“Bolla” Sofa – Attributed to Gianni Ruffi, Italy, 1970s

The Bolla sofa is a powerful example of radical Italian design from the 1970s, distinguished by its enveloping, bubble-like form and deeply channeled upholstery. The name Bolla—Italian for “bubble”—aptly describes the sofa’s soft, inflated appearance, achieved through generous padding and continuous vertical segmentation that wraps seamlessly around the back, arms, and base.

This model is attributed to Gianni Ruffi, a designer known for his experimental, comfort-driven seating produced in Italy during the late 1960s and 1970s. Ruffi’s work often explored organic forms, modularity, and sculptural volume, all clearly present in this design. The low, grounded profile and wide, inviting seat emphasize relaxation while maintaining a strong architectural presence.

Upholstered in a vivid blue fabric with a subtle textured weave, the sofa’s surface enhances the rhythmic geometry of the channeling and accentuates its sculptural quality. The result is a piece that functions equally as seating and as a statement object.

Ideal for modern, mid-century, or avant-garde interiors, the Bolla sofa stands as an iconic expression of Italian postmodern experimentation—bold, comfortable, and unmistakably expressive.