Carla Tolomeo creates whimsical and otherworldly pieces of art and furniture. With works that take on a range of natural-world forms such as palm trees, crescent moons and butterflies, Tolomeo’s lavish and imaginative seating creatively bridges sculpture and design.
Born in Pinerolo near Turin, Italy, in 1945, Tolomeo spent most of her childhood in Rome. She involved herself in art early in life, learning from leading Italian artists like Giorgio de Chirico, Renato Guttuso, Franco Gentilini and Ugo Attardi.
In 1971, Tolomeo had her first exhibition in Lugano, Switzerland. She went on to teach engraving at the Brera Academy and the Venetian Academy of Art. Through the 1990s, she focused solely on fine art, varying her disciplines between oil painting, engraving and other media.
In 1997, Tolomeo decided to challenge her artistic vision through the creation of pieces that she christened “Chairs-Sculptures.” She impressed critics and collectors alike with her boldly unconventional furniture. An early Tolomeo chair design garnered interest from the likes of Hermès and Neiman Marcus — she has since utilized textiles from Hermès in her works as well as fabrics created by Missoni.
Tolomeo sees her furniture as an extension of her art, with the three-dimensional structures juxtaposing the real and the unreal. Working with velvet, silk and foam rubber, she instills luxurious comfort into her curious sofas and other pieces such as beds. Their ostentatious ornamentation accents any space with a touch of magic.
Find Carla Tolomeo furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Contemporary Art The Perfect Big Half-Moon Silk Velvet Sofa by Carla Tolomeo
By Mirabili, Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabric and the embroideries are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
Contemporary Art Sofa - Nandì Verà by Carla Tolomeo
By Carla Tolomeo, Mirabili
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. 20th century sofa from the De Curtis home in Lugano. Decorations and velvet in Pontoglio silk, exclusive design by the Author. Gold,...
Silk
$27,285
H 31.5 in W 125.6 in D 62.21 in
Contemporary Galapinhos Sofa, Velvet Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Galapinhos Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos leather sofa brings the essence of nature indoors, inspired by the unspoiled...
Leather, Oak, Bouclé, Walnut, Wool, Linen, Wood
Knot Brazilian Contemporary Foam Sofa by Lattoog
By Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
This sofa/pouf is characterized by a flexible linear structure tied in a knot shape. The 'Knot' was the first piece created by the duo Leonardo Lattavo and Pedro Moog, when designing furniture was still seen as a hobby by both of them. A few years later, when they came across the cover of an Italian magazine that showed a piece of furniture by the Campana brothers (the Boa sofa...
Fabric, Upholstery
Big Sur Sofa by MICHAEL HILAL
By Michael Hilal
Located in Antwerpen, BE
The Big Sur sofa by MICHAEL HILAL, which he describes “a love letter to California”. The varied topography of Hilal’s home state from mountains to rugged shoreline is the starting point for Big Sur’s shifting interplay of organic shapes. Configurations engage and form spaces for hanging out, catnapping, toasting cocktails or telling secrets. Conceived of as a room’s center-of-gravity, rather than a wallflower, the sofa transforms into a natural gathering place. The ease of California living, a signature concept in Hilal’s work, is reflected in the casual configurations and reconfigurations. The Collection includes two sofa configurations: BIG SUR 1.1 – A modern, sculptural take on a tête-à-tête, this sofa floats away from the wall, offering all sides for lounging and conversation. The single main component is doubled up and features two satellite stools. BIG SUR 1.2 – A 1970s conversation pit...
Fabric
Carla Extra Large Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Carla extra large with structure in solid mahogany wood in black lacquered finish. Upholstered with high quality red velvet fabric. Also available with different structure fini...
Velvet, Mahogany
$12,942 / item
H 39.38 in W 110.24 in D 38.59 in
Curvy Contemporary Velvet Sofa by Munna Design Studio, Customizable
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa breathes heritage, taking notes from curves and silhouettes from eras of unmatched elegance. The sleek curvy lines, superb and cozy high back and perfectly proportioned sea...
Velvet, Wood
Wharton Esherick Important Sofa
By Wharton Esherick
Located in Chicago, IL
Wharton Esherick important sofa for Lawrence and Alice Seiver. We are pleased to offer this exceptional item, the epitome of the Americ...
Poplar, Tulipwood, Walnut
$6,477 / item
H 31.5 in W 66.93 in D 33.47 in
Contemporary geometric brown velvet brass Fernandine sofa by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Fernandine walls are a part of History that embraces the city of Porto, located in the north of Portugal. These medieval fortifications topped off by battlements were completed d...
Brass, Metal
Contemporary Standard Sofa in Velvet
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Leather
Contemporary Extra Long Taupe Leather Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary extra long sofa (11.5' wide) with taupe leather cushions and a polished dark wood frame and matching leather pillows (2 Matching armchair...
Leather, Wood
Serge Castella "Carla" Sofa, circa 2022, France
By Serge Castella Interiors
Located in Girona, Spain
Serge Castella "Carla" sofa. Original design by Serge Castella. 100% Eco friendly fabric Variations are available with options for materials, sizes, etc. Circa 2022, France. Exc...
Cotton
Sculptural Contemporary Pink Velvet Sofa Revolución
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
In a world longing for transformation, the Revolución Sofa doesn’t whisper change—it embodies it. With fearless lines and unapologetic form, it balances softness and structure, rebel...
Velvet
Contemporary Sea Blue Velvet Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary sea blue velvet sofa with rounded back and arms with channeled detail