Entrepreneur Aurelio Zanotta founded Zanotta in 1954 in Nova Milanese, Italy. Originally called Zanotta Poltrona, it specialized in traditional furniture. By the early 1960s, however, Zanotta had established a reputation for edgy mid-century modern design. Today’s vintage furniture collectors know the brand well for its innovative and wholly sculptural chairs, coffee tables and more.
One of Zanotta’s earliest successes was the Mezzadro stool — better known as the Tractor stool — designed by Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and his brother Achille in the late 1950s. In 1965, Zanotta was among the first furniture companies to work with expanded polyurethane foam and frameless construction, such as for the Throw-Away sofas and armchairs designed by Willie Landels. Another popular design was the Blow chair — designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi and Carla Scolari — viewed by many as a physical expression of late '60s carefree culture.
In 1969, amid the provocative movement we now call Italian Radical Design, Zanotta’s Sacco chair garnered major attention. The boundary-pushing beanbag chair was the brainchild of designers Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro who presented it to Aurelio Zanotta as a transparent vinyl sack loosely filled with small polystyrene balls. He suggested its signature brightly colored leather.
The Sacco chair won the 1970 ADI Design Museum’s Compasso d’Oro award. In 1972, the Museum of Modern Art in New York included it in the landmark exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” curated by designer Emilio Ambasz. In 2020, it received a Compasso d’Oro ADI Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years of enduring popularity. It is now in museum collections around the world including the Triennale Design Museum of Milan, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
After Aurelio Zanotta died in 1991, the company remained in his family and has been run by his three children since 2002. Zanotta continues to set the bar high for furniture design with trend-setting pieces.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Zanotta seating, tables and other furniture.
Early Gae Aulenti for Zanotta 'Locus Solus' Tubular Armchair in Steel
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 'Locus Solus' armchair, chromed tubular steel, blue leatherette, Italy, 1964 This Locus Solus armchair, designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Zanotta, is ...
Steel
Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta Set of Twelve 'Castiglia' Dining Chairs
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Archille Castiglioni for Zanotta, set of twelve dining chairs, model Castiglia, chromed aluminum, faux leather, Italy, design 1968 These iconic 'Castiglia' chairs were designed by t...
Aluminum, Chrome
$3,200Sale Price / set|21% Off
Set of 4 Zanotta Burgundy Leather Dining Chairs, Italy, 1980s, Signed
By Zanotta, Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome and well-crafted set of four dining chairs by Zanotta, Italy circa 1980s, in rich burgundy leather. Often compared stylistically to Mario Bellini’s iconic 'Cab' chairs for...
Leather
Metal, Black Leather Castiglia Chairs by A. Castiglioni for Zanotta, Set of 4
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 4 stackable armchairs in chromed tubular metal, seat and back in black leather and spring structure for a comfortable seat. Model "2062 Castiglia" designed by A. Castiglioni a...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Irma Design Chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s, Set of four
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Vintage design dining chairs designed by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta model Irma. Black lacquered metal structures with leather seats and backs.
Metal
Pair of Blue Castiglietta Dining Chairs by Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely pair of stackable Castiglietta Chairs in blue fabric. These iconic chairs were designed by Achille Castglioni and produced by Zanotta in Ita...
Steel, Chrome
$1,260Sale Price / set|30% Off
Roberto Barbieri Lea Leather Dining Arm Chairs for Zanotta, Set of Three
By Zanotta
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three stone colored leather Lea dining arm chairs with leather wrapped seat and legs designed by Roberto Barbieri for Zanotta.
Steel
Pair of Chrome Dining Armchairs by David Palterer for Zanotta, Italy, 1987
By Zanotta, David Palterer
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Artistic and stylish pair of side / dining chairs by David Palterer for Zanotta, Italy. The chairs are made in chromed tubular frame that features a floating backrest. The wood is ma...
Chrome
Set of six ‘Irma’ dining chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy, 1979
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
A rare and visually striking set of six Irma dining chairs, designed by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta in 1979. Named after Castiglioni’s wife, Irma Barni, the model reflects the de...
Iron
Set of 8 “Irma” Dining Chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Hellouw, NL
The "Irma" chair, designed by the renowned Italian designer Achille Castiglioni in the 1970s and produced by the esteemed Italian furniture company Zanotta, stands as a timeless test...
Steel
Italian black plastic aluminum chairs 2090 Tonietta Enzo Mari Zanotta 1980s
By Enzo Mari, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black plastic and aluminum chairs 2090 Tonietta by Enzo Mari for Zanotta, 1980s Set of six chairs model Tonietta, also known as 2090, with a half-moon backrest and a r...
Metal, Aluminum
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century 'Santina' Dining Chairs by Carlo Santi for Zanotta
By Zanotta
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of vintage ‘Santina’ dining chairs designed by Carlo Santi for Zanotta in the 1970s. The seats, which are reupholstered in turquoise fabric, sit on a chromed steel frame with tr...
Steel, Chrome
$3,900Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 31 in Dm 21 in
Set of Four Bertha Schaefer Dining Chairs Italian Mid Century
By M. Singer & Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in New York, NY
A set of sculptural light/medium walnut chairs by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Son. Reupholstered in a golden cream/off white cotton/linen blend. Original Tag. Chairs were made in ...
Walnut, Cotton
$4,954 / set
H 35.44 in W 15.75 in D 18.9 in
Set of 8 “Irma” Dining Chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Hellouw, NL
The "Irma" chair, designed by the renowned Italian designer Achille Castiglioni in the 1970s and produced by the esteemed Italian furniture company Zanotta, stands as a timeless test...
