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.
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
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
Italian Circular Mirror By Franco Albini in Rattan, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Mid-Century Modern spiral framed mirror in rattan by Franco Albini. Italy, 1950s-1960s This cool round mirror features a rattan woven spiral frame surrounding the central gla...
Rattan, Mirror, Wicker, Cane
Mid-Century Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker Italian Round Mirror, Franco Albini, 1970s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular mid-century French Riviera style round mirror in rattan, wicker and bamboo. This gorgeous piece was designed by Franco Albini and produced in in Italy during the 1970s. ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Spanish Rattan Bamboo Round Mirror, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Mid-Century Modern round bamboo wall mirror with wrapped rattan detail on the top. This mirror has reminiscences of Paul Frankl designs. Two concentric circular bamboo frame...
Wicker, Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Style Bamboo Rattan Wall Mirror with Arched Top
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini style handcrafted bamboo and rattan mirror with arched top. This mirror features a double bamboo f...
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
1960s Rattan and Bamboo Round Wall Mirror by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This very decorative mirror was made in Italy in 1960s. It is typical of this period design and is all original. It was all handcrafted and is in perfect condition. It has got a beau...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
$1,075
H 20.48 in W 15.36 in D 1.38 in
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Oval Wall Mirror Franco Albini Style, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful oval wall mirror in bamboo and rattan in the style of Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s. A highly decorative bamboo and rattan mirror with the ta...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Pair of Interesting 1970s Italian Curved Bamboo Mirrors
Located in London, GB
A pair of interesting 1970s Italian curved bamboo mirrors which could be used for a variety of uses.
Bamboo, Mirror
$2,389 / set
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 1.19 in
Cristal Art Midcentury Rose Gold Faceted Wall Mirrors, 1970s, Italy
By Cristal Arte
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Pair of Crystal Art beautiful faceted mirrors on rose gold crystal glass mirror frame, made in 1970s, Italy. We love to create the illusion of space and decorate any room in contemporary style with such a modern frameless wall mirror...
Crystal
$2,389
H 40.16 in W 17.33 in D 1.97 in
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Wall Mirror Franco Albini Style, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful rectangular wall mirror in bamboo and rattan in the style of Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s. A highly decorative bamboo and rattan mirror with the t...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
$1,194
H 24.81 in W 16.93 in D 1.19 in
Midcentury Wall Mirror Rattan and Bamboo Franco Albini Style, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful squared wall mirror with chain in bamboo and rattan in the style of Italian design Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s. A highly decorative bamboo and...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Style Rattan Bamboo Rectangular Mirror, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury rectangular mirror, Rattan & Bamboo Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini style handcrafted bamboo rattan mirror. Italy, 1960s. This mirror features a double bamboo rectangular frame with wavy rattan decorations between the bamboo canes. This bamboo mirror will be a nice addition placed in a bathroom with a pair of wall lights at both sides or placed over a console table or vanity table. This mirror is in excellent vintage condition. Overall dimensions: 75 cm H x 60 cm W x 4 cm D Glass measures: 45 cm H x 28,5 cm W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors Rattan mirror // rectangular mirror // Mid-Century Modern mirror // Albini style mirror...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
$1,075
H 20.48 in W 15.16 in D 1.58 in
Franco Albini Oval Mirror in Curved Rattan and Bamboo, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style oval mirror entirely crafted in curved rattan and bamboo. The design of this delightful organic mirror is attributed to the mastery of Fran...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Mid-Century Round Mirror in Rattan and Bamboo, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century French Riviera rattan and bamboo Italian round mirror, this beautiful mirror was produced in Italy during the 1960s. This stunning mirror consists of two round...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$1,244
H 0.99 in Dm 20.87 in
Franco Albini French Riviera Round Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous French Riviera style round mirror in bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This charming mirror was designed by Franco Albini and produced in Italy during the 1960s....
Bamboo, Mirror, Rattan, Wicker
Sold
H 29.93 in W 24.41 in D 1.58 in
Franco Albini Large Oval Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera style large oval mirror, fully made of hand-woven wicker, curved rattan, and bamboo. This stunning piece was designed by the master Franco Albini and produce...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Sold
H 34.26 in W 23.63 in D 1.78 in
Franco Albini Large Oval Mirror in Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century large oval mirror entirely made of bamboo, curved rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly charming French Riviera style mirror was designed by Franco Alb...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Sold
H 33.47 in W 21.66 in D 1.78 in
Franco Albini Large Oval Mirror in Curved Rattan and Bamboo, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding French Riviera style large oval mirror fully hand-made in curved rattan and bamboo. This spectacular and unique organic mirror was designed by the mastery of Franco Albin...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
Sold
H 23.63 in W 18.9 in D 1.58 in
French Riviera Oval Mirror in Bamboo and Rattan by Franco Albini, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera style oval mirror in bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This charming organic mirror was designed by the mastery of Franco Albini and hand-crafted ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Sold
H 29.53 in W 24.41 in D 1.97 in
Franco Albini Oval Mirror in Rattan, Wicker, Bamboo, French Riviera, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century Italian oval mirror in curved rattan, bamboo and hand-woven wicker. This delightful French Riviera style mirror was designed by Franco Albini in Italy during the...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Oval Curved Rattan and Bamboo Mirror, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style oval mirro fully made in curved rattan and bamboo. The design of this delightful organic mirror is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albi...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Round Mirror in Curved Rattan and Bamboo, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding French Riviera style round mirror fully made in curved rattan and bamboo. This spectacular and unique mirror was designed by the mastery of Franco Albini and produced in ...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
Franco Albini Oval Curved Rattan and Bamboo Mirror, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style oval mirro fully made in curved rattan and bamboo. The design of this delightful organic mirror is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albi...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Mid-Century Franco Albini Round Mirror in Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent French Riviera style round mirror fully made in hand-woven wicker and curved rattan. This beautiful piece was designed by the mastery of Franco Albini and produced in in ...
Bamboo, Mirror, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
Franco Albini Oval Curved Rattan and Bamboo Mirror, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style oval mirro fully made in curved rattan and bamboo. The design of this delightful organic mirror is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albi...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Sold
H 35.83 in W 16.54 in D 1.97 in
Franco Albini Large Rectangular Mirror in Spiral Rattan and Wicker, Italy 1970s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent mid-century large rectangular mirror in curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This unique French Riviera style mirror was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In fabulous...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Oval Curved Rattan and Bamboo Mirror, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style oval mirro fully made in curved rattan and bamboo. The design of this delightful organic mirror is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albi...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror