Our story
We have built our story on extensive experience and the ability to embrace change with optimism.
LATE 1960s
The origins
In Asolo, everyone says Luigina Serafin has a natural talent. From a very young age, she took cutting and sewing classes and worked for local businesses. Her husband, Rino Milani, worked for companies producing seating structures. Our company was born from this union—out of hands-on craftsmanship, a love for well-made products, and the drive to create something new each day.
1975
The insight
What do you get when you combine fabrics and frames? Seats. For Milani, especially in the early days, that meant office seating. Luigina Serafin founded her sole proprietorship; in the early 1980s, the Serafin-Milani couple developed their first prototypes. That same year, the family grew: alongside daughters Francesca and Giuliana, Nicoletta was born. Their playground became the upholstery shop near their home, where they playfully learned the craft’s skills.
1986
The dream takes shape
The first workshop was born from Rino’s idea to merge his technical expertise with Luigina’s tailoring skills. Our first facility was established, home to “Serafin e Milani Snc.” Business increased, and the daughters decided to contribute their talents to the company.
1989
The chase
To improve production, Rino relied on his inventor’s mindset, designing new and ingenious machinery—some of which are still preserved and working today. Serafin e Milani, initially a third-party manufacturer, began producing best-selling products for clients, boosting its reputation and revenue, enabling the purchase of a new facility in Meolo, Venice.
1993
A major leap
On January 1st, the new headquarters in Meolo, Treviso province, officially opened. The company also made its first international contacts, particularly in France and Paris, which remain key markets.
1997
Company founding
Milani S.r.l. was founded in Meolo, guided by the spirit and values inherited from its founders: passion, dedication to craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
2009/2010
New partnerships
In 2009, we began collaborating with external architects and designers to develop new products. It was time to accelerate growth in international markets, starting with Europe. In 2010, we opened a shared showroom in London, followed by one in New York.
2015
Our philosophy in the territory
To mark our 40th anniversary, we opened a new headquarters in Roncade, Treviso province, and entrusted leadership to the next generation: sisters Nicoletta, Giuliana, and Francesca Milani. The Meolo facility was transformed into a showroom and a welcoming space for clients.
2018/2020
Toward the future of our company
In 2018, we launched a new catalog filled with innovations for office and beyond, expanding our focus to include the contract sector. In 2020, a new showroom was inaugurated in Milan’s Brera Design District as part of the Pianca & Partners project—a 900 sqm contract hub designed by Calvi Brambilla.
2021
New contract and home projects
The Sem project evolved from the Milani brand as a complementary offering, presenting seating solutions with simple, functional technologies tailored for workspaces, residential settings, and home use.
2023
An expanding indoor and outdoor collection
SpazioMILANI was created from the collaboration between Milani and the Basaglia + Rota Nodari studio: a constantly evolving catalog of products designed for hybrid environments that go beyond the boundaries of indoor and outdoor. This offering now extends not only to office spaces but also to the hospitality, food, and community sectors.
TODAY
International expansion and new synergies
Our ongoing pursuit of strategic solutions tailored to client needs has allowed us to grow and evolve as a company, establishing strong relationships with international markets. Our commercial network now spans Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Arab world. The desire to broaden our horizons and build synergies with other companies in the region is an essential part of our identity.
