Skip to main content
Luisa Chair
Iconic Designs

Luisa ChairBy Franco Albini

About the Design

After working for approximately 15 years through several prototypes of the design (one of which was manufactured by Knoll in the late 1940s), the Italian designer, architect and urban planner Franco Albini (1905–77) finished what is considered to be a masterpiece: the Luisa chair. The dignified armchair is upholstered in warm red fabric and named after Luisa Colombini, Albini’s personal assistant and secretary of two decades. Lightweight and initially available in teak, mahogany and beech, the definitive version of the Luisa chair was put into production by Poggi in 1955.

The Luisa is often compared to the similarly minimal and sturdy Leggera chair conceived by like-minded rationalist architect and designer Giò Ponti, under whom Albini apprenticed after receiving his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1929.

Not unlike Ponti’s work, Albini’s designs often merged traditional Italian craftsmanship with the modernist flourishes that had occupied Italian rationalists. It was this blend of functionalism and style that earned Albini numerous awards, including several Compasso d’Oro prizes, a prestigious Italian award for excellence in industrial design. His first Compasso d’Oro was for the Luisa chair, which is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and is still manufactured by Cassina.

Luisa Chair

to
6
1
6
4
3
3
1
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955

Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955

By Franco Albini

Located in Brussels, BE

Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s
Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s

Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s

By Franco Albini, Succ. Carlo Poggi

Located in Wolfurt, AT

Set of 6 Italian wood and fabric chairs armchairs Model "Luisa" designed by the Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia 1955. Bibliographie: Italien 1950er Jahre,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design

Franco Albini Luisa Chair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design

By Franco Albini, Cassina

Located in Berlin, DE

Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Leather

Cassina “Luisa” Chair by Franco Albini
Cassina “Luisa” Chair by Franco Albini

Cassina “Luisa” Chair by Franco Albini

By Franco Albini

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautifully constructed chair with floating back design. Signed by Cassina. Two available. Priced individually.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Rare No. 48 Armchair by Knoll International
Rare No. 48 Armchair by Knoll International

Rare No. 48 Armchair by Knoll International

By Franco Albini

Located in Munich, DE

Designed by Franco Albini and made by Knoll International.

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 8
Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 8

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” Chairs for Poggi, Italy, 1953, Set of 8

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Franco Albini 832 “Luisa” chairs for Poggi, wood and leather, Italy, 1953, set of eight. Originally designed in 1939 and refined through multiple iterations, the 832 “Luisa” chairs ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949
Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949

Early Franco Albini Pair of Oak "Luisa"/ N°48 Dining Chair by Knoll, ca. 1949

By Franco Albini

Located in Geneva, CH

Early pair of black naugahyde and oak N°48 chair by Franco Albini produced by Knoll between 1948 and 1952. Good condition, 2 little damages on corners of the seat cushion ( picture ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Oak

Related Items
Franco Albini, Early Rocking "PS16" Chaise Lounge, Sycamore, 1960s, Poggi, Italy
Franco Albini, Early Rocking "PS16" Chaise Lounge, Sycamore, 1960s, Poggi, Italy

Franco Albini, Early Rocking "PS16" Chaise Lounge, Sycamore, 1960s, Poggi, Italy

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in High Point, NC

A rare and early "PS16", cotton, cord and sycamore rocking chaise lounge designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Wear consistent with age and use.  Pr...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Cotton, Cord, Sycamore

Knoll International Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer Black Leather
Knoll International Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer Black Leather

Knoll International Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer Black Leather

By Knoll, Marcel Breuer

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This Wassily chair, in chromed tubular steel and black leather, was designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by Knoll International. Knoll International production with the Marcel Breu...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

1990, Frank Gehry Powerplay by Knoll International
1990, Frank Gehry Powerplay by Knoll International

1990, Frank Gehry Powerplay by Knoll International

By Knoll, Frank Gehry

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...

