Pair of "4794" Armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Kartell, Italy, 1972
By Kartell, Gae Aulenti
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of small armchairs model 4794 by Gae Aulenti for Kartell. Green lacquered polyurethane foam body.
1970s Vintage Kartell Furniture
Foam
The Italian design giant Kartell transformed plastic from the stuff of humble household goods into a staple of luxury design in the 1960s. Founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli (1920–2006) and his wife Anna Ferrieri (1918–2006), Kartell began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods.
They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Consumers in the postwar era were initially skeptical of plastic goods, but their affordability and infinite range of styles and hues eventually won devotees. Tupperware parties in the United States made plastic storage containers ubiquitous in postwar homes, and Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans, and dish racks conquered Europe. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, and his design for the KS 1146 Bucket won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955.
Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Designers Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper created the K1340 (later called the K 4999) children’s chair that year, and families enjoyed their bright colors and light weight, which made them easy for kids to pick up and move. In 1965, Joe Colombo (1924–78) created one of Kartell’s few pieces of non-plastic furniture, the 4801 chair, which sits low to the ground and comprised of just three curved pieces of plywood. (In 2012, Kartell reissued the chair in plastic.) Colombo followed up on the success of the 4801 with the iconic 4867 Universal Chair in 1967, which, like Verner Panton’s S chair, is made from a single piece of plastic. The colorful, stackable injection-molded chair was an instant classic. That same year, Kartell introduced Colombo’s KD27 table lamp. Ferrierei’s cylindrical 4966 Componibili storage module debuted in 1969.
Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. That show introduced American audiences to the work of designers such as Gaetano Pesce; Ettore Sottsass, founder of the Memphis Group; and the firms Archizoom and Superstudio (both firms were among Italy's Radical design groups) — all of whom were using wit, humor and unorthodox materials to create a bracingly original interior aesthetic.
Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company’s roster of designers.
Kartell produced Ron Arad’s Bookworm wall shelf in 1994, and Philippe Starck’s La Marie chair in 1998. More recently, Kartell has collaborated with the Japanese collective Nendo, Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola and glass designer Tokujin Yoshioka, among many others. Kartell classics can be found in museums around the world, including MoMA, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. In 1999, Claudio Luti established the Museo Kartell to tell the company’s story, through key objects from its innovative and colorful history.
Find vintage Kartell tables, seating, table lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of "4794" Armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Kartell, Italy, 1972
By Kartell, Gae Aulenti
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of small armchairs model 4794 by Gae Aulenti for Kartell. Green lacquered polyurethane foam body.
Foam
Model 4970 Cream Bedside Table by Anna Castelli for Kartell, 1970s, Italy
By Kartell
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model 4970 Cream Bedside Table by Anna Castelli for Kartell, 1970s, Italy No damage, no crack. Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: W...
Plexiglass
Model Eros Chairs, 12 Pieces, Philippe Starck, Kartell, Early 2000s
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Eros chair (12 pieces sold separately), design Philippe Starck, manufactured by Kartell, Early 2000s. Aluminum frame, plastic seat (polycarbonate). Good vintage condition, pati...
Aluminum
1970s Modular Plastic Cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original pair of cylindrical cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell, modular with vertical overlap was designed for every room. A true pieces of italian design. The items are in...
Plastic
Masayuki Matsukaze Sistema Scuola Children's Chairs for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A delightful and highly functional set of "Sistema Scuola" children's chairs, designed by Masayuki Matsukaze for the renowned Italian manufacturer Kartell in the 1970s. These chairs ...
Plastic
Eugeni Quitllet and Philippe Starck Tip Top Side Table for Kartell
By Eugeni Quitllet, Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Bright white plastic top Tip Top side table with transparent base by Eugeni Quitllet and Philippe Starck for Kartell, 2010s.
Plastic
Magazine Rack Model 4675 Designed by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell, Italy 70s
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in Lucija, SI
Mid Century Modern Black Magazine Rack, model 4675, was designed by Italian architect Giotto Stoppino and manufactured by Kartell Italy in '70s. It has mark on the bottom; as you ca...
