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.
Arcata Loveseat by Gae Aulenti in Walnut and Burgundy Leather, Italy, 1968
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in 1968 by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, the Arcata loveseat embodies the architect’s distinctive approach to furniture as spatial structure. The piece is defined by its solid...
Leather, Walnut
Living Room Set, Armchairs, Loveaseat Table by Marco Zanuso for Poltronova 60s
By Poltronova, Marco Zanuso
Located in Padova, IT
Astonishing living room set, composed by a loveseat, 2 armchairs and a circular coffee table, designed by the architect Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Poltronova in 60s. The light...
Brass
Antique Wicker Loveseat by Larkin & Co., Arts and Crafts Style, USA
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Southampton, NJ
Antique American Victorian natural wicker high back loveseat with spindles and bobbins on back and apron. New custom cushion upholstered in art N...
Brass
$2,500Sale Price|51% Off
H 27 in W 64 in D 39 in
'Bounty' Leather Loveseat by L. Davanzati for The Pace Collection, 1980s
By Elam, Lorenzo Forges Davanzati, Pace Collection
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely example of the 'Bounty' series two-seat loveseat / settee by The Pace Collection in the early 1980s, this deep seated channel-tufted loveseat sofa was designed by L. Davantazi produced by Elam and retailed by The Pace Collection. Perfect for a cigar, whiskey or wine lounge or any space that can use something a bit modern yet still refined and classy. *Note, we have the matching club lounge chair and three-seater couch in another listing. Last two photos show the entire set. See our other listings or contact us for more details if you wish to create a living room or office / hotel lobby set. This channel-tufted leather love seat retains its original supple leather upholstery in an intriguing deep burgundy-brown color, almost like dark-cognac with beautiful lightly aged leather patina. The sumptuous seats are encased in a dark colored lacquer, providing an attractive modern contrast with the rich and elegant leather. This two-seater sofa has casters for ease of relocation according to occasion and mood or to better suit a view. The back is finished with tufted leather making this loveseat look incredible when floating in a room with the back exposed. Curved Art Deco styled arms lend 1980s juxtaposition and character to any room. Similar in style to the Saratoga Sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 1970s, but at a fraction of the price. Plus something you don't get with the Saratoga sofa is the refined style of the elegant channel-tufted leather cushions on this Bounty loveseat sofa by The Pace Collection. The Pace Collection also offered the highly sought after collection by Guido Faleschini such as the Tucroma chair which is an interior designer and 20th century Modern design collector's favorite go to chair. Another example is the wild 1970s bed that featured interior design magazine covers when Lenny Kravitz home was featured with the Mariani bed...
Leather, Lacquer
Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and elegant small 1950s easy style Danish settee with the frame, legs and armrests in solid teak. Very high design quality and workmanship. The piece is unmarked but the de...
Teak, Leather
Danish 1940's Loveseat with Open Wooden Armrest and Green Striped Wool
By Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very charming loveseat from the 1940's in the style of Alfred Christensen. Maker and Designer is unknown but the style is very similar to designs by Fritz Hansen and Alfred Christens...
Wool, Beech
$10,795 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.47 in D 94.49 in
Saporiti Italia Confidential Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman Living Room Set, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set is from Italian manufacture Saporiti Italia and the model is confidential design by Alberto Rosselli. It consist a 3-seat sofa, an armchair and a rare ottoman. ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Leather
$9,700Sale Price|24% Off
H 26.5 in W 51 in D 27.5 in
'LC2' Black Leather Settee Sofa Loveseat by Le Corbusier for Cassina, Signed
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly comfortable Le Corbusier for Cassina 'LC2' two-seat loveseat sofa, signed (see pics, in gorgeous thick Italian black leather on chrome steel frame is in beautiful vin...
Steel
$8,600
H 33.5 in W 57 in D 32 in
Finn Juhl Attributed Danish Loveseat Model 188 by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, 1950s DN
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Finn Juhl
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly elegant Finn Juhl attributed sofa or settee made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Denmark sometime in the 1940s as Model Number 188. The lines and proportions of this design are just...
