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.
Massimo & Lella Vignelli Set of Two Black Saratoga Bar Cabinet by Poltronova
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of two luminous side table/cabinet bar in black lacquered wood, these piece presents two openable opposite doors and inner shelves. Designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli and p...
Polyester, Wood
Massimo & Lella Vignelli Black Saratoga Side Table or Bar Cabinet by Poltronova
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Saratoga luminous side table/cabinet bar in black lacquered wood, this piece presents two openable opposite doors and inner shelves. Designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli and prod...
Polyester, Wood
Ettore Sottsass Rocchettone Round Side Table in Walnut Wood by Poltronova 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Rocchettone side table realized in lacquered walnut wood with bright orange decorations (under the table top and on the base), it was designed by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by ...
Wood, Plastic, Walnut
Ettore Sottsass Single Bedside Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1963
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, IT
Ettore Sottsass single bedside table for Poltronova Original Label Italy, 1963.
Wood
Ettore Sottsass Set of two Rocchettone Round Side Table by Poltronova 1960s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Rocchettone side table realized in lacquered walnut wood with bright orange decorations (under the table top and on the base), it was designed by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by ...
Plastic, Wood, Walnut
Mid Century Side Table Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy, 60s
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Lucija, SI
Rare side table designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova Also it can be used as a nightstand Original Label
Wood
Sidetable by Ettore Sottsass, 1960
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, DE
Sidetable on wheels with drawers on both sides rosewood and ash tree Ettore Sottsass, 1960.
Ash, Rosewood
Ettore Sottsass Rocchettone Round Side Table in Walnut Wood by Poltronova 1960s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Rocchettone side table realized in lacquered walnut wood with bright orange decorations (under the table top and on the base), it was designed by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by ...
Plastic, Wood, Walnut
Ettore Sottsass Walnut Rocchetto Side Table for Poltronova, 1964, Set of 2
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of Rocchetto side tables, designed by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by Poltronova in 1964. Made of lacquered walnut wood. Excellent vintage condition. Ettore Sottsass Jr., a...
Walnut
$1,778
H 15.75 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Ettore Sottsass Rectangular Wooden Coffee Table by Poltronova 1960s Italy
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A rectangular low coffee table entirely made in wood, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Agliana 1960s. The son of an architect, Ettore Sottsass Jr. (1917-2007) was born i...
Wood
From $10,295 / item
+ 1 moreH 8.67 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Martinelli Luce Metafora 1979 Table by Lella and Massimo Vignelli
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Martinelli Luce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The four forms of the Euclidean geometry, the cube, the cylinder, the sphere and the pyramid, made of four different marbles, represent the basis of the table finished with a big she...
Carrara Marble
Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Toronto, ON
Imposing and superb, Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass evokes the structure of the classical column with the “capital” equal to the base. A side table that certainly does not go unnoticed for...
Metal, Chrome
$2,950
H 12.41 in W 35.63 in D 35.44 in
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' coffee table, polyester lacquered wood, Italy, 1964 Designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, the Saratoga coffee ...
Wood, Lacquer
$2,738
H 8.27 in W 38.98 in D 38.98 in
Coffee Table " Metafora" by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, 1979
By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Italian design - decoration - Vintage Measures : 99x99cm H:21cm Materials : Glass, Marble Colors: Beige, black, brown, transparent, white Casigliani METAFORA coffee table, designed...
Travertine, Marble
$4,630 / item
H 16.54 in Dm 16.93 in
Hyatt Metal and Wood Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Hyatt table designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1984 for Memphis, in metal and laminated wood. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he gradu...
Metal
$5,514
H 27.76 in Dm 51.19 in
Ettore Sottsass Lotto Rosso / Super Loto Dining Table, Poltronova, Italy, 1970s
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A Lotto Rosso / Super Loto dining table designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Poltronova, Italy, 1970s. In very good original condition. Fast ship...
