If an Italian soldier named Renzo Frau had never traveled to Great Britain and set eyes on a Chesterfield armchair, it is unlikely that legendary handcrafted furniture maker Poltrona Frau and its classic sofas, armchairs and vanities would exist today.
Upon completing his service in the Italian army during the early 1900s, the Sardinian-born Frau worked for faux leather manufacturing company Dermoide Patent in Turin. While at the firm, he was sent to England, where he became enamored with leather Chesterfield armchairs. Intrigued and inspired by their rolled arms and tall, imposing profile, Frau returned to Turin, where he started his own leather-upholstered furniture company, Poltrona Frau, in 1912. He began to import the sumptuous Edwardian seating for the high-end domestic market.
Frau made slight modifications to the English seat that he’d so admired, and among Poltrona Frau’s first successful designs was an iconic armchair in 1919 appropriately called the Chester. Believed to have been custom-made for Filiberto Ludovico of Savoy, Duke of Pistoia, the Chester reflected the era’s emerging Art Deco style. Frau’s chair was comfortable and functional, and he implemented the traditional upholstery technique capitonné, which refers to stuffing that is buttoned. The Chester featured a pouf and an arm that was possibly included to hold the Duke’s ashtray. The seat’s high-quality craftsmanship and integration of exquisite full-grain leather made it covetable among Italy’s elite.
When Renzo Frau died in 1926, Poltrona Frau was appointed furniture supplier to Italy’s royal family. The company furnished grand hotels, designed the interiors for Expo Turin 1928 and outfitted an Italian transatlantic ocean liner.
For more than a century, Poltrona Frau has collaborated with hundreds of leading architects and designers from around the world. It issued such iconic mid-century modern pieces as Gio Ponti’s Dezza armchair, the 1960s-era Dilly Dally vanity by Italian designer Luigi Massoni, stackable tubular steel Movie armchairs by Italian architect Mario Marenco and French architect Jean-Marie Massaud’s sleek, angular Kennedee office sofa.
Poltrona Frau has established showrooms all over the world and creates interiors for Italian automotive brands Maserati and Ferrari. The company is owned by Haworth and continues to introduce innovative, handmade home furnishings while occasionally gazing back into time — its Chester line, a modular seating system by Poltrona Frau CEO Nicola Coropulis and Roberto Lazzeroni, is a contemporary interpretation of the founder’s original Chesterfield-style seating.
Find vintage Poltrona Frau club chairs, coffee tables, desks and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Set of Four Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Set of four stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona ...
Metal
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau Pair of 'Movie' Armchairs in Saddle Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Mario Marenco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau, pair of armchairs model 'Movie', lacquered metal, leather, Italy, 1984 Italian furniture designer Mario Marenco drew inspiration from cinema seats, ...
Metal
Fauteuil Poltrona Frau Archibald
By Poltrona Frau, Jean-Marie Massaud
Located in Moutier, CH
Véritable icône du design contemporain, le fauteuil Archibald de Poltrona Frau séduit par son élégance naturelle et son confort exceptionnel. Imaginé par le célèbre designer Jean-Mar...
Aluminum, Steel
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chair 'Dezza' in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chair model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered beech, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chair designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. This cha...
Metal
Poltrona Frau "Beatrice" Taupe Green Colored Small Armchair by Monica Forster
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
The Poltrona Frau "Beatrice" Taupe Green Colored Small Armchair, elegantly designed by Monica Forster, stands as a testament to both style and comfort. The armchair exudes a sophisti...
Leather
First Edition Poltrona Frau Metropolis Armchairs, Italy, 1950s
By Poltrona Frau, Melchiorre Bega, Gio Ponti, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare pair of first edition Metropolis armchairs by Poltrona Frau, Italy 1950s. Newly upholstered in a bespoke, premium, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Alpaca, Wood
$4,895 / set
Pair Vintage Poltrona Frau Teal Leather Chairs
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this pair of sculptural leather covered chairs by Poltrona Frau date from the 1980s. Chairs have a cubist shape with dramatically flared arms and silver tone metal le...
Metal
$11,011Sale Price / set|50% Off
Poltrona Frau Aida Swivel Armchairs by Roberto Lazzeroni, Set of Four
By Roberto Lazzeroni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Aida Swivel Armchair by Poltrona Frau, the perfect combination of luxury and comfort. Crafted with high quality materials and expert Italian craftsmanship, this armch...
Leather
Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau Leather Lounge Chairs by, Italy 1970s
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Lounge chairs by Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau, Italy 1970s Magnific set of two lounge chairs manufactured by Poltr...
Leather
$9,843 / set
Pair of Vanity Fair armchairs by Poltrona Frau
By Renzo Frau, Poltrona Frau
Located in Torino, IT
Pair of Vanity Fair Turquoise Frau Armchairs The Vanity Fair armchair is perhaps the most iconic and well-known classic armchair in the history of Italian design. Born in 1930 as m...
