A modern Renaissance man, Italian designer Carlo di Carli wove his personal philosophy into his furniture creations. He believed that furniture should suit human movement and the surrounding environment, and each piece was made not only with an eye to form but also for everyday practicality. In today’s interiors, vintage di Carli furniture captures the extraordinary essence of Italian mid-century modernism.
Carlo di Carli was born in Milan in 1910. He studied at the Polytechnic University of Milan and developed an interest in design, architecture, writing and philosophy. After graduating in 1934, he worked under revered Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. Shortly afterward, di Carli opened a studio with furniture maker Renato Angeli. In 1940, he began a relationship with the Milan Triennial design and art museum, where he eventually joined the board of directors.
Most of di Carli's furniture and architectural works came to fruition between the 1940s and 1970s. His architectural projects included the Church of Saint Ildefonso and the Via dei Giardini 7 building in Milan. However, di Carli is best known for his chair and table designs.
What sets di Carli’s chairs and other seating apart from those of other designers is that they are made to be lived in. As a result, his comfortable, functional and inviting designs earned the attention of leading Italian furniture companies like Cassina, Singer & Sons, Tecno and GUBI, and he played a significant role in 20th-century Italian furniture design.
In 1954, di Carli was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for his Cassina Model 683 chair. In 1957, he also won a Grand Prix at the Milan Triennial exhibition for a chair he designed for Tecno. Still committed to his academic pursuits, di Carli served as dean of the architecture faculty at the Polytechnic University of Milan from 1963 to 1968. He continued teaching until 1986 and continued writing until his death in 1999. His most important writings were published in a book titled Architettura, Spazio Primario.
Find vintage Carlo di Carli armchairs, dining chairs and coffee tables on 1stDibs.
Midcentury Modern Era Designer Carlo De Carli Sormani Rosewood Chest of Drawers
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality Italian modern chest of drawers designed by famed architect and designer Carlo de Carli (Milan, Italy; 1910-1999) for luxury furniture maker Sormani, model D154, circa...
Bronze
White Chest of Drawers by Carlo de Carli, Italy, 1960s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
White Chest of Drawers by Carlo de Carli, Italy, 1960s
Brass
Carlo de Carli DC154 chest of drawers Sormani Italy 1963
By Carlo di Carli, Sormani
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Elegant chest of drawers, model DC154, designed by Carlo de Carli and made by Sormani in Italy in 1963. It comes in different versions, but the rosewood one is considered the finest....
Bronze
Italian Mid-century Modern Commode with Mirror
By Carlo di Carli
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a curved rectangular commode with a gleaming French polish finish by Italian architect, designer, essayist and academic Carlo De Carli (1910-1999). The mirrored section s...
Brass
$6,177
H 20.48 in W 46.26 in D 14.18 in
Danish Midcentury Modern Rosewood Chest of Drawers/Sideboard by Kai Kristiansen
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Small sideboard or chest of drawers by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Odder, made from rosewood with a dramatic veneer pattern on the top. Decorative round inset drawer handles.
Rosewood
1960s Teak Chest of Drawers, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - Minor signs of use
Wood, Teak
$6,824 / set
H 26.78 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Solid Wood and Brass Italian Commodes
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Designed by L.A. Studio, this pair of Italian commodes features a solid wood structure covered in brass and black glass, accented with bronze legs. These commodes blend modern aesthe...
Brass
Mid Century Italian Chest of Drawers
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Introducing a stunning mid-century Italian chest on legs, an exquisite piece that seamlessly marries timeless elegance with functional design. This meticulously restored chest featur...
Rosewood
$1,000
H 23.63 in W 17.72 in D 12.21 in
Danish Modern Rosewood Chest of Drawers by Henning Korch, 1960s.
By Henning Korch
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Rosewood Chest of Drawers by Henning Korch, 1960s. Low Scandinavian Mid-Century modern five drawer dresser Model 103 "Alabama". Designed by Danish architect Henning Ko...
Rosewood
$1,412Sale Price|20% Off
H 48.43 in W 31.11 in D 17.72 in
1960s vintage chest of drawers in Teak wood Italian design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Teak wood chest of drawers with seven drawers, with black metal and gilt brass legs, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZI...
Metal
Nice Four Drawers Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Bachelor Chest
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Danish modern rosewood bachelor chest of dresser.
