Founded in 1954 by Aurelio Zanotta, the company's initial focus was on the production of sofas and armchairs, surpassing the artisan tradition of upholstering workshops - which would normally refer to the production of upholstered furniture - and turning attention towards a design "culture".

The production of the items takes place mainly within the Nova Milanese factory, which extends over an area of 16,000 square metres, with around 90 employees, of whom the half are directly engaged in manufacturing, true skilled artisans in the particular processing of leather and fabrics for upholstered items produced internally. Within the company operations of assembly and finishing are carried out for certain models of chairs, tables, accessories and various furniture items created by the most technologically advanced suppliers in Italian production, largely operating in Northern Italy. As such, Zanotta production is 100% "Made in Italy".

Popular Zanotta products include Derby, Kilt, Lama, Cavour and Quaderna.