Gianfranco Frattini is widely regarded as a mid-century master of Italian modern design. He was an award-winning architect and designer, and specialized in creating furniture and decor that is both decorative and practical — Frattini’s vintage desks, armchairs, nesting tables and other works are celebrated for their sophisticated merging of function and form.
Born in Padua in 1926, Frattini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He later apprenticed with his teacher and mentor, Gio Ponti. Through Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian architecture and design — Frattini met many notable modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier, but an introduction to famed Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cassina would prove incredibly significant in helping launch his career.
During the mid-1950s, Frattini began to collaborate with Cassina’s eponymous company. He designed the brand’s acclaimed leather and walnut Model 849 lounge chair — a winner of the Compasso d’Oro award — the Marema nesting tables and the iconic Sesann collection. The latter, an enduring 1970s suite of impossibly welcoming leather-covered seating, is now produced by Tacchini. In addition to Cassina, Frattini created furniture and lighting for other manufacturers such as Bernini, Arteluce, Artemide, Knoll and more.
While many of his designs incorporate glass, tubular steel and other materials, Frattini loved working with wood. The sculptural Albero bookcase — an innovative floor-to-ceiling structure made in walnut that swings on a 360-degree vertical swivel axis — is a striking example of Frattini’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Japan with friend and collaborator Pierluigi Ghianda — a master Milanese cabinet maker — in order to study the work of artisans in Kyoto. The trip inspired his design of the Kyoto table, a work of solid beech with Canaletto walnut inserts that is part of the permanent collection of the Milan Triennale’s Design Museum. The Kyoto and Albero have been revived by Poltrona Frau.
Frattini’s designs are in the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Find vintage Gianfranco Frattini furniture, lighting and decor on 1stDibs.
$1,000Sale Price|60% Off
1979 Halogen Table Lamp '' Abele'' from Luci , Italia
By Gianfranco Frattini, Luci Italia
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Powerfull halogen table / desk lamp designed by Gianfranco Frattini . Extruded aluminium body powder coated in a black semi-gloss finish. Accurate rotating dimmer on base. Take...
Aluminum
Midcentury Set of 7 Dining Chairs Mod 101 by Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Midcentury set of 7 dining room chairs mod. 101 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960. Signed. Teak wood. Solid and stable. Fully restored.
Teak
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Luxury Sofa in Red / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
Writing Desk by Gianfranco FRATTINI for BERNINI, 1961
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Elegant modular walnut Desk, mod. 807 with black leather and aluminium detail. The roll top tambour-door opens by pulling out the leather writing surface. There are 8 pull-out drawer...
Aluminum
Tacchini Serie 500/3 Storage Cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Serie 500/3: three-unit sideboard with shutters and drawers in the left compartment; glass or wood shelves available as optional. Optional wooden shelf or Optional glass shelf - Se...
Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' Floor Lamp for Artemide in Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' floor lamp for Artemide in black. New modern edition of the design classic by Gianfranco Frattini from 1979. The elegant uplighter radiates with its t...
Aluminum, Steel
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Green fabric / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as...
Metal
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair - Blue
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Anilina - Chrome Metal
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Luxury Sofa in Yellow / Black
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini floor lamp in Murano glass, Italy 1990s
By Relco Milano, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Firenze, FI
Floor lamp with an essential and modern design, placed within a room with a warm and traditional atmosphere. The lamp has a slim black metal frame with a circular gray stone base and...
Stone, Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather and Chrome Metal 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute representation of softness, inviting you to surre...
Metal
BOALUM lamp - L. Castiglioni- G. Frattini - ARTEMIDE - ITALY 1970.
By Gianfranco Frattini, Livio Castiglioni, Artemide
Located in Milano, IT
Created in 1970 by LIVIO CASTIGLIONI é GIANFRANCO FRATTINI and produced by ARTEMIDE, it was defined by DOMUS magazine as "A SERPENT OF BRIGHT LIGHT, it immediately entered the histor...
PVC
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Anilina - Black Metal
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute r...
Metal
Acerbis Square Maestro Table in Bleached Ash Wood by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created at the end of the 1990s by architect Gianfranco Frattini, the Maestro table combines design vision and excellence in the of Italian cabinetmaking...
Ash
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Luxury Sofa in Beige / Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timel...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Sofa in Sky fabric / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless ...
Metal
$13,743Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Set of Vintage Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini in Purple Velvet
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful set of sofas designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 50's, of fine Italian manufacture. The three-seater sofa is composed of three seats and a small table inserted into the...
Iron
Set of 4 Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
AI Mode Tutti Immagini Video Video brevi Notizie Web Libri Finanza Ecco una bozza professionale e ottimizzata in lingua inglese (lo standard per la piattaforma internazionale) per ...
Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Beograd, RS
This listing features mid century modern set of 3 nesting tables, done in solid beech wood painted black, with black glass tops. Tables can function as 3 separate pieces, or they can...
Beech
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Luxury leather Armchair Grey
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable test...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Splendor fabric / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as...
