In 1946, at the start of a postwar boom in Europe, Enrico Cappellini opened the doors to a small furniture studio in the Italian town of Carugo. But it wasn’t until his son joined the company nearly three decades later that Cappellini became a powerhouse fixture on the global design stage. Today Cappellini is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of innovative chairs, tables and decorative objects.
Giulio Cappellini joined the family company in 1977 and, with his appointment, ushered in a stage of boundary-pushing modernism and prolific creativity at Cappellini. With a dual background in architecture and business management, Giulio was well equipped to steer the brand into both innovative design and economic growth in a rapidly globalizing economy.
The second-generation leader’s first major success came in 1981, with the launch of Sistemi, a modular, hyperfunctional storage system that would come to symbolize the chic functionality of Cappellini. That was quickly followed by a collaboration with renowned Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata for the Progetti Compiuti collection, a line that brought unexpected playfulness to the simple framework of a black-and-white cabinet and remains an iconic collectible today.
That first collaboration opened the doors to a prolific output of partnerships, with Cappellini tapping such star designers as Jasper Morrison, Marcel Wanders, Tom Dixon, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and Nendo for collections over the ensuing decades that spanned a range of materials and styles. Speaking to this range, Marc Newson’s plumply curvaceous 1988 Embryo chair, Jasper Morrison’s slightly arachnoid 1987 Thinking Man’s chair and Tom Dixon’s sculptural 1991 S-chair — each quite stylistically unique — remain some of the company’s most recognizable pieces, with the latter in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Cappellini, now headquartered in Milan, continues to partner with guest designers across furniture, storage and lighting solutions, though many of its 1970s and ’80s designs remain its most coveted today.
Find vintage Cappellini furniture on 1stDibs.
Basket Two-seater sofa by Erwan Bouroullec, Ronan Bouroullec for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A casual, relaxed appeal characterizes the Basket sofa, created for Cappellini by the French designer-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The collection, composed of a two and three-sea...
Plastic, Natural Fiber
Three-seater sofa by Erwan Bouroullec, Ronan Bouroullec for Cappellini
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A casual, relaxed appeal characterizes the Basket sofa, created for Cappellini by the French designer-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The collection, composed of a two and three-sea...
Natural Fiber, Plastic, Leather, Fabric
Italian post modern Brown leather and dark wood sofa by Cappellini, 2000s
By Cappellini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern Brown leather and dark wood sofa by Cappellini, 2000s Two seater sofa in brown leather. The square seat, backrest and armrest cushions are joined by a zip. The ex...
Leather, Wood
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Oblong System Sofa Alcantara / Ultrasuede
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Oblong System Sofa Module made with a metal frame and a tan ultra suede (alcantara) upholstery. This is the right arm module. The sofa module and system was des...
Metal
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Orla Two-Seater Small Sofa in Sahco Green
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Orla Small Sofa made with a metal frame and green woven fabric. The sofa was designed by Jasper Morrison and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to circa...
Metal
2022 Jasper Morrison 94in Loveseat Sofa Oblong System in Ultrasede Alcantara
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Oblong System Loveseat Sofa made with a metal frame and tan ultra suede (Alcantara) upholstery. This is sold together as a 94.5 inch sofa/loveseat, so both piec...
Metal
Basket Two-seater sofa by Erwan & Ronan Bouroullec for Cappellini
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A casual, relaxed appeal characterizes the Basket sofa, created for Cappellini by the French designer-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The collection, composed of a two and three-sea...
Natural Fiber, Plastic
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Oblong System Sofa Module, Master 4900
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Oblong System Sofa Module, constructed with a metal frame and plywood seat, and upholstered with a blue/grey removable cover. This is the left arm module. The s...
Metal
Vintage Sofa Set "Rive Droite" by Patrick Norguet for Cappellini
By Patrick Norguet, Cappellini
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Sofa Set "Rive Droite" realized by Patrick Norguet for Cappellini in 2001. The set is composed by a Sofa a two swivel Chairs, all in an elegant white leather. Excellent con...
Metal
Barber and Osgerby for Cappellini Red Leather Superlight Sofa
By Cappellini
Located in Buxton, GB
Barber and Osgerby for Cappellini, Italy, a Superlight two-seater settee or sofa, the red leather upholstered seating on metal rod sled base. Experience the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with the Superlight Sofa, designed by Barber and Osgerby for Cappellini. This exquisite piece reflects a timeless aesthetic, upholstered in sumptuous red leather that invites comfort and sophistication into any space. With its sleek silver frame, the sofa stands as a testament to Italian craftsmanship, ensuring both style and durability. Measuring at a generous 125cm in length and 69cm in height, it offers ample seating for up to two individuals. The solid pattern and leather upholstery bring a touch of luxury to your living area, making it a versatile addition to any room. Whether you're looking to accentuate your contemporary décor or add a classic touch to a traditional setting, this original Cappellini sofa...
