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 for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Cherry
By Cantieri Carugati, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantiere Carugati, bookcase / wall unit, cherry, walnut, mahogany, iron, Italy, 1958 This library unit is designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini an...
Iron
$14,436Sale Price|20% Off
Bilateral Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic sideboard designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. Italy 1960 ca. Three vertical tambour doors on one side, with three large and two smal...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare and unusual desk model N°804 designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. Pulling out the desk top opens the rolltop. This desk cabinet has plenty of storage space, 10 drawers a...
Ash
Gian Franco Frattini Albero book mill pre Poltrona Frau
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Weesp, NL
Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry wood, Albero mid century modern book mill designed by Gian franco Frattini, pre Poltrona Frau. This unique Brazilian Cherry wood version has been made in th...
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini wardobe by Bernini Italy 1957
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare sliding door wardrobe, designed by the celebrated Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini, Italy in 1957. It epitomizes the refined elegance of mid-century modern d...
Rosewood
20th Century, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Wooden Cabinet mod. 504
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
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...
Wood
Rotating Storage Unit in Wood and Brass for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Roma, IT
Rotating Storage Unit Manufactured by Bernini, Italy, circa 1960s Mahogany, brass, and glass. This refined rotating storage unit epitomizes Gianfranco Frattini’s meticulous approach...
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantiere Carugati, bookcase / wall unit, Italian walnut, metal, Italy, 1958 This library unit is designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini and offers ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Wooden Secretary Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant mahogany wood desk with aluminum inserts designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini in 1960. Hardwood and wood veneer, details on feet and the bottom in aluminum. Pull-out t...
Aluminum
$7,410Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural wood Italian cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini for Berini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and beautiful wood cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1950 - 60s. A true classic of Italian Mid-Century design, capable of speaking with style and sophisticatio...
Wood
$6,015Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Sesamo Pop Up Desk / Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1981
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Basel, BS
Exquisite and very rare Pop Up Desk by Gianfranco Frattini in Italy for Bernini. Label present, and all drawer pulls are stamped with the logo. When you p...
Leather, Beech
Gianfranco Frattini Desk Model 530 Bernini Italy 1957
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning medium sized writing desk model 530 designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini, Italy 1957. This desk is made of nicely grained rosewood and cherrywood vene...
Rosewood
$3,377Sale Price|50% Off
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Rosewood Modello 823 Bookshelf, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed in 1963 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Modello 823 bookshelf was manufactured by Bernini. After going out of production Poltrona Frau re-issued the design in 2022 un...
Rosewood
Black Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Greding, DE
Refined black-lacquered desk on cylindrical legs, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. The desk features ten drawers, a pull-out writing surface, and a tambour top that conce...
Wood
20th Century, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Cabinet with Desk mod. 804
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
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...
Glass, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Model 504 Highboard for Bernini, 1960, Early Production
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Model 504 highboard designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini in 1960, early production. This piece belongs to Frattini’s important early collaboration with Bernini and represents...
Walnut
20th Century, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Cabinet mod. 503
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
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...
Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Cabinet in Cherry
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati, cabinet, cherry, Italy, 1958 This piece of furniture is crafted with a solid design, characterized by clean, straight lines and angular sh...
Cherry
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
$2,893Sale Price|35% Off
Vintage 1960s wooden secretaire credenza design G.Frattini for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in None, IT
Rosewood secretaire with gilt brass feet and handles, features four drawers and a flap with original lock and key, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1960s. CONDITION: In ...
Brass
Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini / Bernini, Italy 1961
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Berlin, DE
Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini Italy, 1961 Materials & Techniques Notes: rosewood, 2 tambour style roll down fronts, ...
Rosewood, Down
Gianfranco Frattini Sideboard for Bernini 1957
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in taranto, IT
Wonderful sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini designed for Bernini, 1957. Made in rosewood with two parts closed by shutters. Very good conditions, as pics. Measures: width cm 140,...
Wood
Gianfranco Frattini 804 writing desk for Bernini, 1962
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Misinto, IT
The Secrétaire 804 is one of the most representative designs of Gianfranco Frattini's creativity and the manufacturing excellence of Bernini, a historic Italian haute cabinet-making ...
Crystal, Aluminum
Italian Modern Rosewood Wall Unit/Bookcase by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 540 modular bookcase designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini (ca. 1960s, Italy). Uncommon rosewood example composed of four vertical slatted-rails creating three bays inclu...
Metal, Aluminum
Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 804 Rolltop Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Munich, DE
Walnut writing desk model 804 designed in 1961 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy. Tambour top that hides small drawers and a pull out leather writing surface. Front side with...
Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Sideboard in Rosewood, Italy 1960s
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Hellouw, NL
Quietly sculptural and immaculately resolved, this rosewood sideboard designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini reveals the architectural sensibility behind his best work. Design ...
Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini Walnut Sideboard
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Gianfranco Frattini walnut sideboard.
Wood
$5,293Sale Price|20% Off
No. 804 Rolltop Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and unusual desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. By pulling the desk top out you open the rolltop. This desk cabinet has a lot of storage space, 10 drawers at the f...
Wood
Gianfranco frattini cabinet by Bernini Italy 1957
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Behold the exquisite craftsmanship of the small sideboard or cabinet, a testament to the visionary design of Gianfranco Frattini and the masterful production of Bernini, Italy, in 19...
Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini Hardwood Writing Desk for Bernini, 1961
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Writing desk model 807 designed in 1961 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy. Tambour top that hides small drawers and a pull out leather writing surface, ten drawers in the low...
Aluminum
Desk Model 530, Gianfranco Frattini Bernini Edition, 1957
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Desk model 530 - Gianfranco Frattini - Circa 1957 Bernini edition (label in right drawer) Rosewood H95xW130xD79.5cm In a perfect state The desk features a removable storage un...
Wood, Rosewood
"804" Rolltop Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1960s
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Model 804 desk by Gianfranco Fattini. The roll top opens by pulling on the leather-encrusted writing surface. There are two glass shelves at the back. On top, there's a glass shelf...
Aluminum
Gianfranco Frattini Highboard Model 504 Bernini, Italy 1960
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare high credenza in Brazilian rosewood by Gianfranco Frattini Model 504 made by Bernini, Italy around 1961. Vertical rolling curtain doors Good condition
Wood, Rosewood
Mid-Century Wooden Bar Cabinet on wheels by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Wooden Bar Cabinet on wheels by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1970s Gianfranco Frattini was born in Padua in 1926 and graduated in architecture at the ...
Glass, Wood
Midcentury Modern Wooden Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Madrid, ES
Hardwood writing desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Bernini, Italy. The desk features a removable top part with extra drawers and storage compartments. This desk ca...
Hardwood
Italian writing desk model 530 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini - 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Uccle, BE
Italian writing desk model 530 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini - 1960s Depth 79cm - Width 130cm - Height 71cm - Total Height 94cm This desk is a versatile wonder, fitting perfectl...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s
Wood
$2,406Sale Price|20% Off
Walnut Commode by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Madrid, ES
Small walnut wood chest of drawers with metal details from the 1960s. Designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini. Some stains on the metal and dents on the wooden to...
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
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
Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy 1960s.
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Sideboard Buffet present two doors for each side, with beautiful carved handles of oval shape, four cylindrical feet and a metal finish. Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini...
Metal
Cabinet / End Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern walnut cabinet / end table designed by Gianfranco Frattini. This cabinet has two (2) top drawers having round handles and three (3) drawers with oval integral ha...
Aluminum