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.
L. Massoni Dilly Dally White Leather Vanity Table by Poltrona Frau, Italy 1960s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning white “Dilly Dally” dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni and produced by Poltrona Frau in Italy during the 1960s. In amazing c...
Metal
20th Century Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Dilly Dally Vanitiy Dressing Table
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Turin, Turin
Dressing table model Dilly Dally designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in 1960s. The dressing table is composed of two pieces, one round armchair (which alone measures 74 x 66 ...
Metal
Luigi Massoni Dilly Dally Vanity Table and Chair, Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1960s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare Italian "Dilly Dally" vanity by Luigi Massoni and manufactured by Poltrona Frau Italy in the 1960s. Newly upholstered in off white leatherette. Modular vanity fully upholstere...
Faux Leather
Original white leather ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity by Luigi Massoni Italy c1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in London, GB
Original vanity table, model 'Dilly Dally' designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Italy c1968. Upholstered in original ivory white leather. Comprises a chair on castors whic...
Metal
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set in Cognac Leatherette
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, ‘Dilly Dally’ vanity set, leatherette, mirrored glass, plastic, brass, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1968 Outstanding It...
Metal, Brass
Dilly Dally Vanity by Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau, Italy 1968
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in original white leatherette, Italy 1968. This beautifully designed and practical vanity set seamlessly combine...
Metal
$10,525Sale Price|30% Off
Toillette with armchair Dilly Dally brown 70s by Luigi Massoni for Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Milano, MI
Outstanding Italian toilet designed by Luigi Massoni for poltrona Frau in the 1960s. The armchair and table are upholstered in leather. The toilet can be folded by integrating the ch...
Metal
$1,686Sale Price / set|20% Off
Poltrona Frau Set of 2 Side Tables with Leather Top 1970, Italy
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Oirlo, LI
Poltrona Frau set of 2 side tables with leather top 1970, Italy From the home of Poltrona Frau in Northern Italy comes this timeless Statement Piece in excellent vintage and ori...
Chrome
Leather and bronze mirrored coffee table by L. Massoni for Poltrona Frau 70s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Padova, IT
Luigi Massoni was one of the greatest Italian designers of the 20th century. Born in Milan in 1930, he studied architecture at the University of Milan before starting his career in design. Massoni worked for many Italian design companies, including Boffi and Alessi. He was also one of the founders of Gruppo Architetti Urbanisti Città Nuova, an organization that deals with urban planning and architecture. Poltrona Frau is an Italian company that operates in the high-end furniture sector based in Tolentino. Founded in 1912 in Turin by Renzo Frau from Cagliari, in 1962 it was acquired by the Nazareno Gabrielli brand, managed and developed by Cavalier Franco Moschini until 2004, when the Charme fund entered the capital of Poltrona Frau and established the Poltrona Frau Group. Franco Moschini remained president until 2016 but since 2014 the company has been controlled by the American company Haworth Inc. which expands the group. In the summer of 2019 Lifestyle Design was born, which in addition to Poltrona Frau includes Cassina, Cappellini, Zanotta, Ceccotti Collezioni, Janus et Cie, Luminaire, Karakter, Interni and Luxury Living Group.
Leather, Mirror
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Dining Table in Leather and Smoked Glass
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, dining table model ‘Dinette’, leather, smoked glass, Italy, 1972 A remarkable Dinette dining table, designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in 1...
Leather, Glass
$1,750Sale Price|50% Off
Emilio Ambasz Leather & Glass "NuAGE" Coffee Table for Poltrona Frau
By Emilio Ambasz, Poltrona Frau
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, all original "NuAGE" coffee table designed in 1999 by architect, Emilio Ambasz for Poltrona Frau featuring a 1.5 cm ...
Steel
Glass Dining Table "CALICE" by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in DE MEERN, NL
CALICE dining table by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltrona frau, Italy 1980s Introducing the stunning Glass Dining Table "CALICE" by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy. Crafted with precision and elegance, this dining table is a statement piece that will elevate any dining space. The "CALICE" dining table is a masterclass in modern design. Its sleek glass top is supported by a base made of slim yet sturdy leg, creating a minimalist silhouette that exudes sophistication. The table's transparency allows it to seamlessly blend into any interior, while its unique shape adds a touch of character and charm. Poltrona Frau, the renowned Italian furniture brand, has a legacy of crafting high-quality, timeless designs that stand the test of time. The "CALICE" dining table is no exception. It is made with the finest materials and the utmost attention to detail, ensuring its durability and longevity. The table's glass top is made with tempered glass, which is known for its strength and resistance to breakage. Its base is made of metal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a meal with your family, the Glass Dining Table "CALICE" by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy is the perfect centerpiece for your dining room. With its clean lines, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless appeal, this table is sure to impress for years to come. FASEM P40...
Metal
2014 Poltrona Frau Geometrie Coffee Tables in Ebonized Wood w/ Steel Base 30in
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a low Geometrie Coffee Table, by Poltrona Frau. The piece was manufactured in Italy in 2013. It is formed of ebonized open-pore wengé wood, and has chromed steel legs. The s...
