Kartell Iconic Furniture: Timeless Italian Design

They change how we think about design, introducing new materials, unexpected shapes and ideas that continue to influence interiors decades after their debut. Few brands have done this quite as successfully as Kartell, the Italian design house whose iconic chairs, lighting and accessories have become some of the most recognisable pieces in contemporary design history. Its Kartell iconic furniture collections demonstrate how innovative materials and distinctive forms can shape the evolution of modern interiors.

Founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, Kartell began with a simple but revolutionary idea: that plastic, then largely associated with industrial and everyday products, could be transformed into something beautiful, functional and desirable.

At a time when furniture was dominated by traditional materials such as wood and metal, Kartell began experimenting with new manufacturing techniques and the creative possibilities of plastic. Collaborations with leading architects and designers followed, producing furniture and accessories that combined innovative engineering with the expressive forms, colours and playful spirit of Italian design.

Among the brand’s most enduring creations is the Componibili storage unit, designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri in 1967. With its distinctive cylindrical shape, sliding doors and stackable construction, the design brought a fresh perspective to everyday storage. Compact, practical and wonderfully versatile, it remains as relevant today as it was nearly 60 years ago, finding a place in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and offices.

Then there’s the Louis Ghost Chair, Philippe Starck’s clever reinterpretation of a classical Louis XVI armchair. Made from transparent polycarbonate, it retains the elegant proportions and decorative silhouette of its traditional inspiration while giving it an entirely contemporary character. The transparency makes it particularly interesting in interiors, letting it sit comfortably alongside antique furniture, modern dining tables or more eclectic arrangements without visually overwhelming the space.

Lighting has also played an important part in Kartell’s design story. Ferruccio Laviani’s Bourgie Lamp, with its elaborate Baroque-inspired base and pleated shade, blends historical references with contemporary materials in a wonderfully playful way. Available in a variety of finishes, it can be glamorous, understated or boldly decorative, depending on where it is placed.

These pieces appeal because they work across different interior styles. A Louis Ghost Chair can introduce a contemporary twist to a traditional dining room, while a colourful Componibili adds personality to a minimalist bedroom. A Bourgie Lamp, meanwhile, can bring a touch of glamour to a console, bedside table or living room.

Although each design has its own distinctive character, they share the inventive approach that has defined Kartell for more than seven decades. This enduring appeal is what makes Kartell iconic furniture a lasting feature of contemporary interior design.

The brand continues to explore new materials, technologies and manufacturing processes, building on its history of innovation while responding to the changing needs of contemporary living.

For anyone who enjoys collecting furniture with a story, Kartell’s Iconic Classics Collection offers a wonderful introduction to some of the past century’s most influential designs. These are pieces that have earned their place in design history, yet still feel fresh and relevant in today’s homes.

Discover Kartell’s iconic designs in-store or online.