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.
B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Brown Velvet Richard Ottoman
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 2016, the Richard sofa collection is a fantastic example of contemporary Italian design. Constructed from a tubular st...
Fabric
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" modular sofa for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of five. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like...
Faux Fur, Foam
Green Leather Camaleonda by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda; Mario Bellini; Green Leather; Postmodern; Lounge Chair; Lounge Sofa; Modular Sofa; One-Seater; Seating Element; Seating Unit; Italian Design Classic; Iconic Design; B&B I...
Leather
Rare red pouf model "Scacchi" Mario Bellini for B&B Italia 1970's
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Chess are extra tables or seats, freely modular. In the 1970s version offered here they are made from a special material derived from rubber and plastic (Duraplum) that give a sp...
Plastic, Rubber
Erasmo Ottomans by Afra + Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Full leather construction.
Leather
$27,500 / set
H 27.5 in W 37.5 in D 37.5 in
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. ...
Fabric, Wood
$22,275Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 27.96 in W 36.62 in D 37.8 in
Set of 8 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 8 elements: - 5 armchairs (cm 71H x 65...
Metal
$4,250
H 32.68 in W 63.78 in D 33.47 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Lauriana’ Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1978
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant ‘Lauriana’ sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia in 1978, representing the designers’ sophisticated approach to Italian postmodern furniture. This striking exam...
Steel
$36,150
H 26.78 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Ornate Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising three large and three smaller...
Fabric
$18,400 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
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
$19,500 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna Velvet, 1970
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Laguna velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, set of four. "Camaleonda" is an icon, redis...
Velvet, Plastic
$17,134 / set
H 26.38 in W 75.6 in D 37.8 in
Orange Cord Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Original
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original early B&B Italia Organic Modern 2-piece Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini in orange cord fabric. Consists of two lounge chairs of the largest 3x3 format in the ...
Fabric, Cord, Foam, Plywood
$27,415 / set
H 27.96 in W 36.62 in D 37.8 in
Set of 7 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 7 elements: - 4 armchairs ( cm 71 H x ...
Metal
$30,700 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
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
$31,960Sale Price / set|26% Off
H 26.38 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising four large and two smaller seatin...
Velvet
$10,280 / set
H 27.17 in W 125.99 in D 33.47 in
AMANTA Modular Sofa Set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design "AMANTA" Modular Sofa / Lounge Chair set by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia / C&B Italia. Made in Italy, 1970's period. Marked with original lab...
Leather, Plastic
$37,500
H 26 in W 183 in D 38.5 in
5 Section 'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Caramel Leather
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5 Section 'Camaleonda' sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in original caramel leather. Originally designed in 1970 and commercially released in 1972, Bellini combined two terms tha...
Leather
$8,224Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.86 in W 114.57 in D 105.32 in
Antonio Citterio Leather Corner Sofa for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Milano, IT
This wonderful leather sofa was designed by Antonio Citterio for the fine manufacturer B&B Italia in the '80s. Manufacturer's mark and name of the designer are present. The sofa is completely made of black leather, very elegant and chic. The shape is angular and composed of 3 blocks, including a corner one, a smaller two-seater and a larger one with a beveled, semi-curved end. There are 6 big cushions...
Metal
$14,850 / set
H 26.4 in W 36.2 in D 36.2 in
Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in white velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfort...
Velvet, Foam, Chenille
$49,300Sale Price / set|27% Off
H 26 in W 38 in D 38 in
Early 'Camaleonda' Sectional by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, c 1971, Signed
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumentally sized modular 'Camaleonda' sectional living room set (fourteen pieces in total) by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, each section signed with labels as can be seen in the photos. Included in the set are eight (8) full-sized seat sections, each is quite large and spacious which adds to the incredible comfort. And six (6) full-sized seat backs leaving two of the seat sections to be used as ottomans or free-floating seat elements to open the sectional to either side. This set has been previously professionally reupholstered with only light use and in very good condition. Designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 for C&B Italia, later produced after 1973 by B&B Italia after Piero Busnelli bought out Cassina and changed the name to B&B. This set consists of six sections labelled with C&B labels and two sections with B&B labels, meaning that most of this set was produced between 1970 and 1973 - the original production years of the Camaleonda, and making this set ideal for collectors and investors of art and design. *We have a large quantity of other Camaleonda elements (C&B Italia and B&B Italia examples, both in mohair fabric and in leather including some sets ready for reupholstery to a new fabric or leather of your choice) if you are looking for a larger set, contact us to discuss. MEASUREMENTS: *This is a modular set with fourteen (14) total pieces and can be configured in many ways as each seating section can be placed wherever you desire and the seat backs can be fixed to the seating elements where you want. You can configure as one large sectional sofa, three-seat couch with loveseats...