Danish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Pine, Denmark, c. 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine chest of drawers or dresser, designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1960s.
Pine
$8,001
H 41.74 in W 52.76 in D 12.6 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Solid Wood Colored Glass and Brass Italian Commode
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This Italian Mid-Century Modern commode features a classic design with two folding doors and one shelve inside. The original wood structure dates back to the 1950s and is elegantly c...
Brass
$13,532 / set
H 31.5 in W 40.95 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Murano Glass and Brass Pair of Italian Commodes
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Designed by L.A. Studio, this pair of commodes combines timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Crafted in Italy, each commode features an original solid wood structure from th...
Brass
1950s Chest of Drawers, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Wood
$8,001
H 32.68 in W 37.41 in D 18.9 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Multicolour Italian Commode by L.A. Studio
By L.A. Studio
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This contemporary commode, designed by L.A. Studio, features a sleek design with four drawers. Crafted from an original wood structure dating back to the 1950s, it is elegantly adorn...
Brass
Cassettiera 'D 154' di Carlo de Carli per Sormani anni 60
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
Cassettiera modello “D 154”. disegnata da Carlo de Carli e prodotta da Sormani a partire dal 1963. Dalla linea molto pulita ed elegante, il mobile è realizzato in legno laccato ross...
Brass
Red Chest of Drawers, Carlo de Carli, 1960s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Red Chest of Drawers, Carlo de Carli, 1960s
Metal
Sold
H 30.71 in W 51.19 in D 19.69 in
Carlo de Carli chest of drawers in blue lacquered wood by Sormani, Italy, 1960s
By Carlo di Carli, Sormani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This chest of drawers by Carlo De Carli for Sormani brings a quiet sense of confidence. The deep blue lacquer has a calm, velvety tone, and the mirrored glass top adds a soft, reflec...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 21.66 in
DC 154 Chest of Drawers by Carlo De Carli for Luigi Sormani, 1960s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare chest of drawers model DC 154 designed by Carlo de Carli and produced by Luigi Sormani. This mid century piece is made of high quality wood, with sturdy drawers and nicely craf...
Wood
Carlo de Carli scarlet red commode
By Carlo di Carli
Located in London, GB
Carlo De Carli for Sormani chest of drawers in scarlet red lacquer with brass detailings. The commode consists of 3 drawers with brass framed smoked glass mirror top, brass feet and ...
Brass
Mid-Century Chest of Drawers by Carlo di Carli - Italy 1970s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Chest of Drawers by Carlo di Carli - Italy 1970s
Brass
Carlo de Carli Pair of White Night Stand for Sormani
By Luigi Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant pair of Italian bedside tables created by renowned designer Carlo de Carli for the renowned Sormani manufacture in the 1960s. These splendid pieces of furniture not only ref...
Brass
Sold
H 31.89 in W 56.7 in D 21.26 in
Chest of Drawers Lacquered and Brass by Carlo de Carli for Sormani, Italy, 1964
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Dresser, chest of drawers or commode model D154, green lacquered, gilt brass garniture, gold mirror glass top and brass frame by the italian designer Carlo de Carli for the editor ma...
Brass
Carlo de Carli for Sormani white 'D 154' chest of drawers
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
Chest of drawers model "D 154". designed by Carlo de Carli and produced by Sormani, starting in 1963. With a very clean and elegant line, the cabinet is made of white lacquered wood ...
Brass
Cassettiera Carlo De Carli D154, Sormani, Italia anni ‘60
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Firenze, IT
Cassettiera disegnata da Carlo de Carli, modello D154 in legno laccato rosso, pomelli e puntali in ottone, piano in vetro dell’epoca inserito in una cornice di metallo fissata al pia...
Brass
Carlo De Carli D154 chest of drawers by Sormani, Italy, 1963
By Carlo di Carli, Sormani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A chest of drawers, model D154, in painted wood with brass cast elements, designed by Carlo de Carli, manufactured by Sormani, Italy, 1963. The intense red color characterizes this t...
Brass
Cassettiera 'DC 154' Carlo de Carli per Sormani rossa
By Sormani, Carlo di Carli
Located in Milano, IT
Cassettiera modello “DC 154”. disegnata da Carlo de Carli e prodotta da Sormani, a partire dal 1963. Dalla linea molto pulita ed elegante, il mobile è realizzato in legno laccato ros...
Brass