Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Italian, 1926-2004
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.
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Creator: Gianfranco Frattini
Gianfranco Frattini Beige Wool Bouclé Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina.
It features wool bouclé upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 'Bull' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 'Bull' lounge chair, Italy, 1980s
A monumental design by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This piece was designed in 1987 and it shows typical trait...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Customizable Tacchini Grand Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Base: painted or chromed metal.
Feet: walnut or gray stained ash.
Upholstery: not removable.
Sesann is reborn in new dimensions to offer greater comfort and sensuality with a deep a...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Leather, Textile
Bull 3-seater red leather sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 1987
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Stavenisse, NL
A timeless design by infamous Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini (1926-2004) for Cassina; the Bull sofa. Only produced in 1987 by Cassina, this design is becoming increasingly rare...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Plastic, Rubber
NEW Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Black chrome frame with Walnut feet
upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Textile
2 Sesann sofas Gianfranco Frattini Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Frattini's set of two Sesann sofas is a sublime expression of contemporary design. Characterized by clean lines and elegant shapes, these sofas embody the essence of Itali...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed 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, cozy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Sesann Sofa / Settee by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Dallas, TX
Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in original dark brown leather.
Category
1970s Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
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...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Sesann leather sofa by Giancarlo Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Quarrata, IT
Three seating sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1970s. This sofa has been reupholstered in brown first quality leather and has its orig...
Category
1970s Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann dining room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina.
It is composed of a three-seater sofa and three armchairs.
It features brown alpaca...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in Stock
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN EXTRA
Eremurus Cat. Extra Col. 05
Chromed structure: T23
Feet: T43 walnut
CAL117
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and ar...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Textile
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina 'Bull' Sofa in Black Leather
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 'Bull' sofa, Italy, 1980s
A monumental sofa design by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. This piece was designed in 1987 and it shows typical traits f...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in London, England
The "Three-seater sofa Mod. Sesann," crafted by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1970, epitomizes a harmonious blend of style and practicality. With a sleek chrome-plated steel frame, the sofa exudes timeless elegance. The polyurethane foam padding ensures comfort, while the rich brown cord upholstery adds sophistication.
The Sesann sofa...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Alpaca Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina.
This set is composed of two lounge chairs upholstered in tobacco and chocolate brown alpaca velvet.
Sesann is characterized by an organic and informal shape and is defined by the tubular metal detail that wraps around the soft, upholstered seat. In the 1970s, the Cassina catalogue...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina "Sesann" Two-Seater Sofa, Italy 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Naples, IT
Two-seater sofa Mod." Sesann," designed by di Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1970. The outer frame is chrome-plated steel, the padding is polyurethane foam, and the upholstery is...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Divano '872' Gianfranco Frattini per Cassina, anni 50, color panna e legno
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Divano tre posti disegnato da Gianfranco Frattini e prodotto da Cassina a partire dalla fine degli anni '50. Gambe in metallo smaltato e legno, imbottitura in espanso, rivestimento i...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Metal
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann dining room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina.
It is composed of a two-seater sofa and two armchairs.
It features...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Khaki Brown Velvet Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina.
It features khaki brown velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as stru...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
NEW Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Black chrome frame with Walnut feet
upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with sof...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric
NEW Tacchini Leather Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Black Painted frame with Walnut feet
upholstered in Analina Leather 02 cat.z
BLACK FRAME
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather
Two Seater Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Two seater sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1969.
Original label.
Black Leather, excellent condition.
Ref. Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertorio del Design Italiano1950-200...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Steel
Three Seater Sofa "Sesann" by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Three seater sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1969.
Original manufacturer's label.
Black Leather, excellent condition.
Ref. Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertorio del Design...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Steel
Superb 1958, 3 Seat, Gianfranco Frattini, '872' Leather Sofa, Cassina, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Superb and very rare 1958 '872' sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy.
This 3 seat sofa has been newly upholstered with new Pantera TM foam and finished in superb dark brow...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Nickel
Brown Leather Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Austin, TX
Italian sofa, by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. The supple leather, in great condition, lends itself to the voluptuous form. This sofaa rests in a bent tubular...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN - ricinus 04
CAL117
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 ...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Textile
Rare Bull Sofa in Terra Alcantara by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy, 1987
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Elegant two-seat loveseat designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1987 and is covered in beautiful terracotta alcantara. The integrated headrests curve around to envelop the sitter. Designed with individually zippered upholstery panels to allow for different fabrics or leathers to be combined. Sits on four black lacquered turned wood feet.
This model is no longer in production and was only produced for 1 year. They are documented in the famous Italian Reportorio book.
The inside is a metal tubular structure completely covered with foam for super comfortable seating pleasure. The sofa has a high comfort level and is not on the market often.
Designer: Gianfranco Frattini
Manufacturer: Cassina
Country: Italy
Model: Bull sofa...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Ultrasuede
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
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...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Oliver Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A re-edition of the legendary Model 872, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1957, the Oliver sofa embodies the inseparable fusion of form and material in t...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Italian Modern Black Leather Wood 3seat Sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather wood 3-seater sofa Bull by Frattini for Cassina, 1980s
3-seater sofa Bull model with the rectangular seat, that is made up of padded cushions covered in ...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Rare Set of Vintage Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini in Purple Velvet
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful set of sofas designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 50's, of fine Italian manufacture.
The three-seater sofa is composed of three seats and a small table inserted into the...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Iron
2-Seat Sofa Model "830" Design Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The sofa is in good original condition and is covered wit...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
3-Seat Sofa Model "830" Design Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This two-seater "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The sofa is in good original condition and is covered wit...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Sofa Model 830 with Light Grey Velvet, Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina, Italy, 1955
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This "830" sofa was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The body of the piece of furniture is newly covered with light grey ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
NEW Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Black Painted frame with Walnut feet
upholstered in Dionea 02
Please ask for picture of the fabric!
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection o...
Category
2010s Italian Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Mid Century Modern Leather Sesann Frattini XL Sofa by Cassina Italy 70s
By Casina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Escalona, Toledo
Italian Sesann sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Casina in the 70s.
Body upholstered in black leather and chrome structure.
As detailed in the image of the armrest, the leathe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina with Original Upholstery
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Zandhoven, BE
This original fabric is in excellent condition, sofa has been almost unused.
Beautiful design by Gianfranco Frattini for cassina
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Chrome
1970s XL Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in Black Leather
By Gianfranco Frattini, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Bold, voluptuous and curvy. The original iconic 3-seater Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. A worthy (and often favored) peer of the Soriana sofa b...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gianfranco Frattini Sofas
Materials
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Gianfranco Frattini sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gianfranco Frattini sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 27 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 8 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original sofas by Gianfranco Frattini were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Saporiti Italia, Cini Boeri, and Tobia Scarpa. Prices for Gianfranco Frattini sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,488 and can go as high as $35,599, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,365.
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