Fabric
Sold
H 15.75 in W 23.25 in D 15.75 in
Frank Upholstered Ottoman in Houndstooth by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in San Diego, CA
The Frank Upholstered Ottoman from B&B Italia introduces a sculptural silhouette into the room, one designed to hold, seat, or simply admire. Designer Antonio Citterio’s focus on ess...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini Le Bambole Ottoman for B&B Italia, Italy 1986
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
Original iconic Le Bambole ottoman, rendered in molded full foam structure with original cotton upholstery and burlap base. Ready to be reupholstere...
Fabric, Burlap, Foam
Sold
H 28.35 in W 32.68 in D 32.68 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Easy Chairs for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" easy chairs for B&B Italia, foam and faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a...
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in
Leather Ottoman Coronado by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, Italy ca. 1960
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Italy / 1960 / ottoman / Coronado / Tobia Scarpa / B&B Italia / leather / mid-century / vintage / Italian design This Coronado ottoman was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the ...
Leather
Sold
H 16.54 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Ivory Cream Leather Charles Square Ottoman
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio in 1997, the Charles collection is manufactured by B&B Italia and is a fantastic example of contemporary Italian design. Inspired by and named in tribute to the legendary designer Charles Eames, the Charles sofa...
Leather
Sold
H 13.59 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in
Italian modern brown leather pouf Coronado Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather pouf Coronado Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Pouf mod. Coronado lightly padded and covered in brown leather. In the central part of the top there i...
Leather, Plastic
Sold
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 21.66 in
B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Houndstooth Mirto Ottomans, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Rochester, England
Originally conceived by Antonio Citterio for outdoor use, the B&B Italia Mirto furniture collection was updated in 2016 with styles for indoors. The Mirto ottoman features a slender...
Fabric
Sold
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Ivory Fabric Frank Ottomans, Set of 2
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 2015, the Frank ottoman is a compact and flexible seating solution. Constructed from flexible polyurethane foam, the ottoma...
Fabric
Sold
H 40.56 in W 47.25 in D 51.19 in
"Big Mama" Up Chair By Gaetano Pesce For B&B Italia, Italy, circa 2000
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
It was 1968 when Gaetano Pesce began experimenting at his Paris atelier with vacuum-packing the hippest material of the moment: polyurethane. Soon he’d developed a gravity-defying mo...
Fabric, PVC
La Mamma Up 5 Lounge Chair & Ottoman for B&B Italia
By Gaetano Pesce, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
La Mamma Up 5 camel lounge chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia, c.2000s, Italy. The curvaceous shape, was inspired by the silhouette of ancient fertility go...
Foam, Upholstery
Sold
H 15.75 in W 59.06 in D 59.06 in
Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Cream Fabric Michel Effe Large Ottoman
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio in 2015 for B&B Italia, the Michel Effe seating range continued to build on the design of Michel sofa from 2012, an...
Fabric
Sold
H 35.44 in W 127.96 in D 37.8 in
Charles Model by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Beige Color Sofà and Bench Set
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in IT
charles Model of sofa and bench designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. From 1990s period, The project’s striking features remain the essential design of the die-cast aluminium ...
Steel
Sold
H 15.43 in W 37.75 in D 37.75 in
Walnut Colored Rectangular Leather Camaleonda Ottoman, B&B Italia
By B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
Camaleonda ottoman By B&B Italia. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each ...
Leather
Sold
H 15.75 in W 37.75 in D 26 in
Light Brown Velvet Mohair Blend Camaleonda Rectangular Ottoman, B&B Italia
By B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
1970’s Sectional sofa Reissue Camaleonda sofa By B&B Italia. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element...
Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Ottomans for B&B Italia, circa 1985
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" ottomans for B&B Italia, circa 1985. This pair has been professionally restored.
Fabric