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Kartell Seating

Italian

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.

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Creator: Kartell
'Plastics, by Piero Lissoni for Kartell
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Athens, Attiki
Minimalistic and sleek design by Piero Lissoni for Kartell. 3 modular leather pieces that can be combined according to one's needs.
Category

1990s Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Kartell Trix Sofa Bed by Piero Lissoni in White
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell One More Please Square Bar Stools in Green 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Crystal

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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Model 4801 Armchairs by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1960s, set of 2
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 2 white wooden armchairs designed by Joe Colombo, Model 4801. Numbered 16. Seat height 34cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Wood

Original Joe Colombo Universale Chair by Beylerian LTD for Kartell, Italy, 1960s
By Beylerian LTD, Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Miami, FL
Original Universale chair rendered in polycarbonate designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell, Italy, and manufactured by Beylerian LTD, 1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell One More Please Counter Stools in Green 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Universal chair by Joe Colombo for Kartell , 1960s
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
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...
Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Lunam Sofa 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Kartell Seating

Materials

Steel

Early 21st Century Set of 4 Charles Ghost Bar Stools by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Lucite

Italian Maui Pale Blue Side Chairs Vico Magistretti for Kartell - Set of 12
By Kartell, Vico Magistretti
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Dimensions: H 30.2" / W 18" / D 16.4" Height from floor to seat: 19.5" Back height: 15.8" Highly desirable original set of 12 Italian MAUI Matte Pale Blue Side Dining Chairs designe...
Category

1980s Italian Industrial Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Kartell Eleganza Nia Missoni Chair by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegance and its discreet charm. Philippe Starck has re-thought the essential lines of Italian style with a timeless chair that combines the world of Haute Couture with bon ton. Dist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Joe Colombo Chairs Sedia Universale 4867 by Kartell Vintage Made in Italy
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in Vancouver, BC
A Colombo classic! It's safe to say these are making a comeback in modern interiors today and its sensibility can match well with a wide range of materialities. The design is also it...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Philippe Starck A I Grey Recycled Barstool For Kartell
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in San Diego, CA
The A.I. family is growing, with the addition of A.I. STOOL RECYCLED, a product made from recycled material with a clear focus on comfort thanks to a broad, welcoming seat. Available...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Mustard by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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 silho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

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...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Kartell Seating

Materials

Chrome

Set of 10 brown chairs 4875 mod. by C.Bartoli for Kartell 70s
By Carlo Bartoli, Kartell
Located in Padova, IT
The almost comical appearance, soft curves and compact proportions of Carlo Bartoli's 4875 chair are very reminiscent of two famous previous Kartell models, the 1960 stackable childr...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Chairs in White by Piero Lissoni & Carlo Tamborini
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, ultra-streamlined chair, so representative of the minimalist and elegant style of its designer, Piero Lissoni. Made of a mass-tinted thermoplastic technopolymer, Lizz is manufactured in a single piece, using gas-blowing technology. Its name (from Liz Taylor) as well as the traditional chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Model 4875 Chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s, Set of 4
By Carlo Bartoli, Kartell
Located in Uccle, BE
Model 4875 Chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1960s, Set of 4 Minor Losses : slightly yellowed plastic on one of the 4 chairs - see photos Model 4875 chair is the first chair in th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set 3 Space Age Stacking Chairs by Joe Colombo 1967 Italy
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 3 iconic and colorful space age stacking "Universal chair" designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell circa 1967. These stylish chairs are stackable and would be a great addition to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plaster

Kartell Joe Colombo Chair in Crystal by Joe Colombo
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A true symbol of Sixties design, famous also for being the only piece by Kartell made entirely of wood. Contemporary technology has made it possible to create the same product using ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Victoria Ghost Chairs in Smoke Grey by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Model 4801 Armchairs by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1960s, set of 2
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 2 white wooden armchairs designed by Joe Colombo, Model 4801. Numbered 121. Seat height 34cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Wood

Kartell Masters Counter Stool in Chrome by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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 th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Philippe Starck for Kartell White Eros Swivel Italian Chairs, Set of 2
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Wichita, KS
Rare original Philippe Starck for Kartell Eros swivel chairs with marking, made in Italy.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Crystal by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comfortable armchair in transparent and colored polycarbonate in the Louis XV style, it is the quintessence of baroque revisited to dazzle, excite and captivate. Louis Ghost is the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Black by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comfortable armchair in transparent and coloured polycarbonate in the Louis XV style, it is the Quintessence of Baroque revisited to dazzle, excite and captivate. Louis Ghost is th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell A.I. Counter Stool in Black 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Postmodern 'Miss Global' Chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell , 1990s Italy
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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...
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Metal

