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Franco Albini Seating

Italian, 1905-1977

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.

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Creator: Franco Albini
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Steel, Fabric, Italy, 1960s
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Steel, Fabric, Italy, 1960s

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...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Italian Franco Albini Rattan Margherita Chairs for Bonacina
Pair of Italian Franco Albini Rattan Margherita Chairs for Bonacina

Pair of Italian Franco Albini Rattan Margherita Chairs for Bonacina

By Franco Albini, Bonacina

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of Margherita rattan chairs designed by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy. These sculptural chairs are beautifully crafted and present a rich, desirable patina that enhances t...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Rattan

Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design

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.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Leather

Armchair "Fiorenza" in Original Red Color, by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex
Armchair "Fiorenza" in Original Red Color, by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex

Armchair "Fiorenza" in Original Red Color, by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex

By Arflex, Franco Albini

Located in Wolfurt, AT

This pair of Italian "Fiorenza" armchairs was designed by Franco Albini for Arflex. The elegantly shaped wooden frame supports the furniture body, which is covered with the original ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Franco Albini Luisa Chair For Cassina
Franco Albini Luisa Chair For Cassina

Franco Albini Luisa Chair For Cassina

By Franco Albini

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Franco Albini Luisa Chair For Cassina Luisa is a chair with armrests with a sleek minimalist design, the result of a journey of exploration that o...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Rattan Stool by Franco Albini, Italy, 1960s
Vintage Rattan Stool by Franco Albini, Italy, 1960s

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Rattan

Italian Stool in Bamboo and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1960s
Italian Stool in Bamboo and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1960s

Italian Stool in Bamboo and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1960s

By Franco Albini

Located in Oirlo, LI

Discover a piece of design history with this Italian Stool in Bamboo and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1960s. Light yet exceptionally sturdy, it is handcrafted from cane and bent wicker, ...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Awesome Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy
Awesome Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy

Awesome Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy

By Franco Albini

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Very good condition.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s
Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s

Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s

By Succ. Carlo Poggi, Franco Albini

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,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Franco Albini Luisa Chair, American Walnut and Fabric by Cassina
Franco Albini Luisa Chair, American Walnut and Fabric by Cassina

Franco Albini Luisa Chair, American Walnut and Fabric by Cassina

By Franco Albini, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Luisa chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The small armchair, dubbed Luisa, is the fruit of a fifteen-year process of exploration, focused on creating an archetype of the basic elements of a chair, and its potential uses within the home. A idea-based design, where Franco Albini expressed the concept of “substance in form”, increasing the volume of the wooden parts where they join with others. Following various enhancements, the definitive version of the chair was awarded the prestigious Compasso D’Oro prize by the Italian Industrial Design Association (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale/ADI). The frame represents a synthesis where the seat and the back are two geometric planes suspended on an understated wood structure, the sides reminiscent of trestles. Luisa is a timeless piece, the outcome of skill, both in terms of technique and of materials. This world exclusive Cassina re-issue, has been made possible thanks to the company’s extraordinary wood...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina
Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina

Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina

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 design...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design

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 Tre Pezzi...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design

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...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Franca Helg Italian Rattan Stool Pouf Ottoman
Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Franca Helg Italian Rattan Stool Pouf Ottoman

Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Franca Helg Italian Rattan Stool Pouf Ottoman

By Franco Albini

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a large rattan stool- pouf - ottoman designed by  Franco Albini & Franca Helg. Italy circa the 1950s. Unmarked. Dimensions: 23.5" diameter x 15.75" H. Deliv...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Rattan

Set of Two Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina
Set of Two Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina

Set of Two Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina

By Franco Albini, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The small armchair, dubbed Luisa, is the fruit of a fifteen-year process of exploration, focused on creating an archetype of the basic elements of a chair, and its potential uses within the home. A idea-based design, where Franco Albini expressed the concept of “substance in form”, increasing the volume of the wooden parts where they join with others. Following various enhancements, the definitive version of the chair was awarded the prestigious Compasso D’Oro prize by the Italian Industrial Design Association (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale/ADI). The frame represents a synthesis where the seat and the back are two geometric planes suspended on an understated wood structure, the sides reminiscent of trestles. Luisa is a timeless piece, the outcome of skill, both in terms of technique and of materials. This world exclusive Cassina re-issue, has been made possible thanks to the company’s extraordinary wood...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Franco Albini for Knoll Model 48 Arm Chair
Franco Albini for Knoll Model 48 Arm Chair

Franco Albini for Knoll Model 48 Arm Chair

By Gio Ponti, Milo Baughman, Knoll, Franco Albini

Located in Chicago, IL

Beautiful No. 48 chair designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll. The chair was offered from 1949 until 1967. Blonde wood architectural frame. Upholstery appears to have been...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Wood

Poltrona a dondolo Mid Century in bambù e rattan, Italia, anni '60
Poltrona a dondolo Mid Century in bambù e rattan, Italia, anni '60

Poltrona a dondolo Mid Century in bambù e rattan, Italia, anni '60

By Franco Albini

Located in Bastia Umbra, IT

Una bellissima poltrona lounge a dondolo italiana degli anni '60 in bambù, rattan e paglia di Vienna. Nello stile della "Rocking Chaise" di Franco Albini per Poggi. Oggetto vintage i...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

1950s Franco Albini “French Riviera” Rattan Armchair, Italy
1950s Franco Albini “French Riviera” Rattan Armchair, Italy

1950s Franco Albini “French Riviera” Rattan Armchair, Italy

By Franco Albini

Located in Praha, CZ

- Good original condition - Wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina - Sturdy and stable - Coffee Table dimensions : Height 54cm ,Diameter 70cm

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Rattan

Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Walnut Wood, Italian Design, Circa 1950
Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Walnut Wood, Italian Design, Circa 1950

Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Walnut Wood, Italian Design, Circa 1950

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in Milano, IT

"Luisa" chair designed by Franco Albini in the 1930s, an icon of Italian modernist design. This model combines minimalist elegance and harmonious proportions, with an original walnut...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Wood, Nutwood

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chair for Poggi, Italy, 1953
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chair for Poggi, Italy, 1953

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chair for Poggi, Italy, 1953

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” chair for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953 Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” chair reached its final...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949
Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949

Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949

By Franco Albini

Located in Geneva, CH

Early pair of black naugahyde and oak N°48 chair by Franco Albini produced by Knoll between 1948 and 1952. Good condition, 2 little damages on corners of the seat cushion ( picture ...

