He died tragically young, and his career as a designer lasted little more than 10 years. But through the 1960s, Joe Colombo proved himself one of the field’s most provocative and original thinkers, and he produced a remarkably large array of innovative chairs, table lamps and other lighting and furniture as well as product designs. Even today, the creations of Joe Colombo have the power to surprise.
Cesare “Joe” Colombo was born in Milan, the son of an electrical-components manufacturer. He was a creative child — he loved to build huge structures from Meccano pieces — and in college he studied painting and sculpture before switching to architecture.
In the early 1950s, Colombo made and exhibited paintings and sculptures as part of an art movement that responded to the new Nuclear Age, and futuristic thinking would inform his entire career. He took up design not long after his father fell ill in 1958, and he and his brother, Gianni, were called upon to run the family company.
Colombo expanded the business to include the making of plastics — a primary material in almost all his later designs. One of his first, made in collaboration with his brother, was the Acrilica table lamp (1962), composed of a wave-shaped piece of clear acrylic resin that diffused light cast by a bulb concealed in the lamp’s metal base. A year later, Colombo produced his best-known furniture design, the Elda armchair (1963): a modernist wingback chair with a womb-like plastic frame upholstered in thick leather pads.
Portability and adaptability were keynotes of many Colombo designs, made for a more mobile society in which people would take their living environments with them. One of his most striking pieces is the Tube chair (1969). It comprises four foam-padded plastic cylinders that fit inside one another. The components, which are held together by metal clips, can be configured in a variety of seating shapes (his Additional Living System seating is similarly versatile).
Vintage Tube chairs generally sell for about $9,000 in good condition; Elda chairs for about $7,000. A small Colombo design such as the plastic Boby trolley — an office organizer on wheels, designed in 1970 — is priced in the range of $700.
As Colombo intended, his designs are best suited to a modern decor. If your tastes run to sleek, glossy Space Age looks, the work of Joe Colombo offers you a myriad of choices.
Find vintage Joe Colombo lamps, seating and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Joe Colombo for Pozzi Set of Ten '300' Dining Chairs in Ash
By Pozzi, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Pozzi, set of ten dining chairs, model '300', faux leather, ash, Italy, 1966 In 1966, Joe Colombo designed the Model 300 chair with a strong emphasis on practicality...
Faux Leather, Ash
Post modern Joe Colombo Floor lamp 3321 Black Gloss
By Oluce, Joe Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Joe Colombo Floor lamp 3321. Pre owned Coupe Floor Lamp in black adjustable, an original Joe Colombo design (circa 1967) for Oluce model 3321. Oluce's 1960s Coupe floor lamps pairs a...
Metal
Joe Colombo for Comfort Lounge Chair 'Elda' in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This lounge ch...
Leather, Fiberglass
Joe Colombo for Comfort 'Elda' Lounge Chair in Red Leather and Fiberglass
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This lo...
Leather, Fiberglass
$224Sale Price / item|57% Off
Fresnel Wall Sconce Blu Joe Colombo for Luce 1960s Original Italian Design
By Joe Colombo
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Fresnel wall sconce blu Joe Colombo for Luce 1960s original Italian design.
Metal
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 4 Drawers in Cumin for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
KD24 Lamp by Joe Colombo
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The KD24 lamp was designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell in 1968. Its flexible design allows for a vast number of configurations between the light and rotatable lampshade. This piece ...
Metal
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in Orange 'Sprinkles Kvadrat' for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Multichair' in orange 'Sprinkles Kvadrat' for B-Line Multichair is a convertible system consisting of two individual elements that can easily turn into a conversation/r...
Fabric
Rare set of Flash wall or ceiling lamps by Joe Colombo for Oluce, Italy 1960
By Joe Colombo, Oluce
Located in Milano, IT
Each lamp features a chalice-shaped aluminum shade and finished in matte white lacquer. A black plastic knob allows adjustment of the main body's rotation angle. Designed and manufac...
