Milanese designer and architect Achille Castiglioni sought to inject personality into all of his work, and found deep inspiration in everyday objects. A legend of Italian mid-century modernism, he created iconic, universally loved table lamps, chairs and other lighting and furniture with his likeminded brothers during the postwar years.
There was the Snoopy lamp, which brings to mind the unmistakable Peanuts character, while the shape of a common street lamp inspired the design behind the Arco floor lamp. Elsewhere, the Toio floor lamp — a provocative fixture in any living room — was made with automotive parts as well as run-of-the-mill recreational gear.
Castiglioni studied the classics at Liceo Classico Giuseppe Parini, art at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and finally architecture and design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. After graduating in 1944, Castiglioni began working with his brothers Pier Giacomo and Livio at the studio they cofounded with classmate Luigi Caccia Dominioni.
Livio left to pursue lighting design and sound technology, leaving Achille and Pier Giacomo to continue to collaborate on various projects. One such design was the iconic Taraxacum hanging lamp for FLOS which featured a resin “cocoon” created with sprayed plastic polymers that protects its steel core and allows for the diffusion of light.
Castiglioni won Italy’s highest award for industrial design — the Compasso d’Oro — seven times, and the Museum of Modern Art was home to his first individual retrospective in the United States. Castiglioni later taught at the Polytechnic University of Turin and at Polytechnic in Milan.
Castiglioni’s designs remain timeless. Some of them can be found in Tokyo’s Living Design Center Ozone, the Triennale di Milano and the Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center.
Find vintage Achille Castiglioni lighting, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Meritalia Fix Squre Bench Upholstered in Wool by Achille Castiglioni
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fix bench by Achille Castiglioni is composed of two elements: a simple painted metal structure and a classic wool mattress as a seat. This sober and functional design reveals Ca...
Fabric, Wool
Meritalia Fix Rectangular Bench Upholstered in Wool by Achille Castiglioni
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fix bench by Achille Castiglioni is composed of two elements: a simple painted metal structure and a classic wool mattress as a seat. This sober and functional design reveals Ca...
Fabric, Wool
Meritalia Fix Rectangular Bench Upholstered in Wool by Achille Castiglioni
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fix bench by Achille Castiglioni is composed of two elements: a simple painted metal structure and a classic wool mattress as a seat. This sober and functional design reveals Ca...
Fabric, Wool
Meritalia Fix Squre Bench Upholstered in Wool by Achille Castiglioni
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fix bench by Achille Castiglioni is composed of two elements: a simple painted metal structure and a classic wool mattress as a seat. This sober and functional design reveals Ca...
Fabric, Wool
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench Seat in Red Cotton
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Red Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in radi...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench Seat in Blue Cotton
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Blue Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in rad...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench / Seat in Green Cotton
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Green Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in ra...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench Seat in Black Cotton
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Black Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in ra...
Metal
Meritalia Fix Squre Bench Upholstered in Wool by Achille Castiglioni
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fix bench by Achille Castiglioni is composed of two elements: a simple painted metal structure and a classic wool mattress as a seat. This sober and functional design reveals Ca...
Fabric, Wool
Meritalia Fix Rectangular Bench Upholstered in Wool by Achille Castiglioni
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fix bench by Achille Castiglioni is composed of two elements: a simple painted metal structure and a classic wool mattress as a seat. This sober and functional design reveals Ca...
Fabric, Wool
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Black Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Black Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical ...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Grey Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Grey Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical s...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Blue Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Blue Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical s...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Purple Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Purple Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Red Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Red Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical si...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Green Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Green Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical ...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Yellow Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Yellow Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Black Cotton Adele
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Square Bench in Black Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" pouf is a masterclass in radical ...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench Seat in Purple Cotton
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Purple Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in r...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench Seat in Yellow Cotton
By Achille Castiglioni, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Yellow Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in r...
Metal
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench / Seat in Gray Cotton
By Meritalia, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Achille Castiglioni for Meritalia "Fix" Rectangular Bench in Gray Cotton Adele Conceived by the legendary Italian master Achille Castiglioni, the "Fix" bench is a masterclass in rad...
Metal
Black Leather Upholstered Rectangular X-Base Bench
By Established Lines, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Established Lines, mid century modern decor, solid stainless steel base rectangular X base bench in black leather upholstery.