Plastic, Fiberglass
Post Modern Space Age Plastic Shelves by Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell c. 1970's
By Kartell, Olaf von Bohr
Located in New York, NY
Space Age, Postmodern plastic shelf unit, designed by Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell, made in Italy circa 1970's. This example is in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition,...
Plastic
Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, pair of side cabinets, 1960s - Italy
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of vintage side cabinets designed by italian Designer Anna Castelli Ferrieri and produced by Kartell from the 1960s. These handy and light plastic cabinets look great as a pair...
Plastic
Dr. Glob Dining Chair Set by Philippe Starck for Kartell, Italy 1980's
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design Dr. Glob Dining Chair Set by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Made in Italy, 1980's / 90's period. Marked on the bottom. All black edition. Stackable. Black pla...
Metal
Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet White Masters Chairs for Kartell - a Pair
By Kartell, Eugeni Quitllet, Philippe Starck
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of white masters chairs by Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet for Kartell. Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet pay homage to three different mid...
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
Vintage Portaombrelli Umbrella Stand by Gino Colombini for Kartell, Italy, 1966
By Gino Colombini, Kartell
Located in Bern, CH
Vintage 1970's Portaombrelli Umbrella Stand. Designed by Gino Colombini, 1966. Produced by Kartell, Italy. With maker's mark on base. Dimensions: Height 60 cm Diameter 25cm. In exce...
Plastic
Set of 2 Purple La Marie Chairs By Philippe Starck For Kartell, Made In Italy
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Iconic La Marie Chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell Elevate your interior with this stunning set of 2 clear purple La Marie chairs. Designed by the renowned Philippe Sta...
Plastic
Italian White Magazine Rack by Kartell
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian mid-century white plastic magazine rack with six compartments and a round handle, designed by Giotto Stopinno for Kartell, model 4675 / Made in Milan Italy 1970s Measures: height 18 inches, width 16 inches, depth 12 inches...
Plastic
Gae Aulenti for Kartell ‘King Sun’ in Perspex and Red-Orange Aluminum
By Gae Aulenti, Kartell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Kartell, ‘King Sun’ lamp, Perspex, enameled aluminum, Italy, 1967 This ‘King Sun’ lighting object is created by Gae Aulenti for Kartell in 1967. The lamp was design...
Aluminum
Joe Colombo for Kartell Armchair Mod. 4801 Numbered No. 29, Italy 1960s
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Naples, IT
Fantastic and large white curved beech wood armchair, Mod. 4801 Designer Joe Colombo and produced by Kartell in Italy , an icon of Italian Modernism. A limited number of wooden 4801 ...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini Shanghai Gold Vase for Kartell
By Mario Bellini, Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Gold Shanghai vase designed by Mario Bellini for Kartell. A multi-faceted vase widening from the base to the top in a swirling motion. Shanghai is like ...
Plastic
Kartell K-Wait Armchair by Rodolfo Dordoni
By Kartell, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The comfort of an embrace: the K-wait upholstered collection by Rodolfo Dordoni plays with the contrast between the formal simplicity of rigorous volumes and soft, rounded lines. The division between habitat and contract solutions is increasingly blurred in this collection too. The keyword is versatility. Two sofas are complemented by an armchair that can be transformed into a round pouffe...
Steel
Kartell Mademoiselle "A La Mode" Missoni Sketches Lucite Chair Philippe Starck
By Missoni, Kartell
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Pair of Philippe Stark for Kartell ‘Mademoiselle’ Lucite Chairs in Missoni Floral Upholstered Fabric With Makers Marks Made in Italy Extra dime...
Lucite
Piero Lissoni for Kartell Armchair Bed "Trix, Italy 2000s
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Naples, IT
Trix white sofa bed by Piero Lissoni for Kartell composed of three different elements connected by an elegant elastic system that can transform and adapt to different uses through ...
