Gianfranco Frattini is widely regarded as a mid-century master of Italian modern design. He was an award-winning architect and designer, and specialized in creating furniture and decor that is both decorative and practical — Frattini’s vintage desks, armchairs, nesting tables and other works are celebrated for their sophisticated merging of function and form.
Born in Padua in 1926, Frattini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He later apprenticed with his teacher and mentor, Gio Ponti. Through Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian architecture and design — Frattini met many notable modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier, but an introduction to famed Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cassina would prove incredibly significant in helping launch his career.
During the mid-1950s, Frattini began to collaborate with Cassina’s eponymous company. He designed the brand’s acclaimed leather and walnut Model 849 lounge chair — a winner of the Compasso d’Oro award — the Marema nesting tables and the iconic Sesann collection. The latter, an enduring 1970s suite of impossibly welcoming leather-covered seating, is now produced by Tacchini. In addition to Cassina, Frattini created furniture and lighting for other manufacturers such as Bernini, Arteluce, Artemide, Knoll and more.
While many of his designs incorporate glass, tubular steel and other materials, Frattini loved working with wood. The sculptural Albero bookcase — an innovative floor-to-ceiling structure made in walnut that swings on a 360-degree vertical swivel axis — is a striking example of Frattini’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Japan with friend and collaborator Pierluigi Ghianda — a master Milanese cabinet maker — in order to study the work of artisans in Kyoto. The trip inspired his design of the Kyoto table, a work of solid beech with Canaletto walnut inserts that is part of the permanent collection of the Milan Triennale’s Design Museum. The Kyoto and Albero have been revived by Poltrona Frau.
Frattini’s designs are in the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Find vintage Gianfranco Frattini furniture, lighting and decor on 1stDibs.
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Walnut
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantiere Carugati, bookcase / wall unit, Italian walnut, metal, Italy, 1958 This library unit is designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini and offers ...
Metal
Mid Century Nesting Tables Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Meblo, Italy 70s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Meblo
Located in Lucija, SI
A set of three coffee nesting tables made in the former Meblo furniture factory in the former Yugoslavia. The tables are designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Gianfranco Frat...
Glass, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table 1970s
Glass, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Barstools in Stained Walnut and Red Leatherette
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, bar stools, model '112', walnut, leatherette, Italy, 1959 These barstools, model 112, were first created for the Stork Club restaurant in Milan. Th...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chairs, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Vintage fabric in...
Fabric, Plywood
Gianfranco Frattini Coffee Table Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 47.5"dia x 15.5h Designer: Gianfranco Frattini Material: Wood w/ Glass Top
Walnut, Glass
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
French daybed from the 1950s, defined by a clear, architectural mahogany frame and a refined sense of proportion. Newly upholstered, the piece reflects the postwar French approach to...
Metal
$2,861Sale Price|35% Off
Vintage 1960s wooden secretaire credenza design G.Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in None, IT
Rosewood secretaire with gilt brass feet and handles, features four drawers and a flap with original lock and key, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1960s. CONDITION: In ...
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Lounge Chair in Green Upholstery and Teak
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, lounge chair, model 877, fabric, teak, Italy, 1959 This grand lounge chair is based on a solid construction, featuring strict lines and angular shap...
Fabric, Teak
Gianfranco Frattini Sesamo desk for Bernini Italy, 1980s
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Skokie, IL
The form is both innovative and elegant: the desk functions seamlessly as an entrance accent, a refined workspace, or a secretary station, with a matching chair that tucks effortless...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini Large Version Nesting Tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Gianfranco Frattini large version nesting tables for Cassina, Italy, 1966. Wood nesting tables with black and white interchangeable tops Original Cassina labels.
Formica, Wood
An Iconic 1970s Mid-Century Modern Wood Mirror by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A mid-century modern wood mirror by Gianfranco Frattini is a remarkable piece of design that encapsulates the essence of the era. Gianfranco Frattin...
Mirror, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Floor Lights '2' Opal Glass Grid Black White, Italy, 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare pair of 75" Gianfranco Frattini floor lights from the 1970's- sold individually. Absolutely cool and stylish floor lamps that seem to derive from the post modern era but...
Metal
Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s, 10 pcs
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Diest, BE
Great set of 10 Model 101 dining chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Overall good vintage condition. Some chairs have scratches on the seat and wood. Literature...
Wood
Model 780 side tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sculptural set of four Model 780 side tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in the 1960s. This iconic Italian design perfectly captures the balanc...