Steel
$2,027Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 32.29 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Zanotta Tonietta Metal Chairs by Enzo Mari, Set of Four
By Zanotta
Located in Rochester, England
The Zanotta Tonietta Chairs by Enzo Mari are an exquisite blend of minimalist elegance and robust functionality. This set of four chairs is crafted with precision, featuring sleek an...
Metal
1980s Set of Four Chrome Dining Chairs, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of fabric and chrome - Made in Italy - The fabric needs to be replaced - Good original condition - Seat hight 47 cm.
Chrome
$6,994 / set
H 35.04 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in
Tito Agnoli x Calligaris Italian Postmodern Leather Dining Chairs, 1980s, Italy
By Calligaris, Tito Agnoli, Matteo Grassi
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A set of six Postmodern sculptural dining chairs designed by Tito Agnoli and handmade by Calligaris in Italy, 1980s. They feature a...
Leather
$5,129 / set
H 30.71 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
Six Dining Chairs "Model 101", by Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of six Italian dining chairs, model 101, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1960s and manufactured by Cassina. Fine rosewood combined with mint-colored fabric upholstery by L...
Fabric, Wood
$1,387
H 19.89 in W 17.13 in D 18.9 in
Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s Italian design - Seating - Vintage Measures : 43,5x48cm H:50,5cm Materials : Steel - metal - wood M...
Metal, Steel
$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 Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
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
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Side Dining Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic design by Mario Bellini for Cassina designed 1977, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The back of each leg fea...
Steel
Six Locus Solus Chairs by Gae Aulenti. 1970's Italian
By Gae Aulenti
Located in London, GB
Set of Six 'Locus Solus' chairs by Gae Aulenti. Constructed from tubular steel with a perforated metal seat, the gloss powdercoated finish makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Steel
$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
Set of Four Black Leather Chairs by Cattelan Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of four black leather dining chairs by Cattelan Italia similar to leather chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Leather
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta 'Locus Solus' Tubular Armchairs
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, set of twelve 'Locus Solus' armchairs, chromed tubular steel, blue leatherette, Italy, 1964 Set of twelve 'Locus Solus' armchairs. These armchairs, design...
Steel
Sold
H 38.59 in W 15.75 in D 18.9 in
Irma Design Chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s, Set of 4
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage design dining chairs designed by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta model Irma. Black lacquered metal frames with leather seats and backrests. In good condition with normal a...
Metal
Zanotta Carmen Black Dining Chairs by Enzo Mari, Set of Two
By Zanotta
Located in Rochester, England
The Zanotta Carmen Black Dining Chairs by Enzo Mari represent a masterful blend of sleek design and exceptional comfort. This set of two chairs is a testament to Mari's innovative ap...
Metal
Sold
H 31.5 in W 16.93 in D 23.63 in
Italian modern Black wood and metal Chairs Lariana by Terragni for Zanotta, 1980
By Giuseppe Terragni, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black chair and metal Chairs Lariana by Giuseppe Terragni for Zanotta, 1980s Set of 4 chairs mod. Lariana with a curved rectangular backrest and shaped seat in black p...
Metal
Sedie "Irma" di Achille Castiglioni per Zanotta
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Conversano, IT
Iconico set di 4 sedie IRMA disegnate da Achille Castiglioni negli anni '70 e prodotte dalla rinomata azienda italiana Zanotta. Le sedie sono caratterizzate da una struttura in accia...
Iron
Sold
H 36.75 in W 15.25 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Postmodern Metal Dining Chairs in Taupe Suede by Zanotta, Italy 1980s
By Zanotta
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of Italian post modern dining chairs produced by Zanotta in the 1980s. These chairs feature sculptural black aluminum frames with cir...
Metal
Mid Century Red Leather Dining Chairs, Zanotta, Italy 80s, Pair
By Zanotta
Located in Lucija, SI
Vintage Dining Chairs were designed and produced by Italian brand Zanotta in '80s. Chairs are labeled. "Zanotta Italy" The chairs are made of a black plastic frame and beautiful red...
Leather, Plastic
Sold
H 35.83 in W 15.75 in D 18.9 in
Irma Design Chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s, Set of 10
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage design dining chairs designed by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta model Irma. Red lacquered metal frames with leather seats and backrests. In good condition with normal age...
Metal
Sold
H 26.38 in W 22.45 in D 21.46 in
Italian Midcentury Metal Sky Chairs Locus Solus by Gae Aulenti Zanotta, 1980s
By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian midcentury metal and black sky chairs Locus Solus by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 1980s Pair of chairs from the Locus Solus series, in metal and black sk...
Metal
Mirandolina Chairs by Pietro Arosio for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Pietro Arosio
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Mirandolina chairs No 2068 by Pietro Arosio for Zanotta circa 1993. The seat is formed from one piece of curved aluminium. Four set chairs.
Aluminum
Sold
H 37.41 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Postmodern Design Leather Dining Chair Set by Zanotta, Italy 1985
By Zanotta
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage original Postmodern Design set of 8 Dining Chairs in marine green leather by Zanotta, made in Italy circa 1985. This turqoise marine green leather dining chair...
Aluminum
Sold
H 45.28 in W 27.17 in D 25.6 in
Rare set of 8 'Regina' chairs by Paolo Deganello for Zanotta, Italy 1991
By Zanotta, Paolo Deganello
Located in Sittard, LI
Rare and monumental set of 8 'Regina' dining chairs designed by Paolo Deganello for Zanotta, Italy 1991. The chairs feature a lacquered metal structure covered in saddle leather. Ov...
Metal