While working under the polymath Gio Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian modernism — furniture designer Franco Albini nurtured a love for modern forms combined with traditional craft techniques.
Albini is widely known for working with organic materials such as rattan and cane for his chairs and other seating, but he also played a pivotal role in the Italian rationalist movement of the early 20th century, which saw architects and furniture makers applying a strict emphasis on geometry in their work. Rationalists drew on Ancient Roman architecture but rejected ornament, much in the way that Le Corbusier and celebrated Bauhaus figures such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had in their modernist furniture.
Albini received his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1929, and, in 1931, he founded his practice in Milan, where he tackled workers’ housing and other reconstruction projects. A gifted urban planner, he also developed the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Tesoro di San Lorenzo museums in Genoa. While Albini is revered for his Margherita chair — a Triennale Milano award winner created for Bonacina in 1951 — he also collaborated with manufacturers Poggi and Cassina in the 1940s on seating, tables and more that embodied his artistic vision. Of that mid-century work, the one piece that perhaps best captures this vision is the iconic Luisa chair.
With its cherry red upholstery and sinuous wooden legs that seem to float aboveground, the Luisa is a genuine masterpiece. It is also a testament to Albini’s perfectionism, as it endured several prototypes — including one made by Knoll in the late 1940s — and took approximately 15 years to design. Poggi launched the final version of the armchair in 1955, earning Albini the prestigious Compasso d’Oro from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design. It is produced today by Cassina. Albini named the chair for someone who likely saw the process firsthand: his personal secretary of two decades, Luisa Colombini.
Find vintage Franco Albini furniture on 1stDibs.
Midmodern Fiorenza Armchairs by Franco Albini, Solid Ash, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The structure is made of solid ash wood, steam bent, with the characteristic “X” shape that defines the side supports. They are upholstered in graphite blue wool tweed15000, with hig...
Wool, Wood
Franco Albini & Franca Helg Model 524 Sculptural Lucite Chrome Lamp Arteluce
By Arteluce, Franco Albini, Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Troy, MI
A sculptural Lucite and chrome lamp designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg for Arteluce Italy circa 1952 Sunburst design of eight acrylic pane...
Chrome
Mid-Century Franco Albini Table Lamp in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century table lamp entirely crafted from curved bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This stylish and unique organic lamp was designed by Franco Albini and produced in I...
Metal
Franco Albini Oval Bamboo and Rattan Mirror, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Franco Albini oval bamboo and rattan wall mirror, Italy, 1950s. This chic and iconic Italian mid-century mirror is intricately hand-woven with bamboo and rattan, then stained and lac...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Round Stool in Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Stool A round table made of curved rattan and bamboo from the mid-20th century, designed by Francesco Albini. Albini was among the first to elevate humble, flexible materials such a...
Bamboo, Rattan
Italian mid-century modern wood double bed by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1960s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wooden double bed by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1960s Double bed with a wooden structure. The headboard has a rounded profile, while the footboard is rectang...
Wood
Franco Albini LB7 Bookcase in Teak Wood by Poggi Pavia 1950s Italy
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Cascina, Pisa
LB7 bookcase composed of a single module with shelves and a storage unit with two doors, made in veneered solid teak wood, and black lacquered metal details. Designed by Franco Alb...
Metal
$8,614 / item
Franco Albini Cavalletto Desk Table For Cassina
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Cavalletto Desk Table For Cassina The geometric lines of the Cavalletto desk elicit a pleasant feeling of lightness through its ‘by the ...
Walnut
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Oval Wall Mirror by Franco Albini, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful oval wall mirror in bamboo and rattan by Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina LEATHER Y : Softness and durability blend in these high-quality leathers, providing a distinctive...
Steel
20th Century, Franco Albini for Poggi Wooden Cart mod. CR-20
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Franco Albini (1905-1977) lived in Milan where he stuied Architecture at the Politecnico. He started his career at Gio Ponti's studio, with whom he collaborated before getting in tou...
Wood
Franco Albini, Early Rocking "PS16" Chaise Lounge, Sycamore, 1960s, Poggi, Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A rare and early "PS16", cotton, cord and sycamore rocking chaise lounge designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Pr...
Cotton, Cord, Sycamore
Italian wall mirror designed by Franco Albini 1960 in bamboo
By Franco Albini
Located in Palermo, PA
An exceptional Italian wall mirror designed by Franco Albini, dating from the 1960s, embodying the refined balance of modernism and artisanal craftsmanship for which the designer is ...
Bamboo, Mirror
Franco Albini Veleiro Bookcase by Cassina, Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bookcase designed by Franco Albini in 1940. Relaunched in 2011-19. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Defying the laws of physics, going beyond what we normally understand by the ...
Metal
Franco Albini Magazine Rack, Bamboo and Rattan, Italian Design, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Iconic piece of Italian Mid-Century Modern design by the legendary Franco Albini, this 1960s magazine rack is a masterclass in organic geometry and artisanal craftsmanship. Crafted i...
