Italian Midcentury Parchment Double Bed Attributed to Giovanni Gariboldi, 1950s

Important Italian double bed dating from the mid-20th century, attributed to Giovanni Gariboldi, distinguished by its use of parchment, strongly architectural construction, and refined combination of wood and brass.

The headboard is organized around a rigorously symmetrical composition, with a raised central element defining its profile and two integrated bedside tables positioned at either side. The ivory-colored parchment has a naturally varied tone and grain, with a delicate irregular patina developed over time. Its tactile surface contrasts with the warmer tones of the wooden elements.

At the center of the headboard is a refined inlaid motif, worked directly into the composition and set against the parchment surface. Additional inlaid details are repeated on the two side elements, creating a coherent visual relationship between the headboard and the integrated bedside tables.

Brass is used with restraint, primarily at structural junctions and fittings, as well as in smaller decorative details. The hinges and metal connectors, together with the wooden tapered legs terminating in brass sabots, demonstrate the attention given even to the less immediately visible elements of the piece.

The lower section of the headboard introduces a broad honey-toned wooden panel, creating a second material layer beneath the parchment. The integrated bedside tables follow the same combination of materials and proportions, transforming the bed into a unified piece of furniture rather than simply a functional sleeping structure.

The overall design reflects the character of high-end Italian interiors of the 1950s, when parchment, inlay work, selected woods and brass were combined to create sophisticated furniture without excessive ornamentation. Its architectural proportions and attention to detail give the piece a distinctive place within the Italian design of the period.

The bed is in good condition, as it has been cleaned and rifinished by an expert craftsman with signs of age and natural variations in the parchment surface consistent with its period. The patina and subtle irregularities contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece.


Designer: Attributed to Giovanni Gariboldi
Mattres dimension: 175x204
Period: Circa 1950
Origin: Italy
Style: Italian Mid-Century
Type: Double bed
Materials: Parchment, wood and brass
Features: Architectural headboard, ivory parchment, wood inlay, integrated bedside tables, brass details
Construction details: Tapered wooden legs with brass sabots, brass hinges and structural fittings
Condition: Good vintage condition, with natural patina and signs of age