Simon Gavina - centro studi gavina - Sofa - arnolfo - Velvet






Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.
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Three-seat Arnolfo sofa by Centro Studi Gavina for Simon Gavina, in black lacquered solid wood with yellow velvet cushions, dating to 1970s Italy and measuring 214 cm wide by 86 cm deep and 75 cm high, in good used condition with minor signs of age.
Description from the seller
The 3-seat Arnolfo sofa by Simon Gavina is an icon of 1970s Italian design, a perfect expression of ultra-rational aesthetics and the minimalist refinement typical of Studio Simon / Gavina's production.
The solid wood structure, entirely lacquered in glossy black—with a vintage polyester finish, extremely durable and brilliant—gives the piece a sculptural and almost architectural presence. L
and the lines are clean, rigorous, with beveled corners and squared yet elegant volumes: the tall, defined black frame frames the seat and back cushions, creating a sharp and sophisticated contrast that makes the sofa bi-directional, ideal to place at the center of the room thanks to the obsessively crafted back. The velveteen-yellow seats (fine ribbed velvet or light bouclé) introduce a chromatic stroke of genius: the bright, warm, sunny yellow explodes against the deep black of the structure, generating a vibrant dialogue between the tactile opacity of the fabric and the mirror-like sheen of the lacquer. This pairing is not merely decorative, but becomes a statement: it evokes the boldest 1970s, where formal rigor fuses with pops of color without ever tipping into excess.
It is surprisingly comfortable for such a geometric design: the generous padding (often high-density polyurethane foam with layers of batting) ensures a welcoming and supportive seat, with slightly oversized cushions that invite you to relax without losing formal elegance. The generous dimensions (about 210–220 cm in width) make it perfect for large living rooms, conversation areas, or as a centerpiece piece in contemporary open-plan spaces.
Seller's Story
The 3-seat Arnolfo sofa by Simon Gavina is an icon of 1970s Italian design, a perfect expression of ultra-rational aesthetics and the minimalist refinement typical of Studio Simon / Gavina's production.
The solid wood structure, entirely lacquered in glossy black—with a vintage polyester finish, extremely durable and brilliant—gives the piece a sculptural and almost architectural presence. L
and the lines are clean, rigorous, with beveled corners and squared yet elegant volumes: the tall, defined black frame frames the seat and back cushions, creating a sharp and sophisticated contrast that makes the sofa bi-directional, ideal to place at the center of the room thanks to the obsessively crafted back. The velveteen-yellow seats (fine ribbed velvet or light bouclé) introduce a chromatic stroke of genius: the bright, warm, sunny yellow explodes against the deep black of the structure, generating a vibrant dialogue between the tactile opacity of the fabric and the mirror-like sheen of the lacquer. This pairing is not merely decorative, but becomes a statement: it evokes the boldest 1970s, where formal rigor fuses with pops of color without ever tipping into excess.
It is surprisingly comfortable for such a geometric design: the generous padding (often high-density polyurethane foam with layers of batting) ensures a welcoming and supportive seat, with slightly oversized cushions that invite you to relax without losing formal elegance. The generous dimensions (about 210–220 cm in width) make it perfect for large living rooms, conversation areas, or as a centerpiece piece in contemporary open-plan spaces.