Laminate, Wood
Set of four "780" coffee tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 4 stackable coffee tables "Mod. 780" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina This set of wooden coffee tables represents one of the most iconic and representative works of the Ita...
Wood
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' Floor Lamp for Artemide in Aluminum
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Glendale, CA
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' floor lamp for Artemide in aluminum. New modern edition of the design classic by Gianfranco Frattini from 1979. The elegant uplighter radiates with it...
Aluminum, Steel
Rosewood Gianfranco Frattini Desk for Bernini, Italy 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Watford, GB
A generously proportioned desk by Gianfranco Frattini, manufactured by Bernini in Italy around 1950. This high quality piece is made of rosewood in a rich reddish brown colour. The...
Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini, Lounge Chair, Plywood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood, brass and red fabric lounge chair designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Wood has recently been refinished. Pre restoration images avai...
Fabric, Plywood
20th Century, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Cabinet with Desk mod. 804
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Frattini graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic in 1953. He opened his professional studio in Milan, after working in the studio of his teacher and mentor Gio Ponti. Hi...
Glass, Wood
$5,948Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Sesamo Pop Up Desk / Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1981
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Basel, BS
Exquisite and very rare Pop Up Desk by Gianfranco Frattini in Italy for Bernini. Label present, and all drawer pulls are stamped with the logo. When you p...
Leather, Beech
Nesting Table By Gianfranco Frattini For Cassina Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Table for Cassina Italy 1970s
Glass, Wood
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
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Walnut and Black Leather Chairs, Italy 1981
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Sacile, PN
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini set of six walnut and black leather chairs, Italy 1981 circa. This set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, is characterized by a splendid co...
Leather, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini 'Aspide' Table Lamp for GUBI
By Gubi, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Glendale, CA
Gianfranco Frattini 'Aspide' Table Lamp for GUBI. Named after the Italian word for ‘asp’, for its serpentine form, the Aspide was designed as a versatile task lamp that may be adjus...
Metal, Chrome, Iron
Early edition Megaron floor lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, Italy 1979
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The Megaron floor lamp was designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide in Italy. An iconic piece of midcentury Italian design, that is still in production. This piece is an early ve...
Metal, Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini White Nesting Tables, Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of four nesting tables, mod. 780, designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina during the 1960s. This iconic Italian modern design features sculptural white lacquered ...
Formica, Beech, Paint
$8,981 / set
Gianfranco Frattini 780/783 Tables For Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gianfranco Frattini 780/783 Low Tables For Cassina The series of round low tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini is emblematic of Italian design in the ...
Wood
$14,275Sale Price|20% Off
Bilateral Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic sideboard designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. Italy 1960 ca. Three vertical tambour doors on one side, with three large and two smal...
Wood
Daybed 882 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in newly upholstered brown Mohair
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Model 882 daybed sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This elegant piece features a solid wood frame with refined dovetail joints and new brown Mohair upholstery by Mark...
Mohair, Upholstery, Wood
$5,799Sale Price|25% Off
"Sesann" Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
A vintage sofa from "Sesann" Series, realized by Frattini in 1970. Alcantara upholstery, tubular chromed steel. Cassina label. Inches 23.6 (h) x 66.9 x 35.4 (d). An iconic expres...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini Nesting Tables, space age design, Cassina, Italy circa 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in leucate, FR
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Set of 3 Interlocking square nesting tables. A classic of space age design. The 3 tables are stackable to create a square block. ( like Tetris )....
Smoked Glass, Wood
Gian Franco Frattini Albero book mill pre Poltrona Frau
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Weesp, NL
Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry wood, Albero mid century modern book mill designed by Gian franco Frattini, pre Poltrona Frau. This unique Brazilian Cherry wood version has been made in th...
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Cherry
By Cantieri Carugati, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantiere Carugati, bookcase / wall unit, cherry, walnut, mahogany, iron, Italy, 1958 This library unit is designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini an...
Iron
Gecko table lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Leuka, 1970s
By Leuka, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Gecko table lamp, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Leuka in 1971. Giuliana Gramigna described on page 208 of 'Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000' (translated from Italian):...
Metal
$7,328Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural wood Italian cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini for Berini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and beautiful wood cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1950 - 60s. A true classic of Italian Mid-Century design, capable of speaking with style and sophisticatio...
