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
Franco Albini for Bonacina Stool in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Naples, IT
Mid-century round Ottoman stool made of curved rattan and bamboo. This stool was designed by Franco Albini in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Rattan
Lovely Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good condition.
Bamboo, Rattan
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
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
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
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...
Rattan
Awesome Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good condition.
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini White Wicker Ottomans, Stools or Poufs
By Vittorio Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century modern Franco Albini round wicker ottomans, stools or side tables painted in off white. Manufactured by Vittorio Bonacina, Italy. Paint appears to be original, so...
Wicker
$1,423
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
$2,131Sale 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
Margherita Chair by Franco Albini for v. Bonacina, Italy, 1951
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
Margherita Armchair by Franco Albini for Vittorio Bonacina. Iconic mid-century armchair with a handwoven rattan frame. Designed by Franco Albini and awarded the Gold Medal at the IX ...
Rattan, Glass
$3,084 / set
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
Bamboo and Rattan Stool by Franco Albini (Attr.), Italy 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Utrecht, NL
Franco Albini’s best known designs were made of natural materials, especially rattan and bamboo, numerous of which belong to the permanent collections of museums, such as New York’s ...
Bamboo, 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
Bent Bamboo & Rattan Mid Century Modern Stool by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Cool midcentury modern Italian rattan and bamboo stool by Franco Albini, having woven organic materials with rounded edges and airy feel. Connie
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,195
H 13.75 in W 23 in D 23 in
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
$1,480
H 15.36 in Dm 15.75 in
Mid-Century Rattan and Wicker Red Round Pouf Stool by Tito Agnoli, Italy, 1970s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century organic pouf or side table fully made in curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly rare French Riviera style pouf was designed by Tito Agnoli in Ital...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Italian Designer, Stool, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo and rattan stool designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. One broken rattan strand on a single arm rest. Wear consistent with age and moderate use. Overall Dimen...
Bamboo, Rattan
Italian Round Ottoman Stool in Rattan and Bamboo, Franco Albini 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely mid-century round stool in bamboo, rattan and wicker. Franco Albini designed this piece in Italy during the 1960s. This pouf is made in a gorgeous combination of curved bambo...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Mid Century Modern Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy 60s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Lucija, SI
Mid Century bamboo Stool was designed by Franco Albini for Bonacina Italy in '60s. Stool is in top vintage condition. It is stable and ready to bring vintage, bohemian charm in your ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 23.63 in
Pair Mid century Franco Albini Large Rattan Cane 'lobster Pot' Ottoman Stools
By Franco Albini
Located in Norwich, GB
Pair of Italian mid-century Franco Albini wicker 'Lobster Pot' large ottoman stools. Circa 1960. Both have good matching vintage colour. 1) Sturdy, showing signs of use to the wick...
Wicker, Cane
Franco Albini for Bonacina Stool in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Mid-century round Ottoman stool made of curved rattan and bamboo. This stool was designed by Franco Albini in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Rattan
Bamboo stool by Franco Albini, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Hannover, DE
A mid-century wicker rattan stool by Franco Albini was made in Italy in the 1960s. This vintage stool is strong and stable. It is in good vintage condition. There are signs of wear a...
Bamboo, Rattan
Rattan stool seat by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Rattan stool seat by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy, 1960s Iconic stool designed by the great designer Franco Albini for the Italian company specializing in rattan.
Rattan
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 16.54 in
Franco Albini For Bonacina Italian Vintage Stool In Bamboo And “Midollino”
By Bonacina 1889, Franco Albini
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the whole description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Iconi...
Bamboo
Franco Albini Stools
By Franco Albini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Franco albini ottoman stools with unique shape Lacquered white with creamy boucle newly upholstered seat cushions Great mushroom like shape Priced as a pair
Rattan
Franco Albini for Bonacina Bamboo and Rattan Stool, Italy, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
PMid-century wicker round pouf, stool or coffee table designed by Franco Albini. Beautiful Italian Mid-Century Modern design stool from the 1960s, perfect in any room next to a sofa,...
Bamboo, Rattan
Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good condition.
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini for Bonacina Pair of Rattan and Bamboo Stools, Italy, 1960s
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Naples, IT
Pair of round rattan and bamboo stools designed by Franco Albini and produced by Bonacina in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of Mid-Century Franco Albini Bamboo Stools
By Franco Albini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Bamboo Stools by Italian Mid-Century master Franco Albini, the visionary mind behind many of Cassina's most acclaimed furniture masterpieces. Hand woven and in or...
Bamboo
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