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.
$1,062 / item
Kartell Dr. Na Table in Wax White by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dr. NO chair is combined with a round table, Dr. NA, available as a direct complement to the seat. The scratch-proof painted surface and tapered central leg made of plastic and a...
Aluminum
Model 4970 Black Bedside Table by Anna Castelli for Kartell, 1970s, Italy
By Kartell
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model 4970 Black Bedside Table by Anna Castelli for Kartell, 1970s, Italy No damage, no crack. Wear consistent with age and use. Measurements: Width: 38 cm Depth: 38 cm Height: 49...
Plexiglass
Wall Sconces by Isao Hosoe for Kartell model 4336
By Isao Hosoe, Kartell
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Great set of fifteen wall sconces, designed by Isao Hosoe for Kartell, model 4336 from the 1970s. These sconces have a are made of two molded plastic parts, a white stepped face pla...
Plastic
Kartell chest of drawers by Olaf Von Bohr, 1970s
By Kartell, Olaf von Bohr
Located in Parma, IT
Kartell chest of drawers/shoe rack designed by Olaf Von Bohr, 1970s. In white plastic with 5 drop-front drawers. In excellent condition.
Plastic
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
$1,205 / item
Kartell Geen-A Lamp in Brick by Ferruccio Laviani
By Kartell, Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Geen-a is Kartell's first reading lamp, supplementing the brand’s lighting range with a product designed for this specific purpose. The simple lines conceal a real sense of attitude, while the clean shape – free from showy tech features – has a familiar yet intriguing effect. The piece consists of a base, a lightshade, three LED bulbs, a stem and a handle for easy transportation, while three matt-finish colours are available: white, black and brick. This is a simple lamp...
Steel
Achille Castiglioni for Kartell Pair of Space-Age Yellow & Black Plastic Stools
By Kartell, Achille Castiglioni, Beylerian LTD
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1970s by Achille Castiglioni, this pair of stools features a top-bottom style symmetrical design and is made of bright yellow plastic. They exude fun and joy while re...
Upholstery, 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
Sergio Asti for Kartell ceiling suspension light, Italy circa 1960s
By Kartell, Sergio Asti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sergio Asti for Kartell suspension ceiling light. Designed and made in Italy in 1960s. Acrylic shade, nickel plated hardware. Takes 1 medium bulb. Complimentary US rewiring upon requ...
Metal, Nickel
Custom U.T.Kartell Modular Storage / cubbies / bookcase. 70's Plastic Spaceage
By Kartell
Located in Buffalo, NY
Custom U. T. Kartell Modular Storage / cubbies / bookcase/shelving. 1970's Plastic Spaceage Design ! nOT sure if this was ever produced?? Possibly cus...
Plastic, Wood
$2,140 / item
Kartell Trix Sofa Bed by Piero Lissoni in Orange
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
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
Italian modern white plastic coffee tables by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell, 1970s
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white plastic coffee tables by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell, 1970s Pair of coffee tables mod. 4905 round stackables. The struc...
Plastic
Iconic black magazine rack 4676 by Giotto Stoppino for Kartel, Italy 1970s
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Italy / 1970 / magazine rack 4676 / Giotto Stoppino for Kartel / plastic / Italian / Vintage / Mid-Century / Pop Art / Design Classics / Italian Modern / Modernist / Postmodern / Spa...
Plastic
Castiglioni Rochetto Stool or Table by Kartell
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Kartell
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1969 by the Castiglioni brothers, the "rochetto", or "spool" stool is a wonderful design. Two identical forms are fastened together giving it the distinctive hourglass sp...
Upholstery, Plastic
Kartell Jolly Side Table in Crystal by Paolo Rizzatto
By Paolo Rizzatto, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A completely transparent small side table in the perfect size: 40x40x40 cm. Colourful, practical, safe and functional, Jolly is a versatile and fun side table...
Plastic
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Ikon Orange by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell, Carlo Tamborini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop outdoor is the modular sofa with evanescent profiles characterised by large seat and backrest cushions which make it soft and comfortable, made with fabrics conceived specificall...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell 'Model 4788' Coat Rack by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, 1980
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Kartell 'model 4788' coat rack as designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Italy 1980s. Unique and eye-catching enameled metal wire grid with dark grey plastic base. This smar...
