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Carlo di Carli Sofas

Italian, 1910-1999

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.

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Creator: Carlo di Carli
Carlo de Carli for Cinova Sofa in Tubular Steel and Light Brown Corduroy
Carlo de Carli for Cinova Sofa in Tubular Steel and Light Brown Corduroy

Carlo de Carli for Cinova Sofa in Tubular Steel and Light Brown Corduroy

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Carlo de Carli, sofa, steel, fabric, Italy, 1960s Sofa designed by Italian designer Carlo De Carli and produced by Cinova in the 1960s. The piece features a bent tubular steel frame...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Steel

Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s
Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s

Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s

By Cassina, Carlo di Carli

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s Couch model 801 in wood and fabric. The frame is wooden and the legs are turned. Metal feet. Upholstery ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Customizable Tacchini Sella Sofa by Carlo de Carli
Customizable Tacchini Sella Sofa by Carlo de Carli

Customizable Tacchini Sella Sofa by Carlo de Carli

By Carlo di Carli, Tacchini

Located in New York, NY

price for fabric Sella is inspired by the armchair of the same name designed in 1966 by the famous Italian architect Carlo de Carli. The highly elegant sofa is made using the very f...

Category

2010s Italian Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Set of 2 Armchairs and 1 Sofa from "806" Series, by Carlo de Carli, Cassina
Set of 2 Armchairs and 1 Sofa from "806" Series, by Carlo de Carli, Cassina

Set of 2 Armchairs and 1 Sofa from "806" Series, by Carlo de Carli, Cassina

By Cassina, Carlo di Carli

Located in Wolfurt, AT

This set of armchairs and a sofa from the "806" series was designed by Carlo de Carli in the 1950s and manufactured by the Italian company Cassina. The set consists of a total of two...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s
Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s

Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s

By Cassina, Carlo di Carli

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern sofa mod. 801 by Carlo De Carli for Cassina, 1950s Couch model 801 in wood and fabric. The frame is wooden and the legs are turned. Metal feet. Upholstery ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sofa by Carlo de Carli for Singer and Sons
Sofa by Carlo de Carli for Singer and Sons

Sofa by Carlo de Carli for Singer and Sons

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare sofa designed by Carlo de Carli for Singer and Sons. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt / Plushy / Teal fabric. Matching chair available separately.

Category

1950s Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Brass

Rare Carlo De Carli Sofa
Rare Carlo De Carli Sofa

Rare Carlo De Carli Sofa

$5,081Sale Price|40% Off

Rare Carlo De Carli Sofa

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Munich, DE

Made by Cassina.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Related Items
Set of Four Carlo De Carli Walnut Dining Armchairs
Set of Four Carlo De Carli Walnut Dining Armchairs

Set of Four Carlo De Carli Walnut Dining Armchairs

$15,000 / set

H 33.5 in W 22 in D 22 in

Set of Four Carlo De Carli Walnut Dining Armchairs

By Carlo di Carli, Cassina

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rare set of four mid-century modern Italian walnut dining armchairs designed by Carlo De Carli (Italian 1910-1999) for Cassina. The set consists of all armchairs model #585 with a ri...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Carlo di Carli Sofas

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Carlo de Carli Boomerang Chair
Carlo de Carli Boomerang Chair

Carlo de Carli Boomerang Chair

$653

H 31.89 in W 16.15 in D 17.33 in

Carlo de Carli Boomerang Chair

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Sacile, PN

Beautiful boomerang chair by Carlo de Carli.  

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Brass, Iron

Lounge chair in pink velvet and chrome, Carlo de Carli for Cinova
Lounge chair in pink velvet and chrome, Carlo de Carli for Cinova

Lounge chair in pink velvet and chrome, Carlo de Carli for Cinova

$4,658 / set

H 33.86 in W 33.86 in D 35.44 in

Lounge chair in pink velvet and chrome, Carlo de Carli for Cinova

By Carlo di Carli

Located in amstelveen, NL

Carlo De Carli for Cinova, lounge chair model '915' with ottoman, metal, chrome, fabric, Italy, 1969. Tubular armchair with ottoman designed by Carlo De Carli in 1969, manufactured ...

Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1950s

$2,369

H 35.44 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa, 1950s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Curved four-seat sofa of Italian design, structure and legs in solid wood, velvet upholstery, 1950s production, Condition as shown in the photos, it is advisable to redo the upholstery.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech, Fir

Carlo de Carli 915 Armchair with Footrest in Metal and Leather by Cinova 1970s
Carlo de Carli 915 Armchair with Footrest in Metal and Leather by Cinova 1970s

Carlo de Carli 915 Armchair with Footrest in Metal and Leather by Cinova 1970s

On Hold|$5,444 / set

H 34.65 in W 34.26 in D 34.26 in

Carlo de Carli 915 Armchair with Footrest in Metal and Leather by Cinova 1970s

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Cascina, Pisa

Set composed by a 915 armchair with a footrest both pieces are made in chromed metal and padded leather. This set was designed by Carlo de Carli and produced by Cinova in the 1970s. ...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Metal

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, green velvet, Italy Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firm...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s

Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s

$3,266

H 34.65 in W 57.88 in D 31.5 in

Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Ivory, 1969, Set of 3
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Ivory, 1969, Set of 3

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Lounge Set for Cassina, Ivory, 1969, Set of 3

By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Sofa and Two lounge chairs, Ivory Bouclé Wool and Chromed Steel, Italy, 1969, Set of three. Although technically designed...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Plastic

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Black, 1969, Set of 3
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Black, 1969, Set of 3

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Black, 1969, Set of 3

By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Living Room Set for Cassina, Sofa and two Lounge Chairs, Black Leather, Italy, 1969, Set of three. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "So...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Plastic, Leather

Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair in Italian Walnut for Singer and Sons
Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair in Italian Walnut for Singer and Sons

Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair in Italian Walnut for Singer and Sons

By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean Lined Italian Lounge Chair, designed by Carlo de Carli for Singer and Sons, Italy, circa 1950s. This chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric....

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Lounge Sofa by Carlo de Carli, Italy, 1960s
Lounge Sofa by Carlo de Carli, Italy, 1960s

Lounge Sofa by Carlo de Carli, Italy, 1960s

Sold

H 28.35 in W 65.75 in D 35.83 in

Lounge Sofa by Carlo de Carli, Italy, 1960s

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

A sculptural and inviting lounge sofa by Italian architect and designer Carlo de Carli. Known for his ability to blend architectural precision with organic softness, de Carli created...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Finn Juhl Attributed Grey Wool Felt Two Seat Sofa, Italy, 1950
Finn Juhl Attributed Grey Wool Felt Two Seat Sofa, Italy, 1950

Finn Juhl Attributed Grey Wool Felt Two Seat Sofa, Italy, 1950

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Madrid, ES

Two-seat sofa attributed after Finn Juhl made in Italy in the '50s. Made of solid wood structure and reupholstered in grey wool felt. Classic conic teak wooden legs.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

Carlo de Carli "808" for Cassina Wool Bouclé Pair of Two Seat Sofas. Italy, 1950
Carlo de Carli "808" for Cassina Wool Bouclé Pair of Two Seat Sofas. Italy, 1950

Carlo de Carli "808" for Cassina Wool Bouclé Pair of Two Seat Sofas. Italy, 1950

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of two seat sofas model "808" designed by Carlo de Carli for Cassina in the 50's. Made of solid wood structure and reupholstered in wool bouclé. Conic wooden legs in black lac...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

Carlo De Carli ‘802’ Model Two-Seat Sofa by Cassina, Italy, circa 1960
Carlo De Carli ‘802’ Model Two-Seat Sofa by Cassina, Italy, circa 1960

Carlo De Carli ‘802’ Model Two-Seat Sofa by Cassina, Italy, circa 1960

By Carlo di Carli

Located in London, GB

An exquisite ‘802’ model two-seat sofa designed by Carlo De Carli for the ‘Hotel Parco Dei Principi’ in Sorrento, Italy. The Parco Dei Principi was designed and conceived in 1960 by ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Carlo di Carli Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Velvet, Walnut

Carlo de Carli Sofa
Carlo de Carli Sofa

Carlo de Carli Sofa

Sold

H 30 in W 92 in D 33 in

Carlo de Carli Sofa

By Carlo di Carli

Located in San Francisco, CA

A rare three-seat sofa by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, Milan. Designed for the Italian Consulate in 1958. Single bench seat and back with flaired tailored arms and solid brass stilett...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Carlo di Carli Sofas

Sofa Designed by Carlo di Carli
Sofa Designed by Carlo di Carli

Sofa Designed by Carlo di Carli

Sold

H 30 in W 90 in D 29 in

Sofa Designed by Carlo di Carli

By Carlo di Carli

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare sofa on brass legs designed by Carlo di Carli and manufactured by Cassina for Singer & Sons.

Category

1950s Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Rare Carlo De Carli Sculptural Settee In Charcoal Grey Wool
Rare Carlo De Carli Sculptural Settee In Charcoal Grey Wool

Rare Carlo De Carli Sculptural Settee In Charcoal Grey Wool

By M. Singer & Sons, Carlo di Carli

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegant Italian styling and new thick charcoal gray wool felt upholstery over a bent wood frame with solid brass tapered and footed legs. This is a rare offering from Carlo De Carli ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Carlo di Carli Sofas

Carlo Di Carli sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Carlo Di Carli sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs.