Kartell Componibili

In the world of modern furniture, few designs are as instantly recognizable as the Componibili by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell. An architect and industrial designer, Ferrieri co-founded Kartell in 1949 alongside her husband, Giulio Castelli. At a time when plastic was largely reserved for industrial applications, she imagined a different future. One where this versatile material could be used to create beautiful, functional objects for the home. Her forward-thinking approach helped establish Kartell’s reputation for high-quality plastic design, from furniture and lighting to household accessories.

The Componibili debuted at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in 1967, during a moment when modern lifestyles were shifting and flexibility in the home was becoming increasingly important. These modular, cylindrical units offered a practical solution: they could be stacked vertically to suit different spaces, from tight bathrooms to eclectic living rooms. Their smooth, curved surfaces and sliding doors with circular cut-outs gave them a futuristic, almost space-age look that still feels fresh decades later. Available in configurations of one, two, three, or four compartments and finishes like glossy red and matte silver, they struck the perfect balance between form and function.

Over time the Componibili has become a true design icon, now part of the permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art and the Centre Pompidou. More than fifty years after its debut, it continues to evolve without losing the brilliance of its original concept. A piece as practical as it is iconic, and a perfect reflection of Anna Castelli Ferrieri’s belief that good design should serve everyday life while remaining effortlessly elegant.