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.
2-Seat Dezza Sofa by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, 2011
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Two seat ''Dezza'' sofa by Gio Ponti Produced by Poltrona Frau. Designed in 1965, the Dezza sofa is some of Gio Ponti’s most important designs. The Dezza sofa is light and very comf...
Leather, Wood
Premium Poltrona Frau Petronio Down Filled Royal 2-Seater Sofa Chestnut Leather
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Dronten, NL
Distinctive Poltrona Frau Petronio sofa from the premium collection in the late 1970s. This extremely comfortable down-filled 2-seater is upholstered in premium quality chestnut lea...
Leather, Beech
Vintage Italian ‘Socrates’ Olive Leather Sofa by Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Chicago, IL
The ‘Socrates’ sofa, designed by Poltrona Frau in the 1980s, is defined by its low-slung, leather-clad silhouette. Upholstered in supple, olive-toned leather, its form is balanced by...
Leather
$4,034Sale Price|50% Off
Poltrona Frau by Jean-Marie Massaud Cream Leather Kennedee Sofa
By Jean-Marie Massaud, Poltrona Frau
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau in 2006, the Kennedee sofa is a fantastic example of modern Italian design. Constructed fr...
Leather
Stunning Leather 2.5 seater Sofa design by Pierluigi Cerri for poltrona frau
By Poltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri
Located in Den Haag, NL
Leather Sofa model Twice designed by Pierluigi Cerri for Poltrona Frau 1980s In a beathiful warm Orange Color . cushions are filled with feathers Top quality Handmade .from Ital...
Leather
Tito Agnoli Poppy Sofa for Poltrone Frau
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Poppy model three seater couch by Tito Agnoli for Poltronova Frau. Fully professional regenerated by Poltronova Frau. Poppy it’s one of the most comfortable sofa.
Leather
Italian Modern Brown Leather Sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s
By Poltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Brown leather sofa Twice by Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1980s Two seater sofa mod. Twice in brown leather. The seat is made up ...
Metal
Isola Sofa by Studio Cerri & Associati for Poltrona Frau
By Studio Cerri & Associati, Poltrona Frau
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Contemporary sofa upholstered in Pelle Frau® Color System leather, the finest raw material of European origin, is synonymous with color. Directing the palettes is the Frau® Color Sy...
Leather, Beech
Complete Lounge Set "Poppy" Model, Design Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau, 1974
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid lounge complete with Poltrona Frau, "poppy" model, designed by Tito Agnoli in 1974 Composed of a three-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs in black leather, with quilted ...
Leather, Wood
Italian modern green leather sofa by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1970s
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green leather sofa by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1970s Three-seater sofa fully padded and covered in dark green leather...
Leather, Wood
Poltrana Frau Hydra Castor Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti
By Luca Scacchetti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Poltrana Frau Hydra Castor Leather Sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Scacchetti. This beautiful piece features a sleek and modern design, reflecting t...
Leather
Italian modern green leather armchairs by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau 1970s
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green leather armchairs by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Faru, 1970s Three-seater sofa fully padded and covered in dark green leather. The seat is made up of 3 padded cu...
Leather, Wood
$10,776Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vintage John John Leather Three Seats Sofa and Coffee Table, Italy, 1980s
By Poltrona Frau, Jean-Marie Massaud
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage John John Leather three seats sofa and Coffee Table is a design item realized by Jean Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau, 1980s. Structure in solid beech with central iron cros...
Leather, Foam, Poplar, Plywood
Poltrona Frau Customized 4er Sofa Mod. Chester Italy Chesterfield
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Aachen, NW
Amazing customized 4-seater sofa mod. Chester produced by POLTRONA FRAU in Italy. This sofa was customized made for a bavarian client. The sofa is in an excellent condition, like n...
Leather
2010 Poltrona Frau Kennedee Sofa / Sectional by Jean-Marie Massaud in Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Jean-Marie Massaud
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Kennedee’ sofa, initially designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau in 2006. This particular sofa was manufactured in Italy in 2010. The piece features a hand-stitc...
Steel
Italian Red Leather Sofa Daisy by Poltrona Frau, Italy 2008
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Traversetolo, IT
The Daisy sofa features soft, enveloping shapes, with curves that invite relaxation. Compact and free from wrinkles or excesses, its upholstery highlights the beauty of Pelle Frau®. ...
Steel
Poltrana Frau Hydra Castor Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti
By Luca Scacchetti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Poltrana Frau Hydra Castor Leather Sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Scacchetti. This beautiful piece features a sleek and modern design, reflecting t...
Leather
Hydra Caster Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau, 1990s
By Luca Scacchetti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hydra Castor sofa is a piece of furniture designed by Luca Scacchetti for Poltrona Frau, an Italian furniture company. It features a striking combination of red leather and chrom...
Chrome
2013 Poltrona Frau Kennedee Two-Seater Sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud White 2x Avail
By Jean-Marie Massaud, Poltrona Frau
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 'Kennedee' Two-Seater sofa, initially designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau in 2006. These particular sofas were manufactured in Italy in 2013. The listed price ...
Steel
$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
$14,625Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, Modular Sofa Model '9000', in Teddy Re-Upholstery 1970s
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in Almelo, NL
Tito Agnoli for Arflex, modular sofa model '9000', in teddy fabric re-upholstery, Italy 1970s. This model is marked by showing infinite possibilities to customize its use accordi...