Leather
$4,499Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Juliet Armchairs designed by Benjamin Hubert for Poltrona Frau, 2015
By Benjamin Hubert, Poltrona Frau
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Benjamin Hubert, born in 1984, British, child prodigy of international design, designs Juliet. The armchair symbol of the centenary of Poltrona Frau, winner of the design contest la...
Aluminum
Viking Club Chair by Poltrona Frau in Red Leather, Art Deco Modern
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, Lazio
Comfortable and welcoming, with a truly special design, this red armchair from the Viking series. Refinement and style characterize this armchair, a very charismatic fabric makes the...
Leather, Beech
$3,281Sale Price / set|46% Off
French Pair of Christian Biecher Armchairs for Poltrona Frau, 1990s
By Poltrona Frau, Christian Biecher
Located in Paris, FR
20th-century vintage pair of armchairs designed by French architect Christian Biecher for an elite Parisian restaurant named le Korova in 1999. These were edited by Italian notable f...
Aluminum
Vintage 20thC Italian Pair Of Tan Leather Armchairs By Poltrona Frau c.1970
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A handsome pair of Italian armchairs produced by Poltrona Frau in the 1970s, upholstered in original tan leather with a wonderfully soft, supple feel. The design is generous and deep...
Leather
$3,749Sale Price / set|20% Off
Italian Modern Armchairs Movie Chair by Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau, 1980s
By Poltrona Frau, Mario Marenco
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern armchairs movie chair by Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau, 1980s Set of 6 armchairs mod. Movie Chair with rectangular seat, armrests and bac...
Metal
Pair of armchairs by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau, mod. Poppy, 1970s
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Pair of armchairs from the "Poppy" series designed by Tito Agnoli and produced by Poltrona Frau in the 1970s. Very comfortable and cozy seat, practical for its small size, and in ex...
Animal Skin, Wood
Suite of 4 Poltrona Frau “Kennedee” Armchairs in Black “Pelle Frau SC” Leather
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Barrowford, GB
This is an ultra-rare suite of 4 “Kennedee” Swivel Armchairs from the world renown Italian furniture house of Poltrona Frau. In a world of temporary pleasures, Poltrona Frau create beautiful furniture that remains a joy forever. Poltrona Frau Armchairs presented in this spectacular order are rare enough on the pre-loved market but, a group of 4 dressed...
Leather
Viking Club Chair by Poltrona Frau in Red Leather, Mid-Century Modern
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, Lazio
Comfortable and welcoming, with a truly special design, this red armchair from the Viking series. Refinement and style characterize this armchair, a very charismatic fabric makes the...
Leather, Beech
Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau "Hydra Enif" Arm Chairs, Pair
By Luca Scacchetti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau "Hydra Enif" Armchairs, in gray leather upholstery with tufted backrest and chrome-plated frames, with "Poltrona Frau" label to underside. ...
Chrome
Immaculate Poltrona Frau “Kennedee” Armchair in Black “Pelle Frau SC” Leather
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Barrowford, GB
This is an ultra-rare “Kennedee” Swivel Armchair (one of 4 identical armchairs available currently) from the world renown Italian furniture house of Poltrona Frau. In a world of ...
Leather
Poltrona Frau Model Tabarin Leather Armchair Red Bordeaux
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Poltrona Frau Classic armchair model Tabarin is made of red Bordeaux The feet is made of dark beech. A classic timeless design from Italy of the 1930 era.
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
2013 Ginger Ale Dining Chairs by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau in Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Roberto Lazzeroni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Ginger Ale dining chairs, initially designed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau in 2012. The listed price includes one dining chair, and...
Steel
$13,000 / set
H 32.09 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" Chairs for Mobil Girgi, Cognac Leather, 1970, Set of 4
By Mobil Girgi, Mario Marenco
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" chairs for Mobil Girgi, patinated cognac leather and beech, Italy, 1970, set of four. The iconic "Sapporo" chair consists of an individual backrest, conceive...
Leather, Beech
$18,300 / set
H 32.09 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" Chairs for Mobil Girgi, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 6
By Mobil Girgi, Mario Marenco
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" chairs for Mobil Girgi, black leather and beech, Italy, 1970, set of six. The iconic "Sapporo" chair consists of an individual backrest, conceived with two v...
Leather, Beech
$6,100 / set
H 32.09 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" Chairs for Mobil Girgi, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 2
By Mobil Girgi, Mario Marenco
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Marenco "Sapporo" chairs for Mobil Girgi, black leather and beech, Italy, 1970, set of two. The iconic "Sapporo" chair consists of an individual backrest, conceived with two v...
Leather, Beech
$3,450 / set
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 33.86 in
Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau Leather Lounge Chairs by, Italy 1970s
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Lounge chairs by Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau, Italy 1970s Magnific set of two lounge chairs manufactured by Poltr...
Leather
Pair Vintage Poltrona Frau Teal Leather Chairs
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this pair of sculptural leather covered chairs by Poltrona Frau date from the 1980s. Chairs have a cubist shape with dramatically flared arms and silver tone metal le...