Metal
Italian Space Age Pair of Red Plastic Chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Carlo Bartoli
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age pair of red plastic chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s Pair of chairs with rounded shapes, in red plastic with removable l...
Plastic
Italian Chairs Model 4870 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy 80s
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Lucija, SI
Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Chairs, model 4870, was designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell Italy in '80s. The Chairs are stackable and the legs are removable. These Chairs ...
Plastic
Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in Clear by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Uncle collection designed by Philippe Starck adds the Uncle Jim armchair. The armchair echoes the lines and sinuosity of Uncle Jack and lends itself to b...
Plastic
Italian Modern Table By A. Castelli Ferrieri & Ignazio Gardella For Kartell
By Ignazio Gardella, Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Table By A. Castelli Ferrieri & Ignazio Gardella For Kartell. This iconic Italian mid century modern center table or dining table was created in the 1960's by Kart...
Metal
Dr Glob Chairs Philippe Starck Grey Kartell, Italy, 1990
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Vienna, AT
Kartell Dr. Glob set of four grey modern chairs designed by Philippe Starck. The Dr. Glob chair was designed by the acclaimed designer Philippe Starck for Kartell in Italy. Phillipe...
Steel
Kartell Bourgie Lamp in Multicolored Fuchsia 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
$1,986 / item
Kartell Lunam Pouf Orsetto by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
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
White Brown Plastic Mod 2/5 1959 Pendant Lamp by Gpa Monti for Kartell
By G.P.A. Monti, Kartell
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Metal part of nickel-plated satin brass. Suspension of dark levilene plait. Lamp shade in opaline white and brown plastic. Very good condition: oxidation patina on the metal parts. ...
Nickel
Mid-Century Model KD7 Ceiling Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 50s
By Kartell
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Model KD7 Ceiling Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Kartell, 1950s Pendant lamp by Kartell based on a design by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni from ...
Metal
Pair of "Miss Balù" Tables by Philippe Starck for Kartell
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Marbella, ES
Miss Balù is a modern interpretation of the quintessential 1800s table with a central support leg. This is a complete collection of tables for various uses. ...
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 Blue 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
Set of 2 Kartell One More Square Bar Stools in Yellow by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
If you want to sip a drink at the bar in peace and quiet, you need a comfortable tall stool with a back to lean against. Sometimes one drink is not ...
Plastic
$1,095 / item
Kartell Thierry Table by Piero Lissoni in Burgundy
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
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
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Amber 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 Componibili 2-Tier Modern Storage Cabinets by Anna Castelli Ferrieri
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Componibili Storage Unit, 1969 designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri in white, Made in Italy.
Plastic, Acrylic
Maroon Kartell Stacking "4695" Planter Box on Wheels, 1980’s
By Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kartell Stacking "4695" planter box on wheels, 1980s. Planter box was painted Maroon. In otherwise original condition with visible wear consistent wit...
Plastic
Castiglioni Rochetto White Plastic Stool or Table by Kartell, Italian Midcentury
By Kartell, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed in 1969 by the Castiglioni brothers, the "rochetto", or "spool" stool is a wonderful design. Two identical forms are fastened together giving it the distinctive hourglass sp...
Upholstery, Plastic
Philippe Starck for Kartell Clear Lucite Eros Swivel Italian Chairs, Set of 3
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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
20th Century Kartell Red Floor Lamp Mod. 4055 by Luigi Bandini Buti '70
By Kartell, Luigi Bandini Buti
Located in Turin, Turin
Floor lamp designed by Luigi Bandini Buti in '70s for the Manufacturer Kartell. The floor lamp model 4055 has a structure in red lacquered metal and the round diffuser is in perspex....
Metal
Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Ochre 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
Giotto Stoppino for Kartell Magazine rack Mod. 4676, Italy 1970s
By Giotto Stoppino, Kartell
Located in Naples, IT
A historic magazine rack designed by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell, model 4676, the magazine rack has four compartments and a central round handle. It is a beautiful object that can be...
