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 Highboard Model 504 Bernini, Italy 1960
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare high credenza in Brazilian rosewood by Gianfranco Frattini Model 504 made by Bernini, Italy around 1961. Vertical rolling curtain doors Good condition
Wood, Rosewood
Mid-Century Gianfranco Frattini, wooden Coffee Table for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Gianfranco Frattini, wooden Coffee Table for Bernini, Italy, 1960s Gianfranco Frattini (1926 – 2004) is an Italian architect and industrial designer belonging to the gen...
Wood
Vintage Pair of Floor Lamps by Gianfranco Frattini for Relco Design, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Relco Italia
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Floor Lamp is an original Contemporary Design Artwork realized by Gianfranco Frattini (Padua, 1926 - Milan, 2004) in the 1970s Made in Italy, brass and Crystal by Relco De...
Crystal, Brass
Gianfranco Frattini Swivel Table, Model 831, Wood, Bernini, 1964, Italy
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...
Wood
Gianfranco Frattini, Rare Pair of Wingback Armchairs Model 877 (First Edition)
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare pair of Wingback armchairs from an important chalet in the Italian Alps. Designed by the Italian Architect Gianfranco Frattini for the Cassina company in 1959. The fabric, in ex...
Fabric, Wood
Italian lamp Boalum by Livio Castiglioni Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Livio Castiglioni, Artemide
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian lamp Boalum by Livio Castiglioni Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1970s Floor, table or pendant lamp mod. Boalum in translucent flexible PVC with resin terminals. Made up of...
Plastic
Mid-Century Gianfranco Frattini, wooden Coffee Table for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Gianfranco Frattini, wooden Coffee Table for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Wood
Artemide Gianfranco Frattini Megaron floor lamp Italian modern design 1980
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Genève, GE
Incredible Artemide Gianfranco Frattini Megaron floor lamp Italian modern design. This tall and strikingly minimal Mid-Century Modernist Megaron Floor Lamp in Black Enamel by Gianf...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini Walnut Sideboard
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Gianfranco Frattini walnut sideboard.
Wood
Rare Bull Sofa in Terra Alcantara by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Italy, 1987
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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...
Ultrasuede
Cassina Set of 1960s 'Marema' Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Toronto, CA
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in the mid-1960s, the Marema nesting tables are a standout example of Italian modernism. Featuring four low tables that stack into a sculp...
Plastic
"Abele" Desk Lamps by Gianfranco Frattini for Luci, Italy, 1970s
By Luci Italia, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Abele table lamp with dimmer by Gianfranco Frattini for Luci. Red lacquered aluminium and halogen light.
Metal
Italian modern stackable red white coffee table 780/783 Frattini Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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
Set of Four Boxes by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Progetti
Located in Milan, IT
Set of four boxes by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti. Versatile elements composed by melamine base and rubber lids.
Plastic, Rubber
$1,301Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina Set of Four Stackable Tables, 1968
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in bari, IT
Set of four stackable cylindrical coffee tables model Marema designer Gianfranco frattini for cassina late 1960s Heights of other three side tables 33 - 28 -23 cm
Plastic
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...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Ocher Velvet Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
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 an armchair. It features o...
Chrome
Original Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina armchairs. Model 877 Italy c1959
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in London, GB
Wonderfully restored pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina armchairs Model 877 Italy c1959 Large and very, very comfortable armchairs. Completely restored. Green velvet and walnut.
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery, Walnut
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...
Chrome
$5,113Sale Price|20% Off
No. 804 Rolltop Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and unusual desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. By pulling the desk top out you open the rolltop. This desk cabinet has a lot of storage space, 10 drawers at the f...
Wood
Megaron Floor Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Floor lamp in chromed metal. The intensity of the light is adjustable. Stamped Artemide. Wear due to time and age of the lamp. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s
Wood
Mid Century Modern Rosewood desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and exceptionally rare Mid Century Modern Desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini. The table is done in rosewood....
Brass
Space Age Vintage White Table Lamp Desk Lamp Gianfranco Frattini, 1970s, Italy
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage white table lamp or desk lamp model Abele from white lacquered metal by Gianfranco Frattini for Luci Milan 1979. The table l...
Metal
Cabinet / End Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1950s
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern walnut cabinet / end table designed by Gianfranco Frattini. This cabinet has two (2) top drawers having round handles and three (3) drawers with oval integral ha...
Aluminum
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its en...
Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Giulia Lounge Armchair with Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A re-edition of the famous model 877 by Gianfranco Frattini, from 1957, named for the wife of Gio Ponti, the designer’s great teacher and mentor. Giulia is Frattini’s modern interpre...
Leather, Fabric
"Noa" Table Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Luci Italia, 1980s
By Gianfranco Frattini, luci
Located in bruxelles, BE
White metal and glass lamp designed by Gianfranco Frattini. Stamped under the lamp (see photo). For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Set of 4 ‘Model 780’ White Wood Stacking Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 4 ‘Model 780’ modular nesting tables designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1966. Crafted from solid wood in a white finish, these side tables feature laminated tops...
Wood
Artemide Gianfranco Frattini Megaron floor lamp Italian modern design 1980
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Genève, GE
Incredible Artemide Gianfranco Frattini Megaron floor lamp Italian modern design. This tall and strikingly minimal Mid-Century Modernist Megaron Floor Lamp in white Enamel by Gianf...
Metal
Set of 8 “107” Italian Dining Chairs by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Paris, FR
Set of eight model “107” dining chairs designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. A refined Italian modern classic, defined by its two-part curved backrest and archit...
