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Kartell

Italian

The Italian design giant Kartell transformed plastic from the stuff of humble household goods into a staple of luxury design in the 1960s. Founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli (1920–2006) and his wife Anna Ferrieri (1918–2006), Kartell began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods.

They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Consumers in the postwar era were initially skeptical of plastic goods, but their affordability and infinite range of styles and hues eventually won devotees. Tupperware parties in the United States made plastic storage containers ubiquitous in postwar homes, and Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans, and dish racks conquered Europe. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, and his design for the KS 1146 Bucket won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955.

Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Designers Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper created the K1340 (later called the K 4999) children’s chair that year, and families enjoyed their bright colors and light weight, which made them easy for kids to pick up and move. In 1965, Joe Colombo (1924–78) created one of Kartell’s few pieces of non-plastic furniture, the 4801 chair, which sits low to the ground and comprised of just three curved pieces of plywood. (In 2012, Kartell reissued the chair in plastic.) Colombo followed up on the success of the 4801 with the iconic 4867 Universal Chair in 1967, which, like Verner Panton’s S chair, is made from a single piece of plastic. The colorful, stackable injection-molded chair was an instant classic. That same year, Kartell introduced Colombo’s KD27 table lamp. Ferrierei’s cylindrical 4966 Componibili storage module debuted in 1969.

Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. That show introduced American audiences to the work of designers such as Gaetano Pesce; Ettore Sottsass, founder of the Memphis Group; and the firms Archizoom and Superstudio (both firms were among Italy's Radical design groups) — all of whom were using wit, humor and unorthodox materials to create a bracingly original interior aesthetic.

Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company’s roster of designers.

Kartell produced Ron Arad’s Bookworm wall shelf in 1994, and Philippe Starck’s La Marie chair in 1998. More recently, Kartell has collaborated with the Japanese collective Nendo, Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola and glass designer Tokujin Yoshioka, among many others. Kartell classics can be found in museums around the world, including MoMA, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. In 1999, Claudio Luti established the Museo Kartell to tell the company’s story, through key objects from its innovative and colorful history.

Find vintage Kartell tables, seating, table lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$678
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
Pair of Black Chairs Dr Glob of Philippe Starck for Kartell, circa 1980
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Labrit, Landes
Kartell Dr. Glob black modern chair. The Dr. Glob chair was designed by the acclaimed designer Philippe Starck for Kartell in Italy. Fashioned from two different materials, Phillipe ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Kartell

Materials

Metal

Vintage Universale Chair by Joe Colombo for Kartell, Italy, 1972
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Universale "4867" Chair, Italy dated on bottom: 1972 "polycarbonate - in very good vintage condition" "some discoloration and yellowing, some scratches and small dings" Des...
Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell

Materials

Plastic

Giotto Stoppino for Kartell Magazine Holder Orange Mod.4675, Italy 1970s
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in Naples, IT
Minimalist six-compartment magazine rack designed by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell and first introduced in 1972. Made in Italy from ABS plastic In Great Condition
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell

Materials

Plastic

Sergio Asti for Kartell ceiling suspension light
By Kartell, Sergio Asti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Asti for Kartell suspension ceiling light. Designed and made in Italy in 1960s. Acrylic shade, nickel plated hardware. Takes 1 medium bulb. Complimentary US rewiring upon requ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Sergio Asti for Kartell ceiling light model KD14
By Kartell, Sergio Asti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model KD14 ceiling suspension by Sergio Asti for Kartell. Designed and made in Italy in 1960s. Acrylic shade with perforation for light diffusion. Nickel plated hardware. Takes 3 can...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Iconic Vintage Design: Magazine Rack 4675 by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell, Italy
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
Add a touch of iconic Italian design to your interior with this magazine rack, model 4675, created by renowned designer Giotto Stoppino for Kartell in the 1970s. Made in Italy, this ...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell

Materials

Plastic

Iconic black magazine rack 4676 by Giotto Stoppino for Kartel, Italy 1970s
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Italy / 1970 / magazine rack 4676 / Giotto Stoppino for Kartel / plastic / Italian / Vintage / Mid-Century / Pop Art / Design Classics / Italian Modern / Modernist / Postmodern / Spa...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell

Materials

Plastic

Giotto Stoppino for Kartell Cream Magazine Rack, Italy 1970s
By Kartell, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Roma, IT
Iconic magazine rack mod. 4675 in beige plastic designed by Giotto Stoppino and produced by Kartell in Italy during the 1970s. This large magazine rack has 6 compartments and is i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell

Materials

Plastic

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Kartell Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMaterialCreation Year
2025$867Chandeliers and PendantsOther1960
2025$205Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlasticContemporary
2025$378Side Tables, TablesPlasticContemporary
2025$396Magazine Racks and StandsAcrylic1970
2025$210TablewarePlastic1960s
2025$429Tables, Patio and Garden FurnitureMetal, Plastic, Steel1996
2025$390More Lighting, Wall Lights and SconcesPlasticContemporary
2025$200Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlasticContemporary
2025$812Table LampsMetal, Glass1967
2025$235Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlasticContemporary
2025$267Night StandsPlastic1970s
2025$235Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlasticContemporary
2025$1,250Lounge ChairsMetal, Plexiglass2002
2025$427Wall MirrorsMirror, Resin2000
2025$136Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlastic2020
2025$204Side Tables, TablesPlasticContemporary
2025$376Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlasticContemporary
2025$164Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlasticContemporary
2025$196Magazine Racks and StandsPlastic2021
2025$136Side Tables, Commodes and Chests of DrawersPlastic2022
$678
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$45-$8,000
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to Kartell