Metal
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Leather Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Pink fabric Armchair - Pink
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Wood, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini Agnese Lounge Chair with Stained Wooden base from Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Carson, CA
Agnese Lounge Chair Designed by Gianfranco Frattini Agnese is one of Gianfranco Frattini’s most famous armchairs ‒ model 849 from 1956 ‒ an iconic timeless piece of Italian design, w...
Upholstery, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Set of 3 Decorative Containers by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti '1974'
By Gianfranco Frattini, Progetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very cool and extremely versatile set of decorative objects designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti in 1974. With melamine (hard plastic) bowls and vulancized rubber tops, the...
Plastic, Rubber
Pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide Wallights, Italy, 1960s
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide Wallights, Italy, 1960s.
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Italian Luxury Sofa in Grey / Chrome
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa stands as a timeless masterpiece of Italian design. It is a definitiv...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini Walnut 809/C “Ovunque” Sideboard for Bernini, 1981
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Vicenza, IT
809/C sideboard, from the “Ovunque” series, designed by Gianfranco Frattini, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Bernini in 1981. Made of walnut. Excellent vintage condition. ...
Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Loren fabric / Chrome
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Rosewood desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and exceptionally rare Mid Century Modern Desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini. The table is done in rosewood....
Brass
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Brown Leather Armchair - Grey
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testa...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini chairs, mod. 107, 1961, set of 16
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Frattini chairs mod 107 from 1961. Set of 16: an important set of seats of the Italian design of the 60s, characterized by formal elegance, construction quality and great ...
Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather Zareen - Black Metal
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Sofa — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute r...
Metal
Wonderful and Extremely Rare Frattini Secretary for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Munich, DE
By pulling the drawer the tambour roll top opens automatic. Then you can double the size of the writing surface.
Wood
Acerbis Small Gong Side Table in Matt Painted Orbital Bronze Top with Frame
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architect Gianfranco Frattini signed Gong, which was unveiled for the first time in 1987. Gong is a range of round metal tables of formal simplicity ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Armchair in Leather Green / Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Sesann Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini The Concept & Inspiration Designed by master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann armchair stands as a t...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini, Rare Pair of Wingback Armchairs Model 877 (First Edition)
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare pair of Wingback armchairs from an important chalet in the Italian Alps. Designed by the Italian Architect Gianfranco Frattini for the Cassina company in 1959. The fabric, in ex...
Fabric, Wood
Four 780 nesting tables by Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Set of Four Side Tables, Model 780 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Elegant set of four side tables, model 780, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This refined ensemble ...
Formica, Wood
Tacchini Serie 500/4 Storage Cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Optional wooden shelf or Optional glass shelf - Serie 500/4: four-piece sideboard with shutters and drawers in the lower left compartment; glass or wood shelves available as optio...
Walnut
Italian modern crystal vase by Gianfranco Frattini for Kristal Sonoro, 1980s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern crystal vase by Gianfranco Frattini for Kristal Sonoro, 1980s. Modern Italian crystal vase, by Gianfranco Frattini for Kristal Sonoro, circa 1980. Crystal flower vase,...
Crystal
Acerbis Extra Large Maestro Table in Dark Stained Walnut by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created at the end of the 1990s by architect Gianfranco Frattini, the Maestro table combines design vision and excellence in the of Italian cabinetmaking...
Walnut
Frattini Mid-Century Pink Fabric and Wood Bergère Armchair, Model 877, for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview Elegant “Giulia” Bergère Armchair, Model 877, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina and produced in Italy in 1959, distinguished by its imposing wingback silhouette. T...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini "Sesann" Sofa in Leather and Black Metal, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970, the Sesann sofa is a true icon of Italian design and the absolute representation of softness, inviting you to surr...
Metal
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Blue fabric Armchair - Grey
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - White fabric Armchair - Green
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini -White fabric Armchair - Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Stool Designed by G. Frattini Cassina from Hotel Parco Dei Principi, Published
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Beautiful ,elegant bar stool from the 'Hotel Parco dei Principi' in Rome dating from 1960 . Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1959 for the Stork Club, Milan. Gio Ponti used them...
Brass
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red fabric Armchair - Green
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Lucilla Table Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Leuka, Italy 1970s
By Leuka, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
Lucilla Table Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Leuka, Italy 1970s. Dimensions Cm 55,00 x 48,50. Lacquered aluminium, fabric. Good conditions!
Aluminum
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red fabric Armchair - Black
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully bl...
Fabric, Wood
Gecko table lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Leuka, 1970s
By Leuka, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Gecko table lamp, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Leuka in 1971. Giuliana Gramigna described on page 208 of 'Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000' (translated from Italian):...
Metal
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Red fabric Armchair - Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood
Italian modern stackable red white coffee table 780/783 Frattini Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern stackable red white coffee table 780/783 Frattini Cassina, 1970s Set of four coffee tables mod. 780/783 with round base lacquered white and red. The structure is compo...
Laminate, Wood
Lina Armchair — Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini - Light blue Armchair - Red
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
The Concept & Inspiration Designed by the master architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, the Lina armchair is a remarkable testament to Italian design excellence, masterfully ble...
Fabric, Wood