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Italian Tweed Lounge Chair in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, 1950s - 2 Available

$5,800.00

An Italian lounge chair from the 1950s, in the manner of Paolo Buffa, where the delicacy of the wood frame is balanced by generous upholstered cushions.

The frame is especially expressive along the sides. Slender lengths of wood curve from the front legs into the arms, while a series of intersecting supports sweep beneath them in an open, almost ribbon-like pattern. Rather than filling the space between seat and arm, these lines allow light to pass through, giving the chair an airy profile. From the back, a row of narrow vertical supports continues this sense of openness and reveals how lightly the upholstery sits within the structure.

Buffa’s furniture is particularly compelling for this kind of balance. Working in Milan through the middle decades of the twentieth century, he brought the refinement of traditional Italian cabinetmaking into increasingly streamlined forms. His seating often relied on articulated wood frames, tapered proportions, and decorative details that were integrated into the construction itself rather than applied afterward. This chair carries that same sensibility, the looping sides provide ornament, but they also define its structure.

The upholstery introduces a softer counterpoint. A deep seat cushion is paired with a tall, gently shaped back, finished with piping and four buttons. The woven tweed-like textile shifts between olive, ochre, and muted gold, with a subtle sheen that becomes visible at close range. Its fine crosshatched texture catches the light differently across the surface, giving what first appears to be a quiet solid color considerably more depth.

Seen in profile, the chair’s rear uprights lean gently backward while the front legs curve slightly forward, creating a relaxed stance without sacrificing the formality of the frame.

Sold and priced individually.

DIMENSIONS: 26.5"W x 27"D x 33"H

ORIGIN: Italy

PERIOD: 1950s

MATERIALS: Upholstered,Wood

CONDITION: In very good vintage condition overall. The wood frame shows a soft, natural patina with light surface wear consistent with age. The tweed seat carry minor variations in tone, appropriate with use.

Item Location

This item is located in our warehouse.

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This item ships via White Glove Delivery

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Returns

All Sales Are Final. If you have any hesitation prior to purchase or would like more details, we would love to share more photos and answer any questions!  South Loop Loft neither assumes nor offers any warranty on vintage, or refinished/reupholstered items after items leave our showroom. View our full policy here.

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Italian Tweed Lounge Chair in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, 1950s - 2 Available

An Italian lounge chair from the 1950s, in the manner of Paolo Buffa, where the delicacy of the wood frame is balanced by generous upholstered cushions.

The frame is especially expressive along the sides. Slender lengths of wood curve from the front legs into the arms, while a series of intersecting supports sweep beneath them in an open, almost ribbon-like pattern. Rather than filling the space between seat and arm, these lines allow light to pass through, giving the chair an airy profile. From the back, a row of narrow vertical supports continues this sense of openness and reveals how lightly the upholstery sits within the structure.

Buffa’s furniture is particularly compelling for this kind of balance. Working in Milan through the middle decades of the twentieth century, he brought the refinement of traditional Italian cabinetmaking into increasingly streamlined forms. His seating often relied on articulated wood frames, tapered proportions, and decorative details that were integrated into the construction itself rather than applied afterward. This chair carries that same sensibility, the looping sides provide ornament, but they also define its structure.

The upholstery introduces a softer counterpoint. A deep seat cushion is paired with a tall, gently shaped back, finished with piping and four buttons. The woven tweed-like textile shifts between olive, ochre, and muted gold, with a subtle sheen that becomes visible at close range. Its fine crosshatched texture catches the light differently across the surface, giving what first appears to be a quiet solid color considerably more depth.

Seen in profile, the chair’s rear uprights lean gently backward while the front legs curve slightly forward, creating a relaxed stance without sacrificing the formality of the frame.

Sold and priced individually.

Dimensions
Width: 26.5"
Depth: 27"
Height: 33"
Origin: Italy
Period: 1950s
Materials: Upholstered,Wood
Condition
In very good vintage condition overall. The wood frame shows a soft, natural patina with light surface wear consistent with age. The tweed seat carry minor variations in tone, appropriate with use.

685 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 | southlooploft.com | (312) 291-8479