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.
Complete Lounge Set "Poppy" Model, Design Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau, 1974
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in taranto, IT
Designed by Tito Agnoli in 1974, the "Poppy" living room set (also known as Papavero) represents a splendid synthesis between Poltrona Frau's rigorous artisanal tradition and the bol...
Leather, Wood
$3,388Sale Price|50% Off
Poltrana Frau Hydra Castor Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti
By Poltrona Frau, Luca Scacchetti
Located in Rochester, England
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
"Serenade" two-seater sofa by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau, from the 1980s, in leather.
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Milano, IT
"Serenade" 2-seater sofa designed by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau in the 1980s. This piece combines the iconic design of that era with contemporary comfort, thanks to its foam paddi...
Leather
Poltrona Frau Quadra Black Leather Sectional Sofa by Studio Cerri, 2005, Italy
By Studio Cerri & Associati, Poltrona Frau
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Designed by Studio Cerri & Associati and produced by Poltrona Frau in 2005, the Quadra sectional sofa is an iconic expression of Italian contemporary design, where rigorous geometry ...
Steel
Dezza 2-Seater Sofa by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, 2011 edition
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A beautifully preserved two‑seat Dezza sofa, originally designed in 1965 by the legendary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and produced by Poltrona Frau. This 2011 edition, f...
Leather, Wood
$4,080Sale Price|50% Off
Poltrona Frau by Jean-Marie Massaud Cream Leather Kennedee Sofa
By Jean-Marie Massaud, Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
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
Italy Chesterfield Red Bordeaux Leather Sofa by Poltrona Frau Early 21st Century
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Brescia, IT
The model of this sofa is the iconic Chesterfield sofa made in Italy by the well known Italian Company, Poltrona Frau. This is a two setas sofa in bordeaux leather and yellow leather...
Leather, Wood
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
Poltrona Frau 'Petronio' Two-Seat Sofa, Chestnut Leather, Premium Collection '77
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional Petronio two-seat sofa by Poltrona Frau, dating from the late 1970s and originating from the company's prestigious Premium Collection. Combining timeless Italian elega...
Leather, Beech
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
Tito Agnoli Poppy Sofa by Poltrona Frau, Leather, Mid-Century Modern
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
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
$3,664Sale Price|20% Off
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
Italian modern green leather sofa by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1970s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
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
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
Vintage "Poppy" sofa by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau (1970s)
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage "Poppy" oversized loveseat sofa by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau (1970s). Well broken in, wear consistent with age, nice patina. (Two matching oversized lounge chairs also ...
Leather
Italian modern green leather armchairs by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau 1970s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
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
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
$3,388Sale Price|50% Off
Poltrana Frau Hydra Castor Leather Sofa by Luca Scacchetti
By Luca Scacchetti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
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
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
Poltrona Frau 'Cocker' Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather by Franco Bresciani
By Franco Bresciani, Poltrona Frau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three-seat 'Cocker' sofa designed by Franco Bresciani for Poltrona Frau, produced in the late 1970s. Upholstered in medium brown leather, a hallmark material of Poltrona Frau, the so...
Leather, Upholstery
$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
$19,500 / set
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
Mariani Wing Executive Office Chair by Luca Scacchetti Italy
By i4 Mariani, Frank Mariani, Luca Scacchetti
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mariani Wing Executive Office chair, Collection Wing. Mariani WING Swivel high-back executive chair with 5-spoke base by Designer L...
Aluminum
Curved Yellow Velvet 3-Seater Sofa by Gio Ponti, Italy 1940's
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
This rare three-seater curved "banana" designed by the Italian modernist architect Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino. While his work extended well into the post-war era, this iconic des...
Fabric, 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 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
$12,500
H 32.29 in W 98.43 in D 43.31 in
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, Velvet, 1956, Attributed
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, velvet, Italy, 1956, Attributed Consciously attributed to Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, this sofa distills comfort into a single, continu...
Velvet, Wood
$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
$3,092
H 27.56 in W 32.29 in D 30.32 in
Poltrona Frau Dezza by Gio Ponti, 1970; beige fabric, chestnut-colored legs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Fully restored Polrona Frau Gio Ponti Dezza armchair in beige ribbed velvet, with chestnut legs. Overall condition: excellent.
Fabric, Velvet, Chestnut
$6,594
H 35.44 in W 74.81 in D 36.62 in
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid three-seater sofa with high backrest attributed Gio Ponti, 1950s, for ISA Edizioni, Bergamo. Carved profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The ivory v...
Velvet, Beech, Fir
$7,787
H 33.08 in W 115.36 in D 31.5 in
Poltrona Frau Sofa by Pierluigi Cerri, Leather & Metal, Vintage 1984
By Pierluigi Cerri, Paltrona Frau
Located in bari, IT
Two-seater sofa lacquered metal frame leather seats designer Pierluigi Cerri for Poltrona Frau early 1980s. The sofa includes lacquered metal coffee table with top in marble measure...
Marble, Metal
Sofa by Tito Agnoli, 1969
By Arflex, Tito Agnoli
Located in Berlin, DE
This rare set consisting of three armchairs and two corner elements was designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex. The seating combination can be arranged in various ways. The dimensions ar...
Leather
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Day Bed Sofa in Black Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, leather, laminated wood, brass, Italy, 1968 Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agnoli for Cin...
Leather
$8,250
H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 37.41 in
Poltrona Frau 'Petronio' Two-Seat Sofa, Chestnut Leather, Premium Collection '77
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional Petronio two-seat sofa by Poltrona Frau, dating from the late 1970s and originating from the company's prestigious Premium Collection. Combining timeless Italian elega...
Leather, Beech
Poltrona Frau "Kennedee" Grey Leather Upholstered Sectional Sofa
By Jean-Marie Massaud, Poltrona Frau
Located in Astoria, NY
Poltrona Frau "Kennedee" Sectional Sofa, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, three pieces with gray leather upholstery with tufted quilted contrast stitching, marked beneath cushions and...
Leather, Upholstery
Poltrona Frau Sofa in Reddish Brown Leather
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poltrona Frau, sofa, leather, Italy, 1970s This striking three-seat sofa is manufactured by Poltrona Frau and fully executed in reddish brown leather ...
Leather
Sold
H 26.78 in W 63 in D 33.47 in
Black leather 2 seater sofa by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1980s
By Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
Located in ECHT, NL
2 seater sofa designed by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau. Made with high quality black leather this design will fit every interior. All cushions are removable. Very comfortable due to...
Leather
Sold
H 30.32 in W 81.5 in D 35.44 in
Three-seater 'Dream/B' sofa by Poltrona Frau in orange leather 80s-90s
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Milano, IT
Three-seater sofa with foam, feather and leather upholstery. Good conditions.
Leather
Sold
H 29.53 in W 95.28 in D 35.44 in
Stunning Socrates sofa in patinated deep cognac leather by Poltrona Frau - Italy
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Socrates Sofa by Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1980s Deep Cognac Patinated Leather Sofa with Down Filled Cushions A quietly architectural piece, the Socrates sofa by Poltrona Frau reflects ...
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 Poltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri
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
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
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 32.29 in
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
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 Poltrona Frau, Pierluigi Cerri
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
Red Leather Chester Sofa by Poltrona Frau, Modern Italian Design
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Traversetolo, IT
The Chester sofa features a spring system made with hand-placed conical steel springs, secured to jute straps on a seasoned beech frame. The seat padding is made of rubberized horseh...
Steel
Poltrona Frau Bosfora Cream Two Seater Sofa
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
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 Rochester, England
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 Tito Agnoli, Poltrona Frau
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