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.
Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s, 10 pcs
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Diest, BE
Great set of 10 Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Overall good vintage condition. Some chairs have scratches on the seat and wood. Literature...
Wood
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...
Fabric, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Walnut and Black Leather Chairs, Italy 1981
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Sacile, PN
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini set of six walnut and black leather chairs, Italy 1981 circa. This set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, is characterized by a splendid co...
Leather, Wood
$6,890Sale Price / set|50% Off
Caprille Dining Chair Set, Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Black & Pink, 1980
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cassina Caprile dining chair set by Gianfranco Frattini. Gorgeous original woven textile with shades of pink and peach. Lovely lacquered wood frame. Labeled. Gianfranco Frattini real...
Textile, Wood
Set of 8 “107” Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Paris, FR
Set of eight model “107” dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. A refined Italian modern classic, defined by its two-part curved backrest and archit...
Wood, Velvet
Wood and skai, 1960s dining Chairs Model 104 by G. Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 6 dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the '60s. Walnut structure with black skai seat. Very good condition: the chairs have been refinished, but show ...
Leather, Rosewood
Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini Reupholstered
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Four Clean Lined Italian Dining Chairs, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Lema S.P.A., Italian, circa 1960s. The chairs are currently being reupholstered and can be complete...
Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Maple
Set of 4 Model 102 Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of four Model 102 dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. These chairs exemplify the refined craftsmanship and structural clarity of Frattini’s d...
Wool, Cotton, Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini, Italian Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Wooden Chairs, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful Set of 4 wooden chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s: a perfect Italian Mid-Century addition in a well curated dining room. Subtle geometric transitions between curves and...
Leather, Wood
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 6 chairs Model 101 Rosewood Cassina Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, IDF
Gianfranco FRATTINI (1926-2004) Set of 6 chairs model 101 with structure and backrest in rosewood. Seat covered with a yellow wool fabric. Traces of use. Lo...
Rosewood
$7,400 / set
H 29.34 in W 22.84 in D 18.9 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 4
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, green lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of four. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous...
Straw, Wood
$2,600 / set
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 18.12 in
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
$5,000 / set
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 4
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, green lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of four. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous c...
Straw, Wood
$4,080 / set
H 18.12 in W 19.69 in D 17.33 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining room chairs for Cassina Italy 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Almelo, NL
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining room chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1960, set of six. Vico Magistretti's "Carimate" dining chairs, designed for Cassina, feature a natural wood frame ...
Straw, Beech
Black Leather 'CAB' Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic leather CAB chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Priced individua...
Leather
$2,886 / set
H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 17.33 in
1960s Børge Mogensen Model 122 Oak and Teak Dining Chairs for Søborg Møbelfabric
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Praha, CZ
- The chairs have been carefully refurbished - Height of seat 48 cm.
Oak, Teak
$15,799 / set
H 32.29 in W 16.15 in D 17.52 in
Modernist Vintage Six Superleggera Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina 1957 Italy
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist Vintage authentic set of six ( 6 ) Superleggera Dining Chairs or Chairs from black lacquered wood and light brown cane mesh designed 1957 by Gio Ponti and manufactured 199...
Wood
$12,500 / set
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 10
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, green lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of ten. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous ch...
Straw, Wood
$5,800 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 4
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, red lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of four. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous c...
Straw, Wood
$11,600 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 8
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, red lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of eight. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous ...
Straw, Wood
$5,200 / set
H 31.7 in W 18.9 in D 18.51 in
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Four Dining Chairs in Brown Leather
By Silvio Coppola, Bernini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of four dining chairs model 330, leather, walnut, Italy, 1960s. This magnificent set of dining chairs by the renowned Italian designer Silvio Coppola...
Leather, Beech
$17,400 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960 Set of 12
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, red lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of twelve. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous c...
Straw, Wood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Set of Eight Armchairs in Leather and Walnut
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, set of eight armchairs model ‘831’, leather, walnut, 1981 This delicate set of eight armrests is designed by the Italian m...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 31.7 in W 18.9 in D 20.67 in
Gianfranco Frattini Set of Eight 'Caprile' Dining Chairs in Red Leather
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, dining chairs model 'Caprile', wood, leather, Italy, designed in 1985 Stunning set of eight 'Caprile' dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattin...
Leather, Wood
Six Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati
By Cantieri Carugati, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Six chairs, beige faux leather, beech, by Gianfranco Frattini for Carugati Cantieri, Italy, 1950s. This delicate set of six dining chair are executed in aniline bent and stained ...
Faux Leather, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.5 in D 19.5 in
Caprile Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, circa 1980
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
Caprile dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1980’s. Set of 8, made of steel and leather. Original condition.
Leather
Sold
H 29.93 in W 18.51 in D 19.3 in
Gianfranco Frattini Midcentury Mod.102 Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1960, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
These four Mod. 102 dining chairs, a creation of the renowned Gianfranco Frattini and the craftsmanship of Cassina, a prestigious Italian company, circa 1960, stand out with their un...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 29.93 in W 18.51 in D 18.12 in
Set of Six Gianfranco Frattini Dining Chairs Mod. 105 in Rosewood for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Hellouw, NL
This exquisite set of six dining chairs, designed by the iconic Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1956 embodies the timeless elegance of mid-century modern design. his period was si...
Fabric, Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini dining chairs in teak Bernini Italy 1981
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful shaped dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy 1981. These chairs are made of solid walnut and they are upholstered with original black saddle leat...
Leather, Walnut
Four Leather Lalanda Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, 1980's
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of four Lalanda chairs designed in 1980's by the Italian architect Gianfranco Frattini for the Spanish company Kron, Madrid. Metal structure lacquered and covered in brown leather.
Metal
Sold
H 29 in W 18.5 in D 17 in
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sold as a set of four, these Dining Chairs, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Lema S.P.A., Italy, are in good condition, with a few scratches on the legs. The chairs have the origi...
Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Maple
Set of Six 1960s Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, London
Dining chairs Set of six By Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Ribbon shaped moulded plywood back Italy 1960s Seat height 46cm.
Teak
Set of Six Italian Rosewood Dining Chairs Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
If you’re looking to add a classic Italian accent to your dining area, the Set of Six Italian Rosewood model 101 Dining Chairs produced by Cassina is the perfect choice. Crafted from...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid Century Italian Dining Set by Gianfranco Fratrini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Dining table and six chairs by Gianfranco Frattini A table and six chairs designed by Frattini and produced by Bernini in Italy in 1957. The model 552 dining table has two hourglass...
Rosewood