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.
Modern Red Plastic Vintage Seven Dining Chairs Ron Arad for Kartell 1999 Italy
By Ron Arad, Kartell
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 7 red plastic vintage chairs or dining chairs from red plastic and aluminum FPE Fantastic Plastic Elastic by Ron Arad for Kartell Italy 1999. An amazing set of seven ( ...
Aluminum
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Indoor Outdoor Philippe Starck for Kartell Ploof Settee
By Kartell
Located in Pasadena, TX
Kartell Philippe Starck was born in Paris on 18th January 1949 the son of an aircraft designer; it is he who probably inspired the young Starck. Even at a very early age Starck sh...
Aluminum
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Sunset Orange 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 Pop Outdoor Armchair in 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
Kartell Maui Chair Design by Vico Magistretti Italian Modern Chair 1990s
By Kartell
Located in Hannover, DE
Maui Chair by Kartell Design by Vico Magistretti Italy c. 1990s–2000s Original Maui chair produced by Kartell, designed by Vico Magistretti in Italy. Production dates to the late ...
Chrome
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Large Stools in Amber 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 ...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Medium Stools in Smoke Grey 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...
Crystal
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
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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Sage 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
$737 / item
Kartell Piuma Chair in Gray 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 A.I. Counter Stool in White 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
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 ...
Plastic
Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Black 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
Kartell Madame Chair in Rome 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 refined contract projects.
Fabric
Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Powder 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
Eros Red Eiffel Swivel Chair on Wheels Philippe Starck for Kartell, Italy
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Marbella, ES
Eros red Eiffel swivel chair on wheels Philippe Starck for Kartell Italy.
Metal
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...
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 ...
Crystal
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...
Plastic
Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in White by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
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
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Large Stools in Chrystal 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 ...
Crystal
Set of 2 Kartell Generic A Chairs in Sage Green 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 placed at the service of the gene...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt Gray 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
Kartell A.I. Bar 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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell AI Chair in Black 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
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Medium Stools in Glossy White 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...
Crystal
Kartell Pop Outdoor Sofa in Sunbrella Dove 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
$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
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...
Fabric, Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Grey 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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Crystal Green 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 Masters Counter 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
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Gold 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...
Plastic
Kartell Piuma Chair in Mustard 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 Pop Outdoor Sofa in Ikon 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 Lizz Mat Chairs in Orange by Patricia Urquiola
By Kartell, Patricia Urquiola
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...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Venice Chairs in Glossy Black by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A tribute to the city of Venice in a chair for both the table and the living room, which combines classic lines with comfort. Venice is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
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
Set of 2 Kartell Audrey Chair by Piero Lissoni in White
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Audrey is a versatile and contemporary chair which because of its simple, clean lines obtained through a special die-casting process is composed of only two parts and made without we...
Aluminum
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Ecru by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Carlo Tamborini, Kartell
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 K-Wood Arm-Chair by Philippe Starck in Dark Wood Black with Leather Seat
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Smart Wood collection is the outcome of Kartell's unremitting research into the possibility of giving three dimensional form to a material which so far has always been two dimensional. Using patented technology, the wood is worked with a mold designed to bring the curvature of the panel to the very edges, creating a seat with sinuous roundness, K/Wood is a royal style...
Leather, Wood
Kartell Spoon Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
By Kartell, Antonio Citterio, Toan Nguyen
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 re...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell One More Please Square Bar Stools in Black 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 ...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell One More Square Bar Stools in Crystal 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 ...
Crystal
Set of 2 Kartell Smatrik Outdoor Chair in White by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Kartell, Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innova...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Chairs in White 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 Masters Bar Stool in White 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 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 Generic A Chairs in White by Philippe Starck
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
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 placed at the service of the gene...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Copper 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...
Plastic
$4,351 / item
Kartell Joe Colombo Chair in Crystal by Joe Colombo
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
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 usin...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Re-Chair in Tortola 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 technol- ogy, offering new creative impulses based ar...
Plastic
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Ikon White by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Carlo Tamborini, Kartell
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 Smatrik Rocking Chair in Black with Chrome Legs by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Tokujin Yoshioka, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Smatrik is available transparent in white with painted or chrome-plated steel legs, and in stainless steel with oak-stained wood finish. Dimensions: Height: 30.33 in.; Width: 24 i...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell AI Chair in Titanium 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 Masters Bar Stool in Black 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 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 Smatrik Chair in Crystal with Chrome Legs by Tokujin Yoshioka
By Kartell, Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innova...
Plastic
Kartell A.I. Counter 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
Kartell Frilly Chair in Glossy White by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The wavy effect covering the entire structure gives this chair a light and soft look, like pleated fabric, for a sensual, fun and feminine optical effect. Available in crystal and...
Plastic
$4,351 / item
Kartell Joe Colombo Chair in Black by Joe Colombo
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
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 ...
Plastic