Fabric, Beech
extra large leather sofa by Poltrona Frau
By Pierluigi Cerri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic sofa made by Poltrona Frau in the 1970's in beige leather with large cozy cushions Sofa is made of two pieces ( 220cm & 160cm ) that could be held together of used as an angle...
Leather
$2,200
H 36.03 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
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
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
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed, model '711', leather, laminated wood, copper, Italy, 1968 A cubic sofa designed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cinova, which can be tran...
Copper
$7,697
H 25.6 in W 141.74 in D 31.5 in
Tito Agnoli modular sofa, Novemila 9000 Mod. for Arflex, original fabric, label
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa "Novemila 9000" by Tito Agnoli for Arflex, 1969 An extraordinary example of Italian design from the late 1960s and 1970s, the "9000" seating system designed by Tito Agn...
Fabric, Wood
1980s Poltrona Frau White Leather Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
A 1980s white leather sofa from Italian furniture makers Poltrona Frau. The brilliant white of the leather brings a crisp polish to the deep-seated...
Leather
Tito Agnoli, Sectional Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Italy, 1970s
By Tito Agnoli, Arflex
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and fabric sectional or modular 4 seat sofa designed by Tito Agnoli and produced by Arflex, Italy, c. 1970s. Seat Height: 14.5" All upho...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, Velvet, 1956
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, velvet, Italy, 1956 Designed in 1956 for Casa e Giardino, this Gio Ponti sofa distills comfort into a single, continuous gesture. The silh...
Velvet, Wood
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...
Steel
Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi Three-Seater Sofa
By Matteo Grassi, Tito Agnoli
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: Two-Seater Green leather sofa. The leather cushions are embossed with “Matteo Grassi” and are held together by zippers. Creator: Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi ...
Leather
Sold
H 29.53 in W 78.75 in D 3,183.08 in
Vintage 'twice' sofa by Pierluigi Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1990s
By Pierluigi Cerri, Poltrona Frau
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful, timeless design 3 seater sofa designed by Pierluigi Cerri and manufactured by Poltrona Frau. This hand stiched leather sofa is very comfortable, with chromed details and ...
Chrome
Poltrona Frau White Leather Sleeper Sofa
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Astoria, NY
Poltrona Frau White Leather Sleeper Sofa, with twin size pull-out bed on four chrome feet, with "Poltrona Frau / Made in Italy" label to the inter...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 78.75 in D 3,183.08 in
Vintage 'twice' sofa by Pierluigi Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1990s
By Pierluigi Cerri, Poltrona Frau
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful, timeless design 3 seater sofa designed by Pierluigi Cerri and manufactured by Poltrona Frau. This hand stiched leather sofa is very comfortable, with chromed details and ...
Chrome
Poltrona Frau Bosfora Cream Two Seater Sofa
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Poltrona Frau Bosfora Cream Two Seater Sofa, a stunning addition to any luxury living space. Crafted with the finest materials, this sofa boasts a sleek and modern de...
Leather
Vintage 'twice' sofa by Pierluigi Cerri for Poltrona Frau, 1990s
By Pierluigi Cerri, Poltrona Frau
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful, timeless design sofa designed by Pierluigi Cerri and manufactured by Poltrona Frau. This hand stiched leather sofa is very comfortable, with chromed details and front casters. Makers mark stamped in the back and under the cushions. Poltrona frau also provides the leather for the interiors of Maserati cars...
Chrome
Poltrona Frau Yellow Leather Sofa
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Basildon, London
Brighten your living space with the Poltrona Frau Yellow Leather Sofa, a striking statement of modern design and timeless craftsmanship. This three-seater sofa combines clean, elegan...
Leather
Poltrona Frau Socrate Leather Sofa Down Pillows
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Miami, FL
Super comfy sofa. Cushions are down filled.
Leather
Poppy model 1970s sofa by Tito Angoli for Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Premariacco, IT
Elegant dark brown leather sofa with three spacious and comfortable seats. Soft and cozy upholstered pillows, perfect for a relaxing moment in a waiting room or modern living room. ...
Leather
Frau Italian leather sofa by Tito Agnoli, Poppy model
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine entering a living room adorned with the epitome of sophistication and style. At the center of this refined environment is the exclusive Poppy seating set, a masterpiece designed by Tito Agnoli and made by Poltrona Frau. With its classic design and vintage charm, the Poppy sofa...
Leather
Poltrona Frau three-seater 1970s sofa in cognac-colored leather
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Premariacco, IT
Iconic Italian-made sofa from the 1970s, made by Poltrona Frau for a high-end design that will enhance any room where placed. This is a three-seater sofa in cognac leather with larg...
Leather
Poltrona Frau Interlude leather bench 2 seater by Marco Zanuso
By Poltrona Frau, Marco Zanuso
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
An exceptional Interlude 2 seater by Marco Zanuso for Poltrona Frau in excellent condition. The red-brown, soft leather of the armchairs only shows minimal signs of wear at the corne...
Leather
Sold
H 28 in W 61 in D 32 in
Contemporary Modern Poltrona Frau Peter Marino Linea A Leather and Hide Sofa
By Poltrona Frau, Peter Marino
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Poltrona Frau Peter Marino Linea A leather and hide sofa. This gorgeous and unique sofa is from Italian furniture company Poltrona Frau, designe...
Leather