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 Pouf Stool in Curved Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Mid-Century French Riviera pouf in curved rattan, bamboo and hand-woven wicker designed by Franco Albini and made in Italy during the 1960s. The pouf is in fabulous co...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$1,486Sale Price|30% 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
Pr. Franco Albini Bamboo Reed Stools Ottoman Tables
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Pair of bamboo, willow reed ottomans, stools, tables. designed by Franco Albini. Interestingly, the original owner had glass tops custom made, to use these as end, or side tables, th...
Bamboo, Glass
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 19"W x 19"D x 11.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf
By Franco Albini
Located in Ferndale, MI
Lightweight and airy appearance sturdy and stable . . Split reed ottoman/pouf with solid maple legs that extend from floor to top of seat . Very nice original condition . Recently ac...
Rattan, Reed
Franco Albini Wicker Ottoman, Pencil Reed, Italian Mid Century, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Miami, FL
Franco Albini pencil reed rattan wicker ottoman/pouf, circa 1960s. This Italian Mid 20th Century Modern ottoman is considered one of the most iconic Italian designs of the era. The w...
Rattan, Reed, Wicker
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
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 23"W x 23"D x 13.75"H. Good original vin...
Rattan
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
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
Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf collection (6) Classic Mid Century
By Mauro Bonacina 1, Franco Albini
Located in Buffalo, NY
Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool ... airy appearance sturdy and stable . . Split reed ottoman/pouf with solid maple legs that extend ...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed
$1,420
H 14.57 in Dm 16.15 in
Franco Albini Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Round Ottoman Stool, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century round bamboo & wicker stool. Franco Albini designed this piece in Italy during the 1960s. The pouf features a beautiful combination of curved bamboo, rattan a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
H 16 in Dm 21 in
Franco Albini Style Stained Rattan, Reed & Willow Pouf/ Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Franco Albini Style Stained Rattan, Reed & Willow Pouf/ Ottoman Italy, circa 1970s A nice variation, beautiful warm earth one stain, with woven re...
Rattan, Reed, Willow
Twisted Rope Design Iron Pouf, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unusual Curule-base stool/ottoman, with a gilt-iron twisted rope base (previous green paint visible beneath), adorned with rosettes. Upholstered in vintage yellow and red rope-design...
Iron
$4,564
H 30.32 in W 29.53 in D 24.41 in
Franco Albini Italian Mid Century Rattan, Cane Organic Sunburst Chair, 1950's
By Franco Albini
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Franco Albini Mid Century Bamboo Organic Sunburst Chair By Janine Abraham & Dirk Jan Rol 1950's Franco Albini (17 October 1905 – 1 November 1...
Rattan
1960s Mid Century Large Zebra Ottoman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking oversized ottoman makes a bold statement with its eye-catching zebra-pattern upholstery and generous, plush proportions. Designed to be both functional and decorative, ...
Fabric, Walnut
$2,130Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 14.97 in Dm 14.18 in
Pair of Bamboo Rattan Round Stools or Side Tables, Franco Albini Style
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian midcentury rattan and bamboo stools, 1950s-1960s These eye-catching stools / footstools can be used as end tables, side tables or nightstands. They were entirely made by hand and have a nice construction and a clean design inspired in Michael Thonet bentwood stools...
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
ONIX Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Curry color Bouclé
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, Onix pouf exudes quiet luxury and natural beauty. Onix is upholstered with a soft, textured bouclé from Fischbacher 1819, a Swiss family-owned company ...
Bouclé
ONIX Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Dedar Jacquard Velvet
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, Onix pouf exudes quiet luxury and natural beauty. Onix is upholstered with Tiger Beat, an opulent and luxurious jacquard velvet fabric from italian bra...
Bouclé
Bamboo Ottoman or Pouf
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in New York, NY
Nice circular bamboo footrest, ottoman. Comes with upholstered pad top, in black fabric. Measures: Diameter at top 19" x diameter at bottom 16".
Upholstery, Bamboo
$2,454Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.16 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Pair of Italian Bamboo Rattan Stools in the Style of Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian midcentury rattan and bamboo stools / side tables, 1950s-1960s Handcrafted These eye-catching stools / footstools can be used as end tables, side tables or nightstands. They have a nice construction and a clean design inspired in Michael Thonet bentwood stools...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
ONIX Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Bordeaux color Bouclé
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, Onix pouf exudes quiet luxury and natural beauty. Onix is upholstered with a soft, textured bouclé from Fischbacher 1819, a Swiss family-owned company ...
Bouclé
$7,900 / set
H 15 in Dm 19.25 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Stools by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern rattan and bamboo stools / benches / ottomans by Franco Albini. Rare, master architectural works by Franco Albini that revel in their purit...
Bamboo, Rattan
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 24.41 in
Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
Franco Albini for Vittorio Bonacina (attr.) Ottoman, late 1950s / early 1960s Rattan cane A striking looking and versatile piece of furniture, a great addition to any room. Lovely or...
Rattan
Franco Albini Stools
By Franco Albini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique shaped rattan ottoman/stools by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Circular shaped with curved rattan - newly lacquered white with new creamy boucle upholstered seat cushions Sold as...
Bamboo, Rattan
Italian midcentury rattan ottoman by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic midcentury rattan footstool by Franco Albini. Excellent vintage condition. Italy, 1950s
Wicker
Sold
H 17.33 in W 27.96 in D 27.96 in
Pair of Rattan Margherita Poufs Bouclé Fabric by Franco Albini, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern space age Italian design pair of Margherita poufs stools ottomans chairs by Franco Albini recently reupholstered with a nice fabric by...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Woven Rattan Stool Ottoman, Circa 1960
By Franco Albini
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A vintage Mid-Century Modern round pouf designed by Franco Albini in the 1950s and manufactured by Vittorio Bonacina in the 1960s. An ingeniously designed stool that's composed solel...
Rattan
Classic Rattan Wicker Stool, Ottoman by Franco Albini ca. 1960’s / 1970’s
By Vittorio Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Italian design mid century, post modern pouf by Albini. This vintage example is in good overall condition, the finish shows cosmetic wear, mino...
Rattan
Mid Century Franco Albini Round Rattan Stool 1960s Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Nice 1960s Franco Albini Round ottoman or sitting stool perfect to complete your bohemian living space. We only purchase and sell only the best and finest rattan furniture made by ...
Rattan
Iconic Franco Albini Woven Rattan Ottoman, 1960s
By Vittorio Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage rattan round pouf designed by Franco Albini in the 1950s and manufactured by Vittorio Bonacina in the 1960s. An ingeniously designed stool that's composed solely of bent-ra...
Rattan
Wicker Albini Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Great example of the iconic Albini designed wicker ottoman, pouf, footrest. Very fine, original, undamaged condition, clean, ready to use.
Wicker
Iconic Franco Albini Split Reed Bamboo Pouf Ottoman Foot Rest
By Franco Albini
Located in Ferndale, MI
Classic Franco Albini foot rest. Split reed and cane.
Cane, Reed
Sold
H 20.48 in Dm 22.05 in
Mid-Century Modern Rattan Pouf Mod. Margherita by F. Albini for Bonacina, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern rattan pouf mod. Margherita by F. Albini for Bonacina, 1960s rattan pouf model Margherita with structure without legs with a circular base, made of cane cane...
Rattan
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 24.02 in
Large Vintage Midcentury Rattan Cane Ottoman by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
Franco Albini for Vittorio Bonacina, Ottoman, designed late 1950s-early 1960s, this is an original vintage piece. Rattan cane. A striking looking and versatile piece of furnitur...
Rattan