Category

1990s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Plywood

Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s

Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s

By Franco Albini

Located in High Point, NC

A wood and fabric lounge chair, model 432, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Several minor imperfections to wood frame. Vintage fabric ideally reu...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Grasshopper Lounge Chair designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International
Grasshopper Lounge Chair designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International

Grasshopper Lounge Chair designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International

By Eero Saarinen

Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg

Knoll International Grasshopper Lounge chair, Modell No. 61 designed by Eero Saarinen in 1946. Seat upholstered in grey wool fabric, with birch plywood base. Manufactured by Knoll...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood, Birch

Margerita Rattan Chair by Franco Albini, Bonacina, 1950s
Margerita Rattan Chair by Franco Albini, Bonacina, 1950s

Margerita Rattan Chair by Franco Albini, Bonacina, 1950s

By Franco Albini

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Iconic Italian mid-century design by Franco Albini, crafted for Bonacina in the 1950s. The Margherita chair features a sculptural woven rattan frame with a flaring pedestal base and ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan

“Fiorenza” Chair by Franco Albini for Arflex 1960's
“Fiorenza” Chair by Franco Albini for Arflex 1960's

“Fiorenza” Chair by Franco Albini for Arflex 1960's

By Franco Albini

Located in Kampen, NL

Designed by Franco Albini in 1952, the Fiorenza chair is a celebrated icon of Italian mid-century design. Characterized by its sculptural wingback silhouette, plush upholstery, and e...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Teak

Vintage Italian "Margherita" Rattan Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina
Vintage Italian "Margherita" Rattan Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina

Vintage Italian "Margherita" Rattan Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina

By Franco Albini

Located in Oceanside, US

A sculptural icon of Italian modernism, the Margherita chair was designed by Franco Albini in 1950 and produced by Vittorio Bonacina. Handwoven from rattan over a finely crafted cane...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Rattan

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Brussels, BE

Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.  

Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Franco Albini “Margherita” Armchairs, Italy 1950's
Pair of Franco Albini “Margherita” Armchairs, Italy 1950's

Pair of Franco Albini “Margherita” Armchairs, Italy 1950's

By Franco Albini

Located in Argelato, BO

This elegant pair of Margherita armchairs, designed by Franco Albini for the Bonacina company in the 1950s, represents a true icon of mid-century Italian design. Each seat is masterf...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Easy Chair in Cane, Fabric and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1950s
Easy Chair in Cane, Fabric and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1950s

Easy Chair in Cane, Fabric and Rattan by Franco Albini, 1950s

By Franco Albini

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

This rare easy chair, designed by Franco Albini and produced in Italy during the 1950s, is a significant example of mid-century Italian furniture that unites sculptural form with tra...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Rattan

Franco Albini style, pair of rattan and bamboo rocking chairs. Italy 1950s
Franco Albini style, pair of rattan and bamboo rocking chairs. Italy 1950s

Franco Albini style, pair of rattan and bamboo rocking chairs. Italy 1950s

By Franco Albini

Located in Catania, CT

A pair of rocking chairs in the style of Franco Albini, crafted from rattan and bamboo. Designed in Italy during the 1950s, these chairs showcase an elegant and organic design, combi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Previously Available Items
Franco Albini Luisa arm chairs Poggi Italy 1955
Franco Albini Luisa arm chairs Poggi Italy 1955

Franco Albini Luisa arm chairs Poggi Italy 1955

H 31.11 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in

Franco Albini Luisa arm chairs Poggi Italy 1955

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

An exceptional and rare set of eight ‘Luisa’ armchairs, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi in 1955. Crafted from solid walnut, these chairs exemplify the depth of Albini...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Walnut Wood, Italian Design, Circa 1950
Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Walnut Wood, Italian Design, Circa 1950

Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Walnut Wood, Italian Design, Circa 1950

By Franco Albini, Poggi

Located in Milano, IT

Sedia “Luisa” disegnata da Franco Albini negli anni ’30, icona del design italiano modernista. Questo modello unisce eleganza minimalista e proporzioni armoniche, con struttura in le...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Nutwood

Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool
Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool

Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool

By Franco Albini, Bonacina

Located in London, GB

Franco Albini for Vittorio Bonacina (attr.) Ottoman, late 1950s / early 1960s Rattan cane A striking looking and versatile piece of furniture, a great addition to any room. Lovely or...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rattan

Luisa chair by Franco Albini for Poggi 1960s
Luisa chair by Franco Albini for Poggi 1960s

Luisa chair by Franco Albini for Poggi 1960s

H 30.12 in W 21.26 in D 22.05 in

Luisa chair by Franco Albini for Poggi 1960s

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Milano, IT

Chair, model 'Luisa' designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi from 1955. Oak wood frame, seat and back with foam padding and fabric upholstery. Fully restored.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Set of six Luisa chairs mod. PT1 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia
Set of six Luisa chairs mod. PT1 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia

