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.
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set in Cognac Leatherette
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
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 In Green Leather By Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1968
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Rhode-Saint-Genèse, BE
Coiffeuse connue sous le nom de Dilly Dally et conçue par le designer Luigi Massoni pour Poltrona Frau en 1968. Pièce emblématique du design space age avec son fauteuil cylindrique s...
Leather, Plastic
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set for Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1968
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rare ‘Dilly Dally’ dressing table and matching chair, designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in 1968. A wonderful example of late 1960s Italian design, the set is characterized...
Leather, Plastic
L. Massoni Dilly Dally White Leather Vanity Table by Poltrona Frau, Italy 1960s
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning white “Dilly Dally” dressing table designed by Luigi Massoni and produced by Poltrona Frau in Italy during the 1960s. Fully origin...
Metal
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set for Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1968
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rare ‘Dilly Dally’ dressing table and matching chair, designed by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau in 1968. A wonderful example of late 1960...
Leather, Plastic
20th Century Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Dilly Dally Vanitiy Dressing Table
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
1970s Pair of Poltrona Frau Aster X Side Tables Jean-Marie Massaud
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Buxton, GB
Rare Pair of Poltrona Frau "Aster X" Side Tables – Jean-Marie Massaud Original Poltrona Frau label (Model: Aster X) Ultra-luxury Italian furniture. Designed by the legendary Jean-...
Steel
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
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
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
$1,641Sale 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
Emilio Ambasz Leather & Glass "NuAGE" Coffee Table for Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Emilio Ambasz
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
$5,484Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Executive Frau Desk " Artu' President Desk" by Michele De Lucchi, 2006
By Poltrona Frau, Michele de Lucchi
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
Dilly Dally Pouf in turquoise Leather by L. Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy 60s
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and very rare "Dilly Dally" pouf in gorgeous turquoise full-grain leather. Designed by Luigi Massoni and produced by Poltrona Frau in Italy during the late 1960s. Fully ori...
Metal
Tito Agnoli Postmodern Italian Peccari Leather Coffee Table for Caleido, 1970
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Conversano, IT
If you would like to receive additional photos of this item, please feel free to contact us directly through the 1stDibs messaging system. We will be happy to provide you with furthe...
Animal Skin
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
Jean-Marie Massaud "Jane Table" For Poltrona Frau w/ Arabescato Marble Top 104"
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
HT Dining Table by Claudio Silvestrin for Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Claudio Silvestrin
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a custom size HT Dining (Conference) table by Claudio Silvestrin for Poltrona Frau. Measuring in at over 9 feet, this table is massive. Easily seating 10-12 people. Table ...
Oak
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors 'Birgitta' Vanity Table in Teak
By Carl Malmsten, Bodafors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors, 'Birgitta' dressing table, teak, mirrored glass, Sweden, 1950s-1960s An exceptionally elegant dressing table designed by Carl Malmsten for Bodafors. Exec...
Mirror, Teak
$445Sale 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
$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
1960s Fully Restored Danish Teak Dressing, Vanity Table
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish teak dressing - vanity table from the 1960s. The vanity table features a large adjustable mirror, an original black glass table top and 5 spacious drawers with room for wha...
Teak
$2,702Sale Price|20% Off
H 61.03 in W 45.28 in D 20.48 in L 61.03 in
Swedish Gustavian Centre Mirror Carved Dressing Table Early 20th Century White
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Gustavian single mirror carved dressing table in later white paint with 2 pedestal cabinets with carved motifs. It has the original l glass in the large mirror with ...
Pine
Mirror Vanity
Located in København, København
French vintage mirror vanity with wing mirrors and a drawer. The vanity has a lovely curved table top and is in very good condition - it has patina but no nicks or cuts.
Mirror, Wood
$1,600 / set
H 37.41 in W 28.75 in D 17.33 in
Dressing table with chair in Art Deco style, Poland, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco dressing table with chair from the 1950s. A dressing table in a geometric form characteristic of the Art Deco style. The furniture has one small drawer, a spacious top idea...
Walnut
$2,011Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.47 in W 35.44 in D 18.12 in
Minimal Vanity Italian Design MIM Production Rosewood
By Mobili Italiani Moderni (MIM)
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Minimal vanity Italian design MIM production, pouff 40 cm height cm.75 width, 45 cm depth, height of vanity with mirror opened cm.114.
Fabric, Mirror, Laminate, Rosewood
Italian Art Deco White Parchment Vanity
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Art Deco white parchment diminutive triangular form lady's vanity /dressing table with a drawer centered by 2 side drawers and 2 doors. Parchment is separating from the piece
Wood, Parchment Paper
$971
H 25.6 in W 40.95 in D 15.75 in
Vanity dressing table by Raymond Loewy by Doubinsky Frères in the 1960s
By Raymond Loewy
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Dressing table - Raymond Loewy - model "DF2000" - Doubinsky Frères - 1960s Wear Consistent with age And Use : See Photos Compagnie de L’Esthétique Industrielle (CEI) was a design co...
Mirror, Plastic, Acrylic, Wood
Vintage Oval Wicker Dressing Table with Stool, 20th Century Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage wicker dressing table / writing table with stool. It is oval shaped with a raised galleried back. There is one center drawer. This very ...
Wicker
$3,895
H 54.5 in W 48 in D 20 in
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 54.50in H x 48in W x 20in D Desk Height 27in Ottoman: 17in H x 22.50in W x 16in D Materials: Walnut Wood, Vintage Leather, Original Glass _______________________ Trans...
Leather, Glass, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 31.5 in W 51.19 in D 51.19 in
Glass Dining Table "CALICE" by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltrona Frau
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
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 Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
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 29.53 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set With Table and Chair in White Leatherette
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, ‘Dilly Dally’ vanity set, steel, mirror, leatherette, fiberglass, Italy, design 1968 Outstanding Italian dre...
Steel
Sold
H 29.14 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set With Table and Chair in Red Leatherette
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, ‘Dilly Dally’ vanity set, steel, mirror, leatherette, fiberglass, Italy, design 1968 Outstanding Italian dre...
Steel
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, mirror, leatherette, fiberglass, brass, Italy, design 1968 Outstanding Italian dress...
Brass
Sold
H 29.34 in Dm 25.79 in
Luigi Massoni ‘Dilly Dally’ Vanity Set with Table and Chair in Red Leatherette
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, ‘Dilly Dally’ vanity set, steel, mirror, leatherette, fiberglass, Italy, design 1968 Outstanding Italian dre...
Steel
'Dilly Dally' Modular Vanity Table and Chair
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 'Dilly Dally' vanity set, Metal, mirror, leatherette, fiberglass, Italy, 1968. Make-up table designed by the Italian de...
Metal
Sold
H 15.25 in W 25.25 in D 17.75 in
Pair of Poltrona Frau Leather Wrapped Nightstands or End Tables, Italy
By Poltrona Frau
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Poltrona Frau Cream Leather Wrapped End Tables, with two frieze push drawers, impressed mark to the side. 15.25" H x 25.25" W x 17.75" D. Provenance: From a SoHo, New York ...
Leather, Wood
Luigi Massoni Poltrona Frau Brown Faux Fur Vanity
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
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
Poltrona Frau CEO Cube Meeting Table
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltrona Frau
Located in Rochester, England
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
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 11.82 in W 55.12 in D 35.44 in
Leather and bronze mirrored coffee table by L. Massoni for Poltrona Frau 70s
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
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