
10 Enduring Italian Furniture Brands to Celebrate Before Salone
Summary
Explore 10 iconic Italian furniture brands—Cassina, B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau, Zanotta, Arflex, Minotti, Molteni&C, Loewe, Flos, and Kartell—that continue to shape global design. Their commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and timeless aesthetics makes them as relevant today as they were decades ago. With an eye on next year’s Milan Design Week, let’s celebrate these enduring names that define Italian interior design.
Reflection Questions
How do Italian furniture brands balance tradition with innovation in their designs?
Which of the featured brands most closely aligns with your personal style, and why?
How can elements of Italian design influence your own space, whether you lean toward modern luxury or bold experimentation?
What role do materials play in the way these brands design furniture—how do they elevate the overall experience?
Journal Prompt
Reflect on a piece of furniture you own that has remained timeless in both function and design. What makes it so enduring, and how does it enhance your space? Consider how this mirrors the ethos of the Italian brands featured in the article; where does the balance between durability, aesthetics, and practicality fall in your own home?
Italian furniture is often synonymous with thoughtful design and precision craftsmanship. These brands have shaped the way we think about interiors by blending function with beauty in a way that feels natural and timeless. In 2025, these iconic names continue to influence not just Italian spaces but homes and design ideas worldwide. As we look back on this year’s Milan Design Week and look forward to Salone del Mobile Milano in April 2026, let’s celebrate some of Italy’s enduring furniture brands.
10 Enduring Italian Furniture Brands to Celebrate Before Milan Design Week
Cassina
Founded in 1927, Cassina is still a key player in modern Italian furniture almost a century later. Their ability to combine classic designs with new ideas has kept them relevant for 100 years. Cassina is known for reviving iconic mid-century pieces like Le Corbusier’s chairs, but they certainly don’t stop there.
Today, they continue to create fresh furniture like the Maralunga sofa and the Dudet armchair, all of which feel as contemporary as ever. Ever consistent is their focus on high-quality craftsmanship and their unique take on modern living.
B&B Italia
Since 1966, B&B Italia has been at the forefront of contemporary Italian design. With a focus on both comfort and cutting-edge style, the brand has managed to create furniture that is as functional as it is beautiful.
B&B Italia’s ability to work with innovative materials and collaborate with top designers has led to pieces like the “Charles” sofa and the “Up” series, which have become staples in modern interiors. Their dedication to forward-thinking design keeps them as relevant today as when they first began.
Poltrona Frau
Founded in 1912, Poltrona Frau has spent over a century perfecting the art of leather furniture. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship, the brand creates pieces that feel both of-the-moment and enduring.
Their signature leather treatment process makes each piece unique. Classics like the Vanity Fair armchair capture their commitment to comfort and quality. Poltrona Frau’s blend of tradition and innovation ensures that their designs remain at the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship.
Zanotta
Since its founding in 1954, Zanotta has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of furniture design. Known for its bold, experimental approach, the brand introduced groundbreaking pieces like the inflatable “Blow” chair and the now-iconic “Sacco” beanbag.
Zanotta continues to lead with pieces that break away from convention while remaining practical. Their willingness to experiment with materials and forms keeps them at the cutting edge of modern design.
Arflex
Arflex has been creating innovative, functional furniture since 1948. The brand has consistently worked with top Italian designers like Marco Zanuso and Joe Colombo to craft pieces that blend modern design with maximum comfort.
Arflex’s use of new materials and dedication to both style and practicality has made them a mainstay in Italian furniture. From their timeless “Sof Sof” sofa to the iconic “Sedia 1” chair, Arflex’s designs continue to stand the test of time.
Minotti
Since the 1940s, Minotti has been crafting furniture that defines luxury. Their clean, modern lines and commitment to using the finest materials have made them a go-to for sophisticated interiors.
Pieces like the “Hamilton” sofa and the “Lawrence” armchair are a reflection of the brand’s ability to create luxurious, yet accessible, designs. Minotti’s continued focus on understated elegance ensures their place at the top of Italian furniture design.
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Molteni&C
Molteni&C has been a leader in Italian furniture since 1934. They are known for masterfully combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. Working with incredible architects and designers like Gio Ponti and Zaha Hadid, Molteni&C has produced furniture that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
Their ability to blend form and function, like with the “Gliss Master” wardrobe, means that their promise to produce pieces that are not only beautiful but also practical for modern living is always fulfilled. Favorites from their recent collections include the Pantalica daybed designed by Elisa Ossino, which is pictured above.
Loewe
Though primarily known as a fashion house, Loewe has earned its place in the wider design world through its ongoing collaborations with artists and designers at events like Milan Design Week. Loewe’s commitment to blending fashion with design was evident in their exhibition “Loewe Teapots” during Salone del Mobile, where they shared reimagined teapot designs by renowned artists like Edmund de Waal, among others.
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This innovative approach to furniture and design positions Loewe as a unique contributor to the broader design world. With collaborations that celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and design, Loewe continues to push boundaries and inspire new ways to experience luxury and craftsmanship.
Flos
What speaks “design italiano” more fluently than Flos? Founded in 1962, Flos has redefined what lighting can do in a space. Their collaborations with leading designers like Philippe Starck and Achille Castiglioni have produced iconic pieces like the “Arco” floor lamp. Flos’s commitment to combining art with functionality means their lighting both illuminates and transforms any space in which it is installed.
Kartell
Since 1949, Kartell has been changing the way we think about furniture. Known for their use of plastic, Kartell has turned what was once considered a humble material into something luxurious and sophisticated.
From the famous Louis Ghost chair to the “Bubble Club” sofa, Kartell’s playful designs are an instant presence in any room. Their ability to combine bold color, innovative materials, and functional design keeps them at the forefront of modern Italian furniture.
Final Thoughts on Italian Design
Italian furniture brands have a way of evolving without losing what makes them special. These ten brands represent the incredible breadth of Italian design, from understated luxury at Minotti to bold experimentation at Zanotta. Though decades old, they continue to redefine what it means to create timeless yet evocative furniture that blends tradition, innovation, and comfort in ways only Italian designers can.
Written by the DesignDash Editorial Team
Our contributors include experienced designers, firm owners, design writers, and other industry professionals. If you’re interested in submitting your work or collaborating, please reach out to our Editor-in-Chief at editor@designdash.com.