A modern Renaissance man, Italian designer Carlo di Carli wove his personal philosophy into his furniture creations. He believed that furniture should suit human movement and the surrounding environment, and each piece was made not only with an eye to form but also for everyday practicality. In today’s interiors, vintage di Carli furniture captures the extraordinary essence of Italian mid-century modernism.
Carlo di Carli was born in Milan in 1910. He studied at the Polytechnic University of Milan and developed an interest in design, architecture, writing and philosophy. After graduating in 1934, he worked under revered Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. Shortly afterward, di Carli opened a studio with furniture maker Renato Angeli. In 1940, he began a relationship with the Milan Triennial design and art museum, where he eventually joined the board of directors.
Most of di Carli's furniture and architectural works came to fruition between the 1940s and 1970s. His architectural projects included the Church of Saint Ildefonso and the Via dei Giardini 7 building in Milan. However, di Carli is best known for his chair and table designs.
What sets di Carli’s chairs and other seating apart from those of other designers is that they are made to be lived in. As a result, his comfortable, functional and inviting designs earned the attention of leading Italian furniture companies like Cassina, Singer & Sons, Tecno and GUBI, and he played a significant role in 20th-century Italian furniture design.
In 1954, di Carli was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for his Cassina Model 683 chair. In 1957, he also won a Grand Prix at the Milan Triennial exhibition for a chair he designed for Tecno. Still committed to his academic pursuits, di Carli served as dean of the architecture faculty at the Polytechnic University of Milan from 1963 to 1968. He continued teaching until 1986 and continued writing until his death in 1999. His most important writings were published in a book titled Architettura, Spazio Primario.
Find vintage Carlo di Carli armchairs, dining chairs and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
1950s Carlo de Carli Lounge Chairs in Burgundy Leatherette and Metal Feet
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo de Carli for Cassina, lounge chairs, model 802, leatherette, nickel-plated metal, Italy, 1954 Carlo De Carli, a prominent Italian architect and designer, designed this elegant...
Metal, Nickel
Carlo de Carli Armchair with Puff Chromed Brass Leather, 1968, Italy
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
Carlo de Carli armchair with puff chromed brass leather, 1968, Italy.
Chrome
Italian Modern Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Walnut and Leather
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Italian walnut lounge chair and ottoman designed by Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons. Features a highly sculpted, ladder-back fra...
Metal
1950s Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair in Burgundy Leatherette and Metal Feet
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo de Carli for Cassina, lounge chair, model 802, leatherette, nickel-plated metal, Italy, 1954 Carlo De Carli, a prominent Italian architect and designer, designed this elegant ...
Metal, Nickel
$6,078Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sormani Carlo De Carli Pair of Armchairs Black Leather Italian Design, 1960s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury Sormani Carlo de Carli pair of armchairs back leather Italian design, 1960s.
Brass, Chrome
$5,200 / set
Mid-Century Armchairs by Carlo De Carli - a Pair
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Raleigh, NC
A pair of exquisite mid-century modern armchairs by the acclaimed Italian designer Carlo De Carli, crafted circa 1950s. These armchairs exemplify De Carli's mastery of Rationalist mo...
Wood, Walnut
Model 802 Armchair, Design by Carlo de Carli, by Cassina, Italy, 1954
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Model 802 armchair - Design by Carlo de Carli, manufactured by Cassina, Italy, 1954. The wooden frame with foam upholstery rests on elastic ribbons. The a...
Fabric, Bentwood
Carlo De Carli for Cinova Mod. 915 Chrome and Brown Leather Arm Chair, 1969
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Roma, Lazio
Very comfortable and exquisite armchair demonstrating timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship in metal and leather working. With unique geometric characteristics, the structure...
Chrome
$44,419 / set
Pair De Carli Armchairs, Rare 1940's Design
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Berlin, DE
These chairs with armrests were designed by Carlo de Carli in the 40's, which makes them very rare. The upholstery is with high-quality velvet by DEDAR MILANO is completely new. The ...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern 802 Armchairs by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern 802 Armchairs by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, 1950s
Wood
Carlo de Carli Model 806 Chairs, Produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Carlo de Carli Model 806 armchairs, produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. Oak legs with dark grey (with a hint of brown) 100% mohair fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Oak
Italian mid-century modern armchairs mod. 802 by Carlo De Carli Cassina, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchairs mod. 802 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s Pair of armchairs model 802 in wood and fabric. The frame is wooden and the legs are turned. Metal ...
