Poltronova is known for embracing the creativity that opposites can introduce to a space. Its radical modernist furniture and lighting fixtures are simultaneously grounded in classic aesthetics and inspired by what were then new and provocative artistic movements in mid-century Italy, when the company was founded. This tension resulted in unique and extraordinary pieces at the manufacturer, from eccentric, glove-shaped armchairs to striking dining tables that feature a mix of materials and textures.
Italian designer Sergio Cammilli founded Poltronova in Tuscany in 1957. That same year, it won the Compasso d’Oro for the Panchetto chair designed by Luciano Nustrini. Revolutionary Italian architect Ettore Sottsass — a maestro of postmodern design who would later establish the Memphis Group — came on board as an art director in 1958. Poltronova manufactured many of his furniture and ceramic designs. Sottsass’s lighting, seating and other works for Poltronova showcase the designer’s bold experimentation with solid wood, glass, metal and laminate materials.
Other established names in Italian furniture design collaborated with Poltronova’s Sottsass and Cammilli, including Giovanni Michelucci, Gae Aulenti and Angelo Mangiarotti. However, the company truly set itself apart in its collaborations with Superstudio and Archizoom Associati, groups that were part of an irreverent, avant-garde movement in art and design that took shape during the 1960s in Florence, Turin and Milan. Collectives associated with the movement — which would one day be called Italian Radical design — drew on Pop art and minimalism and explored working with unconventional materials to create colorful, quirky and uniquely shaped objects and furnishings. At the time, Poltronova also worked with up-and-coming names in the art world, like painter Max Ernst and sculptor Mario Ceroli.
Poltronova showcased its groundbreaking designs in many exhibitions, such as “La Casa Abitata,” which was held in Florence in 1965. At Milan's Eurodomus trade show in 1970, Poltronova debuted an entire bedroom collection designed by Sottsass — including his sensuous Ultrafragola mirror. The brand’s furnishings were included in a 1972 exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art called "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape," and in 1977, Poltronova again won the Compasso d’Oro for a book called Fare Mobili con Poltronova (Making Furniture with Poltronova).
Poltronova's enduring and acclaimed furniture designs came to be loved far outside Italy. During the 1960s, importer Charles Stendig represented the company and helped introduce it to the American market.
In 2005, Poltronova established the Centro Studi Poltronova to recreate some of the company's iconic furniture. The brand has also recently collaborated with English architect Nigel Coates, who worked with a Poltronova master craftsman in Italy to design a series of limited-edition furniture in 2011, including the Domo chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Poltronova tables, seating, storage cabinets and more.
Poltronova SARATOGA Medium Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The series is composed of an armchair and sofas with two, three or four seats. The rigid structure, made by assembling four parts of equal thickness, with rounded edges, contains sli...
Leather, Wood
$16,720 / item
Poltronova JOE Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Joe is a big comfortable chair in the form of a giant baseball glove, mounted on invisible wheels. With this project the designers, inspired by the poetics of Pop Art, gave material ...
Metal
Poltronova SUPERONDA Dynamic Sofa in Black by Archizoom Associati
By Poltronova, Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1967 by the Florentine Radical group Archizoom, this was the first sofa without a conventional frame. It is composed of two waves made from a polyurethane block cut into ...
Leather
Ettore Sottsass Canada Armchair in Blue Velvet and Wood Poltronova 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Canada settee armchair with a structure in wood, seat, and back in padded blue-green velvet. It was designed by Ettore Sottsass Jr in 1959 and produced by the Italian company Poltro...
Velvet, Wood
5x Original Locus Solus Stühle Poltronova Gae Aulenti Metall design
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von fünf wunderschönen und sehr seltenen Armlehnstühlen des italienischen Traditionsherstellers Poltronova aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt vo...
Metal
Poltronova JOE WHIP Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi
By Poltronova, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Joe is a big comfortable chair in the form of a giant baseball glove, mounted on invisible wheels. With this project the designers, inspired by the poetics of Pop Art, gave material ...
Metal
Poltronova SUPERONDA POIS Dynamic Sofa by Archizoom Associati
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2017 Poltronova pays tribute to Superonda –an anti–design iconic piece of furniture that fully preserves its outrageously playful nature– by calling on all members of the Radical ...
