Skip to main content

Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Italian, 1926-2004

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.

to
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
207
48
45
45
36
Creator: Gianfranco Frattini
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s

Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Berlin, DE

French daybed from the 1950s, defined by a clear, architectural mahogany frame and a refined sense of proportion. Newly upholstered, the piece reflects the postwar French approach to...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Metal

Daybed 882 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in newly upholstered brown Mohair
Daybed 882 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in newly upholstered brown Mohair

Daybed 882 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in newly upholstered brown Mohair

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Berlin, DE

Model 882 daybed sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This elegant piece features a solid wood frame with refined dovetail joints and new brown Mohair upholstery by Mark...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Mohair, Upholstery, Wood

Related Items
Six Dining Chairs "Model 101", by Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina, Italy 1960s
Six Dining Chairs "Model 101", by Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina, Italy 1960s

Six Dining Chairs "Model 101", by Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina, Italy 1960s

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Wolfurt, AT

Set of six Italian dining chairs, model 101, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1960s and manufactured by Cassina. Fine rosewood combined with mint-colored fabric upholstery by L...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972

Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Vicenza, IT

Sesann three-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features brown alpaca velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular ca...

Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Chrome

Daybed, French Reconstruction 1950
Daybed, French Reconstruction 1950

Daybed, French Reconstruction 1950

$3,014

H 10.04 in W 74.41 in D 30.71 in

Daybed, French Reconstruction 1950

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Beech daybed, France 1950. The top consists of an oak veneered part and a shelf inlaid with opposing triangles in light oak and mahogany. The mattress and its two cushions are covere...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Beech, Oak

Mid-Century Walnut Daybed in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, Italy 1960s
Mid-Century Walnut Daybed in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, Italy 1960s

Mid-Century Walnut Daybed in the Manner of Paolo Buffa, Italy 1960s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Utrecht, NL

This daybed, in the style of Italian design icon Paolo Buffa, is a true testament to the glory days of mid-century modernism. Buffa's design language was always coherent with current...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Danish Freestanding Daybed in Rosewood with Cane and Newly Upholstered Mattress
Danish Freestanding Daybed in Rosewood with Cane and Newly Upholstered Mattress

Danish Freestanding Daybed in Rosewood with Cane and Newly Upholstered Mattress

Located in Lejre, DK

Elegant freestanding daybed/sofa produced in Denmark in the 1960s. The frame is crafted in rosewood with beautifully figured grain, and the sides are fitted with cane panels that giv...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Rattan, Rosewood

Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of 2 "Model 849" Chairs, 1958
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of 2 "Model 849" Chairs, 1958

Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of 2 "Model 849" Chairs, 1958

$10,214 / set

H 28.75 in W 33.47 in D 28.35 in

Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of 2 "Model 849" Chairs, 1958

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Wolfurt, AT

This pair of "Model 849" armchairs was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The pieces consist of up...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Fantastic 1950s Pierre Jeanneret Daybed
Fantastic 1950s Pierre Jeanneret Daybed

Fantastic 1950s Pierre Jeanneret Daybed

$25,000

H 16.5 in W 72 in D 36.75 in

Fantastic 1950s Pierre Jeanneret Daybed

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Philadelphia, PA

We are pleased to present this fantastic daybed or Diwan by Pierre Jeanneret, circa late 1950s. The bed is documented as model PJ-L-11-A. Pierre Jeanneret first arrived in India ...

Category

20th Century Indian Modern Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972

Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972

By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Vicenza, IT

The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This lounge chair features a chocolate brown alpaca velvet upho...

Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Chrome

"Les trois Arcs" Slatted Daybed by Charlotte Perriand, France, 1970s
"Les trois Arcs" Slatted Daybed by Charlotte Perriand, France, 1970s

"Les trois Arcs" Slatted Daybed by Charlotte Perriand, France, 1970s

Unavailable|$37,600

H 12.6 in W 31.5 in D 88.59 in

"Les trois Arcs" Slatted Daybed by Charlotte Perriand, France, 1970s

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Antwerp, BE

Slatted daybed, "Les Trois Arcs", by Charlotte Perriand, crafted from larch wood. The bench features a clean, minimalist aesthetic with its precisely aligned slats, showcasing both f...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Wood, Pine

Italian Bamboo and Rattan Daybed, 1950s
Italian Bamboo and Rattan Daybed, 1950s

Italian Bamboo and Rattan Daybed, 1950s

$2,652 / item

H 27.17 in W 78.75 in D 37.8 in

Italian Bamboo and Rattan Daybed, 1950s

Located in Chiavari, Liguria

This daybed has a calm and well-balanced presence, defined by its generous proportions and low, horizontal profile. The backrest and armrests are set at the same height, creating an ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Jacques Adnet Daybed, 1950s France
Jacques Adnet Daybed, 1950s France

Jacques Adnet Daybed, 1950s France

$36,000

H 35.5 in W 87.5 in D 40.5 in

Jacques Adnet Daybed, 1950s France

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exceptional leather and oak daybed by Jacques Adnet. The entire frame is wrapped in dark green leather with signature Adnet contrast stitching and brass hardware. Cane style paneling on all sides. Only the two crossbars underneath the bed are not wrapped in leather. Extremely collectible and rare bed...

Category

1950s French Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Brass, Steel

Beautiful ‘Minimalism’ Teak Daybed  1950s Holland
Beautiful ‘Minimalism’ Teak Daybed  1950s Holland

Beautiful ‘Minimalism’ Teak Daybed 1950s Holland

$2,278

H 12.6 in W 37.41 in D 76.78 in

Beautiful ‘Minimalism’ Teak Daybed 1950s Holland

Located in Den Haag, NL

Beautiful ‘Minimalism’ solid Teak wood Daybed comes with two drawers very good condition . legs can be removed . 1950s Holland . The drawers can be removed for a sleeker design . ...

Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Previously Available Items
A Gianfranco frattini leather & wood day bed
A Gianfranco frattini leather & wood day bed

A Gianfranco frattini leather & wood day bed

Sold

H 18.51 in W 76.78 in D 34.65 in

A Gianfranco frattini leather & wood day bed

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in London, GB

A stunning daybed in Dark oak with caramel leather upholstery and wool boucle on the other side . C1960s . Gianfranco frattini . Italy

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Bouclé, Wood

20th Century Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Sofa Mod 872 with movable backrest
20th Century Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Sofa Mod 872 with movable backrest

20th Century Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Sofa Mod 872 with movable backrest

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Turin, Turin

Frattini graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic in 1953. He opened his professional studio in Milan, after working in the studio of his teacher and mentor Gio Ponti. Hi...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 872 sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1958
Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 872 sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1958

Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 872 sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1958

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Milan, IT

Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 872 sofa for Cassina, Italy 1958.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Two-Seat "Sesann" Sofa by Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Two-Seat "Sesann" Sofa by Frattini for Cassina, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Two-Seat "Sesann" Sofa by Frattini for Cassina, 1970s

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina

Located in Prato, IT

Mid-Century Modern Italian two-seat "Sesann" sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s The sofa has been re-upholstered with Rubelli fabric. If needed, the sofa could be sold ...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Daybeds

Materials

Chrome

Gianfranco Frattini daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.

Gianfranco Frattini daybeds are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gianfranco Frattini daybeds, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original daybeds by Gianfranco Frattini were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider daybeds by Osvaldo Borsani, Gae Aulenti, and Tecno. Prices for Gianfranco Frattini daybeds can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $15,394 and can go as high as $15,394, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $15,394.

Creators Similar to Gianfranco Frattini