Kartell Furniture: Products and History of the Leading Italian Design Company

The Italian furniture company Kartell came into being in the year 1949. A chemical engineer by the name of Giulio Castelli founded what was to become one of the leading furniture factories in the world. The first types of products the new Kartell company began making included accessories for cars and plastic goods, then later moved also into the design fields of household products, laboratory items and lamps.

Kartell aimed to replace the traditional glassware in science laboratories with plastic. This led soon after to creating stylish plastic goods for the ordinary home. These two philosophical design principles lead to a growth of technological research and creativity. Once the resulting products hit the market they were widely applauded and the company's reputation soared. International awards and presentations came their way and the spread of Kartell around the world began in earnest.

Victoria Ghost Chair by Kartell
Opaque Glossy Black

Mr. Impossible Chair by Kartell
Crystal
indestructible

Stone Stool by Kartell
Transparent Crystal
self-supporting seat

Spoon Chair by Kartell
White Seat/Black Cushion

Mademoiselle Chair by Kartell
Missoni Fabric
Burnt

Four Table by Kartell
Laminate Top
Black
63W x 28.5H x 31D

High-Cut Chair by Kartell
Black Seat, Transparent Back

Bubble Club Chair by Kartell
Terra Cotta
used indoors or
out

FPE Chair by Kartell
Translucent White
occupies permanent place in MoMA

Ero|S| by Kartell
4 Leg Wire Base
Crystal
organically-shaped

T-table by Kartell
Small
Matte Black
2007 Good Design Award Winner

Max Table by Kartell
White Top with Casters
Small
( 63 inch width)

Bourgie Lamp by Kartell
Crystal

During the 1970's, their reputation was consolidated with an exhibition at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" consisted of a number of Kartell pieces by three different designers. They included the Italian architect Marco Zanuso, the flamboyant Innsbruck-born Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass and Gae Aulenti the female Italian architect, lighting and museum designer.

The 80's marked a more focused scientific analysis of the properties of plastic. Kartell put more funding into their Labware Division and added the slogan "Plastic like Science" to highlight their serious study. The Italian company was always seeking to progress in the technological stakes and out-compete its competitors. This in turn led to further success and the fruitful results we see today. At the end of this decade, a new chairman and owner took over control of the Kartell company. His name was Claudio Luti and he still remains at the helm to this day.

Bookworm by Kartell
Medium Size
Aluminum

Throughout the next decade, the Italian furniture company began to hire more world class designers whose names were already widely known and respected. These included the great French designer Philippe Starck, the Israeli industrial designer Ron Arad and Patricia Urquiola, the Spanish architect born in the city of Oviedo. With great enthusiasm and empathy, these designers kept with the ethos of the Kartell brand and created products that are hugely popular around globe.

The Kartell furniture company continues to evolve and progress to meet the needs and trends of the 21st century. Innovation, style and quality are all words that can be aptly attached to the Italian design giants. The scientific division of Kartell is all the time researching and testing the plastic materials that have made the brand famous. Another popular quality amongst the younger generation especially is the environmentally friendly aspect of the products that are produced. Each and every item is made from plastics derived from an easily recyclable substance which cuts down on waste so prevalent in many other production sectors.

Kartell's success can be measured by its statistics. The company now sells its products in over 80 countries around the world. In 1999, a museum dedicated to the company was opened.

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