Leather
Poltronova SARATOGA Large Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli
By Poltronova, Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The series is composed of an armchair and sofas with two, three or four seats. The rigid structure, made by assembling four parts of equal thickness, with rounded edges, contains sli...
Leather, Wood
Poltronova SUPERONDA Dynamic Sofa in Red by Archizoom Associati
By Poltronova, Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1967 by the Florentine Radical group Archizoom, this was the first sofa without a conventional frame. It is composed of two waves made from a polyurethane block cut into ...
Leather
$10,516 / item
Poltronova MIES Armchair by Archizoom Associati
By Poltronova, Archizoom Associati
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mies armchair was born in 1969 from the idea of using a strip of para rubber or India rubber —strong, elastic materials— as a seat. The structure, a triangle in chrome—plated met...
Metal
Poltronova JOE PLUSH Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi
By Poltronova, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Joe is a big comfortable chair in the form of a giant baseball glove, mounted on invisible wheels. With this project the designers, inspired by the poetics of Pop Art, gave material ...
Metal
Poltronova JOE JEANS Armchair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Joe is a big comfortable chair in the form of a giant baseball glove, mounted on invisible wheels. With this project the designers, inspired by the poetics of Pop Art, gave material ...
Metal
Poltronova SUPERONDA NO-STOP Dynamic Sofa by Archizoom Associati
By Poltronova, Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2017 Poltronova pays tribute to Superonda –an anti–design iconic piece of furniture that fully preserves its outrageously playful nature– by calling on all members of the Radical ...
Fabric
Poltronova SARATOGA Armchair by Lella and Massimo Vignelli
By Poltronova, Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The series is composed of an armchair and sofas with two, three or four seats. The rigid structure, made by assembling four parts of equal thickness, with rounded edges, contains sli...
Leather, Wood
Poltronova SARATOGA Small Sofa by Lella and Massimo Vignelli
By Poltronova, Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The series is composed of an armchair and sofas with two, three or four seats. The rigid structure, made by assembling four parts of equal thickness, with rounded edges, contains sli...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Poltronova Armchairs with Ashtrays, Italy 1960s
By Poltronova
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of Poltronova armchairs with red lacquered frame, veneered armrests and three-piece seat covered with black leather. In the armrests are embedded small ashtrays.
Leather, Wood
Franco Bettonica P 40 Armchair in Walnut and Fabric by Poltronova 1960s
By Poltronova, Franco Bettonica
Located in Cascina, Pisa
P 40 armchair with structure in walnut wood, the seat and back are composed of a removable padded cushion covered with fabric and sustained by a fabric structure directly attached to...
Fabric, Walnut
Arcata Chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s, Set of 2
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Quarrata, IT
Gae Aulenti “Arcata” model 1960s armchairs. Manufactered by Poltronova. Wooden structure, original leather uphokster.
Leather, Wood
Liuto armchair by Paolo Portoghesi for Poltronova
By Paolo Portoghesi, Poltronova
Located in Ravenna, IT
Rare early version of the famous Liuto armchair designed by Paolo Portoghesi for Poltronova in 1970. The armchair traces classic forms, and the shapes are accentuated by white stitch...
Fabric, Wood
Arcata Easy Chairs by Gae Aulenti in Walnut and Burgundy Leather, Italy, 1968
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gae Aulenti; Easy Chairs; Armchairs; Arcata; Poltronova; Italian Design; Italy; 1968; Walnut; Burgundy Leather; Mid-Century Modern; Gae Aulenti Arcata...
Leather, Walnut
Marco Zanuso For Poltronova Set 2 Armchairs And Coffee Table 70s Vintage Design
By Marco Zanuso, Poltronova
Located in Taranto, IT
Marco Zanuso For Poltronova Set 2 Armchairs And Coffee Table 1970s Vintage Design. The seven is in good conservative condition. On one armchair there is the absence of a bolt on th...
Brass
Poltronova SUPERONDA Dynamic Sofa in White by Archizoom Associati
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1967 by the Florentine Radical group Archizoom, this was the first sofa without a conventional frame. It is composed of two waves made from a polyurethane block cut into ...
