In 1966, Piero Ambrogio Busnelli cofounded C&B Italia, a modern Italian furniture manufacturer, with Cesare Cassina in northern Milan. From the outset, Busnelli and Cassina set about recruiting the most talented modernists in Italy to conceive of creative furnishings manufactured in modern ways. In the early 1970s, the company split, with Cassina founding his own eponymous firm and Busnelli taking leadership of what became B&B Italia.
For decades, Busnelli cultivated relationships with the world’s best design talent, resulting in furniture pieces that remain iconic today — be they Gaetano Pesce’s outwardly curvaceous Up seating (made for C&B, reintroduced by B&B) or tables from industrial designer Paolo Piva, each more sophisticated than the next in their geometrically complex steel-tube bases. B&B Italia earned four prestigious Compasso d’Oro design awards: in 1979 for Mario Bellini’s Le Bambole, in 1984 for the Sisamo wardrobe system by Studio Kairos, in 1987 for Antonio Citterio’s modular Sity sofa and, in 1989, the first award given to a manufacturing company itself.
Other notable names who designed for B&B Italia over the course of its 54-year history include Patricia Urquiola, Naoto Fukasawa, Zaha Hadid, Ettore Sottsass and Vincent Van Duysen, to name a very few. And while these names bring star power to the B&B brand, in many cases, it was B&B Italia who helped usher in their celebrity, fostering a wave of design talent on the world stage.
The company’s forward-thinking vision manifested in its own headquarters, too: In 1972, B&B Italia tapped architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers to design a steel-framed, postmodern-style home for the brand, whose crisscrossing metal exoskeleton is reminiscent of the pair’s Centre Pompidou in Paris, which was built at roughly the same time. Now, B&B Italia manages a contract division and outdoor section as well as its residential arm, and it also controls production for Maxalto, a brand spun out with furniture designs by Antonio Citterio.
At 1stDibs, find a range of vintage B&B Italia furniture — including sofas, cocktail tables and more.
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974 The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Metal, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Set of 4 "Dialogo" Chairs, Italy 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Naples, IT
Important Set of four chairs Model "Dialogo" by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for the firm B&B Italia. The frame is typically made of black lacquered wood, while the curved seat and back are m...
Leather, Wood
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed steel, lacquered plastic, Italy, 1974 The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctive cantilevered base ...
Steel, Chrome
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed steel, lacquered plastic, Italy, 1974 The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctive cantilevered base ...
Steel, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974 The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Metal, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Dining Chair for B&B Italia, Cognac Leather, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chair for B&B Italia, cognac leather and walnut, Italy, 1973. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal soluti...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974 The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Metal, Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac, 1973, set of 2
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1973, set of two. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of ...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac 1973, set of 8
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, cognac leather and walnut, Italy, 1973, set of eight. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121”...
Leather, Walnut
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 10
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 10 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in dark green leather. They are very comfortable. The set consists of 8 r...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, dark green leather, 1970, set of six. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Black Leather Dialogo Chair for B&B Italia, 1973, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 4 Dialogo chairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in 1973. The chairs are composed of a natural ash structure and a fib...
Leather, Ash
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac, 1973, Set of 14
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, cognac leather and walnut, Italy, 1973, set of fourteen. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “1...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Dining Chair for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1973
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1973. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121” chair. Once...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac, 1973, Set of 10
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1973, set of ten. "Dialogo", in substance, is a return to the formal solutio...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac, 1973, Set of 12
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, cognac leather and walnut, Italy, 1973, set of twelve. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac, 1973, Set of 6
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1973, set of six. "Dialogo", in substance, is a return to the formal solutio...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1973, set of 8
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1973, set of eight. "Dialogo", in substance, is a return to the formal soluti...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 3
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark green leather, 1970, set of three. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa desig...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1973, set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1973, set of two. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121”...
Leather, Walnut
Vol au Vent Dining Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italian Italy, 2000s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Vol au Vent chair is a clean, sculptural dining chair designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Fully upholstered in supple leather, including th...
Leather
Tobia & Afra Scarpa Set of Six Black Dialogo Dining Chairs by B&B 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of six Dialogo chairs with structure in black lacquered wood, seat and back in black fiberglass and metal details. It was designed by Tobia & Afra Scarpa and produced by B&a...
Fiberglass, Wood
Set of 4 Vintage 'Dialogo' Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
Set of four 'Dialogo' chromed dining chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1970s. The 'Dialogo' model, also known as 'Dessau' model in later production (or 'Dialogo Dessau...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, Set of two The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “12...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Cognac, 1973, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, cognac leather, Italy, 1973, set of four. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “12...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 10
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, set of ten. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution o...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1973, Set of 10
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, leather, Italy, 1973, set of ten. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121” chair...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1973, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1973, set of six. "Dialogo", in substance, is a return to the formal solution...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Dining Chair for B&B Italia, White Leather, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chair for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973 The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121” chair. For...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 4
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, set of four The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “1...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 8
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, set of eight. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the ...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 12
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, set of twelve. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Black Lacquered Dialogo Chair for B&B Italia, 1973, Set of 4
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four Dialogo Chairs Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973 This set of four Dialogo chairs features: - Natural beechwood structure - Black lacquered plastic sea...
Plastic, Beech
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 5
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark green leather, 1970, set of five. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Leather
Mario Bellini ‘Vol Au Vent’ Dining Chairs and Armchairs for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A refined set of original ‘Vol Au Vent’ dining chairs and armchairs designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the early 2000s. This elegant set includes six dining chairs and t...
Leather
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 2
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, dark green leather, 1970, Set of two. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Leather
Solo Armchairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, Italy, 2002
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, these Solo armchairs exemplify a rigorous yet understated approach to contemporary seating. The softl...
Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Black Lacquered Dialogo Chair for B&B Italia, 1973, Set of 8
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of Eight Dialogo Chairs Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1973 This set of eight Dialogo chairs features: - Natural beechwood structure - Black lacquered plastic s...
Plastic, Beech
Suite of 6 B&B Italia “Maxalto Simplice” Dining Chairs in Oak & Leather
By B&B Italia
Located in Barrowford, GB
This is a sublime, immaculately-presented suite of 6 B&B Italia “Maxalto Simplice” Chairs in Ivory “Gamma” Leather and Oak. In a world of temporary...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1973, set of 12
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, leather, Italy, 1973, set of twelve. "Dialogo", in substance, is a return to the formal solution of...
Leather, Walnut
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Dark Green, 1970, Set of 4
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” modular sofa for B&B Italia, dark green leather, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa design...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, Black, 1973, Set of 4
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" dining chairs with armrests for B&B Italia, black leather, Italy, 1973, set of four. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “121...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 14
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, set of fourteen. The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of t...
Leather, Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Dialogo" Chairs for B&B Italia, White, 1973, Set of 6
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Dialogo” dining chairs for B&B Italia, white leather and black walnut, Italy, 1973, Set of six The “Dialogo” chair is a return to the formal solution of the “12...
Leather, Walnut