1970s Vitelli & Ammannati Lounge Chairs for Brunati, Italy – Pair of Sculptural Modernist Armchairs

This exceptional pair of 1970s Italian lounge chairs was designed by Giampiero Vitelli and Giovanni Ammannati for the acclaimed furniture manufacturer Brunati, a name associated with refined craftsmanship and experimental Italian modernism. These sculptural armchairs beautifully represent the transition between late-Modernist and Soft-Design aesthetics that defined Italy’s design culture in the 1970s—an era shaped by influential masters such as Vico Magistretti, Joe Colombo, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, and Mario Bellini.

Each chair features Brunati’s signature semi-circular black feet, prominently stamped BRUNATI ITALIA, and the original ribbed upholstery in a soft neutral tone. The generous floating seat cushions, rounded silhouettes, and low-slung proportions embody the comfort-driven Italian design movement of the decade.

The internal structure is composed of solid wood framing paired with high-density foam typical of Brunati’s premium work of the era. A rare detail visible in the photos is the wooden interior support bar inside the cushion sleeve—an indicator of authentic 1970s Italian craftsmanship.

These chairs are ideal for collectors, interior designers, and lovers of iconic Italian design.

Style & Era 

• Era: 1970s

• Design Movement: Italian Modernism / Soft Design

• Influences: Bellini’s organic forms, Magistretti’s functional minimalism, and Colombo’s futuristic comfort concepts

• Country of Origin: Italy

• Manufacturer: Brunati, Italy

• Designers: Vitelli & Ammannati

Materials 

• Original ribbed textile upholstery in beige/cream tones

• Solid wood internal frame

• High-density foam cushions

• Iconic black molded base feet with Brunati Italia stamped

• Visible wooden support cylinder inside cushion sleeve (authentic vintage construction)

Dimensions 

• Length:  37.4 in

• Depth:  33.4 in

• Height:  29.5 in

• Seat Height:  15.7 in

Notable Characteristics

• Rare and collectible pair from renowned Italian designers

• Soft, organic 1970s silhouette

• Stamped Brunati bases confirm authenticity

• Thick, floating seat cushions with sculptural proportions

• Perfect for luxury interiors, design galleries, hotel lobbies, or film staging

• Beautiful patina consistent with age; small signs of wear visible on upholstery (normal for vintage items)

Story 

These Vitelli & Ammannati lounge chairs capture the spirit of 1970s Italy—a decade when designers explored comfort, form, and experimentation like never before. Produced by Brunati, a respected Italian workshop, these chairs were originally crafted for sophisticated homes and boutique hotels across Northern Italy.

Their rounded shapes, plush cushions, and signature Brunati black feet make them instantly recognizable. Decades later, they remain a testament to the era’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. Owning this pair means bringing a piece of Italian design history into your home—something unique, artistic, and built to last.