Stainless Steel
Upholstered Bench by Oly Studio
Located in Highland, IN
This substantial six-leg minimalist bench by Oly Studio has a hardwood base finished in a dark brown tone and a crisp, upholstered seat in a repeating tight geometric chain-link patt...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Two Seat Low Bench for John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
This low bench for John Stuart has been professional refinished and reupholstered in a Anne Kirk linen wool blend. The piece is unmarked.
Wool, Linen, Teak
$6,500 / item
H 17.5 in W 72 in D 24 in
6-foot Bench in White Ash with Wool Upholstered Cushion by Hinterland Design
By Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
Like logs washed up and resting along the shoreline, the soft corners of this pillow-top solid wood bench will be at peace anywhere. With side tables and an upholstered seat for two, this is a useful addition to any modern setting. Whether you see it as an assortment of driftwood blocks, pillows, or marshmallows, the Pillowy Bench provides a gentle place to land. Made out of solid Canadian white ash with a powder coated steel frame and 100% wool upholstered cushion seat, the Pillowy Bench can be customized to a variety of lengths and fabric colors. Shown in the main image is the 6-foot bench with dark green wool fabric and an upholstered seat length of 36". The subsequent images are a 7-foot bench ($6500) with a pale pink wool fabric and an upholstered seat length of 48". All benches...
Steel
Mid-Century Bench Upholstered in Fur
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Stunning Mid-Century Modern bench. Having an X form black iron base with fur upholstery.
Rectangular upholstered bench with stylized ebonized wood legs.
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular upholstered bench with stylized ebonized wood legs.
Wood
$7,800 / item
H 21 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Customizable Upholstered Wave Bench in Corduroy by Objects for Objects
By Objects for Objects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural yet comfortable, the Wave Bench by Los Angeles–based design studio Objects for Objects is a fun piece for the end of the bed, or in any ...
Fabric, Wood
$1,800
H 28.5 in W 81 in D 26 in
Midcentury 1970s Three-Seat Bench in Tubular Chrome, Brian Kane for Metropolitan
By Brian Kane
Located in Pasadena, TX
We are presenting: Midcentury 1970s three-seat sofa in Tubular chrome by Brian Kane for Metropolitan Metro Furniture Series 10 Brian Kane Metropolitan luxe tubular 3-seat sofa The ...
Chrome
$2,190 / item
H 70.48 in W 108.67 in D 7.88 in
Zanotta Servento Screen in Red Steel Post with Canvas by Achille Castiglioni
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Servento Screen in Red Steel Post with Canvas by Achille Castiglioni Base in black, white or red painted polypropylene. Steel support rod, painted in the shade black, whit...
Steel
Hibi Bench – Upholstered Sculptural Bench in Solid Wood
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Sabi Bench celebrates the quiet beauty of simplicity and natural imperfection, expressed through a refined balance of solid wood structure and a softly upholstered seat. Warm, co...
Fabric, Ash, Oak
$1,888 / item
H 15.75 in W 46.46 in D 15.75 in
21st Century Modern Painted Steel Bench With Seats In Cotton Velvet
By Federico Carandini
Located in Milan, IT
A small bench, simple, compact and extremely light, designed to be placed at the end of the bed but versatile enough to go anywhere. The base is made with a very thin squared metal t...
Steel
Upholstered Armless Bench
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our built to order bench is completely customizable. The bench shown has a cushioned back that is upholstered and welted with a grey vinyl material, the padded seat is upholstered in...
Maple
Sold
H 36.23 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in
Camilla metal bench by Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi for Zanotta 80s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Padova, IT
Camilla metal bench by Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi for Zanotta 80s Structure in painted steel, black color, seat and backrest with slats in laminated plastic, grey color....
Metal
Sold
H 37.8 in W 39.38 in D 22.84 in
Italian Modern Camilla Bench with Armrests by Achille Castiglioni Zanotta, 1984
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Camilla Bench with armrests by Achille Castiglioni Zanotta, 1984 Fantastic folding bench with armrests mod. Camilla Bench with seat and back in light gray painted laminate. The structure is in black painted metal. Totally resealable. Suitable to use in the garden or outside. it is suitable to create a vintage outside...
Metal