Aluminum
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size L with 5 Drawers in Black for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 2 Drawers in Red for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Italian Desk Lamp
By Oluce, Joe Colombo
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable Italian desk lamp. Swivel and tilt cylindrical hood shade allows for positioning and direction of light. Cream enamel and bright chrome original finish, working and wired...
Chrome, Metal
$975Sale Price|24% Off
1970s Stilnovo Joe Colombo ' Campana ' Pendant Early Edition , Italy
By Stilnovo, Joe Colombo
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Original early edition of Stilnovo Campana ( Bell ) pendant designed by Joe Colombo in the 70s , Italy . Solid well made construction made of aluminium . Enameled finish . Conta...
Aluminum
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size L with 5 Drawers in Honey for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Pair of Joe Colombo 'Fresnel' Outdoor Wall Lamps in Black for Oluce
By Joe Colombo, Oluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Joe Colombo 'Fresnel' outdoor wall lamps in black for Oluce. Executed in lacquered aluminum and glass, this is one of the most refined Minimalist Italian designs of the midc...
Aluminum
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 6 Drawers in Red for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size S with 3 Drawers in Red for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo Swivel "Elda" Leather Lounge Chair
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
Lounge chair designed by Joe Colombo (1930-1971) in 1963 model "Elda"for Comfort. Made of fiberglass structure upholstered with black and white leather which make it very unique. It ...
Bouclé, Fiberglass
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size L with 6 Drawers in White for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
$1,139Sale Price|20% Off
Spider Table Lamp Joe Colombo 1960s White Metal Original Old
By Joe Colombo
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Spider Table Lamp Joe Colombo 1960s White Metal Original Old.
Metal
Brown 'Boby' trolley by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast, Italy 1970's
By Bieffeplast, Joe Colombo
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This “Boby” trolley or portable storage system was designed by Joe Colombo in 1969. A very handy trolley made of ABS plastic. It has many storage options such as the fold-out shelves...
Plastic
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 6 Drawers in Verdigris for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo Chair No. 4801, Black Plywood, Kartell, Italy, 1960s, One of Two
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two "interlocking" lounge chairs designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell, Italy, manufactured in midcentury. Joe Colombo's iconic 4801 armchair was designed in 1963-1964. A modern chair with striking visual appeal by the master of Italian Space Age design. A limited number of wood 4801 chairs...
Plywood
Joe Colombo Boby Work Trolley, Plastic, Mid-Century Modern, 1971
By Joe Colombo, Bieffeplast
Located in bari, IT
An elegant and at the same time practical and useful work trolley, model Boby, this one designed by Joe Colombo and produced by Bieffeplast. Designed for ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo Swivel "Elda" Italian Lounge Chair
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
Lounge chair designed by Joe Colombo (1930-1971) in 1963 model "Elda"for Comfort. Made of fiberglass structure reupholstered with creme bouclé fabric which make it very unique. It ha...
Bouclé, Fiberglass
Space Age Modular Bar Set by Joe Colombo, Italy, ca. 1968
By Joe Colombo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Joe Colombo during the height of Italy's Space Age movement, this exceptional modular bar set perfectly embodies the designer's visionary approach to modern living. Compr...
Metal
Joe Colombo Mini Coupé Table Lamp by Oluce, Mid-Century Modern
By Oluce, Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table Lamp model Mini Coupe designed by Joe Colombo. Table lamp giving direct light, lacquered metal base, chromium-plated stem, adjustable reflector in lacquered aluminium. Manufact...
Metal
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 3 Drawers in Red for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Mid Century Modern, Joe Colombo, black Boby Trolley Cart 1970, Italy
By Bieffeplast, Joe Colombo
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid Century Modern Iconic Joe Colombo Boby Trolley cart, in black color, designed by Joe Colombo and produced by Bieffeplast Italy. Original 1970 edition. This “Boby” trolley or port...
Plastic
Joe Colombo Vademecum Table Lamp Kartell, 1969s
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Skokie, IL
Joe Colombo Vademecum table lamp Kartell Italy, 1969 Additional information: Materials:plastic, chrome-plated steel Dimensions: 7" W × 3" D × 10" H Condition: Very good. Tested and...
