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 Pair of 780 Red Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
$9,135 / set
Gianfranco Frattini 780/783 Tables For Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gianfranco Frattini 780/783 Low Tables For Cassina The series of round low tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini is emblematic of Italian design in the ...
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
Hardwood Side Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Madrid, ES
Small side table or a nightstand of hardwood, designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Bernini, Italy, around 1960. The rectangular top sits above two smoothly integrated draw...
Hardwood
1967, Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 8 Pieces of Marema Stacking Tables
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) 2 Sets of four side tables in plastic 'Marema' by Gianfranco Fratinni...
Plastic
Pair Gianfranco Frattini Side Tables with Travertine Top
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two Gianfranco Frattini side tables by Bernini with travertine top. Excellent condition.
Travertine
$2,326Sale Price / item|20% Off
Acerbis Medium Gong Side Table in Matt Bronze Top with Brushed Brass Frame
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architect Gianfranco Frattini signed Gong, which was unveiled for the first time in 1987. Gong is a range of round metal tables of formal simplicity and clean lines, which are avail...
Metal
$2,384Sale Price / item|20% Off
Acerbis Large Gong Side Table in Matt Bronze Top with Brushed Brass Frame
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architect Gianfranco Frattini signed Gong, which was unveiled for the first time in 1987. Gong is a range of round metal tables of formal simplicity ...
Metal
Set of 4 ‘Model 780’ White Wood Stacking Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 4 ‘Model 780’ modular nesting tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1966. Crafted from solid wood in a white finish, these side tables feature laminated tops...
Wood
$2,256Sale Price / item|20% Off
Acerbis Medium Gong Side Table in Matt Painted Gunmetal Top with Frame
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architect Gianfranco Frattini signed Gong, which was unveiled for the first time in 1987. Gong is a range of round metal tables of formal simplicity...
Metal
$2,335Sale Price / item|20% Off
Acerbis Small Gong Side Table in Matt Painted Orbital Bronze Top with Frame
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architect Gianfranco Frattini signed Gong, which was unveiled for the first time in 1987. Gong is a range of round metal tables of formal simplicity ...
Metal
$2,256Sale Price / item|20% Off
Acerbis Large Gong Side Table in Matt Painted Gunmetal Top with Frame
By Gianfranco Frattini, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architect Gianfranco Frattini signed Gong, which was unveiled for the first time in 1987. Gong is a range of round metal tables of formal simplicity and clean lines, which are availa...
Metal
1967, Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 4 Pieces of Marema Stacking Tables
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This tables are part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last two pictures of this listing or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Set of four side tables in plastic 'Marema' by Gianfranco Fratinni...
Plastic
$3,167 / set
H 17.09 in W 25.2 in D 14.57 in
Three Italian Midcentury Nesting Tables by Ico Parisi, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Paris, FR
An exquisite set of three vintage nesting side or coffee tables, crafted by the renowned Italian furniture designer Ico Parisi in the 1950s. They are a testament to Parisi's visionar...
Glass, Wood
Pair of 2-Tier Entretoise Side Tables by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 2-tier 'Entretoise' side tables by Design Frères. Wrought iron base with 2 thin travertine shelves. Also great as small nightstands. Shelves are removable for secure shipping...
Travertine, Wrought Iron
Solid Wood Side Table
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Wooden side table in solid wood with an oiled finish. Designed by Project 213A in 2020 This sculptural side table is hand carved by local artisans in Por...
Chestnut
Vintage chinoiserie Rattan Nesting Tables, circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
A set of three vintage chinoiserie Rattan nesting tables. circa 1960s. Feature a tiger bamboo and rattan frame and black laminated top with floral ...
Bamboo, Rattan
$4,718 / 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
1960s Nesting Ceramic Tile Tables, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- 3 pieces - Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Ceramic, Wood
Pacific Side Table by VOLK
By VOLK 3
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As shown: Solid white oak with cerused finish. Custom brass legs and turned brass drawer pulls. Fabric lined drawers upon request at an additional fee. Oil and wax finish. Dimen...
