Maxalto
B&B Italia's classic indoor line: Antonio Citterio's modern neo-classics in wood, leather and marble, read for the US buyer.
The classic side of B&B Italia.
Maxalto was established in 1975 as the classic-furniture brand of B&B Italia, and the two have shared a company and a factory district in Brianza ever since. The name comes from the Venetian dialect phrase massa alto, the highest. Its first interpreters were Afra and Tobia Scarpa, who drew wooden pieces using cabinet-making and lute-making techniques, including the Artona program.
Since 1993 Antonio Citterio has been the brand's sole designer and creative director, building what Maxalto calls a collection of modern neo-classics. For US buyers, collections reach the market through B&B Italia stores and authorised dealers, with lead times that vary by line and finish.
A selection of lines.
Apta
Antonio Citterio's foundational program from 1996, spanning sofas, chairs, armchairs, tables and storage in a single coordinated language.
The current collection.
Acanto
The Acanto chairs, with or without armrests, have solid wood frames that support comfortable seats covered in fabric or leather; another version, with the same structural characteristics, is designed to be a conversation chair. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Agathos
Refined and timeless, versatile and adaptable to various areas of the home, the Agathos small armchairs are offered in a swivel version with a high or low backrest and a fabric cover that reaches as far as the ground. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Alcor
The Alcor dining tables are characterized by a rigorous aesthetic and precious wooden tops with a striking inlaid checkered pattern, reflecting Maxalto's excellent craftsmanship. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Alcova
Alcova is the classical canopy bed in a modern interpretation, suitable to be positioned mid-room; bed sides and headboard in leather or fabric. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Alcova '09
The classical canopy bed in a modern interpretation, Alcova ‘09 is suitable to be positioned mid-room. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Amoenus Soft
Part of a range of seats with a strong personality offering great comfort, Amoenus Soft is a armchair with a curved back. It is available with fabric or leather upholstery. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Amphora
Ideal to be placed next to the bed, Amphora is presented in two versions: one has compact oval shape and holds two drawers of different sizes, the second one has a refined metal structure and hold one single drawer. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Apollo
An in-line sofa, curved sofa, terminal elements or chaise longue, a dormeuse and a swivel armchair: these are the elements making up this seating collection with a distinctive personality. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Arbiter
Arbiter is a modular seating system with extra-large measurements and oversized cushions, ideal for large spaces, that completes the brand's range of sofas. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Ares
The strong aesthetic of the solid wood X-shaped leg structure formed from two overlapping shapes is the distinctive feature of the Ares table. This table has a thick rectangular top that comes in two sizes and is available in several woods. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Artemone
Artemone is a storage unit that stems from desire to update the traditional dresser found in kitchens. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Astrum
Astrum is a collection of tables, rectangular, round and oval, distinguished by the special “sawhorse” base-frame. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Aurae
Geometric volumes raised off the floor and soft clean rigorous lines are the distinctive characteristics of Aurae sofas. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Bauci
The Bauci bed is provided with a slatted base that can be lifted and has a practical compartment below. The lower edge is in painted steel. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Biblia
A bookcase created to accommodate large books, Biblia is made up of several modules in width and comes in three different heights, whereas the depth is always the same. It displays a remarkable interplay of strips marking the uprights. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Calipso
Generously shaped and padded, Calipso is a chair with a traditional soul. The wood frame comes in a variety of finishes, and the seat can be upholstered in either leather or fabric. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Caratos
The Caratos armchair, available with a high or low tub backrest, is characterized by fluid shapes and by a lightweight frame. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Cleide
Cleide and Despina chairs are the re-edition and modernization of two chairs designed by Antonio Citterio at the dawn of Maxalto's trajectory, updated in terms of their materials.
Clio
The Clio armchair is characterized by a light but solid frame in solid wood available in different finishes. The backrest echoes the same finishes as the frame and can be covered in leather or fabric or with natural cellulose rope interlacing. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Convivio
With a round top in two sizes and a central support, Convivio meets a more classic taste. Made of wood, it also has metal parts that offer the choice between different finishes. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Convivium
The Convivium storage unit features the roto-translating door opening system. It takes the place of a large storage unit used in a dining room and is designed to store all of the tableware in a dedicated space. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Crono
Discreetly refined and suitable for a variety of living styles, Crono is a fabric upholstered sofa that stands out for its semi-circular shape and it can be positioned in the center of the room. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Cuma Extensible
Practical, discreet, and suited to a variety of environments, Cuma Extensible is a starkly linear console table that can turn into a dining table for up to eight people. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Despina
Cleide and Despina chairs are the re-edition and modernization of two chairs designed by Antonio Citterio at the dawn of Maxalto's trajectory, updated in terms of their materials.