Bamboo
Franco Albini Pouf Stool in Curved Rattan and Woven Wicker, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century organic pouf or side table, fully made of curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This stylish French Riviera-style pouf was designed by Franco Albini and produced ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Franco Albini Coat Rack in Bamboo and Woven Rattan, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful mid-century organic coat rack fully hand-made in bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This charming and unique piece was designed by Franco Albini and produced in ...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Walnut
Franco Albini Round Stool in Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Stool A round table made of curved rattan and bamboo from the mid-20th century, designed by Francesco Albini. Albini was among the first to elevate humble, flexible materials such a...
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,685Sale Price|20% Off
Round Pouf Franco Albini 1950s Italian Mid-century Design
By Franco Albini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Detail Round pouf with cushion i ìn calfskin leather , Italy 1950.
Bamboo
Franco Albini 1960 Rattan Cane & Bamboo Rocking Horse, Animal Sculpture Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Miami, FL
Original Franco Albini Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Rocking Horse, Animal Sculpture. Rattan and bamboo rocking horse core with basket wea...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Franco Albini Rare prototype Brass Dish for Vanzetti Milano, Italy 1931/33
By Franco Albini
Located in Milan, IT
Franco Albini Rare prototype Brass Dish or Ashtray. Manufactured by Vanzetti Milano, Italy 1931/33 Unmarked. Reference: A. Piva, V. Prina, - Franco Albini 1905-1977 1998, pg. 4...
Brass
Cassina “Luisa” Chair by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully constructed chair with floating back design. Signed by Cassina. Two available. Priced individually.
Leather
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottomans, Pair
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottomans, footstools, or side tables Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Each measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H. Go...
Rattan
Midcentury Italian "Margherita" Wicker Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic Franco Albini armchair model "Margherita" 1951, manufactured by Bonacina. Margherita is considered the first "legless" armchair of Italian design. The piece pays homage to th...
Rattan
$8,427
Table by Franco Albini
By Succ. Carlo Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
The Italian architect and designer Franco Albini designed this table, model ‘TL3’, for Carlo Poggi, Pavia, in 1953. The table features beautiful details; the frame is made of solid t...
Teak, Plywood
$7,240 / item
BADANO 1954 Round Dining Table by Franco Albini
By Codiceicona, Franco Albini
Located in Milan, IT
The 1954 Badano table, from a project by Franco Albini for private clients. The modular leg design allows the creation of a series of tables of different sizes.
Wood
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Steel, Fabric, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-enameled steel and red fabric lounge chair, model Tre Pezzi, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Pavia, Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Fabri...
Steel
TL2 Easel dining table/desk Franco Albini Poggi 1950 mid-century teak wood
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Table model TL2, known as "Cavalletto," designed by Franco Albini in 1950 for Poggi. Wooden frame with rectangular top resting on two trestle bases joined by a reinforcing bar. The p...
Wood
Easy Chair in Cane, Fabric and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare easy chair, designed by Franco Albini and produced in Italy during the 1950s, is a significant example of mid-century Italian furniture that unites sculptural form with tra...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan
Franco Albini Set of Two "Model PL19", Manufactured by Poggi
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two "Model PL19" chairs, designed by Franco Albini, manufactured by Poggi Pavia, Italy. The chairs have a lacquered metal frame and are upholstered with red velvet. Literat...
Metal
Franco Albini Round Stool in Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Stool A round table made of curved rattan and bamboo from the mid-20th century, designed by Francesco Albini. Albini was among the first to elevate humble, flexible materials such a...
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Pair of 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chairs for Arflex 1952
By Franco Albini
Located in Tilburg, NL
Franco Albini Pair of 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chairs for Arflex, designed in 1952. Italy. New, current production. Price is for a pair in fabric group T6. Symbol of comfort, Fiorenza arm...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury French Riviera Bamboo and Rattan Round Bar Cart, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style round serving bar cart entirely crafted in bamboo, curved rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This unique organic cart was produced in Italy during the 1960s...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Rare Fiorenza Lounge/Armchair by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy, c. 1953
By Franco Albini
Located in New York City, NY
The Fiorenza Armchair was originally designed for Franco Albini's own apartment and went through several iterations between 1952 and 1967. An early example, this chair was produced ...
Bouclé, Wood
Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Succ. Carlo Poggi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of 6 Italian wood and fabric chairs armchairs Model "Luisa" designed by the Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia 1955. Bibliographie: Italien 1950er Jahre,...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Pouf Stool Franco Albini Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Organic vintage rattan pouf or stool design attributed to Franco Albini. Italy 1950s. A charming rattan stool or foot stool in beautiful shape. Stable and sturdy...
Rattan
Set of 2 wall lights AM/AS by F.Albini, F.Helg & A.Piva for Sirrah, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini, Sirrah, Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Set of 2 wall lights AM/AS designed by Franco Albini, Franca Helg & Antonio Piva for Sirrah, Italy, 1960s Designed in the late 1960s by Franco Albini, Franca Helg, and Antonio Piva...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
French Riviera Midcentury Bamboo and Vienna Straw Rectangular Mirror, Italy 1970
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Mid-Century rectangular mirror in bamboo and Vienna straw. This stylish and unique mirror was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition and with a charmin...