Leather
Poltronova SUPERONDA SPOTS Dynamic Sofa by Archizoom Associati
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2017 Poltronova pays tribute to Superonda –an anti–design iconic piece of furniture that fully preserves its outrageously playful nature– by calling on all members of the Radical ...
Fabric
Poltronova SUPERONDA BABELE DECODED Dynamic Sofa by Archizoom Associati
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2017 Poltronova pays tribute to Superonda –an anti–design iconic piece of furniture that fully preserves its outrageously playful nature– by calling on all members of the Radical ...
Fabric
Poltronova SUPERONDA DRESSING Dynamic Sofa by Archizoom Associati
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2017 Poltronova pays tribute to Superonda –an anti–design iconic piece of furniture that fully preserves its outrageously playful nature– by calling on all members of the Radical ...
Fabric
Poltronova SUPERONDA STRIPES Dynamic Sofa by Archizoom Associati
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 2017 Poltronova pays tribute to Superonda –an anti–design iconic piece of furniture that fully preserves its outrageously playful nature– by calling on all members of the Radical ...
Leather
$10,285 / item
Poltronova PLASMA Armchair and footrest by Nigel Coates
By Nigel Coates, Poltronova
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In the context of Nigel Coates’ growing interest in furniture, the Plasma armchair reflects the English designer’s taste for designing essential forms by digital means. Composed of a...
Metal
Armchairs by Umberto Brandigi for Poltronova Set of Six Beech & Fabric
By Umberto Brandigi, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Set of six beech and fabric armchairs by Umberto Brandigi for Poltronova. Poltronova is an Italian design company known for its contributions to the world of modern and contemporar...
Fabric, Beech
$4,392
H 12.8 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Ettore Sottsass, Dado Stool, model T29, completely original 1960s example
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Ettore Sottsass, Dado Stool, model T29, designed 1963 and manufactured by Poltronova, Italy during the 1960s. The wooden base is painted in brick red paint with a plain walnut top. ...
Wood, Walnut
$22,000 / set
H 26.19 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Gae Aulenti “Locus Solus” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, 1964, Set of 10
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gae Aulenti “Locus Solus” dining chairs for Poltronova, metal, Italy, 1964, set of ten Designed in 1964 by Gae Aulenti, the “Locus Solus” dining chairs are a vivid expression of Ita...
Metal
$12,432Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.41 in W 43.31 in D 68.9 in
Leather 'Joe' Chair Designed by De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova, Italy
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in London, GB
This super sized, super cool, leather 'Joe' chair has now become a design classic. Designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi in 1970, this contemporary re-editio...
Metal
$9,500 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.41 in D 20.48 in
Armchairs by Umberto Brandigi for Poltronova Set of Six Beech & Fabric
By Umberto Brandigi, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Set of six beech and fabric armchairs by Umberto Brandigi for Poltronova. Poltronova is an Italian design company known for its contributions to the world of modern and contemporar...
Fabric, Beech
$5,246Sale Price|25% Off
H 32.29 in W 28.35 in D 39.38 in
Locus Solus armchair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1964
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Locus Solus armchair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1964. A first production in excellent condition, restored. Structure in painted metal,...
Iron
$8,743 / set
H 34.26 in W 26.38 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Giorgetti Italian Velvet Armchairs "Progetti", 1980s
By Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs in solid ebonized beech and armrests in glossy Pau Ferro, the padding of the seat and back is in polyurethane foam. They have been completely restored and upho...
Velvet, Wood, Beech
$6,950Sale Price|36% Off
H 38 in W 72 in D 48 in
'Joe' Lounge Chair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova, 1970s, Signed
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful patinated leather "Joe" lounge chair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova is covered in a gorgeous and soft light brown / ...
Leather
Poltronova, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Italy, 1970s
By Poltronova
Located in High Point, NC
A Russian pine and yellow fabric designed by Poltronova, Italy, 1970s. Vintage fabric presents with light staining as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimen...
Fabric, Pine
$1,748
H 27.56 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Mid Century Baby Blue Velvet Vintage Armchair, Walnut Wood, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A wonderful armchair made in the 1960s in Poland. Stabile design of the furniture and a comfortable seat. Furniture after full upholstery renovation, refreshed woodwork. The whole is...