Dike
The Dike bed stands out for its long slip cover in harmony with a precious concept of the bedroom area. The bed sides can be covered with numerous fabrics from the collection. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Dives Soft
Dives Soft is a family of linear and modular sofas available in various sizes and in two seat depths. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Ebe
Series of night/small tables with double top with or without drawer, to be placed next to the bed or the sofa. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Elios
The series of Elios small tables, with circular base and vertical steel uprights in different finishes, is designed specifically to be placed in front of the sofa or right at the break in the sofa backrest. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Eracle
The Eracle storage unit for the sleeping area features rigorous, well-balanced proportions. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Erik
The Erik headboard (wall mounted at different heights) is made up of two panels. The top panel is slightly inclined and has a decorative element that softens the essential design. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Eunice
The seat is softened by a down cushion, and the legs can be in steel covered in solid wood. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Febo
Febo is a family of seats that carries with it the memory of a traditional design distinguished by a large enveloping back without armrests. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Filemone
The different variants available give life to a practical and very elegant bed. The feet in addition to the steel variants can be covered in solid wood. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Florius
Conceived to revive the tradition of the great upholsterers, the Florius sofa system is characterized, even at first glance, by a minimalist frame and a large number of cushions. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Fulgens
A small armchair that has the vocation of a unique piece, able to sit next to a traditional sofa, which expresses the idea of the handcrafted excellence of Maxalto. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Imprimatur
In the name of comfort, the Imprimatur linear sofa offers a formal interpretation, develops the two lengths with a regular partition of the seat and back cushions. An armchair is provided to complete the Imprimatur series. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
InToto
A dining table entirely in wood with a characteristic minimal design that truly highlights the precious solid wood trestle structure. The table is available in three generous sizes and in different materials. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Incipit
Étagère serving different purposes, designed mainly for the living area. Offer different finishes to choose from among the essences in the collection. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Intervallum
Soft yet geometric in shape, the ottomans of the Intervallum line are upholstered either in leather or in fabric. Particularly striking is the lower edge in steel, a refined detail that highlights the base. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Kalos
A modern interpretation of the more classic easy chair, Kalos comes both in leather and fabric upholstery. The latter can be stretched or formed by a slipcover hiding the feet or the revolving base. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Leukon
Elegant atmosphere lamps with lampshades in fabric or parchment and upper screens of etched glass. Table lamp, in two sizes. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Lilum
Characterized by the sinuous, organic-inspired lines Lilum is designed specifically for convivial and intimate solutions, and therefore to exist within the same environment together with more formal sofas. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Lithos
A series of cabinets and display elements destined to safeguard and exhibit the most precious objects with great elegance. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Loto
Oriental inspiration for the Loto coffee tables, sophisticated accessories that lend themselves to living in different environments. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Lucrezia Soft
The Lucrezia Soft version with plain seat cushions may also be made to measure. All the elements may be customized in terms of width and depth, while preserving the product's formal and comfort-related qualities. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Max
A writing desk reminiscent of a classic bureau with a contemporary twist, Max is a small jewel of the cabinet-maker's art. It stands out due to its extraordinary attention to detail, making it a precious treasure chest. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Mida
The common denominator in Mida storage units is a base-frame of steel profiles which supports various typologies of storage units: the smallest with feet are available in two heights. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Musa
The Musa armchair stands out for its solid wood frame in different finishes, to be paired with leather or fabric upholstery. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Nidus
The Nidus armchairs, like the curved sofa of the same series, are designed as elements to be grouped in a free, casual manner, fostering socialization and conversation in a harmonious and relaxed setting. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Otium Soft
Otium Soft is a seating system that stands out for its contemporary classic style, generous proportions and great comfort. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Ovidio
The upholstered headboard Ovidio is of a generous size. A precious detail is given by the baseboard of solid wood which can be chosen between different colors. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Pathos
The Pathos table is available with round, rectangular or square top, with rounded corners and refined details on the curved edges and can be in marble or in MDF wood fiber painted in the glossy colors. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Privatus