Wool, Beech
$11,461Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Complete Living Room Sofa and Armchairs Design Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1962
By Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid living room with sofa and pair of armchairs, "zelda" model, designed by sergio asti for poltronova in 1962 The sofa measures 210 cm in length, 80 cm in depth and 60 cm in...
Leather, Wood
Loveseat with Ralph Lauren Zebra Print
Located in Munich, DE
Vintage loveseat re-designed with Ralph Lauren fabric for a special wow! The 1960's piece has been traditionally upholstered using down filling for the cushions.
Fabric, Wood
$4,515Sale Price|30% Off
H 26.75 in W 56.88 in D 31 in
Mahogany and Ash Loveseat, Settee after a Design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare mahogany and ash loveseat, settee after a design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The recatangular frame with grill ash wood panels and an "S" shaped backrest. Recently ...
Fabric, Ash, Mahogany
Locus Solus Orange Loveseat by Gae Aulenti
By Exteta, Gae Aulenti
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Locus Solus collection of outdoor furniture, this colorful loveseat boasts a retro-inspired silhouette made of tubular steel with an oblong seat upholstered with an exclusive artwork printed...
Steel
$3,700Sale Price|42% Off
H 32.25 in W 60.25 in D 33 in
'Negresco' Post-Modern Adjustable Leather Loveseat by Bernard Massot, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful red leather Post-Modern loveseat sofa designed by Bernard Massot and produced by Massot, France in circa 1980s/90s. Featuring gorgeou...
Chrome
Sold
H 24 in W 59 in D 35.5 in
Post Modern Saratoga Loveseat by Lela and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova 1960's
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in New York, NY
Voguish, and sophisticated Saratoga loveseat, sofa, designed by Lela and Massimo Vignelli, for Poltronova, made in Italy, circa 1960's. This chic sofa features comfy thick leather...
Leather, Lacquer
Sold
H 31.89 in W 35.44 in D 31.5 in
De Pas-D'urbino-Lomazzi Leather Armchairs for Poltronova 1977, Original Label
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Milano, IT
Rare pair of Italian armchairs of the 'Pitti' model for the fine manufacturer POLTRONOVA made in 1977. ORIGINAL LABEL. The armchairs are splendid and are made entirely of wood and wo...
Leather, Wood
"JOE" Glove Chair for Poltronova
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Iconic "JOE" glove shaped lounge chair (named after baseball legend Joe DiMaggio) by De Pas, D'Urbino & Lomazzi for Poltronova. Italy, 1970s. Original stitched saddle colored leather...
Steel
Pair of Superstudio SOFO chairs for Poltronova, Italy, 1966
By Superstudio, Poltronova
Located in London, GB
Superstudio were a group of Florence based architects linked to the ‘Radical Design’ movement of the 1960s. Superstudio worked across a broad range of media producing photographic co...
Upholstery, Plastic, Foam
Sold
H 28.75 in W 27.96 in D 31.5 in
1960s, Leather and Chrome Lounge Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Wonderful lounge sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Italy. This beautiful sofa is made of a black leather seating on a chromed frame. It is in excellent condition. Period...
Chrome
Rare Postmodern "Mitzi" Sofa by Hans Hollein for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Hans Hollein
Located in Miami, FL
Memphis inspired sofa with burl wood base and red and black felt fabric by Hans Hollein for Poltronova, Italy, 1980s. Original side cushions included but not shown in images.
Fabric, Wood
Rare Hans Hollein "Mitzi" Sofa for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Hans Hollein
Located in Miami, FL
Memphis inspired sofa with burl wood base and red and black felt fabric by Hans Hollein for Poltronova, Italy, 1980s. *Original side cushions included but not shown in images.
Fabric, Wood
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stringa sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova. Made in Italy, circa 1972.