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.
Mid Century Nesting Tables Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Meblo, Italy 70s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Meblo
Located in Lucija, SI
A set of three coffee nesting tables made in the former Meblo furniture factory in the former Yugoslavia. The tables are designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Gianfranco Frat...
Glass, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Large Version Nesting Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Gianfranco Frattini large version nesting tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966. Wood nesting tables with black and white interchangeable tops Original Cassina labels.
Formica, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Tables, space age design, Cassina, Italy circa 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in leucate, FR
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Set of 3 Interlocking square nesting tables. A classic of space age design. The 3 tables are stackable to create a square block. ( like Tetris )....
Smoked Glass, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Large Nesting / Stacking Tables, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Gianfranco Frattini stacking nest of three tables for Cassina, Italy, 1970s. Rare white version in larger, wider size. Wooden frames in original white paint with reversible laminat...
Laminate, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Meblo, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Beograd, RS
This listing features a mid century modern set of 3 nesting tables, done in solid beech wood with smoked glass tops. Tables can function as 3 separate pieces, or they can get stacked...
Beech
Cassina Set of 1960s 'Marema' Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Toronto, CA
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the mid-1960s, the Marema nesting tables are a standout example of Italian modernism. Featuring four low tables that stack into a sculp...
Plastic
Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, set of Four in cream wood, 1960 Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, GB
Minimalist set of four nesting tables in descending heights. They are made of beech wood painted cream. Tables can function as four separate pieces, or they can get stacked one into ...
Beech, Plywood
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
Four 780 nesting tables by Frattini for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Limited Edition '780 Nesting Tables' by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Cassina 780 Nesting Tables – Gianfranco Frattini – Special Limited Edition Satin Black (1985) Set of 4 Stackable Side Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cas...
Wood
Italian Midcentury Gianfranco Frattini Black Nesting Tables for Cassina, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Salzburg, AT
Set of three black high gloss stacking tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s. The wood has been completely re-lacquered due to the worn surface and is now in perfect condition....
Glass, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Glass, Wood
Nesting Table By Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table for Cassina Italy 1970s
Glass, Wood
$4,688 / set
H 15.16 in W 16.34 in D 16.34 in
Set of four "780" coffee tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 4 stackable coffee tables "Mod. 780" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina This set of wooden coffee tables represents one of the most iconic and representative works of the Ita...
Wood
$1,731Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 17.72 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Coffee Nesting Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy set of 3 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Vintage Italian Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina A set of 3 mid-century modern coffee tables made of wood with smoked glass tops. Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for ...
Smoked Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Italian Coffee Table, Gianfranco Frattini Style
By Gian Franco Frattini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Mid-century Italian coffee table, very elegant and square in shape, with a singular object holder in the centre. The side pockets are very convenient for holding books and newspapers
Wood
$1,683
H 14.18 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Italian modern coffee table Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern coffee table Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s Square coffee table mod. Sesann. The structure is in chromed...
Steel
$9,918
H 31.11 in W 39.38 in D 25.6 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Wood
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables, 1960s.
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables, 1960s. Set of three Scandinavian Modern Rosewood/Palisander nesting tables with tapered legs and beautiful expressive veneer pattern. Th...
Rosewood
$2,645 / set
H 18.12 in W 21.26 in D 22.84 in
Gianfranco Frattini Pair of 780 Red Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Mid-Century tables, Model 780, designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1960s. The tables are signed inside the legs. Fully origi...
Laminate, Wood
$3,168
H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, set of Four in cream wood, 1960 Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, GB
Minimalist set of four nesting tables in descending heights. They are made of beech wood painted cream. Tables can function as four separate pieces, or they can get stacked one into ...
Beech, Plywood
$997
H 14.97 in W 23.63 in D 19.3 in
Italian 1970s Nesting Tables Gold / Smoked Glass, Italy, circa 1970
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Amazing set of three gold colored Italian 1970s nesting tables. The set resembles a Great Gatsby or Hollywood Regency style. Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Country:...
Metal
$4,328
H 21.66 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Mid-Century Italian Swivel Coffee Table by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Italian Swivel Coffee Table by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s
Wood
70s Gianfranco Frattini nesting tables
By Meblo, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Ljubljana, SI
TImeless elegance with set of mid-century modern nesting tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, crafted by Meblo in the 1960s. Wood frames and original smoked glass tops, these t...
Smoked Glass, Hardwood
Sold
H 40 in W 40 in D 40 in
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of 4 Small Tables "780/783," Italy 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Naples, IT
Exclusive coffee tables, model 780/783 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina from the 1960s. High-quality black lacquered wooden frame with four reversible table tops in black and off w...
Wood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of Four 'Marema' Nesting Tables
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 'Marema' nesting tables, plastic, Italy, 1967 Set of four 'Marema' nesting tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. All the tables are executed in off-white plastic, have a round shape and different heights, which results a dynamic look. Each table has three legs decorated with vertical lines which results in a solid exterior. The set features an ingenious system, as the tables are stackable since the legs fit and form...
Plastic
Gianfranco Frattini Set of Four '780' Nesting Tables
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, set of four nesting tables model 780/781, red lacquered wood, Italy, 1968 Gianfranco Frattini designed the 780 for Cassina in 1968. The set of four round nesting tables has different sizes. Three slat legs lift up the tabletop that features a black colored surface. The wooden frame has a deep red color and shows patina. The tables are stackable since the legs fit and form...
Wood
Sold
H 17.33 in Dm 23.63 in
Large nesting tables 780 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s, set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 Wooden nesting tables. Model large. Reversible black and white top. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age of the tables. Measures: Height Small: 29 cm Height Medium 1: 3...
Wood
Sold
H 18.12 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in
Gianfranco Frattini Stacking Tables for Cassina – Original Off-White Lacquer
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Oirlo, LI
Discover a piece of Italian design history with this set of three stacking tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, crafted in the 1970s. These tables embody the elegance and ingen...
Smoked Glass, Wood
Sold
H 20.48 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Tables in stained wood for Cassina and Meblo, 1970's
By Cassina, Meblo, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Nesting Tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini. Early edition manufactured by Meblo for Cassina, 1970s. Solid wood frames with smoked glass table tops. Good condition with minor trac...
Wood
Sold
H 15.36 in Dm 15.36 in
Model 780 Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set fo 4 Wooden nesting tables. Reversible black and white top. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age of the tables. Measures: Height Small: 25 cm Height Medium 1: 29 cm Height M...
Wood
Sold
H 15.36 in Dm 15.36 in
Model 780 Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set fo 4 Wooden nesting tables. Reversible black and white top. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age of the tables. Measures: Height Small: 25 cm Height Medium 1: 29 cm Height M...
Wood
Sold
H 15.36 in Dm 15.36 in
Model 780 Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set fo 4 Wooden nesting tables. Reversible black and white top. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age of the tables. Measures: Height Small: 25 cm Height Medium 1: 29 cm Height M...
Wood
Sold
H 20.08 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Set of 3 Nesting Tables Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Meblo, Italy 70s
By Meblo, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lucija, SI
A set of three coffee nesting tables made in Meblo furniture factory in the former Yugoslavia. The tables are designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Gianfranco Frattini is an ...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 20.08 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Mid Century Nesting Tables Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Meblo, Italy 70s
By Meblo, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lucija, SI
A set of three coffee nesting tables made in the former Meblo furniture factory in the former Yugoslavia. The tables are designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Gianfranco Frat...
Glass, Wood