Metal
$3,250
H 33.86 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Poltrona Frau “Dream B” Lounge Chair, Turquoise Pelle Frau Leather, Italy, 1978
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking vintage Poltrona Frau “Dream B” lounge chair, dating from 1978, upholstered in the distinctive turquoise Pelle Frau® leather. With its generous proportions, sculptural si...
Leather
Gio Ponti 'Continuum' Lounge Chair
By Gio Ponti
Located in Red Lion, PA
This iconic piece is the "Continuum" lounge chair (Model BP16 / D.163.7), designed by the legendary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti in 1963 Old new inventory from the wareho...
Textile, Rattan
French Modernist Armchair, 1950s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Step into the refined charm of mid-century France with this exquisite French armchair. A masterclass in design and proportion, this piece seamlessly blends functional simplicity with...
Wood, Oak, Fabric, Mohair
Italian Period Mid-Century Poltrona Frau Armchairs
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Austin, TX
Italian leather armchairs in the manner of Poltrona Frau, featuring elegant saddle-leather construction with fully wrapped legs and a suspended seat. Architectural winged arms and a ...
Leather
$10,800 / set
H 36 in W 31 in D 30 in
Gio Ponti Dezza Lounge Chairs for Poltro Frau, Cowhide & Leather, Italian Design
By Gio Ponti
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau "Dezza" Lounge Chairs, with cowhide and black leather upholstery on chrome-plated tapered legs, with "Poltrona Frau" label to underside. 36" H x ...
Chrome
$4,950
H 45 in W 34 in D 28 in
Antropovarius Lounge Chair by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche for Poltrona Frau
By Ferdinand A. Porsche, Poltrona Frau
Located in North Miami, FL
Antropovarius reclining lounge chair designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1982. The chair was designed in colla...
Steel
Pair of Gio Ponti Style Lounge Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gio Ponti style lounge chairs. The chairs have arched arms, splayed hardwood legs and upholstered in a cotton blend fabric.
Upholstery, Hardwood
Sold
H 26.78 in W 24.81 in D 23.23 in
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Set of Four 'Dinette’ Armchairs in Leather
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, set of four armchairs model ‘Dinette’, leather, chrome, Italy, 1972 This set of dining chairs showcases an exceptional design, defined by distinctiv...
Chrome
Sold
H 26.78 in W 24.02 in D 23.63 in
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Set of Six ‘Dinette’ Armchairs in Leather
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, set of six armchairs model ‘Dinette’, leather, wood, Italy, 1980s This set of armchairs epitomizes a splendid construction based on characteristic s...
Leather
Sold
H 26.78 in W 23.63 in D 22.45 in
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Pair of ‘Dinette’ Armchairs in Red Leather
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, pair of armchairs, model ‘Dinette’, leather, chrome, Italy, 1972 This pair of dining chairs epitomizes a splendid construction based on characterist...
Chrome
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. These ...
Metal
Sold
H 33.08 in W 27.56 in D 23.63 in
Poltrona 'Daisy' di Poltrona Frau in pelle anni 80-90 color tiffany
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Milano, IT
Poltrona con imbottitura in espanso e seduta in piuma, rivestimento in pelle.
Leather
Poltrona Frau Vanity Fair Leather Armchair by Renzo Frau, 1990
By Renzo Frau, Poltrona Frau
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The "Vanity Fair" leather armchair by Poltrona Frau is one of the most important designs in Italian furniture design and is still considered a symbol of luxurious craftsmanship and t...
Leather
Sold
H 27.17 in Dm 25.6 in
Italian mid-century modern armchair by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1960s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchair by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1960s Armchair fully upholstered in brown leather with casters. The softly curved wooden frame features a ligh...
Metal
Pair of Postmodern Amelie Armchairs in Leather By Poltrona Frau Italy
By Claudio Bellini, Poltrona Frau
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple form, precious materials: Amelie is proof of how less is often more. What remains is a lithe and natural yet sophisticated chair. With the Amelie armchair and chair designer C...
Leather
Forum President office armchair by Poltrona Frau 1990s
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and comfortable office chair, swivel and tilt-back, foam padding, leather upholstery, aluminum base.
Aluminum
Poltrona Frau Vintage Italian Leather Lounge Chairs
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of chairs from Italy made by Poltrona Frau. Each armless chair has a very comfortable back cushion and seat cushion, all covered in supple Italian leather in a brown tone. They ...
Leather
Poltrona Frau Eleonora Grey Armchairs, Set of 2
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
Elevate your space with the timeless elegance of the Poltrona Frau Grey Armchair. This set of two armchairs are meticulously crafted in Italy, this masterpiece seamlessly blends tr...
Fabric, Wood
Poltrona Frau Eleonora Grey Armchair
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
Elevate your space with the timeless elegance of the Poltrona Frau Grey Armchair. Meticulously crafted in Italy, this masterpiece seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Featu...
Fabric, Wood