Franco Albini Ottoman
Made by Sika Design
Designed by Franco Albini
Designed in 1951 by Italian architect Franco Albini, this ottoman is one of the most quietly radical objects of the mid-century canon. Its spherical silhouette and open, nest-like weave arrive at a form that is at once architectural and organic, a disciplined geometry achieved entirely through the flex and tension of rattan.
Sika Design, one of Scandinavia's oldest and most respected producers of rattan and wicker furniture, has preserved the integrity of Albini's original vision across more than seven decades of production. The craftsmanship is exacting: each piece is hand-woven from ecologically sourced rattan, a fast-renewing palm stem that regenerates on a five-to-seven-year cycle, making it one of the most responsible natural materials available to furniture makers.
The ottoman's natural skin tone carries a warmth that reads differently across light conditions, shifting between pale amber and soft ochre. It functions equally well as a footrest, an occasional seat, or a standalone sculptural object. Suitable for both indoor and sheltered outdoor environments.
- Designed by Franco Albini, 1951
- Manufactured by Sika Design, Denmark
- Hand-woven ecological rattan construction
- Appropriate for indoor and outdoor use
- Available in natural finish
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Franco Albini Ottoman
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Franco Albini Ottoman and when?
Franco Albini, the Milanese architect and designer celebrated for his rationalist sensibility, designed the ottoman in 1951. Albini was a multiple recipient of the Compasso d'Oro, Italy's most prestigious design award, and his furniture work is held in major museum collections worldwide.
What is the ottoman made of, and is rattan sustainable?
The ottoman is hand-woven from rattan, the slender, pliable stem of certain tropical palms. Rattan is widely regarded as one of the most ecologically responsible natural materials in furniture production because it regenerates in five to seven years, far faster than timber.
Can the Franco Albini Ottoman be used outdoors?
Yes. Sika Design produces the piece for both indoor and sheltered outdoor use. Rattan's natural resilience makes it suitable for covered terraces or loggia settings, though prolonged direct exposure to rain and intense sun should be avoided.
How does Sika Design relate to Franco Albini's original design?
Sika Design holds the license to produce this design and has manufactured it continuously since the mid-twentieth century. As one of Scandinavia's oldest rattan and wicker workshops, the company maintains the hand-weaving techniques that are essential to the piece's structural and aesthetic authenticity.
What are the typical uses for this ottoman in a designed interior?
Architects and designers deploy the piece as a footrest paired with a lounge chair, as an informal occasional seat, or as a freestanding sculptural object. Its open weave and spherical form make it visually lightweight, allowing it to hold presence in a room without competing with other furniture.