italian mid-century cabinet made by Paolo Buffa in cherry wood, circa 1930s. Dimension: W102 x D40 x H153 cm.
Wood
Paolo Buffa Cabinet in Chestnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, cabinet, chestnut, Italy, 1940s. This rare cabinet has a subtle decorative character and is created by the talented Italian designer and architect Paolo Buffa (1903-197...
Chestnut
Paolo Buffa Wardrobe in Walnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, wardrobe, ashwood and brass, Italy, 1950s This grand wardrobe is executed in Italian walnut with brass details. The doors are finished with vertical wooden slates that ...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Large Liquor Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paulo Buffa, dry bar cabinet, in rosewood, brass and glass, Italy, 1940s. This large liquor cabinet by Paulo Buffa is part of the midcentury d...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Large Liquor Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa, dry bar cabinet, in rosewood, brass and glass, Italy, 1940s. This large liquor cabinet by Paulo Buffa is part of the midcentury des...
Brass
Paolo Buffa Cherrywood Cabinet with Brass Detailing, Italy, Ca 1960s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning 1950s Paolo Buffa Cherrywood cabinet with brass detailing and delicate floral carvings. Sitting on slender, tapered legs this large cabinet feels impossibly light and perfec...
Wood
Sold
H 55.12 in W 63.78 in D 17.72 in
Paolo Buffa Highboard, Walnut & Birch Burl with Marble Top, Italy 1956
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Kampen, NL
Highboard designed by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1956. The piece features a green Alpine marble top resting on a case in walnut wood and birch burl, creating a refined contrast of materials...
Marble, Brass
Parchment Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Parchment and mirrored green glass bar cabinet by Paolo Buffa with original key and Paolo Buffa archive certificate. Made in Italy circa 1940s.
Glass, Maple
Pair of midcentury Italian cabinets by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant pair of midcentury Italian cabinets, designed by Paolo Buffa, showcases timeless craftsmanship and sophisticated design. The clean lines, functional design, and exquisite att...
Wood
Sold
H 35.04 in W 20.87 in D 13.39 in
Paolo Buffa Furniture Container secretarie Commode Wood Brass 1950s italy
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
Very rare Paolo Buffa cabinet useful as Etagere/secretaire /Commodino/ in wood Mahogany and birch and brass feet.
Wood
Paolo Buffa, elegant two-door cabinet in grissinato wood
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2713 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Elegant two-door cabinet in grissinato wood and two drawers with brass knobs. Manufacturing, ca. 1940 105x50xh105
Wood
20th Century Italian Marine Relief Cabinet By Paolo Buffa c.1946
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An unusual mid 20th Century Italian cabinet created from solid limed oak, designed by Paolo Buffa, an Italian architect and designer who specialised in traditional craftsmanship with...
Wood