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.
Set of Six Joe Colombo 'Sferico' Glass Tableware by Karakter
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass tableware designed by Joe Colombo in 1968. Joe Colombo believed in democratic and functional design. In his lifetime he designed a wide range of different drinking glasses. S...
Glass
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
Blue Ashtray "Biglia" Design Joe Colombo for Arnoldo Di Cambio, 1970s
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in taranto, IT
"biglia" ashtray produced by Arnolfo di Cambio to a design by Joe Colombo, 1970s It measures 10 cm in diameter by 7.5 cm in height, in perfect storage conditions exactly the on...
Glass
6 Bicchieri Smoke Joe Colombo per Arnolfo di Cambio altezza 14 cm.
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, IT
6 Bicchieri Smoke Joe Colombo per Arnolfo di Cambio
Glass
Joe Colombo & Ambrogio Pozzi Alitalia First Class Flatware, 1972, set of 12
By Joe Colombo, Ambrogio Pozzi
Located in Quarrata, IT
This 12-piece stainless steel flatware set is part of the iconic "Linea 72" service, co-designed by the visionary masters Joe Colombo and Ambrogio Pozzi for Alitalia Airlines. Introd...
Steel
Italian modern smoke glasses by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
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
Complete Set of Thirty-Six Joe Colombo 'Sferico' Glass Tableware by Karakter
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass tableware designed by Joe Colombo in 1968. Joe Colombo believed in democratic and functional design. In his lifetime he designed a wide range of different drinking glasses....
Glass
Italian Modern Bowl Ashtray Biglia by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1970s
By Joe Colombo, Arnolfo di Cambio
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Bowl Ashtray Biglia by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1970s Ashtray mod. Biglia in violet-blue alexandrite. The semi-round shaped bowl features thick glass. Prod...
Glass
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
6 Glasses Cognac Smoke Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, IT
6 Glasses Cognac Smoke Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio
Glass
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
Joe Colombo and Ambrogio Pozzi for Alitalia Set of 9 "Linea 72" Forks, Itali
By Joe Colombo, Ambrogio Pozzi
Located in Naples, IT
Set of 9 stainless steel cutlery from the Alitalia Linea 72 set designed and engineered by Joe Colombo and Ambrogio pozzi... This model was used in Alitalia Business Class and is now...
Steel
Set of Six Joe Colombo 'Sferico' Glass Tableware by Karakter
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass tableware designed by Joe Colombo in 1968. Joe Colombo believed in democratic and functional design. In his lifetime he designed a wide range of different drinking glasses. S...
Glass
5-in-1 Drinking Glass Set by Joe Colombo, Mouth-Blown Crystal, Italy
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
5-in-1 Drinking Glass set by Joe Colombo, 1970 Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo pursued a career in painting and sculpture before he transiti...
Crystal
Set of Six Joe Colombo 'Sferico' Glass Tableware by Karakter
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass tableware designed by Joe Colombo in 1968. Joe Colombo believed in democratic and functional design. In his lifetime he designed a wide ran...
Glass
Set of Six Joe Colombo 'Sferico' Glass Tableware by Karakter
By Joe Colombo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass tableware designed by Joe Colombo in 1968. Joe Colombo believed in democratic and functional design. In his lifetime he designed a wide range of different drinking glasses....
Glass
White 4630 Roto Ashtray by Joe Colombo for Kartell
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in 1970 and produced by Kartell in 1973 two years after designer Joe Colombo's death, the Kartell 4630 Roto/Rotocenere ashtray is Colombo at his finest. White pla...
Plastic
Red 4630 Roto Ashtray by Joe Colombo for Kartell
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in 1970 and produced by Kartell in 1973 two years after designer Joe Colombo's death, the Kartell 4630 Roto/Rotocenere ashtray is Colombo at his finest. Red plast...
Plastic
Vintage Ashtray by Joe Colombo, 1970s
By Joe Colombo
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Vintage ashtray by Joe Colombo, Made in Italy, 1970s. Ashtrays / Empties by Joe Colombo for Stilnovo. Gray and chocolate brown color. Design object suitable for furnishing study/m...
Plastic
6 Bicchieri Smoke Joe Colombo per Arnolfo di Cambio altezza 12 cm.
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, IT
6 Bicchieri Smoke Joe Colombo per Arnolfo di Cambio
Glass
Mid Century Crystal Glass Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This original vintage glass element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It is made in Sommerso Technique and has a fantastic faceted form. The vibrant color m...
Crystal
$1,514 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 3.55 in
Country Style Set of Six Glass Tumbler Skier Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
By Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six hand blown tumbler in blue crystal with a hand-edged skier decor. The country decor shows a skier boy, trees and mountains and a chalet...
Crystal
$6,894 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
George & Martha by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 12 Service 62 Pcs
By Westmorland
Located in Big Bend, WI
George & Martha by Westmorland sterling silver flatware set of 62 pieces. This pattern has a Classic, timeless design! This set includes: 12 knives, 9 1/8". 12 forks, 7". 12 salad f...
Sterling Silver
$6,930 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Fleetwood by Manchester Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Set of 60 Pieces
By Manchester Silver Co. & S. S.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fleetwood by Manchester sterling silver flatware set of 60 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 3/4". 12 forks, 7". 12 salad forks, 6". 12 teaspoons, 5 7/8". 12 cream soup spoons...
Sterling Silver
$15,511 / set
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Richelieu by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 12 Service 102 Pieces
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Designed in the French Renaissance style this ornate pattern has nature inspired motifs including the popular acanthus leaf. Stunning Richelieu by International...
