Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
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
1970s pair of Plastic Modular Cabinets by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original pair of cylindrical cabinets by Anna Castelli for Kartell, modular with vertical overlap was designed for every room. A true pieces of italian design. The items are in...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
1970s Ron Arad for Kartell Vintage Infinity Rack
By Ron Arad, Kartell
Located in San Gabriel, CA
1970s stock of Ron Arad's Infinity wine bottle rack for Kartell. Can be assembled in several configurations.
From Kartell's website description:
Infinity is a colorful and curvilin...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Nude by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Tangerine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the Dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Marine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell Mod. 4963 Chest of Drawers, Italy 1970s
By Kartell
Located in Delft, NL
Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell Mod. 4963 Chest of Drawers, Italy 1970s
Dimensions: 72cm Width, 34cm Depth, 78,5cm Height
Condition: Has some discoloring.
Material: Plastic
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Componibili 2-Tier Drawer in Smile Red by Anna Castelli Ferrieri
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular elements were designed to meet various needs and to fit into any room in your home: bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or living room. The design solution that animates the Modular s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in Aluminum
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in Aluminum
By Ron Arad, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Sundial Modular Bookcase in Crystal and White by Nendo
By Kartell, Nendo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sundial is the bookcase whose dividing elements, placed in different directions, create a game of unexpected and original proportions.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
1990s Acrylic Resin and Steel “One” Wall Unit by Piero Lissoni for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in San Gabriel, CA
1990s Piero Lissoni’s innovative solution for organizing. Made in Italy. The core element of the One is a container of parallel pipes made of PMMA. Two of the base elements are fitte...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Kartell Ghost Buster Commode in Crystal by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Kartell catalogue adds yet another piece to its furniture collection, the commode. Starck has revamped it and the Kartell-style commode evokes the lines of Classic furniture while its transparency and plastic material give it a contemporary voice. Corners and curves, straight lines and sinuous play over its surfaces and give life to an intriguing game of eye-catching perspectives and reflections. Ghost...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in Cobalt
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Mobil by Antonio Citterio
By Kartell, Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mobil is a system of storage units that can be used throughout the home and office, for a variety of purposes. The basic element of the system is the drawer, alternated with intermediate shelves and tops. Mobil can be a simple chest of drawers...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Medium Bookworm Bookcase in Aluminum by Ron Arad
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An artist's creativity combined with a great company’s technology results in to a bookcase design of Industrial scale that can rightfully be considered the world’s most daring and re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Componibili 2-Tier Modern Storage Cabinet, Hot Pink, Italy
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Componibili storage unit components in vibrant hot pink. Will come with 2 “body” units and 1 “top”
The Componibili Storage Unit (1969) takes its name from componibile, Italian ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic, Acrylic
Componibili 3-tier Storage Table by Anna Castelli Ferrieri
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Toronto, CA
The modular elements of Kartell's Componibili were designed to meet different needs and to fit perfectly into every room in the home. First appearing in 1967, they have become a time...
Category
1960s Post-Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern orange plastic shelves by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Marcello Siard
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern orange plastic shelves by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s.
Set of three shelves with asymmetrical profile in shiny orange plastic. There are two types of sizes: one ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
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...
Category
1970s American Space Age Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic, Wood
1970s Kartell Italy Componibili 2-Tier Modern Storage Cabinets by Anna Castelli
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Componibili Storage Unit (1969) by Anna Castelli Ferrieri features modular, stackable compartments with sliding doors and a sleek tongue-and-groove design. A space-saving Italian...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Ron Arada bookkase by Kartell 1990s.
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in bari, IT
Lovely Rita bookcase in red plastic designer Ron Arad for Kartell 1990s
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Blue by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. It is a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Crystal by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. It is a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Bookworm in Black
By Ron Arad, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Smoke 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Resin
Kartell Optic Cube in Smoke by Patrick Jouin
By Patrick Jouin, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Optic is a container cube which comes in two versions: closed with a door or with one open side. Its surface is strikingly decorated with square based transparent or mirrored pyramid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Clear Acrylic New-In-Box “Sound Rack” by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Another modular piece from Kartell designers, the “Sound Rack” by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba is a small cabinet that can take on many forms. It can be sta...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Acrylic
Italian modern modular chest of drawer 4964 by Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Olaf von Bohr
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular glossy black chest of drawer 4964 by Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell, 1970s
Modular chest of drawers or shoe rack model 4964, with a rectangular base with rounded co...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Op Pop Mod DePas Durbino Lomazzi for Kartell Modular Brick Shelf System
By Kartell, Depas E D'urbino, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
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...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Componibili Set of Laundry Bin and Storage Box by Anna Castelli 1960s
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
The vintage Kartell Componibili collection by Anna Castelli Ferrieri is a distinguished icon of Space Age Furniture, crafted in the 1960s with a sleek, high-gloss finish. This rare s...
Category
1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Italian Space Age Red Modular Chest of Drawers by Castelli for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age Red plastic Modular chest of drawers by Anna Castelli for Kartell, 1970s
Modular chest of drawers with square base and rounded corne...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in White
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in Black and Gold
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bookworm in White
By Kartell, Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Italian Space Age Red Modular Chest of Drawers by Castelli for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age red plastic modular chest of drawers by Anna Castelli for Kartell, 1970s.
Modular chest of drawers with square base and rou...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelf by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Marcello Siard
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelf by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
Glossy black plastic shelf with geometric profile. The shelf is not central to the structure, so it can ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Ghost Buster Commode in Smoke by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Kartell catalogue adds yet another piece to its furniture collection, the commode. Starck has revamped it and the Kartell-style commode evokes the lines of Classic furniture while its transparency and plastic material give it a contemporary voice. Corners and curves, straight lines and sinuous play over its surfaces and give life to an intriguing game of eye-catching perspectives and reflections. Ghost...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Adam Wood Bookcase
By Kartell, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Adam Wood is Kartell’s first real bookcase for living areas. The shapes of its curved wooden shelves and 3-D painted steel frame have been optimised by CAD s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Kartell Optic Cube in Smoke by Patrick Jouin
By Patrick Jouin, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Optic is a container cube which comes in two versions: closed with a door or with one open side. Its surface is strikingly decorated with square based transparent or mirrored pyramid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Ghost Buster Commode in White by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
By Philippe Starck, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Kartell catalogue adds yet another piece to its furniture collection, the commode. Starck has revamped it and the Kartell-style commode evokes the lines of Classic furniture while its transparency and plastic material give it a contemporary voice. Corners and curves, straight lines and sinuous play over its surfaces and give life to an intriguing game of eye-catching perspectives and reflections. Ghost...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelves by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Marcello Siard
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelves by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s.
Set of two shelves in glossy black plastic, one small and one large. It is possible to mount them in ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Plastic
Kartell case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Kartell case pieces and storage cabinets 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 case pieces and storage cabinets, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 28 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 74 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets 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 case pieces and storage cabinets by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Driade, and Agresti. Prices for Kartell case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $125 and can go as high as $8,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $490.
Creators Similar to Kartell
Questions About Kartell Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
- Who is the founder of Kartell?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024The 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.
- Where is Kartell made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024Kartell 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.
- What is Kartell known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Kartell 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.
- What country is Kartell from?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024The 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.
- What is the history of Kartell?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024The 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.
- How do you tell a real Kartell?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To 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.
- Where are Kartell chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024Kartell 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, 2024The 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 ExpertMarch 25, 2024How 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.
- Is Kartell an Italian brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024Yes, 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, 2024Yes, 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Kartell 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, 2024The 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, 2024How 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 15, 2024Yes, 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 ExpertAugust 29, 2024Philippe 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024Kartell 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.