Set of six Luisa chairs mod. PT1 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Midcentury set composed by six chairs model PT1 "Luisa" designed by Franco Albini for Poggi Pavia. Original wooden frame, with black faux leather.. The Luisa model chair won the Com...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Franco Albini "Luisa" teak chairs for Poggi, Italy 1955
Pair of Franco Albini "Luisa" teak chairs for Poggi, Italy 1955

Pair of Franco Albini "Luisa" teak chairs for Poggi, Italy 1955

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Renens, CH

Pair of Franco Albini "Luisa" teak chairs for Poggi, Italy 1955 These timeless and minimalist dining chairs with armrests feature a structure in teak wood with stunning details and ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

Set of 6 italian midcentury chairs "Luisa" by Franco Albini
Set of 6 italian midcentury chairs "Luisa" by Franco Albini

Set of 6 italian midcentury chairs "Luisa" by Franco Albini

By Franco Albini

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Set of six Luisa chairs with a wooden structure reupholstered in beige fabric, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Poggi Pavia, c. 1950. Luisa chair won the Compasso d'oro...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Franco Albini, "Luisa" chairs, Production Poggi, Pavia
Set of 2 Franco Albini, "Luisa" chairs, Production Poggi, Pavia

Set of 2 Franco Albini, "Luisa" chairs, Production Poggi, Pavia

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Wolfurt, AT

This set of two Italian chairs was designed by Franco Albini for Poggi in the 1950s. The "Luisa" model is a simple, timeless design and is made of walnut wood and red fabric on the b...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Iconic Franco Albini Woven Rattan Ottoman, 1960s
Iconic Franco Albini Woven Rattan Ottoman, 1960s

Iconic Franco Albini Woven Rattan Ottoman, 1960s

By Vittorio Bonacina, Franco Albini

Located in Miami, FL

A vintage rattan round pouf designed by Franco Albini in the 1950s and manufactured by Vittorio Bonacina in the 1960s. An ingeniously designed stool that's composed solely of bent-ra...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Rattan

Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf
Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf

Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf

By Franco Albini

Located in Ferndale, MI

Lightweight and airy appearance sturdy and stable . . Split reed ottoman/pouf with solid maple legs that extend from floor to top of seat . Very nice original condition . Recently ac...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rattan, Reed

Set of 2 Luisella chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa
Set of 2 Luisella chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa

Set of 2 Luisella chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa

By Franco Albini

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The Luisella chair, designed by Franco Albini, is a true icon of mid-century modern furniture. The Luisella chairs by Franco Albini, now reupholstered in a luscious white bouclé fabr...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

Set of 4 Luisa chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa
Set of 4 Luisa chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa

Set of 4 Luisa chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa

H 30.32 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in

Set of 4 Luisa chair, Franco Albini, 1950 circa

By Franco Albini

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The Luisa chair, designed by Franco Albini, is another classic piece of mid-century modern furniture. When reupholstered in white bouclé fabric, it imparts a sense of timeless elegan...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

More Franco Albini Designs
Franco Albini Lb7
Franco Albini Lb7
Average Price
$26,197
Number Available
7
Franco Albini Lb7
Materials
Wood, Metal, Hardwood, Teak
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Luisa Chair
Luisa Chair
Average Price
$11,183
Number Available
7
Luisa Chair
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Animal Skin, Leather
Styles
Mid Century Modern
After working for approximately 15 years through several prototypes of the design (one of which was manufactured by Knoll in the late 1940s), the Italian designer, architect and urban planner Franco Albini (1905–77) finished what is considered to be a masterpiece: the Luisa chair. The dignified armchair is upholstered in warm red fabric and named after Luisa Colombini, Albini’s personal assistant and secretary of two decades. Lightweight and initially available in teak, mahogany and beech, th...
Shop All
Franco Albini Fiorenza Chair
Franco Albini Fiorenza Chair
Average Price
$20,194
Number Available
7
Franco Albini Fiorenza Chair
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Hardwood
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Franco Albini Rocking Chaise
Franco Albini Rocking Chaise
Average Price
$14,110
Number Available
3
Franco Albini Rocking Chaise
Materials
Wood, Cane, Chrome, Cord, Cotton, Fabric, Glass, Hardwood, Metal, Natural Fiber, Oak, Rattan, Sycamore
Styles
Mid Century Modern, Modern
Shop All