Steel
$11,042Sale Price / set|20% Off
Joe Colombo 'Model 300' Dining Chairs in Oak and Leather for Pozzi, Italy 1965
By Pozzi, Joe Colombo
Located in Hellouw, NL
A very pleasant set of six 'model 300' chairs designed by Joe Colombo in 1965 for the Italian manufacturer Pozzi. Colombo was convinced that functionality should come first, and the ...
Leather, Oak
Vintage Joe Colombo Elda Chair, Comfort Fratelli Longhi, Black Leather
By Joe Colombo, Comfort, Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Elda Chair, designed by Joe Colombo and manufactured by Comfort Fratelli Longhi. The Elda Chair’s futuristic design reflects Colombo’s interest in space exploration and mode...
Leather, Fiberglass
Joe Colombo 'Triedro' Floor Lamp in Chrome and White for Stilnovo
By Joe Colombo, Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Colombo 'Triedro' floor lamp in chrome and white for Stilnovo. Founded in 1946 in Milan, Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting companies in Italy during the Mid-centu...
Metal, Chrome
Italian space age cream chairs 4868 by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1970s
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age cream chairs 4868 by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1970s Pair of Model 4868 chairs, also known as the Universal Chair, made of glossy off-white yellow ABS plastic. The s...
Plastic
KD29 Table Lamp by Joe Colombo for Kartell, Italy, 1967
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District
Designed in 1967 by Joe Colombo for Kartell, the KD29 table lamp is a quintessential icon of Italian Space Age design. The lamp features a glowing hemispherical acrylic shade suspend...
Acrylic, Wood
Pair of Nastro Lounge Chairs by Joe Colombo for Bonacina 1889, Re-edition
By Bonacina 1889, Joe Colombo
Located in Hellouw, NL
Few designers captured the optimism of post-war Italian design quite like Joe Colombo. Known for his forward-looking vision and unconventional approach to furniture and interiors, Co...
Rattan
Cremewhite Boby Trolley by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast, Italy, 1970s
By Bieffeplast, Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed in 1969, Joe Colombo’s iconic "Boby 3" portable storage system was produced by Italian manufacturer Bieffeplast and makes savy use of space with its swivel design. It is mad...
Plastic
Italian midcentury pair of Spider wall lamps by Joe Colombo for Oluce
By Oluce, Joe Colombo
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare pair of iconic Spider wall lamps designed by Joe Colombo for Oluce in 1965. Original metal structure and lacquered lampshade, the two lamps are composed of a single lighting bo...
Metal
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size L with 5 Drawers in Red for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo Mini Coupé Table Lamp by Oluce, Mid-Century Modern
By Joe Colombo, Oluce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table Lamp model Mini Coupe designed by Joe Colombo. Table lamp giving direct light, lacquered metal base, chromium-plated stem, adjustable reflector in lacquered aluminium. Manufact...
Metal
Joe Colombo 'Topo' Table Lamp in Chrome and Black with Base for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Joe Colombo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Colombo 'Topo' table lamp in chrome and black with base for Stilnovo Founded in 1946 in Milan, Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting companies in Italy during the M...
Aluminum, Chrome
Red Boby Trolley, Joe Colombo, Bieffeplast
By Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, Lombardia
he red Boby trolley, conceived by renowned designer Joe Colombo and produced by Bieffeplast, represents an icon of Italian design in the 1970s. This versatile and functional storage ...
Plastic
Joe Colombo Rare Model 1138 Sconce for Oluce, Italy 1963
By Joe Colombo, Oluce
Located in Milan, IT
Extremely Rare Single Model "1138" sconce wall lamp by Joe Colombo for Oluce. Nickel-plated brass and pressed glass. Adjustable shutter for directional lighting. All original Referen...
Brass, Nickel
1970s Joe Colombo Floor Lamp, Made in Italy
By Joe Colombo
Located in Milan, IT
1970s Joe Colombo floor lamp. Made in Italy.