Kartell Foliage Sofa Trevira Green by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric

Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Gold 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 silho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in White by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Kartell Eleganza Nia Chair by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegance and its discreet charm. Philippe Starck has re-thought the essential lines of Italian style with a timeless chair that combines the world of Haute Couture with bon ton. Dist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Dr. Glob Chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of Dr Glob chairs for Kartell by Philippe Starck. Vintage 1980s. In good condition but age and use related scuffs and marks. These are two different com...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Kartell Chair La Marie in Crystal by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The first completely transparent chair in the world, made of polycarbonate in a single mould. Marie combines a light and impalpable image with essent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Grey Ghost Side Chairs, by Phillipe Starck - Set of 4
By Kartell
Located in Wichita, KS
Set of four charcoal grey Ghost Chairs by Phillipe Starck for Kartell - good condition with minor abrasions consistent with age. made of polycarbonate material To view all of our...
Category

20th Century European Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Cara Chair Rusty Beige by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Model 4850 Chair by Giorgina Castiglioni for Kartell
By Giorgina Castiglioni, Kartell
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1965. Rare molded plastic chair. Made in Italy.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Spoon Adjustable Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
By Kartell, Toan Nguyen, 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 centr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Cara Chair Ivory Beige by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Cara Outdoor Chair by Philippe Starck in Rusty Blue Orange
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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 industrial vibe that extends Kartell's range of soft furnishings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Mat Chairs in Orange by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lightweight chair, with essential, strict lines, in synch with the minimalist and refined style of its designer, Piero Lissoni. Lizz is now also available in a matte version with s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Eros swivel blue chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell 90s
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Padova, IT
Eros is an enveloping armchair, with an organic egg shape, characterized by a refined combination of finishes and a skilful use of colour. Eros is ideal for the home, in the dining r...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Piero Lissoni For Kartell Piuma Armchair in Mustard sage
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in San Diego, CA
Piuma" is one of the most revolutionary and daring products in the evolution of technologies and materials used by Kartell. This is the first time that a material containing carbon f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Cara Chair Black Beige by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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 industrial vibe that extends Kartell's range of soft furnishings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Green 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Piuma Chair in Rusty Orange by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
2016 saw the completion of the “Piuma” project by Piero Lissoni. The chair is one of the most revolutionary and enterprising products in Kartell’s repertoire of technology and materi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in Black 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Medium Stools in Powder Blue by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The shape conjures up stools of the 1800s and the line of the legs is rounded and slightly upturned, an icon of the classic high stool. Charles Ghost is constructed from a single blo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Crystal

Set of 2 Kartell Dr. No in Warm Grey by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dr. NO small armchair is a Kartell classic, known for its perfect combination of functionality and beauty. Dr. NO is not affected by temperature changes, is stackable up to four ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Madame Chair in New York Print by Philippe Starck and La Double J
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to its neutral colour palette, this chair makes the ideal furniture piece for inserting in sophisticated residential interiors or the most refined contract projects.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric

Set of 2 Kartell Papyrus Chair in Crystal by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
By Kartell, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Papyrus is a remake of the archetypal antique rush chair, from a time when chair structures were decisive and strong. This chair combines a transluc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell One More Counter Stools in Mat White by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Cara Outdoor Chair by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito in Blue Orange
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In cara armchair, classically rigorous lines surround a comfortable seat. The perfect combination of formalism and technological innovation, for an or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Ikon Orange by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Carlo Tamborini, Piero Lissoni
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Original Vintage Joe Colombo "4801" Armchair, Made in Italy by Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Washington, DC
An original vintage Joe Colombo 4801 armchair, made in Italy by Kartell, made entirely of white lacquered wood.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Kartell seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of plastic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Kartell seating, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 7 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 331 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Kartell were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Philippe Starck, Driade, and Gervasoni. Prices for Kartell seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $160 and can go as high as $11,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $869.
Questions About Kartell Seating
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Kartell is known largely for producing contemporary furniture out of plastic. The Italian company, founded in 1949, helped elevate the material, proving that it was suitable for designer furniture. You can find a collection of Kartell furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The history of Kartell starts with an Italian chemical engineer named Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. The couple founded Kartell in Milan as an industrial design firm, producing utilitarian 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. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. 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. 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. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Kartell furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    The country that Kartell is from is Italy. Founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife Anna Ferrieri, 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. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Then, buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Kartel furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    The founders of Kartell are Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. 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 made Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly. Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. 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. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Kartell is made in Italy. The company has had its headquarters and factory in Noviglio, Lombardy, since 1967. The company was initially founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. It 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. Shop a wide variety of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    How you clean Kartell plastic depends on the piece. Often, the best way to clean plastic furniture is with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. However, recommended cleaning methods vary. For the best results, refer to the manufacturer's care instructions that accompany your furniture. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Yes, Kartell is an Italian brand. Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri, founded the company in Milan in 1949. Originally, Kartell was an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. It first introduced its housewares division in 1953. Find a large selection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Yes, the Kartell Componibili is stackable. In fact, a big part of the appeal of the furniture collection is the fact that you can stack it up to create the ideal storage solution for your needs. Kartell first unveiled the Componibili line in 1967, and it remains popular today. Find a collection of Kartell Componibili furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    To tell a real Kartell, look for the maker's markings. Nearly all authentic pieces will feature an embossed mark that indicates the Kartell name, the product name and the designer name. If your piece lacks any of these three marks or the marking is printed in ink on the piece or on a paper label, it may be a replica. You can also research identifying characteristics for your particular type of furniture and use these to evaluate your item. Alternatively, you can seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Find a variety of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Kartell chairs are made in Italy. Since 1967, the Italian furniture maker has produced pieces at its own factory in Noviglio, Lombardy. During the 1960s, Kartell transformed plastic from the stuff of humble household goods into a staple of luxury design, and plastic remains one of its best-known materials to this day. In fact, it is the material for some of its most iconic chairs, including the Ghost chair, designed by Philippe Starck, and the S chair, created by Verner Panton. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of Kartell chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    The history of Kartell furniture begins with Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. They founded the company in 1949 as an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. The affordability and infinite range of styles and hues won devotees of Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans and dish racks. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, including the KS 1146 Bucket, which won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. In 1972, Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 1988, Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, who has expanded the company’s roster of designers. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    Yes, many online reviewers state that the Kartell Masters chair is comfortable. Fans of the chair designed by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitllet frequently say that the unique shape of its back and its gently sloped seat together provide optimal support. However, whether or not any chair is comfortable is a matter of personal preference. Find an assortment of Kartell Masters chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Kartell Louis Ghost chairs are made of lucite. Designed by Phillipe Starck for Kartell in 2002, this clear chair is crafted from a single piece of plastic, making it a beautifully elegant piece. On 1stDibs, find a range of authentic Kartell Ghost chairs from top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    The dimensions of the Kartell Invisible table vary by style. The high rectangular table measures around 15.75 inches in height by 15.75 inches in depth by 47 inches in length, while the low rectangle version is 12.4 inches high by 15.75 inches deep by 47 inches long. There is also a 39-inch by 39-inch square Invisible table available in 28- and 12.4-inch heights. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Kartell Invisible tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    How big the Kartell Four table is varies. The rectangular dining table is actually available in four sizes. Its smallest version measures 62.5 inches in width by 31 inches in depth, and the largest is 87.5 inches long by 32 inches deep. Kartell also offers a 74.75-inch long option in two depths: 31 inches and 35.5 inches. All four size options are 28.25 inches tall. Shop a selection of Kartell dining tables on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Kartell started making plastic objects shortly after its founding in 1949. The company 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 made Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters remained relatively costly. Kartell founders Giulio Castelli and Anna Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Kartell furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    Philippe Starck designed the Louis Ghost chair for Kartell in 2002. The chair is a postmodern take on the classic Louis XVI armchair, a style that emerged under the fraught reign of French King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. This style represented the birth of neoclassicism in France and was characterized by a relative restraint compared to the Rococo flourishes of previous eras. The second half of the chair’s name refers to its materiality. It wasn’t Starck’s first plastic chair for Kartell, but it was the first time it could use a single polycarbonate plastic mold in the process, creating a structure completely free of joints. Formally, Starck distilled the geometry of his antique reference to its main elements: the oval-shaped backrest, curved armrests and straight legs. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs.

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