Steel
Ouverture Coffee Table by Poltrona Frau, 1980s Chromed Steel & Glass
By Poltrona Frau
Located in IT
Italian chromed steel and smoked glass Ouverture coffee table for Frau, 1980s Original Frau coffee table model Ouverture, Design Cerri for Frau. Steel and smoked glass. Excellent...
Steel
Jean-Marie Massaud "Jane Table" For Poltrona Frau w/ Arabescato Marble Top
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Pasadena, TX
This table was designed by Jean-Marie Massaud. It's manufactured by Poltrona Frau of France. The base is made of Steel plates on the top and bottom and a core of beechwood and mdf wr...
Marble
$5,638Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Executive Frau Desk " Artu' President Desk" by Michele De Lucchi, 2006
By Michele de Lucchi, Poltrona Frau
Located in Traversetolo, IT
A studied and flexible system for furnishing management offices, meeting and board rooms. Artù uses high quality leather and wood, handcrafted with typical Poltrona Frau quality and...
Aluminum, Steel
Coffee Table with Pecari Leather Base by Tito Agnoli for Caleido, 1970
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Conversano, IT
Refined coffee table designed by Tito Agnoli for Caleido in collaboration with Poltrona Frau, produced between the late 1970s and the early 1980s, a period marking the full maturity ...
Animal Skin
$6,296Sale Price|20% Off
Italian C.E.O. Cube Meeting Table by Vignelli Associates for Poltrona Frau, 2006
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Traversetolo, IT
C.E.O. Cube Meeting is a round meeting table by Poltrona Frau, design Vignelli Associates. The pure form, the synthesis of matter, the solidity of a technically advanced structu...
Aluminum
$7,651Sale Price|30% Off
Poltrona Frau CEO Cube Meeting Table
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the CEO Cube Meeting Table by Poltrona Frau, a luxurious addition to any modern office space. Crafted with the finest materials, this sleek and sophisticated table exudes...
Metal
Mid Century Teak Dressing Table from White & Newton, 1960s
By White & Newton
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak dressing table from White and Newton, circa 1960's Complete with a mirror There are six drawers in total - The handles are solid teak The piece stands on solid te...
Teak
Mid Century Vanity by White & Newton of Portsmouth
By White & Newton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A superbly crafted 1960s vanity/desk By White & Newton of Portsmouth. The company favored the use of teak in many of its staple designs, but on its higher end pieces used more lu...
Wood, Teak
$6,930
H 71.66 in W 71.66 in D 18.12 in
Italian Midcentury Vanity Dresser in Parchment by Pierluigi Colli, 1950s
By Colli Torino
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This is a splendid vanity table or petineuse designed by Pierluigi Colli and crafted in Turin in the first half of the 1900s. The attention to detail is remarkable, with a plethora of exquisite features that elevate it to a true design masterpiece. The panels are adorned with parchment, while the solid maple is expertly carved with intricate designs. The golden frames finished with pure gold leaf add an opulent touch, the marvelous embossed brass lamps...
Glass, Mirror, Maple
$528
H 9.06 in W 24.02 in D 13.78 in
Luigi Massoni Minimalist Plastic White Bed Tray Element by Guzzini, Italy, 1980s
By Guzzini, Luigi Massoni
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Plastic tray Design: Luigi Massoni Producer: Guzzini, Italy Decade: 1980s Description: This tray table was designed by Luigi Massoni and produced by Guzzini in Italy in the 1980s. It is made from white-colored plastic and is in very good vintage condition, and would be ideal to serve breakfast in bed. It still features the original Guzzini box...
Plastic
Early 20th Century Spanish Carved Walnut Console Table
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th century Spanish carved walnut console table with two drawers and green marble top. This early 20th century Spanish Console tabl...
Marble
$462Sale Price|50% Off
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Lady’s Desk or Vanity in Mahogany, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Up Závody
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful midcentury desk, originally used as a desk for a lady, or vanity in the bedroom. The table is elegant combination of lighter birch wood on the sides and mahogany wood on to...
Birch, Mahogany
$2,584Sale Price|50% Off
H 56.7 in W 24.81 in D 16.54 in
19th Century French Mahogany Vanity Table with Swan's Heads in Empire Style
Located in Sofia, BG
French hand carved mahogany vanity table with black marble top. There is an original crystal oval mirror on the top part surrounded by two asymme...
Marble
$2,349
H 59.06 in W 42.13 in D 19.69 in
19th Century English Softwood & Mahogany Veneer Vanity Table, Signed Maple & Co.
