Set of Sabrina model chairs, a celebrated project by Gastone Rinaldi, produced in Italy between the late 1960s and the early 1970s and manufactured by RIMA, a historic company specialized in experimentation with bent metal and elastic structures.
The Sabrina model represents one of the most mature expressions of Rinaldi’s research on the cantilever chair: a continuous and sculptural sled structure in chromed tubular steel, capable of creating an elegant visual suspension effect while also offering dynamic and flexible comfort.
The seat and backrest are padded and upholstered in black vegan leather, a choice consistent with the essential and modernist language of the project, which dialogues with the brilliance of the chromed metal. The back of the chairs is characterized by the typical exposed metal grid, both a technical and decorative element, highly recognizable and distinctive of the model, highlighting the industrial and rational approach of Rinaldi’s design.
The Sabrina model was published several times in Domus, confirming its iconic value and the central role this chair played in the landscape of Italian design of the second half of the twentieth century, a period in which formal and structural research was combined with a strong experimental drive.
The chairs are in good overall condition, with small and localized spots of rust on the chromed structure, minimal and non-invasive, to be considered normal signs of age and clear evidence of their more than 50 years of history. These traces do not compromise either the stability or the aesthetic readability of the project, but rather attest to its historical authenticity: these are not new pieces, but original period furnishings, with a patina consistent with use and the passage of time.
Ideal for high-profile residential interiors, meeting rooms, professional studios, or research-oriented contract settings, these chairs combine comfort, design rigor, historical relevance, and strong collectible value.
Product Name: Sabrina chairs by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima Padova
Designer: Gastone Rinaldi
Year of Design: Between the late 1960s and the early 1970s
Style: Italian modernism, Mid-Century Modern, experimental design of the second half of the twentieth century
Main Materials: Sled structure in chromed tubular steel; padded seat and backrest upholstered in black vegan leather; exposed metal grid on the back
Distinctive Design: Cantilever design with a continuous and sculptural chromed steel structure, capable of generating an elegant visual suspension effect; back characterized by the typical exposed metal grid, a highly recognizable technical and decorative element, expressing Rinaldi’s industrial and rational approach
Dimensions: Height 80 cm | Width: 52 cm | Depth: 54 cm | Seat height: 50 cm
Comfort: Dynamic and flexible comfort ensured by the cantilever structure, which naturally supports the body during seating
Typical Use: High-profile residential environments, meeting rooms, professional studios, and research-oriented contract settings
Design Icon: Model published several times in Domus, recognized as one of the most mature expressions of Rinaldi’s research on the cantilever chair and of Italian design of the second half of the twentieth century
Versatility: Suitable for both domestic and professional contexts, capable of dialoguing with modern, modernist, and contemporary interiors thanks to the balance between formal rigor and timeless elegance
Current Design Status: Historic and well-established design, today considered a reference point in the field of Italian modernariato and the collecting of vintage furniture
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Giorgio and Gastone Rinaldi are two Italian designers with a significant influence in the world of 1970s design.
Working together, they contributed to the creation of many iconic works, including the Sabrina chair set for the company RIMa Padova.
Their aesthetic often reflected the taste of the era, characterized by clean and modern lines, yet with a distinctive touch that set them apart from other contemporary designers.
Craftsmanship and attention to detail were key elements in their work. Giorgio and Gastone Rinaldi left a lasting mark on the landscape of Italian design thanks to their talent and creativity.
RIMa (Rinaldi Industria Mobilio & Affini), founded in Padua by brothers Giorgio and Gastone Rinaldi, was an important Italian design company of the 20th century.
Characterized by an innovative approach and an artisanal attention to detail, RIMa produced iconic furniture that combined modernism, elegance, and fine materials such as brass, steel, and suede.
Giorgio and Gastone combined creativity with technical expertise, creating distinctive furnishings such as the “Sabrina” chairs, a symbol of 1970s design.
These chairs, made of solid brass and upholstered in velvet, embody the excellence of Made in Italy.
Although the company ceased operations with the decline of artisanal production, its pieces are now sought after by collectors, testifying to the value of the Rinaldi brothers’ work in the history of Italian design.