Metal
Joe Colombo Smoking Set with Ashtray and Cigar Holder, Italy, 1968, Mid-Century Modern
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Palermo, IT
A rare matching smoking set featuring the iconic "Biglia" ashtray or pipe holder, designed by the renowned Italian designer Joe Colombo in 1968 for the famous Arnolfo di Cambio cryst...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Brass
Joe Colombo for Comfort 'Elda' Lounge Chairs in Red Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort, Italy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chairs ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This l...
Leather, Fiberglass
Joe Colombo 'Supercomfort' Armchair for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Supercomfort' Armchair for B-Line. Designed in 1964. New, current production. The Supercomfort armchair designed by Joe Colombo is the result of a meticulous ergonomi...
Leather, Oak
Joe Colombo 'Topo' Articulating Floor Lamp for Stilnovo in Green
By Joe Colombo, Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Colombo 'Topo' Articulating Floor Lamp for Stilnovo in Green. Founded in 1946 in Milan, Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting companies in Italy during the Midcentury...
Steel
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 5 Drawers in Cumin for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
$1,756 / item
Joe Colombo Wall Lamp 'Coupé' White by Oluce
By Oluce, Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall lamp 'Coupé' designed by Joe Colombo in 1967. Adjustable rotating metal wall lamp giving direct and reflected light. Manufactured by Oluce, Italy. The Coupé series, designed b...
Metal, Aluminum
Italian modern smoke glass by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern smoke glass by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s Smoke glass all made of glass. The cylindrical bowl is made of transparent glass, while the side stem and round...
Glass
Space Age Vintage Black Plastic Up to Three Dining Chair Joe Colombo 1967 Italy
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage three plastic dining chairs or chairs by Joe Colombo 1965 - 67 and executed for Kartell 1970s Italy. Stamped underneath, Kartell Binasco ( Milano ) 860 & 861 made in Italy Des. Prof Joe Colombo 1970 The chairs are in good condition with signs of age and use like scratches at the glossy surface. The iconic dining chairs...
Plastic
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley Size M with 4 Drawers in Tornado Grey for B-Line
By Joe Colombo
Located in Tilburg, NL
Joe Colombo 'Boby' Trolley for B-Line. Designed in 1970, current production. Part of the permanent collection of MoMA in New York and the “Triennale” in Milan, Smau Prize in 1971. ...
Plastic
Italian modern smoke glasses by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s
By Joe Colombo, Arnolfo di Cambio
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern smoke glasses by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s Dinnerware of four set consisting of three smoke glasses with different heights, all made of glass. The cylin...
Glass
Rare Topo Variant Table Lamp by Joe Colombo for Stilnovo, Italy 1960s
By Joe Colombo, Stilnovo
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Topo Table Lamp Variant by Joe Colombo for Stilnovo, Italy 1960s
Metal, Chrome
Set of Two Joe Colombo Mini Coupe Table Lamps by Oluce
By Joe Colombo, Oluce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Two Table Lamps model Mini Coupe designed by Joe Colombo. Table lamp giving direct light, lacquered metal base, chromium-plated stem, adjustable reflector in lacquered alumini...
Metal
Joe Colombo, Combi Center cabinet/container for Bernini 1963/1997
By Joe Colombo
Located in Misinto, IT
The Combi Center is a celebrated example of Italian industrial design, born in 1963 from the revolutionary vision of Joe Colombo, one of the absolute protagonists of design in the 19...
Aluminum
Early Edition Pair of Joe Colombo Tube Chair for Flexform, Italy
By Joe Colombo
Located in Brussels, BE
Early Edition Pair of Joe Colombo Tube Chairs for Flexform The Tube Chair, designed in 1969 by Joe Colombo for Flexform, is an iconic example of radical Italian design. Composed of ...
Fabric, Plastic, Wood
$528Sale Price|31% Off
1960s Lusch Erzeugnis Tulip Table by Joe Colombo
By Joe Colombo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s cream tulip end or coffee table designed by Joe Colombo for Lusch Erzeugnis. Made in Germany. The table, given the name 'tulip' with reference to the table’s base shape, featur...
Plastic
KD29 Table Lamp by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1967
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in bruxelles, BE
Creamy white plastic lamp designed by Joe Colombo. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Plastic