Mid-century furniture by B&B Italia SpA (Italy)

B&B Italia SpA is an Italian furniture manufacturer that has been at the forefront of contemporary design since its founding in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli. The company has a rich history of collaborating with prominent designers to create innovative, functional, and stylish furniture.

In the 1960s, Busnelli, who had previously worked in his family's furniture business, saw an opportunity to create a new brand that focused on contemporary design. He founded B&B Italia and began working with designers such as Gaetano Pesce and Mario Bellini to create furniture that was both innovative and functional.

Throughout the 1970s, B&B Italia continued to expand its product line and collaborate with prominent designers. In 1972, the company launched the Up Series, designed by Gaetano Pesce, which featured a unique shape and modular design. Other notable designs from this decade included the Camaleonda sofa by Mario more... Bellini and the Sisamo chair by Kazuhide Takahama.

In the 1980s, B&B Italia expanded its reach internationally, opening showrooms in major cities such as Paris, New York, and Tokyo. The company also continued to innovate, introducing new materials and technologies in its products. In 1987, B&B Italia launched the Le Bambole sofa by Mario Bellini, which featured a soft, curvy shape and was widely successful.

The 1990s saw B&B Italia continuing to collaborate with top designers, including Antonio Citterio, who designed the Charles sofa in 1997. The company also acquired other furniture brands, such as Arclinea, a high-end kitchen manufacturer, and Maxalto, a brand that specializes in classic, elegant furniture.

In the 2000s, B&B Italia continued to expand globally, opening new showrooms in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Dubai. The company also introduced new products, such as the Tufty-Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola, which featured a tufted design and modular components.

B&B Italia continues to work with prominent designers to create innovative products. The company has won numerous awards for its designs and has established itself as a leader in the furniture industry. less...