Located in Opole, PL
19th Century English Softwood & Mahogany Veneer Vanity Table, Signed Maple & Co. We present you this vanity table circa the late 19th century in mahogany veneer. The whole is signed by the British furniture manufactory of Maple & Co. that was founded in the early 19th century. The vanity is of a simple form, placed on high, angular legs, and composed of a base with three drawers, an upper section with a movable mirror, and two adjacent to the rear wall compartments with small drawers. Moreover, the mirror is oval, in a wooden frame, and mounted to the wall with brass hooks. The legs of the vanity are on the porcelain rolls. The fronts of the drawers, pulpit, and the mirror frame are inlaid with fillet stripes. Presented vanity has been restored and finished in French polish. The Maple manufactory was one of the major producers and suppliers of furniture to the British aristocracy...
Softwood, Mahogany
Studio Kastilia Silvi, Italian White Vanity Table with Blue Seat, 1970s
By Studio Kastilia 1
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century transformable white Kastilia vanity table with its original blue upholstered chair. This stunning piece was designed in Italy dur...
Metal
$2,349
H 48.04 in W 39.38 in D 15.16 in
1960s Small Elegant Fully Restored Rosewood Vanity Table in Excellent Condition
By Niels Clausen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s small elegant fully restored rosewood vanity table in excellent condition The well designed and manufactored table is flexible and can be turned into a small desk by removing ...
Rosewood
$1,150 / set
H 45 in W 29.5 in D 19.75 in
1960s Swedish White Lacqured Vanity Set by Torsten Totti Laakso for Asko
By Asko
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century white lacquered " AKKA " vanity set by Finnish designer Torsten Totti Laakso for the Swedish Asko company, 1960s.The company was known for their high quality pieces and t...
Fabric, Glass, Wood
Galileo Lux Leather & Eucalyptus Vanity Desk
By Carpanelli
Located in Milan, IT
Minimalism and luxury are the contrasting yet harmonious influences characterizing this sophisticated two-drawer vanity desk by G. Carpanelli. The wide rectangular mirror integrated ...
Wood
Luigi Massoni Poltrona Frau Brown Faux Fur Vanity
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in North Charleston, SC
Fun Poltroon Frau brown faux fur dressing table. Designed by Luigi Massoni in the 1970s. Single unit that folds out and has a stand alone stool. On wheels, featuring a mirror, glass ...
Faux Fur, Glass, Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 48.43 in Dm 25.99 in
Dilly Dally Vanity with lamp by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in original white leatherette with original lamp, Italy 1968.. This beautifully designed and practical vanity se...
Metal
Sold
H 48.43 in Dm 25.99 in
Dilly Dally Vanity in leather by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in original white leather, Italy 1968.. This beautifully designed and practical vanity set seamlessly combines s...
Metal
Mid century vanity cabinet by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1970s
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Very 'seventies' make up cabinet on wheels with integrated mirrors, lights, a drawer and glass shelves, complete with stool which is mostly missing. ...
Faux Fur, Mirror, Wood
Vanity Mod. Dilly Daily by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1968
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Brussels, BE
Vanity Mod. Dilly Daily by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1968
Leather
Sold
H 22.45 in Dm 22.25 in
Round Bar Cart / Side Table in Maroon Leather by L. Massoni for Frau, Italy 1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning round bar cart or side table with wheels in a gorgeous maroon full grain leather and lacquered wood. This incredibly rare and stylish piece was designed by Luigi Massoni an...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 11.82 in W 45.28 in D 45.28 in
Italian Coffee Table in Maroon Leather w/ Bronze Glass by Massoni for Frau, '70s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning low adjustable coffee table in spectacular full grain maroon colored Italian leather with a bronzed smoked mirror top. This incredibly stylish and unique table was designed ...
Metal
Sold
H 48.43 in Dm 25.99 in
Dilly Dally Vanity In Cognac By Luigi Massoni For Poltrona Frau, Italy 1968
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in original cognac leatherette, Italy 1968.. A both stunning, and convenient design, where the chair is made to ...
Metal
Sold
H 25.6 in Dm 31.11 in
White ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity by Massoni with original mirror and light, Italy 1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in London, GB
Vanity table model 'Dilly Dally' designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Italy c1960. This model comes with the original mirror and light. Comprises a chair on castors which f...
Metal
Sold
H 13.75 in W 61.75 in D 61.75 in
2013 Poltrona Frau Geometrie Coffee Table in Ebonized Wood with Steel Base 62 in
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a low Geometrie Coffee Table by Poltrona Frau. The piece was manufactured in Italy in 2013. It is formed of ebonized open-pore wenge wood, and has steel legs. The scored geom...
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set With Table and Chair in Beige Alcantara
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, ‘Dilly Dally’ vanity set, alcantara, mirrored glass, fiberglass, brass, lacquered wood, Italy, 1968 Outstanding Italian dressing table designed by L...
Steel
Sold
H 13.78 in W 23.63 in D 24.81 in
"Quadra" Bedside/Small Nesting Tables in Cognac Leather by Poltrona Frau, 1970s
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Welcome to the epitome of vintage elegance! Presenting the "Quadra" Bedside/Small Nesting Tables by Poltrona Frau, a true gem from the sophisticated era of the 1970s. Crafted with t...
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