The original Anfibio sofa bed designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni in 1970 in blue Leather, it’s one of the many unique seating pieces available at Lumini Collections.
Image 1 - Italian Blue Leather Anfibio Sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970.
The Artist
Alessandro Becchi was an influential Italian designer, best known for his innovative and iconic Anfibio sofa.
Born in Florence in 1946, he studied at the ISIA (Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche) in Florence, which laid the foundation for his career in design.
Becchi also designed other notable sofas with bed functions for Giovannetti, including the "Only You," "Brando," and "Diletto" models, as well as the "Le Bugie" series of armchairs.
He developed a close professional and personal relationship with Benito Giovannetti, founder of Giovannetti Collezioni, who produced all of his most famous designs.
Becchi's work is characterised by Innovation and versatility, without sacrificing emotional design. His focus is on comfort and adaptability for contemporary living spaces.
Image 3 - Alessandro Becchi (1946 - 1987), next to his Anfibio sofa.
There’s many like it, but this is the original
The Anfibio sofa is celebrated as a landmark in Italian design.
As it is recognised for its revolutionary approach to multifunctional furniture, it is still in production and, be aware, it has “inspired” many reproductions.
In our showroom in Byron Bay you’ll still find in stock one original piece, dating back to the 70s.
The sofa can be unfolded or opened flat revealing its luxuriously soft sheepskin mattress.
Designed in 1970, the Anfibio sofa bed is defined by critics around the world as the “art piece sofa”. This piece of furniture is characterised by generous dimensions, enveloping shapes that invite relaxation, comfort and sharing.
The sofa consists of a non-deformable high density polyurethane padding, padded with heat-sealed acrylic protective fabric. All leather parts are removable.
Leather straps are used to secure the sofa in its closed position and are released to transform it into a bed, making the transition both simple and stylish.
Image 3 - Italian Blue Leather Anfibio Sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970.
The Anfibio historical significance
The Anfibio sofa quickly gained international acclaim. It was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York as part of the 1972 "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" exhibition, and it won the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award the same year.
It is considered a "cult product" of Italian design and is part of the permanent collections of several major museums worldwide, including MoMA.
The sofa has been produced continuously since its introduction and remains a sought-after vintage and contemporary piece.
Image 4 - Italian Brown Leather Anfibio single seater by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970.
Our Collections
Our website is constantly updated with new arrivals. For the latest news, consider following us on Facebook and Instagram.
We have a large selection of unique pieces, restored by artisans to live in your home for many more generations to come.
Visit the Byron Bay showroom and experience a truly beautiful and unique space filled with pieces we love and have personally selected, we look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with you.
Private viewings can be arranged any day of week so please call the showroom to make an appointment.