Fumoir armchair by Poltrona Frau with seasoned beech structure, diamond-pattern stitching, Pelle Frau® covered buttons and brass wheels, expression of Italian elegance and outstanding design

Fumoir | Armchair

Renzo Frau

All items in the Fumoir range come with brass front wheels and stand out for the diamond-pattern stitching on the backrest and their leather-covered buttons. A row of leather-covered pins refines the back and sides of the armchair. The supporting structure is made from seasoned beech. The seat spring system consists of hand-tied steel biconical springs placed on jute belts. The padding is in rubberised horsehair. The upholstery is in Pelle Frau® leather or fabric. 

Fumoir | Armchair

Renzo Frau
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Visuals shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual finish and/or pattern may vary due to unique characteristics of natural raw materials

Upholstery Info

Concept and Design

An historic piece from the Poltrona Frau collection, Fumoir revisits the elegant living room set introduced to the 1920s catalogue in the form of models 118 and 518. Renzo Frau took his inspiration from the 18th century tub armchair with low backrest, particularly suitable for the erect posture we adopt around a table or in a waiting room. The Fumoir sofa and armchair are distinctive for the absence of a separate backrest cushion and for the way they have been significantly reduced in size, making them quite agile and versatile, just as they were back then.  

renzo frau
Designed by
Renzo Frau

Lorenzo Frau, known as ‘Renzo’, was born in Cagliari in 1881. He left Sardinia for military service in Milan, which he completed successfully earning the title of lieutenant. He married Savina Pisati and moved to Turin, at the time a real hub of Italian culture. He initially worked as a sales representative for Gribaudi and then for Dermoide Patent, manufacturer of faux leather. Having moved to Great Britain for work, he was able to discover the Chesterfield model armchairs and immediately imagined its potential, successfully starting to import it into Italy. At the same time, however, he was also attracted by the models of French and Central European style. He therefore decided to create his own artisan production laboratory. It was 1912: Poltrona Frau was created. From the initial work ‘in style’, Frau quickly moved onto direct design. Poltrona Frau became not only a production pole, but also a meeting point for artists and intellectuals. Renzo Frau used these relations to consolidate the brand image: successful models ensued quickly, one after the other. As the First World War broke out, Frau was called to fight for his country and his wife Savina bravely took up the reins of the company. Frau’s armchairs thus began entering the most important buildings, also used by the royal family. Renzo Frau met an early death in 1926. He left an extensive archive of projects that would allow his wife to coherently pursue Poltrona Frau production in the years to come.

Coverings and finishes

Dimensions
01 fumoir armchair 5155111
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The Fumoir armchair by Poltrona Frau represents one of the highest expressions of classic Italian design, combining timeless elegance, comfort, and superior craftsmanship. Originally created in the 1920s and reinterpreted according to contemporary standards, this armchair stands out for its compact structure, enveloping lines, and refined leather upholstery, crafted with the mastery that distinguishes every Poltrona Frau creation. Its curved backrest and deep seat make it ideal for creating intimate and welcoming corners, both in residential interiors and in high-end public spaces.

 

The Fumoir armchair finds its natural place in classic living rooms, refined lounges, and reading rooms, where it becomes the focal point for intimate conversations or moments of relaxation with a good book. Its presence also enhances private studies, home libraries, and bedrooms with a relaxation corner, offering a comfortable seat with strong aesthetic impact. Thanks to its compact silhouette, the Fumoir armchair is perfect for those seeking an elegant solution even in smaller spaces, such as reading nooks, small living rooms, or representative entryways.

 

In contract settings and high-end public environments, the Fumoir armchair stands out as a furnishing choice for luxury hotel lounges, boutique hotels, exclusive clubs, and historic venues such as wine bars or literary cafés. Its retro charm and the quality of its materials make it particularly appreciated in waiting rooms of law firms, notary offices, or professional studios that wish to convey a sense of authority and hospitality. It is also a refined solution for fashion boutiques, retail spaces, prestigious showrooms, and high-end bookstores, where iconic design becomes an integral part of the customer experience.

 

The Fumoir armchair is also perfect for furnishing historic homes, period residences, or interiors with a classic aesthetic, enhancing architectural details and evoking the atmosphere of another era. The possibility of choosing from different leather finishes and colors allows interior designers to integrate it harmoniously into both classic and contemporary projects, creating unique and strongly characterized spaces. Thanks to the quality of its materials and its artisanal craftsmanship, this armchair ensures long-lasting durability, maintaining its charm and comfort intact even after years of use.

 

Choosing the Fumoir armchair means bringing into your home or professional space an iconic design piece—a symbol of elegance, hospitality, and Italian tradition—capable of creating sophisticated atmospheres and offering a truly unique seating experience.