Only a complementary piece in appearance, the Privatus windscreen responds to the need to define the spaces in large rooms of stately homes; for example, this can be used between reception and dining areas. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Psiche
Mirrors with steel surround; thanks to the angled top surround they can be leaned against a wall. Proposed not only for the bedroom; they can also be used in a living area to make the ambiance seem larger. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Recipio '14
A contemporary reinterpretation of the classic refectory table, Recipio ‘14 is a rectangular wooden dining table. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Selene
The Selene bed has a upholstered headboard and its cover completely removable. The bed sides are available in different widths, while the feet come in steel or covered with solid wood. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Sella
Sella is a bench recalling oriental patterns, with a concave seat that can be upholstered in fabric or leather or with interlacing in natural cellulose rope. The structure is in solid wood in various finishes. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Sidus
Sidus is a precious writing desk with rectangular top in curved wood or with an unusual “bean” shape. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Sileo
The Sileo bed completes the Maxalto range of beds The shapes are slightly rounded without being cumbersome; the frame can accommodate different mesh systems and either a semi-recessed or flush mattress. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Simpliciter
A timeless evergreen, the Simpliciter sofa comes in two versions united by the same classic contemporary spirit. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Soleide
Soleide is a collection of small tables, in different sizes, with a die-cast aluminum base and a top in hammered mirror steel that gives them a particularly original and precious effect. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Talamo
A double bed with a clean line and balanced proportions, Talamo combines fine materials with a refined interplay of details, such as the combination of leather bands on the cover with the unusual shape of the wood frame. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Tesaurus
Tesaurus is a series of refined storage units. The shape underlines the high quality of the craftsmanship, starting with the curved wooden doors that open to reveal slightly protruding shelves, and a continuous profile that follows the volume's. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Xilos
The distinguishing feature of the Xilos table collection, available in a square and round version, is its cross-shaped frame in wood. Designed by Antonio Citterio.
Apta
Designed by Antonio CitterioApta is the program that opened Antonio Citterio's era at Maxalto, conceived as a coherent indoor world rather than a single product. Sofas, armchairs, dining and low tables, chairs and storage are drawn to sit together, which is how Maxalto presents them: as the rooms of an ideal home.
The look is what the house calls modern neo-classic, filtered through the eye of an Italian architect and drawing on early twentieth-century and interwar French design. Frames in wood meet upholstery in fabric or leather, with table and storage tops in marble, lacquer and fine veneers.
What the pieces are made of.
Across its indoor work Maxalto leans on solid and veneered wood, including oak and dark-stained finishes, paired with leather and fabric upholstery and tops in marble and stone. The wooden pieces trace back to the cabinet-making and lute-making craft of the early Scarpa years, and wood remains central to the catalogue.
On every brand page these details stay factual and sourced. Collection names, designers and materials are checked against the maker before they go live.
Maxalto, answered.
Where is Maxalto made?
Maxalto is the classic line of B&B Italia, with the company based in Novedrate, in the Como province of Italy. Its wooden production is concentrated in the group's Brianza plants.
When was Maxalto founded?
Maxalto was established in 1975, the same period as B&B Italia, as the group's brand for classic, largely wooden furniture.
How is Maxalto related to B&B Italia?
Maxalto is a brand of B&B Italia. B&B Italia carries the contemporary line, while Maxalto holds the classic, more crafted side of the catalogue, with its own identity and designer.
Who designs for Maxalto?
Since 1993 Antonio Citterio has been the sole designer and creative director. The brand's earlier wooden pieces were drawn by Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
What does the name Maxalto mean?
The name comes from the Venetian dialect phrase massa alto, meaning the highest, a reference to the brand's craft ambitions.
What are Maxalto's signature collections?
Among the best known are the Apta program and the Febo, Amoenus and Simplice families, all designed by Antonio Citterio.
What is the Apta collection?
Apta is Citterio's foundational program from 1996, a coordinated set of sofas, chairs, armchairs, tables and storage meant to furnish a whole interior in one language.
What materials does Maxalto use?
Solid and veneered wood, leather and fabric upholstery, and tops in marble and stone. Wood is central to the catalogue, a legacy of its cabinet-making roots.
What is Maxalto's design style?
The house describes its work as modern neo-classic: contemporary comfort filtered through an architect's eye, drawing on early twentieth-century and interwar French design.
Is Maxalto available in the US?
Yes. Collections reach the US through B&B Italia stores and authorised dealers, with lead times that vary by line and finish.
How should I care for Maxalto furniture?
Care depends on the material, wood, leather, fabric or marble; follow the maker's collection-specific guidance, as wood and stone surfaces have their own requirements.
Can I buy from this site?
No. Premium Furniture is an independent editorial directory. We document the house and point you to the maker.