Granite, Metal
$3,500
H 11.75 in Dm 14 in
Ettore Sottsass Rocchettone table model no. T36, ca. 1965 for Poltronova, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Skokie, IL
Ettore Sottsass Rocchettone table model no. T36, ca. 1965 for Poltronova, Italy circa 1965. Materials: Walnut, lacquered wood, gilt wood. Dimensions: 11 3/4" h x 14" dia Con...
Wood
$5,243
H 9.85 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Metafora coffee table by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Casigliani Italy, 1970s
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in amstelveen, NL
Sculptural Metafora travertine coffee table designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli. in the 1970s. Inspired by the four forms of Euclidean geometry, the cube, the pyramid, the cylinde...
Travertine, Marble
$3,700
H 31.7 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Serenissimo Dining Table by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Acerbis, Italy, 1970s
By Acerbis, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Serenissimo dining table is an iconic design by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Acerbis, dating from the 1970s. It features a square turquoise-green glass top paired with cylindri...
Metal, Steel
$2,962
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
$10,213 / set
H 21.26 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Side Tables Primavera by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1980s
By Ultima Edizione, Ettore Sottsass
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Iconic pair set of side end low coffee cocktail bedside nightstand tables or gueridon model Primavera by the italian designer founder of the Memphis Group Ettore Sottsass for the man...
Marble, Metal
Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova Tavolino "Rocchetto," Italy 1960s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Naples, IT
Rocchetto side table made of lacquered walnut wood with orange decorations (under the top and on the base), was designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Poltronova, 1964.
Wood
Ettore Sottsass ‘Rocchetto’ side table for Poltronova, Italy 1964
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Ettore Sottsass mod. T44 'Rocchetto' side table for Poltronova, Italy 1964 mod. Modest design yet sophisticated and interesting in color contrast and use of materials; the dark stain...
Walnut
Wooden Side Table Zelda by Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in Padova, IT
Zelda side table by Sergio Asti for Poltronova – Italy – 1960s Table produced in the 60s by Poltronova based on a project by Sergio Asti. Structure and top in veneered wood. ?Hot cur...
Wood
Zelda Side or Center Table by Sergio Asti, Poltronova 1962
By Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in Renens, CH
Side table from the "Zelda" series designed by Sergio Asti for Poltronova, Italy 1962. The "Zelda" series was declined in low and coffee tables as well a lounge chair and a sofa m...
Wood
Sold
H 17.72 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Italian Design Ettore Sottsass Rocchetto Side Table for Poltronova, 1960s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Renens, CH
Rocchetto side table by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Poltronova, Italy, 1960s. The varnished walnut finish shows a pleasantly warm contrast with the orange elements of this pra...
Plastic, Walnut
Ettore Sottsass "Rocchetto" Side Table for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, IT
In 1964 Ettore Sottsass designed the Rocchetto coffee table for the prestigious Italian manufacture of Poltronova. The coffee table by Ettore Sottsass has a rosewood structure with ...
Wood
Low Table by Ettore Sottsass, 1957-1958
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, DE
This sophisticated, minimalistic table is made of wood and black lacquered metal, that frame the sides of the table top. Dimensions: 77 x 77 H. 38.5cm Design Ettore Sottsass, 19...
Metal
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 13.98 in
Ettore Sottsass Jr. Pair of Rocchettone Side Tables for Poltronova, Italy, 1964
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, IT
Ettore Sottsass Jr. pair of Rocchettone side tables for Poltronova, Agliana, Italy, 1964. These are the lower version Model No. T.44.
Wood
Sold
H 46.46 in W 85.83 in D 22.84 in
Saratoga Sideboard by Massimo and Lella Vignelli, by Poltronova, 1964
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova
Located in Roma, IT
Saratoga sideboard is a midcentury design living room set realized by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova in 1964 Black lacquered wood. This cupboard is part of the 'Sartoga...
Wood