Wood, Velvet
6 walnut chairs, Model 104, by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s.
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MADRID, ES
6 walnut chairs Model 104 by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, 1960s. Set of 6 upholstered in Namay Samay fabric. Gianfranco Frattini was an architect and designer of furnitur...
Walnut
Italian space age Marema coffee tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space-age coffee tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960 Set of four modular stackable coffee tables from the Young-Play line, Marema model, made of molded ABS in a m...
Plastic
Gianfranco Frattini Rosewood Writing Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Washington, DC
A beautiful Midcentury rosewood writing desk by an Italian design icon, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini was made in Italy in 1957. This sleek proportioned desk is model 530 and featu...
Rosewood
Model 780 Nesting Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1960s, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 Wooden nesting tables. Reversible black and white top. Stamped Cassina. Wear due to time and age of the tables. Measures: Height Small: 24 cm Height Medium 1: 29 cm Height M...
Wood
Mid-Century Italian Swivel Coffee Table by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Italian Swivel Coffee Table by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s
Wood
Sesann - Armchair in leather by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann Armchair: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than an armchair: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s...
Leather
1970 Gianfranco Frattini Progetti Italian Design Purple Murano Glass Bottle
By Gianfranco Frattini, Progetti
Located in Brescia, IT
Bottle Designer Gianfranco Frattini Ed. Progetti Italy, 1970 Purple Murano "Incamiciato" Bottle "Progetti" signed under the base Perfect condiction
Blown Glass
1960s Vintage Floor Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, Metal & Fabric
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Roma, IT
Floor lamp is an original design lamp realized by Gianfranco Frattini in 1960s. Made in Italy. A vintage metal lamp with lampshade in white f...
Metal
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Fabric
Sesann - Sofa black leather by Gianfranco Frattini Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than a sofa: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s. With its env...
Leather
Sesann - Armchair in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Sesann Armchair: Icon of Italian Comfort Sesann is more than an armchair: it is a manifesto of softness and authentic comfort, designed by the master Gianfranco Frattini in the 1970s...
Fabric
Set of Four Trays by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti, 1970
By Gianfranco Frattini, Progetti
Located in Milan, IT
Set of Four Trays by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti, 1970 Set of four coloured trays in laquered metal. These works with their curved and minimal lines can be used as excellent ...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Italian Midcentury Wood Console Table 1960s
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design walnut console coffe table o sofa table with five drawers designed by Gianfranco Frattini and producede by Bernini from 1960s with manufacturer’s adh...
Wood
Oliver - Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Varedo, MB
Oliver Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini Re-edition of the model 872, originally designed by Maestro Gianfranco Frattini in 1957, Oliver testifies to the timeless success of the ...
Steel
Superb 1958, 3 Seat, Gianfranco Frattini, '872' Leather Sofa, Cassina, Italy
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
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...
Nickel
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
Coffee table with drawers Gianfranco Frattini Bernini, mod 512, 1960
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Coffee table with drawers Gianfranco Frattini Bernini model 512 from 1960: elegant coffee table of Italian design characterized by essential lines and great attention to functionalit...
Wood
$574Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1970s wooden wall mirror design Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Wall mirror with walnut wood frame , design Gianfranco Frattini, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. DIMENSIONS: Height 100 cm; width 58 cm; ...
Glass, Wood
Pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide Wallights, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide Wallights, Italy, 1960s.
Metal
Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini / Bernini, Italy 1961
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini Italy, 1961 Materials & Techniques Notes: rosewood, 2 tambour style roll down fronts, ...
Rosewood, Down
Gianfranco Frattini, Italian Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Wooden Chairs, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful Set of 4 wooden chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s: a perfect Italian Mid-Century addition in a well curated dining room. Subtle geometric transitions between curves and...
Leather, Wood
Marema Stackable Coffee Tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1967
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Marema stackable coffee tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina in 1967. The project expresses Frattini’s research on functionality, modularity and construction quality, central el...
Plastic
ROSEWOOD SIDEBOARD 503 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini (1957)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
A 500 original series sideboard by Gianfranco Frattini, produced in 1957 by Bernini. The frame and veneer are rosewood, with three tambour doors opening to reveal a series of 4 drawe...
Rosewood
Postmodern Italian Model Megaron Parete Wall Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist wall lamp from the Italian manufacturer Artemide based on a design by Gianfranco Frattini from the late 70s. The wall lamp version of the well-known floor lamp from Artem...
Metal
Acheo Floor Lamp - Gianfranco Frattini for Artemide - Italy - 1990s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, IT
Produced by Gianfranco Frattini, Acheo is a floor lamp made by Artemide with a vintage and retro design, ideal for lovers of modern antiques. The vintage lamp dates back to the 1990s...
Metal
Sideboard M501, Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini, 1960
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Gianfranco Frattini Bernini double-sided sideboard, model 501, designed in 1960, is a symbol of elegance and functionality. This extraordinary piece, made of rosewood, features s...
Kingwood
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' Floor Lamp for Artemide in Black
By Artemide, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gianfranco Frattini 'Megaron' floor lamp for Artemide in black. New modern edition of the design classic by Gianfranco Frattini from 1979. The elegant uplighter radiates with its t...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Chest of Drawers by Gianfranco Frattini, Wood, Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Chest of Drawers by Gianfranco Frattini, Wood, Italy, 1970s
Wood
Writing Desk by Gianfranco FRATTINI for BERNINI, 1961
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Elegant modular walnut Desk, mod. 807 with black leather and aluminium detail. The roll top tambour-door opens by pulling out the leather writing surface. There are 8 pull-out drawer...
Aluminum