Exceptional Italian Art Deco double bed in richly figured burl wood, circa 1940, attributed to Paolo Buffa, distinguished by its dramatic sculptural headboard and unusual integrated bedside tables.

The bed is conceived as a complete architectural composition. Its impressive, gently curved headboard extends well beyond the bed frame, creating a sweeping silhouette and incorporating two suspended bedside cabinets at either end.

Each bedside cabinet features a rounded drop-front door opening to reveal a practical storage compartment. Above, a shaped floating shelf follows the curvature of the composition and is finished with a glass top. The present glass tops are later replacements, newly made and colored in a refined lilac tone; they are not original to the bed.

A particularly distinctive feature is the finely worked decorative border running beneath the bedside shelves and around the headboard. This restrained geometric detailing contrasts elegantly with the highly figured burl veneer and emphasizes the sophisticated craftsmanship of the piece.

The footboard echoes the generous curves of the headboard, with rounded corners and a sculptural lower wooden element terminating in elegantly tapered supports. The interplay between the dramatic burl surfaces, curved profiles, contrasting wood elements and delicate decorative details gives the bed a strong yet remarkably refined presence.

The design combines the luxurious materials and craftsmanship of Italian Art Deco with the increasingly streamlined architectural vocabulary of Milanese furniture of the late 1930s and early 1940s.

The bed is attributed to Paolo Buffa (Milan, 1903–1970) on stylistic grounds. Its sophisticated combination of curved and rectilinear geometries, richly figured veneers, refined cabinetmaking, tapered supports and, particularly, the integration of suspended bedside furniture into a single architectural headboard shows notable affinities with Buffa's work and with high-quality Milanese furniture of the period.

A rare and highly decorative example of Italian Art Deco bedroom furniture, conceived not simply as a bed but as a unified piece of interior architecture. Its exceptionally wide headboard, integrated nightstands and sophisticated use of burl wood make it particularly striking in both period and contemporary interiors.

Italy, circa 1940.

Condition

Good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. The wooden surfaces retain a rich and attractive patina, with scattered marks, scratches, minor veneer imperfections and signs of wear consistent with the age of the piece.
The glass tops of the integrated bedside shelves are later replacements, newly made and colored lilac.
Please refer to the detailed photographs for a complete assessment of condition.