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
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
20th Century Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Dilly Dally Vanitiy Dressing Table
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
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 Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
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
Dilly Dally Vanity by Luigi Massoni, 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, Italy 1968. This beautifully designed and practical vanity set seamlessly combine...
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
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
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
$1,674Sale 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
$5,595Sale 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
$6,248Sale 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
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
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
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Dining Table in Leather and Smoked Glass
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
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
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
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
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
$2,331
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
$454Sale 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
$990
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
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
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
$6,038
H 70.87 in W 75.6 in D 23.63 in
Space Age Vanity Table by Cabinetmaker MB Italy, White Lacquer, 1970
By MB Italy
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind dressing table, space age style, 70s, with great influence of Art Deco aesthetics. In white lacquered wood, with a black marble effect fiberglass top. Large circular mirror in the upper part and the storage part is divided into two drawers on each side. With lighting in the upper and lower fin shapes. A piece of great sophistication and glamour, very difficult to find. It has a plate with the name of the Italian manufacturer DBM. The period known as the Space Age or Space Age was the post Atomic Age, that is, the late 50's and early 70's. It is part of the “stylings” that reigned in the US during the 20th century. The concept of an optimistic world based on a possible "Earth of Tomorrow" reigned by the dominance of atomic energy and space travel. This "Styling" is inspired by the North American space race, but above all, the aesthetics based on Science Fiction, space satellites, helmets, ships, the effect of weightlessness and a "cinematic" proposal of a new style. of life of the future. Movies like Barbarella 1968, James Bond, Space Odyssey 2001...
Lacquer, Wood, Fiberglass, Mirror
$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
$2,051Sale 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
Decorative Metal Vanity and Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern metal vanity and chair with tufted vinyl seat cushion. This vanity features a frosted glass tabletop and an adjustable mirror. Elaborate, delicate scroll-work ador...
Metal
$1,632 / 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
$1,189
H 63 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Mid-century modern black white vanity table Philippe Starck style, Italy, 1990s
By Philippe Starck
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-century modern black white vanity table Philippe Starck style, Italy, 1990s This mid-century modern black and white vanity table, inspired by Philippe Starck's iconic design, emb...
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 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
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 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
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
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 Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
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
Toillette with armchair Dilly Dally brown 70s by Luigi Massoni for Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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
Sold
H 48.43 in Dm 25.99 in
Dilly Dally Vanity in leather 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 white leather, Italy 1968.. This beautifully designed and practical vanity set seamlessly combines s...
Metal