Plastic
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Black FPE Chair by Ron Arad for Kartell
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Fantastic plastic elastic chair, aka FPE, is a lightweight, stackable chair designed by Ron Arad for Kartell. With soft lines and bright colors, the FPE's unique design joins a s...
Metal
Vintage Contemporary Spool Stool by Antonio Citterio for Kartell - a Pair
By Kartell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage Contemporary bar stools. Adjustable seat height from 22 to 30. Beautiful floors white with chrome hardware. Marked on the bottom. Acquired from a Palm Beach...
Chrome
Kartell Invisible Low Square Table in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Kartell, Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Invisible table designed by Tokujin Yoshioka combines lightness and solidity, grace and elegance and practicality and style. Its simplicity and purity ...
Plastic
Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Zinc White by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A veritable icon made by Kartell, the mass-tinted polypropylene Bubble Club sofa was a Pioneer of a new concept in furniture accessories: the Industrial sofa made entirely of plastic...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Victoria Ghost Chairs in Powder Blue 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 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
'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
$411Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage Retro Full Metal Italian 1970's Kartell Bar Stool
By Kartell
Located in Markington, GB
Vintage retro full black metal Italian 1970s bar stool, by Kartell. A striking example of 1970s Italian design, this bar stool features a clean, industrial silhouette in fully black...
Aluminum
Set of 2 Kartell Victoria Ghost Chairs in Amber 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
$8,261 / item
Kartell Lunam Sofa 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
Postmodern 'Miss Global' Chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell , 1990s Italy
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Zagreb, HR
Beautiful vintage postmodern chair, model 'Miss Globe', designed by Philippe Starck and produced by Kartell during the early 1990s. Good vintage condition with some expected signs o...
Metal
Luigi Spandolini Modular Room Divider
By Pierluigi Spandolini, Kartell
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s for Kartell, produced in Italy. It is fully modular, composed of lids, cylinders, and double cylinders that allow it to flex. The piece is in great good condition but does h...
Plastic
Op Pop Mod DePas Durbino Lomazzi for Kartell Modular Brick Shelf System
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Kartell, Depas E D'urbino
Located in Ferndale, MI
Memphis era modular shelf system named " Brick " for the stackable plastic up rights. Designed by Gionathan DePas, Donato D'Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi...
Plastic
Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Powder by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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
Set of 2 Kartell One More Counter Stools in Crystal by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
If you want to sip a drink at the bar in peace and quiet, you need a comfortable tall stool with a back to lean against. Sometimes one drink is not enough - and you need "One more" a...
Plastic
$374Sale Price / item|25% Off
Kartell Clear Optic Storage Cube with Door, Modular Cabinet, Italy.
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Optic is a container cube with a door. Its surface is strikingly decorated with square-based transparent or mirrored pyramids, slightly in relief, which creates a strong visual impac...
Lucite
Carlo Bartoli Chair Model 4875 for Kartell, Italy, 1970s
By Kartell, Carlo Bertoli & Piero Menichetti
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early pair of Italian Modernist Polypropylene chairs designed by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell Italia in the 1970s model 4875, unusual color, art furniture, Nic...
Plastic
MIdcentury "Componibili" Bedside Table, Anna Castelli for Kartell, Italy, 1960s
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Praha, CZ
- very practical - iconic model - marked - space age style
Plastic
$1,210 / item
Kartell Hiray Sofa by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba
By Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
HIRAY takes metal, one of the most important materials for the greening of the Kartell catalogue, and uses the welded wire process to shape it. The result is an essential and functional product that is nevertheless rich in emotion. Metal wires form well-defined yet lightweight structural parts of the collection’s chair...
Metal
Midcentury "Componibili" Bedside Table, Anna Castelli for Kartell, Italy, 1960s
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Praha, CZ
- very practical - iconic model - marked - space age style
Plastic
Componibili Modular Storage Unit in White with Floor Stand by Kartell
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, the Componibili modular storage unit is an iconic example of Italian modern design. Originally conceived in the late 1960s, the system...
Plastic