Kartell furniture

Kartell's Founding and Development

Kartell was founded in Italy in 1949 by chemical engineer Giulio Castelli. The company began by manufacturing plastic products for the automotive industry and households. This early experience laid the foundation for deep knowledge in plastic technology. During the 1960s, Kartell started focusing on furniture and lighting, marking a new direction. Claudio Luti later took over leadership, which led to an intensified focus on design furniture and collaborations with international designers. Since then, the company has evolved into a leading player in modern design, where technology meets aesthetics.

Collaboration with Prominent Designers

Kartell has collaborated with many recognized designers over the years, which has shaped the brand's identity. These collaborations have contributed to the brand's success and its broad collection of products. Philippe Starck is one of the most famous designers who has worked with Kartelland is behind several of the company’s well-known furniture pieces, including the Masters series. Patricia Urquiola andPiero Lissoni are other examples of designers who have contributed their expertise. Their contributions have shaped Kartell's aesthetics and functional solutions, giving each product its own character.

Kartell's Product Range and Well-Known Products

Kartell's product range includes chairs, tables, lamps, and storage furniture, all with a distinctive design. The products are often colorful and have a unique form, making them central features in many interiors. The Louis Ghost chair, designed by Philippe Starck, is a prominent example of a well-known product. This chair combines baroque style with transparent polycarbonate, creating an interesting contrast. The Masters chair, also by Starck, pays homage to three design furniture pieces through its composite silhouette. The Bourgie table lamp offers a cozy light with its transparent shade. The Componibili storage unit is another popular product, designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri offering flexible storage. These products fit into many different environments, from private homes to public spaces, as they are both functional and visually appealing.

Kartell also offers the Viscount series, consisting of tables with a cross-shaped metal base combined with tabletops in wood veneer. The range also includes the Multiplo series, designed by Antonio Citterio, featuring tables where materials such as ceramic and aluminium come together in a more pared-back form. In addition, there is the K-Waiting series, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, featuring modular sofas made of polyurethane foam.

Materials and Manufacturing

Kartell is known for its advanced use of plastic materials, which is fundamental to its design philosophy. Polycarbonate is a common material that provides products with transparency and durability. This material is lightweight and resistant to impact, making it suitable for furniture that is frequently used and needs to withstand wear and tear. Polypropylene is also used, contributing to the products' robustness and flexibility, while also allowing for a wide color palette. These materials enable complex shapes and colors that are difficult to achieve with other techniques, giving Kartell an advantage. Kartell's manufacturing processes are high-tech, ensuring the highest quality and precision in every detail. The company continuously invests in research to develop new and more sustainable plastic solutions, where recycled plastic is becoming increasingly important.