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.
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
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, Mirror, Rattan, Wicker
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
$1,264Sale Price|30% Off
Italian Design Mid-Century Oval Wall Mirror in Bamboo
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are excited to present this exquisite oval mirror in the French Riviera style, meticulously crafted from curved bamboo and woven rattan. Designed by the renowned Franco Albini in ...
Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Curved Rattan and Bamboo Round Mirror, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century round organic mirro fully made in curved rattan and bamboo. This charming French Riviera style mirror was produced in Italy during the 1960s and is attributed to...
Bamboo, Mirror, Rattan
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
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
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, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini per Bonacina Specchio da Parete Ovale in Rattan, Italia 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Italian rattan wall mirror (circa 1960s) by Franco Albini. The mirror has a complex weave of rattan in a series of horseshoe projections on the edge of the frame. There is a lovely a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
An Italian 1960s square split cane bamboo mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1960s square split cane bamboo mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina, with bamboo hanging chain and red felt back. Dimensions are with hanging chain, which can easily be re...
Bamboo
An Italian 1960s oval bamboo framed mirror by Franco Albini
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1960s squiggle framed oval bamboo mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina. With original mirror plate and red felt back. It could be hung either landscape or portrait.
Bamboo
An Italian oval 1970s Split cane bamboo mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in London, GB
An Italian oval 1970s Split cane bamboo mirror by Francoi Albini for Bonacina. It could be hung landscape or portrait
Bamboo
A large Italian 1960s Spiral framed bamboo mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
A large Italian 1960s Spiral framed bamboo mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina
Bamboo
An Italian 1970s oval split cane bamboo mirror by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1970s oval split cane bamboo mirror by Franco Albini
Bamboo
An Italian 1960's bamboo spiral framed mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1960's bamboo spiral framed mirror by Franco Albini for Bonacina, with bamboo hanging chain. The chain can be removed if required and height without is 50cm. The orignal m...
Bamboo
Franco Albini per Bonacina Specchio da Parete Ovale in Rattan, Italia 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Italian rattan wall mirror (circa 1960s) by Franco Albini. The mirror has a complex weave of rattan in a series of horseshoe projections on the edge of the frame. There is a lovely a...
Bamboo, 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
Pair Of Round Rattan And Bamboo Mirrors By Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Charmes, FR
pair of round mirrors in rattan and bamboo by designer Franco Albini published by Bonacina from the 60s, in very good condition
Rattan
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 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 mid-century Italian mirror is intricately hand-woven with bamboo and rattan including a lovely b...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Franco Albini Round Bamboo and Rattan Mirrors, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Franco Albini oval bamboo and rattan wall mirrors, Italy, 1950s. These chic and iconic Italian mid-century mirrors are intricately hand-woven with bamboo and rattan, then stained and...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
$686
H 24.81 in W 31.11 in D 1.97 in
Mid-Century Oval Mirror In Rattan And Bamboo, Attributed To Franco Albini, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century oval wall mirror in rattan and bamboo, attributed to Franco Albini, 1960s. Particular design object made in Italy. Intact and in good condition, small signs of aging.
Bamboo, Rattan
French Rattan Rectangular Mirror with Ring Details, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
1950s French Riviera rattan rectangular mirror with rings accents on the frame. Unusual handcrafted rattan rectangular mirror accented by cir...
Cane, Mirror, Rattan
$2,168Sale Price|20% Off
H 18.12 in W 18.12 in D 1.38 in
Italian Riviera Franco Albini Rattan Square Sunburst Mirror, Loop Design, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury Franco Albini Rattan Mirror ___________________________________________________________ A highly decorative squared Mid-Century Modern ...
Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$1,746
H 17.72 in W 26.38 in D 2.76 in
Oval Bamboo Wall Mirror, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1960s Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Bamboo Mirror, Italy - 1960s. We also have several rectangular versions of the mirror available.
Bamboo, Mirror
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
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
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
$2,409 / 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
$2,409
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
$1,313
H 26.38 in W 15.75 in D 1.58 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 with chain in bamboo and rattan in the style of Italian design Franco Albini. Made in Italy in the 1960s. Dimensions without chain: He...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
$1,686
H 23.63 in W 18.9 in D 1.58 in
Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Mirror in the Style of Franco Albini, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A rectangular bamboo mirror from 1950s Italy, in the manner one associates with Franco Albini. The frame is carefully woven by hand, its form both simple and precise, allowing the na...
Rattan, Bamboo
Bamboo and rattan mirror by Franco Albini, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Hannover, DE
Handmade Italian rattan/bamboo wall mirror from the 1960s, designed by Franco Albini around 1960. Original condition with minor signs of wear consistent with age and use, leaving a b...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Pair Of Rattan Mirrors By Franco Albini, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Charmes, FR
Pair of rattan mirrors by Franco Albini in very good condition
Rattan
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, Mirror, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
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, Mirror, Rattan, Wicker
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, Mirror, Glass, Rattan, Cane
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, Rattan, Wicker
Franco Albini for Bonacina Bamboo Round Wall Mirror, Italy, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Italian rattan wall mirror (circa 1960s) by Franco Albini. The mirror has a complex weave of rattan in a series of horseshoe projections on the edge of the frame. There is a lovely a...
Bamboo, Mirror, 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, 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
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
Sold
H 28.35 in W 17.33 in D 0.79 in
Mid Century Bamboo Oval Wall Mirror Designed by Franco Albini, Italy 60
By Franco Albini
Located in Lucija, SI
Mid Century oval wall mirror designed by Franco Albini in the 60s in Italy. Made from bamboo and rattan
Bamboo, 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