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.
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chairs, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Vintage fabric in...
Fabric, Plywood
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chair, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Pre restoration images avai...
Fabric, Plywood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Lounge Chair in Green Upholstery and Teak
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model 877, fabric, teak, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular shap...
Fabric, Teak
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Lounge Chair in Grey Wool and Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model '877', wool, walnut, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular sh...
Wool, Walnut
Customizable Tacchini Lina Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Lina is a re-edition of one of the earliest projects designed by Gianfranco Frattini, one of the great masters of Italian design. Nominated in 1955 for the Compasso d’oro, the armcha...
Leather, Fabric
$4,074Sale Price|40% Off
Sesann Lounge Chair by Tacchini designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Carson, CA
The Sesann armchair designed by Frattini is an icon of 1970s Italian design, the absolute representation of softness, inviting one to give in to the beauty of the most authentic comf...
Chrome
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric An icon of Italian design in the 1970s, the Sesann collection by Gianfranco Frattini was part of a new vision of contemporary living in which ergono...
Leather, Fabric
"Sesann" Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berkeley, CA
This fantastic "Sesann" lounge chair by Gianfranco Frattini originally graced the lobby of Edward Lararbee Barnes and John Ming-Yee Lee's architectural offices and is the perfect can...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Space Age Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as structur...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A blue fabric and dark-stained wood lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. Seat Height: 15.5” H Leg Rest Dimensions (inches): 16.5” H x...
Fabric, Wood
Armchairs "849" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1950s, set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of brown leather and wood armchairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Model: 849. Seat height: 40 cm. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR R...
Leather, Wood
Customizable Tacchini Agnese Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Model 849, one of his most famous armchairs, was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956. Awarded honorable mention at the 3rd Compasso d’Oro, Agnes...
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Giulia Lounge Armchair with Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A re-edition of the famous model 877 by Gianfranco Frattini, from 1957, named for the wife of Gio Ponti, the designer’s great teacher and mentor. Giulia is Frattini’s modern interpre...
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. They feature black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage a...
Chrome
$5,243 / set
H 30.71 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
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
$5,839 / set
H 33.47 in W 26.78 in D 32.29 in
Pair of 1950s Italian Lounge Chairs by Gigi Radice, Rubelli Fabric
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian lounge chairs designed by Gigi Radice and produced by Minotti, evocative of the celebrated Lady model. These armchairs embody the elegance and d...
Brass
$15,200
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 35.44 in
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
$5,899 / set
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 18.12 in
Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s, 10 pcs
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
$5,660 / set
H 23.63 in W 34.65 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Carlotta Lounge Chairs by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Aartselaar, BE
A striking pair of Italian lounge chairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, this early edition of the iconic Carlotta model, manufactured late 1960s/ early 1970s, embodie...
Wood, Fabric, Foam
$9,602 / item
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cozy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$9,602 / item
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of low lounge chairs featuring wingback-style backs with distinctly shaped corners. The chairs rest on tapered legs and are upholstered in green velvet. The solid wood frames ha...
Upholstery, Wood
$8,450 / set
H 31.11 in W 30.91 in D 29.93 in
1950s Pair of Italian Lounge Chairs in Plywood and Camel Pink Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of armchairs, mahogany plywood, faux leather, metal, Italy, 1950s These easy chairs embody an exquisite form made possible by the inherent quality of the plywood, resulting in ...
Metal
$2,383Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 26.38 in W 22.45 in D 27.56 in
Gianfranco Frattini Mid-Century Armchairs in Light Leather 'Attr.'
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid pair of wooden armchairs attributed to the great designer Gianfranco Frattini in the 70s, of fine Italian manufacture. The armchairs have a solid base made of solid dark wo...
Leather, Wood
$9,414
H 29.14 in W 76.78 in D 33.47 in
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...
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
$10,693 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of Armchairs in Red Velvet
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini, pair of armchairs, velvet, chromed metal, wood, Italy, 1970s Soft, cozy armchairs by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini. Due to their shape, the chairs evok...
Metal, Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Lounge Chairs Model '849' for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, '849' easy chairs, walnut and fabric, Italy, 1956. Wonderful pair of chairs by Gianfrano Frattini for Cassina. This model features a walnut frame wh...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini in Chromed Metal
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini, pair of lounge chairs, fabric and chromed metal, Italy, 1970s A Postmodern set of two easy chairs that features bulky shapes. A tubular chromes steel frame fo...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 34.26 in
Gianfranco Frattini 'Sesann' Lounge Chair in Original Night Blue Leather
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 2 'Sesann' lounge chairs, dark blue leather and chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969. These Postmodern lounge chairs is designed by Gianfranco Frattin...
Steel
Sold
H 25.99 in W 41.74 in D 39.38 in
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of 'Sesann' Lounge Chairs in Original Cognac Leather
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, set of 2 'Sesann' lounge chairs, cognac leather and chrome plated steel, Italy, 1969. These postmodern lounge chairs is designed by Gianfranco Fra...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of Easy Chairs '849' in Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, pair of '849' easy chairs, walnut and fabric, Italy, 1956. Wonderful pair of chairs by Gianfrano Frattini for Cassina. This model features a walnu...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 30.71 in W 22.64 in D 30.32 in
Original Pair of Gianfranco Frattini 836 Lounge Chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare pair of original lounge chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In good original condition - wooden frames, patinated brass legs and presumably orig...
Metal
Tariff Tacchini Lina Armchair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
just tariff
Fabric
Sold
H 31 in W 23 in D 30 in
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Ivory Kalgan Lambskin Lounge Chairs Model 836
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina rare pair of lounge chairs model 836 with walnut frames, black painted tubular metal legs, and back and seat cushions upholstered in a luxurious ivory...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 25.6 in W 41.34 in D 39.38 in
Sesann Lounge chair by Gianfranco Frattini in velvet for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Wonderful early production ‘Sesann’ lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Cassina, Italy 1969. This super comfortable lounge chair comes in a high quality...
Chrome
Sold
H 25.6 in W 41.34 in D 39.38 in
Sesann two seater sofa in velvet by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful early production two seater ‘Sesann’ sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Cassina, Italy 1969. This super comfortable sofa has been reupholstered in a ...
Chrome
Sold
H 25.6 in W 41.34 in D 39.38 in
Pair Of Sesann Lounge Chairs Gianfranco Frattini In brown Leather, Cassina 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Wonderful pair of early production ‘Sesann’ lounge chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Cassina, Italy 1969. This super comfortable lounge chairs come in a hig...
Chrome