Textile, Beech
$4,371 / set
H 26.38 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
Set of 4 pink Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in amstelveen, NL
A set of 4 lacquered metal Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1964. The round seat is perforated sheet metal. The structure, which forms the backrest, armrests, and le...
Steel
$32,000
H 23.63 in W 106.7 in D 37.01 in
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for 'Saratoga' Sofa Reupholstered in Beige Velvet
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' four-seat sofa, velvet, polyester lacquered wood, Italy, 1964. This four-seat sofa named 'Saratoga' is designed by Italian desi...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Ettore Sottsass model "Califfo" sofa for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Skokie, IL
Ettore Sottsass model "Califfo" sofa for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s– Newly Upholstered Discover a timeless piece of design history with the Ettore Sottsass Califfo...
Wood, Upholstery
Sold
H 28.35 in W 27.96 in D 30.71 in
"La Stringa" by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Sofa of Two Armchairs 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Architectural Italian design by Gae Aulenti The ‘Stringa’ series reflects Gae Aulenti’s vision of flexible living, where seating elements interact within a space. The armchairs featu...
Chrome
Sgarsul armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Milano, IT
Sgarsul armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s It is a rocking armchair characterised by an elegant and sinuous bent and stained beech wood frame, a comfortable and s...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 29.53 in D 39.38 in
Sgarsul rocking chair in leather and wood Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Italia 1962
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Catania, IT
Sgarsul rocking chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1962. Bentwood frame, black leather seat and cushion. In excellent vintage condition, absent signs of wear and cracks ...
Leather, Bentwood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 25.4 in D 24.41 in
Italian modern steel & leather office chairs by Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova 1970
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern steel and brown leather office chairs by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1970s. Pair of armchairs or office chairs, with armrests and aluminum structure. The seat and ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova Pair of "Saratoga" Cube Armchairs, Italy 1960s
By Massimo Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Naples, IT
Pair of armchairs mod. Saratoga in white lacquered wood with cushions in beautiful purple-red fabric. If you can design one thing, you can design everything, said Massimo Vignelli (1...
Fabric, Wood
Sergio Asti, set of two 'Zelda' Armchairs, Poltronova, 1962
By Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in Firenze, IT
Set of two 'Zelda' Armchairs , designed by Sergio Asti for Poltronova in 1962. This is the first model produced by Poltronova. The upholstery cover is absent, as is visible in the ph...
Fabric, Wood
Sgarsul armchair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Milano, IT
Sgarsul model armchair, Gae Aulenti by Poltronova, Italy, 1960s One of designer Gae Aulenti's most famous design pieces, black painted wood frame and brown leather fabric. Dim : 1...
Leather, Wood
Two armchairs 'Zelda' by Sergio Asti 1962
By Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in Berlin, DE
The two armchairs, known as the 'Zelda' model, impress with their very elegant shape and square seat. Designed in 1962 by the Italian architect and designer Sergio Asti for Poltronov...
Wool, Plywood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 25.6 in D 24.02 in
Set of 2 Chairs in teak and black boucle by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1960
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in amstelveen, NL
Ettore Sottsass set of 2 chairs for Poltronova, Italy, in the 1970s. A simplistic yet very strong design in lines and proportions. Wonderful solid teak wooden frame, which runs over ...
Bouclé, Teak
Gae Aulenti Locus Solus Chair
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Vancouver, BC
Designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Poltronova, are one of Aulenti’s most playful design pieces, with close features of the architectural structures she designed for Milan's Piaz...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 33.08 in W 30.32 in D 35.04 in
Scacciapensieri Armchair Chairs by De Pas D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Poltronova
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Poltronova armchair model 'Scacciapensieri'. Cantilevered Italian lounge armchair with organically shaped frame. The frame features wonderful connect...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 22.84 in D 18.9 in
Giovanni Battista Bassi for Poltronova Pair of 'Elisa' Armchairs 1960s
By Poltronova
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Original mid century armchairs by Giovanni Battista Bassi for Poltronova. These model 'Elisa' armchairs consist of a grey lacquered wooden frame and green velvet seats. The frames are left in unrestored original condition with visible wear. We think the original somewhat worn look of the frames is very attractive to vintage amateurs...
Velvet, Wood