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.
Kartell Cara Chair Black Antracite 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...
Fabric, Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell AI Chair in Orange Created by Artificial Intelligence
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Ikon Orange by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni, 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 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...
Fabric, Plastic
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...
Fabric
Kartell Masters Counter Stool in Chrome 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 th...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Mustard 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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Generic A Chairs in Black by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generic is an ambitious project of profoundly ethical connotations, in which contemporary design sets out to fulfil new objectives and creativity is pl...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell One More Counter Stools in Mat Black 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
Kartell Set of 2 Ami Ami Chair in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Tokujin Yoshioka, Kartell
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 the stylistic icons typical of his country - weaving. The simple squared off lines contrast with the richness of the weaving and this is achieved on the inner and outer surfaces through a complex industrial process which recreates the motif using a single mould. Available in crystal, smoke, glossy white, glossy black and Kartell red.
Plastic
$1,271 / item
Kartell Eleganza Ela 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...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Cara Chair Ivory White 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 industrial vibe that extends Kartell's range of soft furnishings...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Masters Counter Stool in White 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
Kartell Pop Outdoor Sofa in Sunbrella White 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
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Ice Blue by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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...
Plastic
Kartell Madame Chair in Shanghai Print by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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 refin...
Fabric
Kartell Cat Walk Chair in Rusty Orange 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
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Chairs in Grey by Piero Lissoni & Carlo Tamborini
By Piero Lissoni & Carlo Tamborini, 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...
Plastic
Kartell Hiray Armchair by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
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
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
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...
Plastic
Kartell Piuma Chair in Black 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...
Plastic
Kartell Cara Chair Pale Green 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 or...
Fabric, Plastic
$1,210 / item
Kartell Hiray Sofa by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
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
Kartell Masters Bar Stool in Black 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
Kartell Cara Mat Outdoor Chair in Dove Grey by Philippe Starck & Sergio Schito
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cara is the living room armchair which combines the rigour of classic lines and the comfort of the seat, characterised by the large, high cushion which offers maximum comfort. Cara...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Light Grey by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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
Space Age Vintage Black Plastic Up to Three Dining Chair Joe Colombo 1967 Italy
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
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
Kartell Spoon Adjustable Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
By Antonio Citterio, Toan Nguyen, Kartell
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...
Plastic
Kartell Cara Outdoor Chair by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito in Ivory Blue
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
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Glossy White by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Chairs in Black by Piero Lissoni & Carlo Tamborini
By Piero Lissoni & Carlo Tamborini, 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...
Plastic
Kartell Q-Wood Arm Chair by Philippe Starck in Dark Wood Black
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Q/Wood is the armchair from the Smart Wood collection, with enveloping lines that create soft armrests and offer maximum seating comfort. Using patented technology, the wood is worke...
Leather, Wood
$408Sale 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 4 yellow chairs “4875” mod. by Carlo 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...
Plastic
Set of 3 Black Barstools by Philippe Starck for Kartell, 1980s, Italy
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Set of three black bar stools by Philippe Starck for Kartell, Italy, 1980s. This striking vintage set features slender black frames with gently curved backrests and sculptural seats ...
Steel
Pair of Italian 'Memphis Design' Lounge / Garden Chairs by Castelli Ferrieri
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in New York, NY
Comfortable, chic pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge /club chairs / armchairs by Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell featuring both innovative design and a mix of recycled poly mate...
Steel
1980s Stool, Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Neuss, NW
Postmodern stool by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell from the 1980s. High-quality plastic frame in black and white with the rare original seat cushion. The seat has been reupholste...
Synthetic, Plastic
Kartell Cara Chair Rusty Rust 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 industrial vibe that extends Kartell's range of soft furnishings...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Cara Chair Ivory 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...
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Cara Chair Pale Green 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...
Fabric, Plastic
Philippe Starck A I Grey Recycled Barstool For Kartell
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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...
Plastic
Set of Six Kartell Dining Chairs by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, 1981, Italy
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of six late modernist dining chairs from Italian design house Kartell. The 4855 model is a rarer edition of seating, designed in 1981 by the company’s co-founder and Art Direct...
Steel
Italian modern 4841 black armchair by Anna Castelli Ferreri for Kartell, 1980s
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern 4841 black recycled plastic armchair by Anna Castelli Ferreri for Kartell, 1980s. Lounge chair or armchair model 4841, with structure entirely made of plastic, in part...
Plastic
Kartell La Marie Chairs by Philippe Starck, Set of Two
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the iconic Kartell La Marie Chairs, designed by the renowned Philippe Starck. These chairs are beautiful examples of modern design, combining sleek lines with a transpare...
Carbon Fiber
Pair of Postmodern Stools by Anna Casatelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, 1980s
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of black and white Postmodern bar or counter stools by the Italian designer Anna Casatelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, circa 1980.
Metal
Pair of Black Chairs Dr Glob of Philippe Starck for Kartell, circa 1980
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Labrit, Landes
Kartell Dr. Glob black modern pair of chairs. The Dr. Glob chair was designed by the acclaimed designer Philippe Starck for Kartell in Italy. Fashioned from two different materials, ...
Metal
$1,695Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Chairs Mod. 4875 by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s
By Carlo Bartoli, Kartell
Located in Roma, IT
Injection-moulded plastic chairs realized by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell in 1970s. A complete set of six “4875” chairs designed by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, an iconic example of Ital...
Plastic
Dr Glob Chairs Philippe Starck Grey Kartell, Italy, 1990
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
The Bubble Club Armchair by Kartell Philippe Starck
By Kartell
Located in Pasadena, TX
Made entirely of polyethylene, the very comfortable Bubble Club Armchair owes its cartoonlike appearance to the contrast between traditional lines...
Polystyrene
Trix Modular Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Kartell in Black Fabric
By Kartell
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
An Icon of Transformable Italian Design Designed by Piero Lissoni for Kartell, the Trix is one of the most innovative pieces of contemporary Italian furniture. Introduced in 2006, i...
Fabric
Postmodern Bar Stools, Model 4822 “Polo” by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Almelo, NL
Postmodern Bar Stools, Model 4822 “Polo” by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, 1984 Designed by pioneering Italian architect and designer Anna Castelli Ferrieri, these strik...
Metal
"Centopiedi 4545-6" Daybed Design A. Locatelli P. Salmoiraghi for Kartell, 1972
By Kartell, Antonio Locatelli and Pietro Salmoiraghi
Located in taranto, IT
"CentopIedi 4545-6" bed design A. Locatelli P. Salmoiraghi - Studio Pro - for Kartell, 1972 Extremely rare Centipede bed designed by antonio locatelli and pietro salmoiraghi, studio...
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.
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Joe Colombo Chairs No. 4801, Black Plywood Wood, Kartell, Italy, 1960s
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of "interlocking" lounge chairs by Joe Colombo for Kartell, Italy, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1963. Joe Colombo's iconic 4801 armchair was designed in 1963/1964. A mod...
Plywood, Wood, Bentwood
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Straw Yellow 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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Dr. No in White by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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 ...
Plastic
Vintage Philippe Starck Prince AHA Stool Kartell Fennel Green Mid-Century Modern
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Hourglass-Shaped Stool designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell. This is a vintage Prince AHA hourglass-shaped stool with a sleek and minimalist design in fennel gr...
Plastic
$7,953 / item
Pop Missoni Sofa 3 Seats by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell, Missoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop is the modular sofa with double cushion on the seat and armrests, making it soft, enveloping and even more comfortable. The armchair is also enhanced with side cushions, giving...
Fabric, Plastic