Brass
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
$3,571 / set
H 17.72 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
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
Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This side table is an example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood, which radiates warmth and elegance. With its simple and functional design, this table fits perfectl...
Teak
Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rosewood 1960s Danish
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Danish nesting table from the 1960s in rosewood.
Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini Reversible Top Coffee Table, Cassina c1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gianfranco Frattini Reversible Top Coffee Table, Cassina c1960s
Laminate, Bentwood
Sold
H 15.36 in Dm 16.54 in
Early 'Model 780' Stackable Side Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1966
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
A nice set of side tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1966. The four tables are stackable and have double-sided laminated tops in black or white. This is an origin...
Laminate, Wood
Vintage Artemide Post Modern Megaron Beam Anodized Aluminum Floor Lamp
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This vintage Chrome Artemide Megaron Beam Lamp is the original style and design classic from Gianfranco Frattini. We're not sure of the exact date, b...
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 18.12 in W 21.26 in D 22.84 in
Square Side Coffee Table with Smoked Glass by Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century square coffee or side table in walnut wood with smoked glass top. This iconic coffee table was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, in Italy during the 1...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 13.25 in W 16 in D 16 in
Set of 4 ‘Model 780’ Wood Stacking Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 4 ‘Model 780’ modular nesting tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1966. Crafted from solid walnut in a rich finish, these side tables feature laminated top...
Wood
Pair of side tables by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Elegant Pair of Side Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in Lacquered Wood. The glass tops exhibit some scratches and the wood shows minor damages, as depicted in the accompan...
Wood
Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1966
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of four modular nesting tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Model 780. Crafted in 1966 and constructed from original w...
Glass, Walnut
Set of Four Side Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four round side tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, c.1960's, Italy. The oak tables feature either a black or white laminate top depending on which side you flip upward...
Laminate, Oak
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Modular Stackable Solid Wood Coffee, Side Tables by Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Introducing the Modular Stackable Solid Wood Coffee and Side Tables designed by Frattini for Cassina—an exquisite collection that combines functionality, versatility, and timeless elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these tables feature a solid wood construction that exudes warmth and sophistication. The modular design allows you to create your own unique configurations, adapting to any space or design aesthetic. Whether used as individual side tables or stacked to create a multi-tiered coffee table...
Wood
Sold
H 15.4 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Cassina Nesting Tables Model '780' Gianfranco Frattini Italy 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of four stacking nesting tables with reversible tops. Professionally refinished and ready for another 50 years of use. Labels intact.
Laminate, Wood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Gianfranco Frattini 'Sesann' Pair of Side Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1968s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 2 side tables designed in 1968 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. The base is made of chromed steel legs, the mirrored table top, on the other hand, creates a visually comple...
Chrome
Sold
H 18.71 in W 27.56 in D 20.87 in
Mid-Century Coffee Table Mod. 554 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Italy 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Roma, IT
Astonishing coffee table mod. 554 designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1957 for Bernini. Versatile and elegant This incredibly elegant coffee table has two drawers with carved handles and the two iconic curved legs are connected by a central support. The Table was made and tested as can be seen in the photos on January 31, 1964 and still has its original tag. It is in excellent condition. This beautiful coffee table is the perfect addition for mid-century living room. Measures (cms): width - 70 depth - 53 height - 47.5 Gianfranco Frattini opened his own professional practice in Milan, after having worked in the office of his teacher and mentor Giò Ponti. Frattini became an Industrial designer by default when he lacked appropriate lighting and furniture for his interiors. His collaboration with Cesare Cassina for his namesake company started in 1954, followed by collaborations with many other manufacturers, such as Bernini, Arteluce, Acerbis, Fantoni, Artemide (for whom among others pieces with Livio Castiglioni he designed the historic Boalum lamp...
Wood
Sold
H 15 in Dm 22.5 in
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of 3 Smoked Glass and Walnut Tables, ca 1967
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
A set of three side/end /coffee tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, late 1960's. Beautiful angled walnut legs with inset smoked glass circular tops. By Gianfranco...
Smoked Glass, Walnut