Metal
$18,764 / set
H 26.38 in W 212.6 in D 37.41 in
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Krefeld, DE
This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and exemplifies Morrison’s philosophy of understated, intelligent design. Composed of ...
Cotton
$10,898
H 33.08 in W 139.77 in D 65.36 in
Francesco Binfaré Flap Sofa or Daybed in White Leather by Edra 2000s Italy
By Francesco Binfaré, Edra
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A beautiful flap sofa designed by Francesco Binfaré for Edra upholstered in white leather with nine reclinable parts. The sofa presents a steel structure an...
Metal
$3,753 / set
H 29.53 in W 65.36 in D 32.29 in
Crimson Alcantara Two-Seater Sofas by Piero Ranzani for Elam, 1960s, Set of 2
By Elam, Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Piero Ranzani
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pair of 2-seat sofa was designed and produced in Italy at the end of the 1960s. They have been originally upholstered with Alcantara synthetic fabric in a precious crimson color...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$1,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27 in W 17 in D 13.5 in
Jasper Morrison Hi Pad Counter Stools for Cappellini - Set of Three
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Three Hi Pad counter stools with foot rests designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini. The Hi Pad stool features a seat in beech plywood padded with multi-density polyurethan...
Steel
Morrison Naugahyde Sofa, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Morrison Naugahyde sofa, 1960. Original naugahyde. Measures 93" long, 32" deep overall height 32", seat height 16", seat depth 22" arm height 21".
Naugahyde
English Art Deco Small Two Seat Sofa C.1930
Located in London, GB
English Art Deco Small Two Seat Sofa C.1930 Of neat proportions, having been recently upholstered in a duck egg blue cotton velvet. England, C.193...
Velvet
$12,700
H 26.38 in W 125.99 in D 98.43 in
Italian Post-Modern Sectional Corner Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular corner sofa, leather, Italy, 1970s A spacious L-shaped modular Italian corner sofa, upholstered in firm cognac leather. The cushions are generously padded with a rounded, pl...
Leather
$7,600Sale Price|30% Off
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Grey Alcantara, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular example of Vladimir Kagan design was produced by American Leather in 2012, in its original Alcantara (ultrasuede) in a medium grey color called 'Otter', signed under...
Ultrasuede
$8,000
H 53.5 in W 64 in D 90 in
2020 Vitra Alcove Seating by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in Orange Fabric
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a custom c-shaped high Alcove sofa, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra in Germany. It was acquired directly from Vitra, when...
Steel
$10,050 / item
H 29 in W 55 in D 47 in
Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Quilt Armchair for Established & Sons
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Established & Sons
Located in London, GB
The Bouroullec’s iconic Quilt series of feature seating comes in a selection of bright, springy, high-tech stretch fabrics that give a room an intense hit of colour. For a calmer fir...
Foam
French Directoire Style Loveseat Sofa
By Bloomingdale's
Located in Southampton, NJ
A French Directoire style solid Cherrywood sofa with subtle scrolled arms and tapered front / splayed back legs. A unique transitional sofa suitable for placement in a variety of set...
Cherry, Upholstery
Post Modern Italian Leather Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Las Vegas, NV
SUPER RARE. These Paolo Piva Alanda sofas are rarely available in the US and NEVER IN THIS COLOR. This sofa is vintage patinated leather perf...
Leather
Sold
H 23.63 in W 110.24 in D 35.44 in
21stC Italian Sky Blue Cappellini "Superoblong" Sofa By Jasper Morrison c.2004
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare first edition “Superoblong” sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy, in sky blue fabric upholstery and contrasting brown stitching. Jasper Morrison’s design philosophy ...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.17 in W 90.56 in D 32.29 in
2000s Cappellini 'Elan' 3 Seater Sofa in Fabric by Jasper Morrison made in Italy
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Elan Sofa, originally designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in 1999. This particular sofa, the three-seater version, was produced in the earl...
Metal
Barber & Osgerby for Cappellini Red Superlight 530 Sofa
By Cappellini, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by British industrial designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in 2000 and manufactured by Cappellini, the Superlight sofa is a fantastic example of minimalist, c...
Fabric
Jasper Morrison Wave Sofa
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural post modern sofa, designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy, circa 1990s. This sofa retains it's original upholstery which has some spots and wear. It should be re...
Metal
Blush Velvet 3-Seat Curved Sofa, Cappellini
By Cappellini
Located in Tulsa, OK
Orla Left Curved Sofa By Cappellini This Orla three-seater, rounded sofa designed by Jasper Morrison is defined by the classic and contemporary styli...
Steel