Fabric, Plastic
Universal chair by Joe Colombo for Kartell , 1960s
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Athens, Attiki
Joe Colombo’s ‘Universale’ chair, Kartell late 1960s. Solid, stackable, and colorful, this red Universale chair reflects a late-1960s enth...
Plastic
Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Arm Chair in Crystal for Kartell
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Single Louis Ghost arm chair in crystal designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Louis Ghost is the world’s bravest example of the injection of polycarbonate in a single mould. A ch...
Plastic
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Tangerine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the Dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Nude by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Resin
Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Zinc White by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bubble club armchair in light grey. Dimensions: Height 30.75 in, width 40.15 in, depth 29.5 in.; Unit weight: 17 kg. Made of: Polyethylene. Outdoor use.
Plastic
Kartell Ami Ami Chair in Red by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Kartell, Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the way pattern and texture interweave in a fabric, the Ami Ami chair (its name in Japanese literally means "to weave"), was born of designer's wish to reproduce one of t...
Plastic
Grey ABS 4663 Wall Ashtray/emptying trays by Centro Kappa for Kartell, 1980s
By Kartell, Kappa
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This wall ashtray is made up by 3 main parts with an additional removable tray. this sculptural item was designed as an ashtray but I think it should be more iteresting used as an em...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt Orange Chair by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, essential and rigorous chair. Its square line is designed by Piero Lissoni, with a wide seat and a wide, low backrest. Created for use around tables, it was born in a range ...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt Black Chair by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, essential and rigorous chair. Its square line is designed by Piero Lissoni, with a wide seat and a wide, low backrest. Created for use around tables, it was born in a range ...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Titanium by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Masters chair is a powerful tribute to three symbolic chairs, re-read and re-interpreted by the creative genius of Starck. The unmistakable silhouett...
Plastic
Early 21st Century Set of 4 Charles Ghost Bar Stools by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 21st century set of 4 Charles Ghost patio bar stools by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Light scratching commensurate with age & use. 11 3/8" dia. seat. 16.75" x 16.75" at flo...
Lucite
Kartell Sundial Modular Bookcase in Crystal and White by Nendo
By Kartell, Nendo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sundial is the bookcase whose dividing elements, placed in different directions, create a game of unexpected and original proportions.
Resin
Set of 2 Kartell Victoria Ghost Chairs in Crystal by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a chair born of Classic lines with a rounded backrest that recalls the shape of antique medallions, whilst the seat is linear and geometric. Victoria ghost...
Plastic
Kartell Kabuki Pendant Light in Green by Ferruccio Laviani
By Ferruccio Laviani, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kabuki pendant light in green. Dimensions: Height: 19.67 in.; Diameter: 23 in. Made of: Thermoplastic Technopolymer. Assembly required. Voltage: 120....
Plastic
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Crystal by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. It is a go...
Resin
1970s Kartell Beylerian Componibili Modular Cabinet, Anna Castelli, Red, Signed
By Kartell, Beylerian LTD, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in New York, NY
1970s Kartell Beylerian Componibili Modular Cabinet, Anna Castelli, Red, Signed. 1970s modular cabinet designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell as part of the company’s pioneer...
Plastic
Kartell Lunam Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
By Kartell, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lunam is an enchanting living space furniture collection inspired by the dreamy atmosphere of a lunar landscape. An essential, painted metal structure ...
Steel
Kartell Earl of Wood Desk by Philippe Stark in Light Wood and Chrome Frame
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Earl of wood is a simple new desk with a curved wooden surface, offering the perfect solution to the Office and Habitat worlds on account of its myriad diffe...
Wood
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Marine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Resin
Kartell Foliage Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
By Kartell, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Fabric
Kartell Master Counter Stool in Rust Orange by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell also offers a stool version of the Masters chair, winner of the Good Design Award 2010 and the Red Dot Award 2013, and a worldwide best seller. The legs are lengthened and the seat is shrunk, but the frame's unmistakable graphic look, created by the weave of the silhouettes of three iconic chairs, remains the same. Masters Stool...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Re-Chair in Black by Antonio Citterio
By Kartell, Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell is continuing its strategy of producing original products which combine sustainable materials with the latest production technology, offering new creative impulses based arou...
