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.
Hans Hollein Mitzi Sofa in Poplar and Wool Cloth by Poltronova 1981
By Poltronova, Hans Hollein
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Mitzi sofa presents a poplar plywood base with erable finish, semi-gloss water–based varnish, iron inner structure, polyurethane cushions, wool cloth uphol...
Iron
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam, Wool
Salvadore Sofa in Army (300cm) by Laura Gonzalez
By laura gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Made in France with an oak structure, high-density foam, and a feather topper for optimum comfort, the Salvador sofa features a triple armrest, upholstered with a luxurious velvet (L...
Fabric
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 1, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 1 (2x medium, 1x ottoman, 1x armrest): L. 240 cm / P. 96 cm / H. 70 cm / Seating H. 42cm Model shown ...
Foam, Wool
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 4, Green
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 4 (1x large, 1x corner, 1x medium, 2x armrest): L 230-190cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / Seating H 42cm Modula...
Foam
$21,421 / item
H 27.56 in W 110.24 in D 90.56 in
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam
$21,421 / item
H 27.56 in W 110.24 in D 90.56 in
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Green
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 1x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 2...
Foam
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 3, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO Sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 3 (2x large,1x small, 2x armrest): L300cm / P96cm / H70cm / Seating H42cm Modular sofa: assemble different modu...
Foam, Wool
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 1, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 1 (2x medium, 1x ottoman, 1x armrest): Measures: L 240cm / P 96cm / H 70cm / seating H 42cm Model shown on main...
Foam
$24,280 / item
H 27.56 in W 159.85 in D 157.49 in
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 8, Beige
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: setup 8 modules : 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small, 2 curve, 1 corner, 1 ottoman, 2 armrest) Measures: W. 406 cm / D. 400 cm / H. 70cm / seating H. 42cm Model shown: Barnum boucle 3 Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create your composition Wide range of fabrics and colors CAT 1: Fame CAT 2: Barnum, Breeze Fusion, Savoy CAT 3: Fiord, Hallingdal, Savanna, Zero*, Steelcut Trio, Moss, Safire CAT 4: Baru CAT 5: Dunes, Spectrum/Noir Introducing Studio, the newest sofa landscape in the NORR11 collection - a tribute to a timeless era of the 70s and its expressive aesthetics. Featuring a versatile but simple system of modules, appearing in limitless options to form numerous settings, shapes and styles to adhere to all types of environments. Whether for a small living setting or spacious public site. Studio is defined by its bold fluted upholstery characteristics inspired by late 1970s sofa styles...
Foam
$26,313
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
"Reflet" Sofa in Ebony and Sycamore Wood, Multifunctions by Aymeric Lefort
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
The idea for this sofa was to put together in one furniture all what you need to surround a sofa, a chest of drawers, side tables and standing lights. ...
Fabric, Ebony
$26,313
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
"Reflet" Sofa in Ebony and Sycomore Wood, Multifonctions by Aymeric Lefort
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
The idea for this sofa was to put together in one furniture all what you need to surround a sofa, a chest of drawers, side tables and standing lights. ...
Fabric, Ebony
Saratoga Sofa by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 1960s
By Poltronova
Located in bruxelles, BE
Leather and wood armchair lacquered in white. Wear due to time and age of the sofa. (see picture) Seat height 33 cm.
Leather, Wood