Kartell furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Kartell furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of plastic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Kartell furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 219 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 904 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kartell were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Driade, Philippe Starck, and Gervasoni. Prices for Kartell furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $80 and can go as high as $18,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $671.
Questions About Kartell
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Yes, Kartell is an Italian brand. Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri, founded the company in Milan in 1949. Originally, Kartell was an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. It first introduced its housewares division in 1953. Find a large selection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    To tell a real Kartell, look for the maker's markings. Nearly all authentic pieces will feature an embossed mark that indicates the Kartell name, the product name and the designer name. If your piece lacks any of these three marks or the marking is printed in ink on the piece or on a paper label, it may be a replica. You can also research identifying characteristics for your particular type of furniture and use these to evaluate your item. Alternatively, you can seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Find a variety of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Kartell is known largely for producing contemporary furniture out of plastic. The Italian company, founded in 1949, helped elevate the material, proving that it was suitable for designer furniture. You can find a collection of Kartell furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The history of Kartell starts with an Italian chemical engineer named Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. The couple founded Kartell in Milan as an industrial design firm, producing utilitarian items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" opened at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company's roster of designers. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Kartell furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    The country that Kartell is from is Italy. Founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife Anna Ferrieri, Kartell began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Then, buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Kartel furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    The founders of Kartell are Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. Kartell began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa made Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly. Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company’s roster of designers. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Kartell is made in Italy. The company has had its headquarters and factory in Noviglio, Lombardy, since 1967. The company was initially founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. It began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Shop a wide variety of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    How you clean Kartell plastic depends on the piece. Often, the best way to clean plastic furniture is with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. However, recommended cleaning methods vary. For the best results, refer to the manufacturer's care instructions that accompany your furniture. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Yes, the Kartell Componibili is stackable. In fact, a big part of the appeal of the furniture collection is the fact that you can stack it up to create the ideal storage solution for your needs. Kartell first unveiled the Componibili line in 1967, and it remains popular today. Find a collection of Kartell Componibili furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    The history of Kartell furniture begins with Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. They founded the company in 1949 as an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. The affordability and infinite range of styles and hues won devotees of Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans and dish racks. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, including the KS 1146 Bucket, which won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. In 1972, Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 1988, Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, who has expanded the company’s roster of designers. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Kartell chairs are made in Italy. Since 1967, the Italian furniture maker has produced pieces at its own factory in Noviglio, Lombardy. During the 1960s, Kartell transformed plastic from the stuff of humble household goods into a staple of luxury design, and plastic remains one of its best-known materials to this day. In fact, it is the material for some of its most iconic chairs, including the Ghost chair, designed by Philippe Starck, and the S chair, created by Verner Panton. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of Kartell chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    Yes, many online reviewers state that the Kartell Masters chair is comfortable. Fans of the chair designed by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitllet frequently say that the unique shape of its back and its gently sloped seat together provide optimal support. However, whether or not any chair is comfortable is a matter of personal preference. Find an assortment of Kartell Masters chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Kartell Louis Ghost chairs are made of lucite. Designed by Phillipe Starck for Kartell in 2002, this clear chair is crafted from a single piece of plastic, making it a beautifully elegant piece. On 1stDibs, find a range of authentic Kartell Ghost chairs from top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    The dimensions of the Kartell Invisible table vary by style. The high rectangular table measures around 15.75 inches in height by 15.75 inches in depth by 47 inches in length, while the low rectangle version is 12.4 inches high by 15.75 inches deep by 47 inches long. There is also a 39-inch by 39-inch square Invisible table available in 28- and 12.4-inch heights. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Kartell Invisible tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    How big the Kartell Four table is varies. The rectangular dining table is actually available in four sizes. Its smallest version measures 62.5 inches in width by 31 inches in depth, and the largest is 87.5 inches long by 32 inches deep. Kartell also offers a 74.75-inch long option in two depths: 31 inches and 35.5 inches. All four size options are 28.25 inches tall. Shop a selection of Kartell dining tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Kartell started making plastic objects shortly after its founding in 1949. The company began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa made Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters remained relatively costly. Kartell founders Giulio Castelli and Anna Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Kartell furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    Philippe Starck designed the Louis Ghost chair for Kartell in 2002. The chair is a postmodern take on the classic Louis XVI armchair, a style that emerged under the fraught reign of French King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. This style represented the birth of neoclassicism in France and was characterized by a relative restraint compared to the Rococo flourishes of previous eras. The second half of the chair’s name refers to its materiality. It wasn’t Starck’s first plastic chair for Kartell, but it was the first time it could use a single polycarbonate plastic mold in the process, creating a structure completely free of joints. Formally, Starck distilled the geometry of his antique reference to its main elements: the oval-shaped backrest, curved armrests and straight legs. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs.

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