Category

1940s Italian Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Naugahyde, Oak

Franco Albini Chair "47", 1949
Franco Albini Chair "47", 1949

Franco Albini Chair "47", 1949

By Franco Albini

Located in Berlin, DE

Elegant chair model "47" with renewed high quality woolen fabric, designed by Franco Albini in 1949 and manufactured by Knoll international, Belgium. Very elegant and rational design...

Category

1940s European Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Steel

Vintage Rare Bauhaus German Leather Armchair by Franco Albini for Tecta, 1950s
Vintage Rare Bauhaus German Leather Armchair by Franco Albini for Tecta, 1950s

Vintage Rare Bauhaus German Leather Armchair by Franco Albini for Tecta, 1950s

By Franco Albini

Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie

This exceptionally rare chair with arms was designed by Franco Albini in 1933 and produced by Tecta during the 1950s. The frame is made of tubular chrome-plated steel but the seat an...

Category

1950s German Bauhaus Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Chrome

Fiorenza by Albini for Arflex
Fiorenza by Albini for Arflex

Fiorenza by Albini for Arflex

By Franco Albini, Arflex

Located in Milano, IT

An authentic Fiorenza armchair, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Arflex, represents a high-quality production exemplar dating back to the early 2000s. The piece features...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Wood, Lacquer

Set of Two Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina
Set of Two Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina

Set of Two Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina

By Cassina, Franco Albini

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The small armchair, dubbed Luisa, is the fruit of a fifteen-year process of exploration, focused on creating an archetype of the basic elements of a chair, and its potential uses within the home. A idea-based design, where Franco Albini expressed the concept of “substance in form”, increasing the volume of the wooden parts where they join with others. Following various enhancements, the definitive version of the chair was awarded the prestigious Compasso D’Oro prize by the Italian Industrial Design Association (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale/ADI). The frame represents a synthesis where the seat and the back are two geometric planes suspended on an understated wood structure, the sides reminiscent of trestles. Luisa is a timeless piece, the outcome of skill, both in terms of technique and of materials. This world exclusive Cassina re-issue, has been made possible thanks to the company’s extraordinary...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Four Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina
Set of Four Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina

Set of Four Franco Albini Luisa Chairs, Wood and Fabric by Cassina

By Franco Albini, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The small armchair, dubbed Luisa, is the fruit of a fifteen-year process of exploration, focused on creating an archetype of the basic elements of a chair, and its potential uses within the home. A idea-based design, where Franco Albini expressed the concept of “substance in form”, increasing the volume of the wooden parts where they join with others. Following various enhancements, the definitive version of the chair was awarded the prestigious Compasso D’Oro prize by the Italian Industrial Design Association (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale/ADI). The frame represents a synthesis where the seat and the back are two geometric planes suspended on an understated wood structure, the sides reminiscent of trestles. Luisa is a timeless piece, the outcome of skill, both in terms of technique and of materials. This world exclusive Cassina re-issue, has been made possible thanks to the company’s extraordinary...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Red Rocking Chair Canapo by Franco Albini for Cassina, Italy
Red Rocking Chair Canapo by Franco Albini for Cassina, Italy

Red Rocking Chair Canapo by Franco Albini for Cassina, Italy

By Franco Albini

Located in Brussels, BE

Red Rocking Chair Canapo by Franco Albini for Cassina, Italy

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Wood

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 4
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 4

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 4

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” chairs for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953, set of four. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” chairs r...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

FRANCO ALBINI for POGGI Folding chair
FRANCO ALBINI for POGGI Folding chair

FRANCO ALBINI for POGGI Folding chair

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in Baranzate, IT

Folding chair with solid wood frame. Seat and backrest made of plywood. Prod. Poggi, Italy, 1952 Bibliography Exhibition catalog, Franco Albini & Franca Helg Design, April 30, 2009.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Wood

1952 Franco Albini for Knoll No. 48 Desk / Dining Chair w Arms Walnut and Fabric
1952 Franco Albini for Knoll No. 48 Desk / Dining Chair w Arms Walnut and Fabric

1952 Franco Albini for Knoll No. 48 Desk / Dining Chair w Arms Walnut and Fabric

By Franco Albini, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare No. 48 desk/dining chair, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll. This was one of Knoll's earliest designs an...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Red Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy
Mid-Century Modern Red Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy

Mid-Century Modern Red Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy

By Franco Albini

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 2
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 2

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 2

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” chairs for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953, set of two. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” chairs re...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Franco Albini for Poggi circa 1950, Folding Chair
Franco Albini for Poggi circa 1950, Folding Chair

Franco Albini for Poggi circa 1950, Folding Chair

By Franco Albini

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, circa 1950. A folding chair of wooden construction in completely original untouched vintage condition. Mech...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Franco Albini Seating

Materials

Wood

Franco Albini seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Franco Albini seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Franco Albini seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 74 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 28 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Franco Albini were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Ico Parisi, Paolo Buffa, and Carlo De Carli. Prices for Franco Albini seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $757 and can go as high as $58,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,907.