Sterling Silver
$16,500 / set
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
William & Mary by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set of 12 Service Huge
By Lunt Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Huge William & Mary by Lunt sterling silver flatware set of 140 Pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 1/2". 12 dinner size forks, 7 5/8". 12 knives, 8 7/8". 12 forks, ...
Sterling Silver
6 Glasses Cognac Smoke Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, IT
6 Glasses Cognac Smoke Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio
Glass
$1,514 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 3.55 in
Country Style Set of Six Glass Tumbler Fern Decor Sofina Kitzbuehel Kitzbühel
By Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of 6 hand blown tumblers in clear crystal with a country style fern decor hand-engraved all around. A matching carafe can be ordered in addition. Can be ordered in different colo...
Crystal
Mid Century Red Glass Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This original vintage glass element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It is made in Sommerso Technique and has a fantastic faceted form. The vibrant color m...
Crystal
Elegant Baroque Crystal Glasses Set of Six - Timeless French Design
Located in Brescia, IT
The dimensions of this elegant model glass are bigger than usual and for this reason it becomes an eye catching on your table. The baroque shape is a timeless style for every occasio...
Crystal
Midcentury Crystal Green Glass Bowl Ashtray, Italy, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This original vintage glass ash tray bowl element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It is made in Sommerso Technique and has a fantastic faceted form. The v...
Crystal
$1,514 / set
H 3.94 in Dm 3.55 in
Black Forest Set of Six Glass Tumbler Amber Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
By Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six handblown amber crystal tumblers with hand-edged hunting scene in the style of Black forest. The decor is an antique hunting scene dec...
Crystal
Sold
H 1 in W 8.63 in D 6.88 in
Set of 17 Vintage Alitalia First Class Plates and Cups Designed by Joe Colombo
By Richard Ginori, Joe Colombo, Ambrogio Pozzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alitalia Airlines first class service set of plates and cups (seventeen pieces in total) designed by Joe Colombo and Ambrogio Pozzi and manufactured by Richard Ginori Milan (ca. 1970...
Ceramic
Sold
H 4.34 in W 1.89 in
Set of 6 Joe Colombo "Smoke" Glasses small, Riedel, 1964 (With Original Labels)
By Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
This exceptional set of six "Smoke" glasses was designed in 1964 by the visionary Italian architect Joe Colombo and produced by the prestigious Austrian manufacturer Riedel. A master...
Glass
Set of 6 Joe Colombo "Smoke" Glasses for Riedel, 1964 (With Original Labels)
By Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
This exceptional set of six "Smoke" glasses was designed in 1964 by the visionary Italian architect Joe Colombo and produced by the prestigious Austrian manufacturer Riedel. A master...
Glass
Sold
H 3.54 in Dm 5.51 in
1960s Gorgeous "Biglia" in Crystal by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo Di Cambio. Made in
By Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing green ashtray or catch-all By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano glass Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: diameter 4,72 x 2,36 H inches d...
Murano Glass
Joe Colombo Asimmetrico Smoke Drinking Glass by Riedel, Austria, 1960s
By Riedel, Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
One (1) beautiful and fine sculptural midcentury drinking glass, designed by Joe Colombo in 1964 to hold the glass and a cigarette with the same hand. Made of handblown lead crystal ...
Crystal
Sold
H 5.91 in Dm 2.72 in
Set of 4 Joe Colombo glasses 'Smoke' 'Assimetrico' Riedel Austria 1960s original
By Riedel, Claus Josef Riedel, Joe Colombo
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of six cool original 1960s modernist drinking glasses. Designed by Joe Colombo in 1964 and made of handblown crystal glass by C.J. Riedel, Austria. Joe Colombo called them 'A...
Crystal
6 Smoke Joe Colombo glasses for Arnolfo di Cambio height 9 cm.
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Milano, IT
6 Smoke Joe Colombo Glasses for Arnolfo di Cambio
Glass
Set di 6 bicchieri Old Fashion Smoke, Joe Colombo, anni '70
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Rivoli, IT
The Smoke collection was born out of the original idea of a great Italian designer, a set of glasses designed to blend different pleasures in a single gesture. The asymmetrical foot...
Crystal
Joe Colombo Asimmetrico Smoke Drinking Glasses, 1960s By Riedel, Austria
By Riedel, Joe Colombo
Located in Vienna, AT
Two beautiful and fine sculptural midcentury drinking glasses, small size, to be used for liqueur or spirits. Designedby Joe Colombo in 1964 to hold the glass and a cigarette with th...
Crystal
Sold
H 3.55 in Dm 2.76 in
Blue/violet Glass "Smoke" by Joe Colombo per Arnolfo di Cambio, 1964, set of 12
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Designed by Ignazia Favata e Joe Colombo in 1964. Produced by Arnolfo di Cambio, Forlì. its glass, blue or violet, presents a different color depending on whether it is exposed to li...
Glass
Rare Glass Coffee/Tea Set with Creamer Plate by Joe Colombo for Arno
By Joe Colombo, Arno Fassi
Located in San Diego, CA
Great set for 4 designed by Joe Colombo for Arno Italy. Great condition no chips or cracks. with a creamer
Glass
Rare Glass Coffee/Tea Set with Dessert Plate by Joe Colombo for Arno
By Joe Colombo, Arno Fassi
Located in San Diego, CA
Great set for 2 designed by Joe Colombo for Arno Italy. Great condition no chips or cracks.
Glass