Fabric, Wood
Italian mid-century modern armchairs mod. 802 by Carlo De Carli Cassina, 1950s
By Cassina, Carlo di Carli
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern armchairs mod. 802 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s Pair of armchairs model 802 in wood and fabric. The frame is wooden and the legs are turned. Metal ...
Fabric, Wood
$12,273 / set
Armchairs Carlo de Carli, 1955
By Cassina, Carlo di Carli
Located in Berlin, DE
These two elegant armchairs with dark blue fabric upholstery, designed by the Italian architect and designer Carlo de Carli, impress with their simplicity. The construction is made o...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of "Sella" Armchairs with Ottoman by Carlo De Carli for Sormani, 60s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of "Sella" Armchairs with Ottoman by Carlo De Carli for Sormani, 60s Carlo de Carli (bon 1910, Milan, Italy–died 1999, Milan, Italy) was an Italian modernist designer, architec...
Leather
Carlo de Carli Red velvet and Walnut Armchair Model 806 by Cassina, Italy, 1955
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Den Haag, NL
Carlo de Carli red armchair model 806 by Cassina, Italy 1955. It is recent upholstered in a velvet style fabric. The legs are made from solid walnut.
Velvet, Walnut
I.S.A. 1950s Living Room with Floor Lamp, Wood Brass Padded, 1950, Italy
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
I.S.A. 1950s living room with floor lamp wood brass padded, 1950, Italy.
Brass
$4,582Sale Price|30% Off
Carlo de Carli Bicolored Armchair Model N. 802 by Cassina, 1954
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Carlo di Carli
Located in Rome, IT
Carlo de Carli armchair, model n. 802 manufactured by Cassina, Italy, 1954. The wooden frame with foam upholstery rests on elastic ribbons. The armchair was reupholstered and cov...
Silk, Velvet, Fruitwood
Carlo de Carli Boomerang Chair
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Sacile, PN
Beautiful boomerang chair by Carlo de Carli.
Brass, Iron
$6,546 / set
H 31.5 in W 30.71 in D 27.56 in
Mid-Century Modern 802 Armchairs by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern 802 Armchairs by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, 1950s
Wood
Poltrona Tria Lounge Chair in Rattan by Carlo de Carli for GUBI
By Gubi, Carlo di Carli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poltrona Tria Lounge Chair in Rattan by Carlo de Carli for GUBI Seamlessly merging the inherent beauty and charm of natural rattan with meticulous ergonomic precision, the Poltrona ...
Upholstery, Rattan
$9,003 / set
H 31.89 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
Carlo de Carli Model 806 Chairs, Produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Carlo de Carli Model 806 armchairs, produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. Oak legs with dark grey (with a hint of brown) 100% mohair fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Oak
Pair of Carlo de Carli "D90" Beds for Sormani
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of very rare Model D90 beds by Carlo de Carli (1910-1999) for Sormani in 1962. Would be wonderful as daybeds for additional sofa seating. What makes these beds literally unique ...
Brass, Chrome, Nickel
Rare Carlo De Carli Sofa
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Munich, DE
Made by Cassina.
Fabric
$467Sale Price|55% Off
H 26.78 in W 25.99 in D 27.56 in
French Mid-Century Lounge Chair in Leatherette
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
French midcentury Lounge Chair in Leatherette A very comfortable French midcentury Lounge Chair upholstered in leatherette (faux leather) and fixed with brass studs all around. ...
Brass
1960s Pair of Italian Armchairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition - cleaning.
Fabric, Wood
$6,078
H 30.71 in W 25.2 in D 30.32 in
Model 802 Armchair, Design by Carlo de Carli, by Cassina, Italy, 1954
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Model 802 armchair - Design by Carlo de Carli, manufactured by Cassina, Italy, 1954. The wooden frame with foam upholstery rests on elastic ribbons. The a...
Fabric, Bentwood
Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons Lounge, Refinished / Mohair
By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli
Located in St. Louis, MO
Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons lounge chair circa 1950s completely restored with medium espresso finish. Upholstered in gray mohair with new foam. Classic Mid-Century Modern Ita...
Mohair, Walnut
Carlo De Carli Storage Bench
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique bench by Carlo De Carli for Fiarm - Italy, 1960's Fantastic curved wood frame newly lacquered in creamy white Designed with Removable seat that reveals a storage compartmen...