Wood
$1,995Sale Price|33% Off
1980s Gianfranco Frattini 'Adonis' Tall Halogen Floor Lamp, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Luci Italia
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Tall halogen floor lamp with adjustable pierced metal grill inside glass shade to dampen light output sideways. Very accurate original foot dimmer to f...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Meblo, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Beograd, RS
This listing features a mid century modern set of 3 nesting tables, done in solid beech wood with smoked glass tops. Tables can function as 3 separate pieces, or they can get stacked...
Beech
1960s by Frattini for Bernini Italian Midcentury Design Coffee Table
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Brescia, IT
Gorgeous rosewood coffee table by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. Very good condition Any defects on the top (look at the pictures).
Wood
Sesann armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sesann armchairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1970s, Polyuretane, leather, tubolar chromed steel structure, wooden base. Excellent condition. Reupholster in new vi...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini Black Beech Kyoto Coffee Table For Knoll, Italy 1974
By Knoll, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare original Gianfranco Frattini Kyoto coffee table, Knoll Italy 1974 Dimensions are 44.5" x 44.5" x 13.78" This is the origin...
Wood
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
Pair of Armchairs "849 " by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs "849 " by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
Fabric, Wood
$10,693 / item
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
Artemide Gianfranco Frattini Megaron floor lamp Italian modern design
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Gianfranco Frattini designed it in 1978 for Artemide. Made of steel. Body is white, base is black. It illuminates upward, to ceiling. and makes soft light in the room. Light source ...
Steel
Gianfranco Frattini Heavy Brass Floor Lamp Tourchere Dimmer Scallop Lotus Shade
By Flos, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Giancarlo Frattini for Relco floor lamp. Made of heavy stock brass with sculptural lotus shape shade. Stamped underside the switch/ dimmer.
Brass, Bronze
Artemide Floor Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, 1997
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Floor lamp model 'Megaron' by Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1979, in white laquered metal.
Aluminum
$3,480Sale Price|77% Off
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Sesann 180cm Sofa Mays Color 01 - Cat. M Frame T07 Painted Black Walnut T43 Feet A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs...
Fabric
Italian modern coffee table Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern coffee table Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s Square coffee table mod. Sesann. The structure is in chromed...
Steel
Italian lamp Boalum by Livio Castiglioni Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini, Livio Castiglioni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern lamp Boalum by Livio Castiglioni Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1970s Floor, table or pendant lamp mod. Boalum in translucent flexible PVC with resin terminals. It ...
Plastic
Gianfranco Frattini 804 writing desk for Bernini, 1962
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Misinto, IT
The Secrétaire 804 is one of the most representative designs of Gianfranco Frattini's creativity and the manufacturing excellence of Bernini, a historic Italian haute cabinet-making ...
Crystal, Aluminum
Red & Black metal 1980s Megaron floor lamp by G. Frattini for Artemide
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Black plastic round base, rare red painted metal body and aluminum floor lamp designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1979 and produced by Artemide. Good vintage condition: signs of wear ...
Metal, Aluminum
Tacchini Serie 500/3 Storage Cabinet by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Serie 500/3: three-unit sideboard with shutters and drawers in the left compartment; glass or wood shelves available as optional. Optional wooden shelf or Optional glass shelf - Se...
Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini Ocher Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann three-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features ocher velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, Cognac Leather, 1969
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianfranco Frattini “Sesann” Sofa for Cassina, cognac leather, Italy, 1969 Designed in 1969 by Gianfranco Frattini, the Sesann collection marked a turning point in upholstered furni...
Leather
Armchair Designed by Gianfranco Frattini 1960 Model '880'
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
This sophisticated piece of furniture, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1960 for Cassina, stands out for its scultural and futuristic line. The cover, renewed like the foam, is mad...
Leather, Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann three-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features brown alpaca velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular ca...
Chrome
Customizable Tacchini Lina Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Lina is a re-edition of one of the earliest projects designed by Gianfranco Frattini, one of the great masters of Italian design. Nominated in 1955 for the Compasso d’oro, the armcha...
Leather, Fabric
Italian modern stackable red white coffee table 780/783 Frattini Cassina, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern stackable red white coffee table 780/783 Frattini Cassina, 1970s Set of four coffee tables mod. 780/783 with round base lacquered white and red. The structure is compo...
Laminate, Wood
Gianfranco Frattini Wardrobe for Bernini, 1961
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Wardrobe Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1961. The design of this wardrobe designed by Frattini for Bernini in 1961 reflects Frattini’s rigorous and sophisticated approach, oriented...
Wood