Kartell
Founded in 1949, Kartell revolutionized furniture by proving that plastic, treated with the seriousness of a design material, could be beautiful, durable, and collectible. From the Louis Ghost chair to the Bourgie lamp, Kartell’s catalog is one of the most recognized in contemporary design. BeDESIGN is an authorized Kartell dealer in Houston, Texas. Visit our showroom or request a custom quote.
About Kartell
Kartell was founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli in Milan, Italy. Castelli was a chemical engineer who had studied under Nobel Prize-winning scientist Giulio Natta, and he understood the properties of plastic in ways that the furniture industry had not yet imagined. He founded Kartell initially as a manufacturer of plastic automobile accessories, but his ambition was larger: to bring plastic into the home as a legitimate design material.
His wife, architect Anna Castelli Ferrieri, became the company's first designer. Together they were a formidable team (he the materials scientist, she the architect) and their collaboration produced some of the earliest and most important plastic furniture in design history, including Ferrieri's iconic Componibili modular storage system (1967).
The designers
Kartell's strength has always been its collaborations. In the 1960s and 1970s, Joe Colombo, Gae Aulenti, and Richard Sapper each pushed what plastic could do. But the partnership that transformed Kartell's global profile was with Philippe Starck.
Starck's Louis Ghost chair (2002), a transparent polycarbonate reinterpretation of a Louis XVI armchair, became one of the best-selling chairs in design history. The Masters chair (2010) layered the silhouettes of three iconic chair designs into a single form. These pieces proved that plastic could reference luxury and history without irony.
Other major collaborators include Ferruccio Laviani (the Bourgie table lamp, one of Kartell's most popular products), Patricia Urquiola, Tokujin Yoshioka, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and Nendo.
Material innovation
Kartell has consistently been first to production with new plastic technologies. The company has worked with polycarbonate, PMMA, polypropylene, and recycled plastics. In recent years, Kartell has invested in sustainability, producing pieces from recycled and bio-based materials while maintaining the same design standards.
Why designers specify Kartell
Kartell is specified when the project calls for color, transparency, or a material language that only plastic can achieve. The pieces are industrially produced (consistent, durable, and available) which makes Kartell practical for both residential and commercial specification. For restaurants, hotels, and public spaces where chairs need to be stackable, cleanable, and visually striking, Kartell is a primary reference.
“Kartell has long been iconic. Who could forget Philippe Starck turning a Louis chair into the transparent Ghost we’ve all known for years? But what’s exciting is how Kartell keeps reinventing itself, now embracing upholstery and wood alongside their iconic materials. It’s that constant evolution that proves Kartell isn’t just resting on its translucent laurels. They’re always pushing design forward.”
Adrian Dueñas, Co-founder, BeDESIGN
Why Buy Kartell at BeDESIGN
BeDESIGN is Houston's authorized Kartell dealer, offering the full collection with trade pricing and delivery throughout Texas. Kartell's range, from dining chairs to lighting to storage, makes it one of the most versatile brands we carry. The pieces work equally well in a contemporary residence, a restaurant, or a hospitality project.
Visit our showroom at 2016 W Alabama St to see Kartell furniture and lighting in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BeDESIGN an authorized Kartell dealer?
Yes. BeDESIGN is an authorized Kartell dealer in Houston, Texas. We carry the full Kartell furniture and lighting collection and offer trade pricing for design professionals.
When was Kartell founded?
Kartell was founded in 1949 by chemical engineer Giulio Castelli in Milan, Italy. Castelli pioneered the use of plastic as a design material for furniture and home accessories. The company remains one of the most influential Italian design brands.
What is Kartell best known for?
Kartell is best known for design-forward plastic furniture, including Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost chair (2002) and Masters chair (2010), Ferruccio Laviani's Bourgie lamp, and Anna Castelli Ferrieri's Componibili storage system (1967). The brand has won numerous design awards and its pieces are held in museum collections worldwide.
Who designs for Kartell?
Kartell's designer roster includes Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, Ferruccio Laviani, Tokujin Yoshioka, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Nendo, and Piero Lissoni, among many others. The brand was co-founded with architect Anna Castelli Ferrieri, who designed many of its earliest iconic pieces.
Is Kartell furniture durable?
Yes. Kartell furniture is industrially produced from engineering-grade plastics (polycarbonate, polypropylene, and PMMA) selected for strength, UV resistance, and longevity. Many Kartell pieces are rated for commercial and outdoor use, and the brand has over seventy-five years of manufacturing experience.
Does Kartell offer sustainable products?
Yes. Kartell has invested in recycled and bio-based materials. Several current products are made from recycled polycarbonate and other sustainable plastics while maintaining the same design and durability standards as the original materials.
Schedule a Consultation
Every piece at BeDESIGN is custom-quoted for your project. Contact us for a complimentary design consultation at our Houston showroom, or request pricing by phone or email.
BeDESIGN | 2016 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098 | (713) 623-1177 | hello@be-design.us