Wood, Fabric
$14,900 / set
H 34.65 in W 29.93 in D 34.26 in
Carlo de Carli for Sormani Pair of 'PIPA' Lounge Chairs in Leather
By Carlo di Carli, Sormani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo de Carli for Sormani, pair of 'PIPA' lounge chairs, wood, metal and leather, Italy, circa 1963. A pair of 'PIPA' lounge chairs, designed by the Italian Carlo de Carli in circa...
Metal
Carlo De Carli Armchair , Italy 1954
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carlo de Carli Armchair in velvet fabric and metal feet. Rare version with metal feet Goor vintage condition , New Reuphostered Italy 1954
Metal
Sold
H 33.08 in W 38.59 in D 38.59 in
Wooden armchair with velvet upholstery by Carlo De Carli, Sormani, 1960s, Italy
By Carlo di Carli, Sormani
Located in Milano, IT
Wooden armchair with velvet upholstery by Carlo De Carli, Sormani, 1960s, Italy Armchair with solid wood frame and mortise-and-tenon joinery. Brass hardware components. Woven leathe...
Wood
Carlo Di Carli pair of armchairs rosewood brass leather 1966
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful pair of Italian armchairs designed by Carlo De Carli in 1966, and produced by Sormani in the 1960s and 1970s. This pair reflects Carlo De Carli’s vision of furniture as an ...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in
"Sella" leather and wooden armchair by Carlo De Carli for Sormani , 1960s
By Carlo di Carli, Sormani
Located in Padova, IT
Carlo De Carli (Milan, 7 November 1910 – Milan, 3 March 1999) was an Italian architect, designer, essayist and academic, one of the protagonists of modern architecture, industrial de...
Brass
Sold
H 33.47 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Carlo De Carli for Cinova, ‘915’ Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Italy, 1969
By Carlo di Carli, Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Designed by Carlo De Carli for Cinova in 1969, this ‘915’ lounge chair with ottoman is a refined expression of Italian modernism. The chrome-plated tubular steel frame is elegantly b...
Metal, Steel
Carlo De Carli Lounge Chairs with Ottoman for Cinova 1960
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Vigevano, PV
CARLO DE CARLI Armchair with ottoman model 915. Chromed steel structure, padding covered in golden fabric. Cinova production 1960.
Steel
Sold
H 29.75 in W 27.5 in D 31.5 in
Carlo De Carli for Cassina Lounge Chair Model 802 in Light Blue Velvet
By Cassina, Carlo di Carli
Located in New York, NY
Carlo De Carli for Cassina sculptural lounge chair or armchair in light blue velvet upholstery with stained wood legs. These armchairs are an iconic 1st edition Carlo De Carli design...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Carlo De Carli, pair of armchairs Mod.802 covered in padded fabric
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2417 Carlo De Carli, Gio Ponti Pair of armchairs Mod.802 covered in padded fabric. Designed in 1954, they were made in a variant with brass feet for the Italian cultural institu...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 29.53 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Carlo de Carli Armchairs With Velvet Upholstery for Cassina, Italy 1954.
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
A pair of bicoloured velvet reupholstery armchairs . Wooden frame with foam upholstery and blackened walnut feet. Designed by Carlo de Carli for Cassina. Italy around 1950.
Walnut
Sold
H 29.75 in W 27.5 in D 31.5 in
Carlo De Carli for Cassina Pair of Armchairs Model 802 in Light Blue Velvet
By Cassina, Carlo di Carli
Located in New York, NY
Carlo De Carli for Cassina pair of sculptural lounge chairs or armchairs in light blue velvet upholstery with stained wood legs. These armchairs are an iconic 1st edition Carlo De Ca...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 32.68 in W 41.34 in D 35.44 in
20th Century Carlo de Carli Pair of Armchairs mod. Sella for Sormani, 60s
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Torino, Piemonte
After classical studies and a degree in Architecture, Carlo de Carli worked for a year in the studio of Gio Ponti, whom he succeeded in 1962 at the Milan Polytechnic in the chair of Interior Architecture, Furniture and Decoration. His work as a designer closely linked to theoretical thinking, puts the person at the center of the project, privileges the process of forming spaces and objects rather than their being, and opens to their mutual relationships. Here we have a pair of model Sella armchairs...
Brass
Poltrona Mod 915, Carlo De Carli, Cinova
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This tubular steel armchair was designed by Carlo de Carli for Cinova in Italy in 1969. An elegant armchair with a soft, solid frame that will prove comfortable and cozy, like all hi...
Steel