Bamboo, Wicker, Straw, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$4,799 / item
Franco Albini TL3 Table, Wood and Glass by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Franco Albini designed this table using the strut element that he had already employed in the design of the Veliero and Infinito bookshelves. In this instance, the legs serve as the vertical elements, solid, turned along their entire surface except for the square section onto which the horizontal table...
Glass, Wood
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini design...
Metal
French Riviera Round Serving Bar Cart in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style round bar cart entirely made of curved bamboo, woven rattan and hand-woven wicker. This stylish organic cart was produced in Italy during the 1960s. In...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed ...
Metal
$2,996Sale Price|42% Off
Franco Albini Cicognino Side Table in Wood by Poggi Pavia, 1970s Italy
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This exquisite Cicognino side table, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia in the 1970s, is a timeless piece of Italian design. Crafted from high-quality wood, this t...
Wood, Teak
Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color.
Fabric, Wood, Leather
Pair of Armchairs PL19 by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1960s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern space age Italian design pair of armchairs or lounge chairs model PL19 by Franco Albini for the editor Poggi. Famous design like Gio Ponti, Gianfranco Frattini, Ca...
Metal
Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia Italian Walnut LB7 Bookcase, Italy 1960s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design walnut bookcase with floor and ceiling uprights, designed by Franco Albini from 1950s for Poggi Pavia, shelves and containers with wood veneer adjust...
Wood
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC20 Casier Standard for Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the color, size and material of the piece. Casier designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1925. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The Casiers standard...
Metal
Franco Albini Bookcase; a Masterpiece of Italian Craftsmanship and Design
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Introducing the remarkable Veliero Bookcase, designed by the renowned Franco Albini in 1940 and relaunched by Cassina in Italy between 2011 and 2019. This exceptional wooden bookcase challenges the laws of physics, showcasing Cassina's unparalleled design and construction capabilities while preserving the minimal, linear aesthetics of the original design. A testament to the designer's ability to create innovative and functional furniture pieces, the Veliero Bookcase appears to defy gravity, giving the impression that the books and objects placed on it are floating in mid-air. The Veliero bookcase is a contemporary interpretation of the 1940 one-of-a-kind piece that Albini created for his own Milan home. With its striking, experimental design, this modern masterpiece has earned its status as a work of art, as magical and captivating today as it was when first introduced. Elevate your home or art collection with the Franco Albini Veliero...
Metal
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
Fabric, Wood
$1,849 / item
Franco Albini Cicognino Wood Side Table by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Side table designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2008. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Dubbed Cicognino, or “little stork”, this iconic design, is clean-cut and refined...
Wood
$1,849 / item
Franco Albini Cicognino Wood Side Table by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Side table designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2008. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Dubbed Cicognino, or “little stork”, this iconic design, is clean-cut and refined...
Wood
Franco Albini Modular Bookcase Infinito, Black Stain Wood by Cassina
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Modular Bookcase Infinito, Black Stain Wood by Cassina Designed between 1956 and 1957 by Franco Albini and Franc...
Wood
Franco Albini, Serving Cart, Wood, Italy, 1960s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and metal serving cart or bar trolley, model CR-20 designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Italy, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent w...
Wood
Franco Albini and Franca Helg 'AS41Z' Pendant Lamp in Handblown Glass for Nemo
By Franco Albini, Nemo Lighting 1, Franca Helg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Franco Albini and Franca Helg 'AS41Z' pendant lamp in handblown glass for Nemo Franco Albini and Franca Helg were Italian architects and designers, famous for combining modern desig...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Franco Albini Table 840 Stadera Wood and Steel by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Franco Albini in 1954. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This table/writing desk, designed by Franco Albini consists of two trapezoidal planes, one smaller than th...
Steel
$15,825 / item
BADANO 1954 Oval Dining Table by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini, Codiceicona
Located in Milan, IT
The 1954 Badano table, from a project by Franco Albini for private clients. The modular leg design allows the creation of a series of tables of different sizes.
Wood
Vintage Rattan Stool by Franco Albini, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
A mid-century wicker rattan stool by Franco Albini was made in Italy in the 1960s. The vintage stool is strong, stable. In good vintage condition. There are signs of use and time, pl...
Rattan
Franco Albini Franca Helg, Mod. AM/AS table lamp, Sirrah Italy 1969
By Franco Albini, Sirrah, Franca Helg
Located in Firenze, IT
Mod. AM/AS table lamp designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg in 1969 Sirrah, Italy 1970s Structure and lampshade entirely made of chrome-plated aluminum Bibliografia: P. Cortop...
Aluminum
Franco Albini "Spring" Rattan and Bamboo Round Mirror with Chain, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century round mirror with chain fully made in cvurved rattan, bamboo and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly charming French Riviera style mirror is attributed to the mas...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror