Kartell

Kartell: Italian-designed plastic furniture, chairs, and lighting

An Italian design house focused on innovation

Founded in Milan in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, Kartell has established itself as a leader in Italian design furniture by combining technological innovation with a culture of design. From Kartell furniture to Kartell designer chairs, the brand has developed a unique, accessible, and instantly recognizable design language. As early as the 1960s, it began exploring the potential of plastic in home furnishings, transforming an industrial material into a true aesthetic signature. Creations such as Anna Castelli Ferrieri’s Componibili, launched in 1969, marked a turning point: among the first industrially produced ABS plastic furniture pieces, these stackable storage units embodied a democratic vision of design. They gained immediate recognition, eventually being included in the permanent collections of MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, while also receiving the Compasso d’Oro award.

Plastic: A Signature Material and a Field of Innovation

Kartell went on to revolutionize furniture design by harnessing the properties of Polycarbonate and engineering polymers. The Louis Ghost, designed by Philippe Starck in 2002, marked a major breakthrough: as Kartell’s first designer chair injection-molded in a single piece of transparent polycarbonate, it blends classical heritage with industrial innovation. This technical mastery is evident in pieces such as the Victoria Ghost and the Masters Chair—the latter a recipient of the Good Design Award—which explore transparency and the layering of lines. Through these creations, Kartell furniture transforms plastic into a noble material capable of rivaling wood or metal.

An aesthetic blending light, transparency, and decorative expression

The Kartell universe is built on a unique relationship between material and light. Surfaces reflect, diffuse, and capture colors, giving rise to objects with a strong visual presence. Kartell lighting plays a central role here: the Bourgie Lamp, the Kabuki, and the Battery embody this ability to reinterpret historical designs through contemporary techniques. As truly iconic Kartell lamps, these creations transform light into a decorative element in its own right. The Kabuki, for example, is based on a complex injection-molding process that creates a perforated lace effect, illustrating the brand’s ability to transform technique into aesthetic expression.

A constellation of international designers

Kartell builds its identity through close collaboration with the world’s leading designers. Philippe Starck plays a central role, alongside Patricia Urquiola, Antonio Citterio, Piero Lissoni, Ferruccio Laviani, Eugeni Quitllet, Tokujin Yoshioka, Rodolfo Dordoni, and Mario Bellini. This diversity of creative voices allows the brand to develop a rich catalog where architectural rigor, formal experimentation, and industrial innovation coexist, all while maintaining a strong sense of coherence.

From furniture to home accessories: a holistic vision of the home

Kartell has developed a complete range spanning from Kartell designer chairs to Kartell floor lamps, including Kartell storage units, tables, and accessories. The Componibili series fits perfectly in a bedroom or bathroom, while pieces like the Ghost Buster or certain Kartell lamps define the look of a living room or entryway. This diversity makes it possible to create a cohesive interior where each object serves a specific purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic.

From the living room to the outdoors: design tailored to contemporary lifestyles

Kartell furniture is also suitable for outdoor use thanks to the durability of its materials. As early as 2000, the Bubble Club collection, designed by Philippe Starck, marked a significant breakthrough: it was the first outdoor sofa made of rotomolded plastic, designed to withstand outdoor conditions while maintaining a strong design identity. This ability to transition from indoors to outdoors makes it possible to furnish patios, gardens, or balconies with durable and expressive Kartell outdoor furniture.

From Historic Pieces to Contemporary Creations

Kartell builds its identity on a balance between historic models and recent innovations. The Componibili, the Louis Ghost, and the Bourgie Lamp are part of design history, while more recent creations like the Kabuki continue to explore new materials and uses. This continuity allows the brand to stay in step with design trends while remaining true to its core values.

Kartell Loves the Planet: A New Sustainable Vision for Design

Through the Kartell Loves the Planet program, the brand is undertaking a profound transformation of its industrial model. The goal is clear: to reconcile plastic innovation with environmental responsibility. Kartell is thus developing recycled plastic derived from industrial waste, as well as Bioplastics sourced from renewable resources. Some iconic pieces are evolving in this direction, such as the Componibili Bio, designed using bio-based materials.

This initiative is accompanied by the optimization of manufacturing processes, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint while maintaining the products’ technical performance. Kartell takes a comprehensive approach to sustainable design: improving recyclability, extending the lifespan of products, and gradually integrating sustainable materials into its collections. This repositioning allows the brand to transform its industrial DNA into a more virtuous model, without compromising its aesthetic identity or its commitment to quality.

Made in Design offers a selection of Kartell furniture, Kartell designer chairs, and Kartell lighting fixtures, chosen for the quality of their craftsmanship and the aesthetic consistency of each piece. All items are authentic and come with the manufacturer’s warranty, along with fast delivery and support from specialized consultants to provide precise guidance for every interior design project.

Kartell’s Iconic Pieces

Louis Ghost — Philippe Starck, 2002 — Transparent designer chair
Victoria Ghost — Philippe Starck, 2005 — stacking polycarbonate chair
Componibili — Anna Castelli Ferrieri, 1969 — modular storage
Masters Chair — Starck & Quitllet, 2010 — stacking chair
Kabuki Lamp — Ferruccio Laviani — sculptural openwork lamp
Bourgie Lamp — Ferruccio Laviani, 2004 — a reimagined Baroque lamp
Ghost Buster — Philippe Starck — transparent console table
Bubble Club — Philippe Starck, 2000 — designer outdoor furniture

Why choose Kartell designs for your home?

Choosing Kartell means investing in Kartell furniture, Kartell designer chairs, and Kartell lighting that combine innovation, functionality, and durability. With iconic pieces like the Componibili, the Louis Ghost, and the Kabuki and Bourgie lamps, the brand offers solutions suited to every space, from the living room to the outdoors. Kartell also offers an extensive range, from affordable pieces to more technically advanced designs, allowing you to incorporate Italian design into a variety of projects without compromising on quality or innovation. With its technical advancements, international recognition, and commitment to the environment, Kartell has established itself as a key player in contemporary design.

Kartell: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kartell furniture durable despite being made of plastic?

Yes, Kartell is committed to a responsible approach through the Kartell Loves the Planet program. The brand develops recycled and bio-based materials while optimizing its industrial processes. Kartell furniture is designed to last, with a particular focus on recyclability and material durability.

What are Kartell’s most significant design products?

Among the most significant pieces are the Componibili, the Louis Ghost, the Masters Chair, and the Bourgie Lamp. These creations stand out for their technical innovations, their international reach, and their recognition by institutions such as MoMA.

Can Kartell furniture be used outdoors?

Yes, certain collections, such as the Bubble Club, are designed for outdoor use. Thanks to the use of durable materials, Kartell furniture can be placed on a patio or in a garden while retaining its aesthetic and functional qualities.