Plastic
Kartell Cara Outdoor Chair by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito in Black Beige
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In cara armchair, classically rigorous lines surround a comfortable seat. The perfect combination of formalism and technological innovation, for an original product with an industria...
Fabric, Plastic
Rocchetto Stool designed by Achille Castiglioni for Kartell, Italy, 1969
By Achille Castiglioni, Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
Rocchetto Stool designed by Achille Castiglioni for Kartell, Italy, 1969 The Rocchetto stool, designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced by Kartell in 1969, perfectly reflects t...
Plastic
Kartell Bourgie Lamp in Multicolored Blue by Ferruccio Laviani
By Ferruccio Laviani, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lamp with an inimitable style, Bourgie is one of Kartell’s best sellers, skillfully combining Classic style, richness and tradition with innovation and irony. The Baroque style bas...
Plastic
Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Green by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bubble club armchair in light grey. Dimensions: Height 30.75 in.; width 40.15 in.; depth 29.5 in.; unit weight 17 kg. Made of: Polyethylene. Outdoor use.
Plastic
Kartell A.I. Bar Stool in Grey by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell continues its ongoing commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly products which are part of the broader project expressed by the industrial manifesto Kartell loves the pl...
Plastic
Giotto Stoppino for Kartell Italian Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Kartell, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Giotto Stoppino for Kartell Mid Century Italian Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 20.5 wide x 24 deep x 33 inches hi...
Chrome
Kartell Spoon Adjustable Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
By Toan Nguyen, Kartell, Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original stool whose shape is as elastic in appearance as it is in function. The innovation of Spoon consists mainly in attaching the seat to a central support with a specially reinforced curve to guarantee flexibility and comfort. Furthermore, thanks to a sophisticated design solution, the gas lift pump adjusts the height between 56 and 76 cm and is perfectly inserted into the stem. In the same ingenious fashion, the handle which regulates the mechanism is perfectly concealed inside the seat. Spoon lends itself to any surrounding: kitchen benches...
Plastic
Kartell Trix Sofa Bed by Piero Lissoni in Orange
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trix is made up of three different elements connected by an elegant system of elastics which can transform and adapt to different uses through easy rotation. Trix can be an original two-person pouf, a comfortable bed...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in White
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Plastic
Kartell Cat Walk Chair in Rose by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the world of haute couture and fashion shows, Catwalk is intended for both domestic and contract furnishings and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Plastic
Kartell Smatrik Stool in Black by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Kartell, Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Smatrik stool joins the family of seats created by Tokujin Yoshioka and is crafted using a mould which enables the recreation of a 3D net that overlaps and crosses over.Thanks to...
Steel
White Kartell Stacking "4695" Planter Box on Wheels, 1980s
By Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kartell's model 4695 planter box dates to the 1980s and features a straightforward rectangular form with an open top and an integrated wheeled base. Three casters are housed within...
Plastic
Kartell Cat Walk Chair in Black by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the world of haute couture and fashion shows, Catwalk is intended for both domestic and contract furnishings and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Plastic
'Eros' Chairs (pair) -Philippe Starck for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Napa, CA
Eros Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell — Italy, Early 2000s An instantly recognizable design by Philippe Starck, the Eros Chair remains one of Kartell’s most iconic creations. Cr...
Chrome
Philippe Starck for Kartell Clear Lucite Eros Swivel Italian Chairs, Set of 3
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 transparent Lucite Eros swivel chairs designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell and made in Italy. The seat is made out of acrylic and the base is aluminum. Marked at the se...
Aluminum
1990s Kartell Dr. Na Table in Cream White and Black by Philippe Starck, Italy
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The base has been lacquered in matt black color - Stamped by producer
Iron
Kartell Thierry Table by Piero Lissoni in Blue
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thierry is a family of highly characteristic occasional tables that make an inspired use of colour. Each table can have 3 or 4 different colours and can be assembled in various ways....
Plastic