Famous for turning humble plastic into high art, Kartell has long been the go-to brand for anyone looking to add a pop of sleek, modern Italian design to their space. Their iconic pieces, from the ghost chair to colorful nesting tables, are instantly recognizable for their futuristic shapes and playful-yet-sophisticated vibe.
If you're a fan of Kartell's cutting-edge style but want to explore other brands that master that sleek, contemporary aesthetic, you're in luck. Here are 19 similar brands that deliver modern furniture with a serious dose of style.
1. Muuto
Hailing from Denmark, Muuto embodies new-school Scandinavian design. Their furniture, lighting, and accessories are all about clean lines and honest craftsmanship, but with a touch more warmth and a softer color palette than Kartell’s bold pop. Think of Muuto as Kartell's calmer, cozier Scandi cousin, using materials like wood and textiles to create a more understated and versatile modern look.
Shop now at muuto.com
2. Vitra
Vitra is a design powerhouse, home to some of the most iconic furniture pieces of the 20th century, including many by Charles and Ray Eames. Like Kartell, they are pioneers in blending form and function at a high level. However, Vitra leans more towards classic modernism, using premium-grade materials to create pieces revered for their quality and timelessness. If you admire Kartell's design integrity but crave a legacy piece, Vitra is your destination.
Shop now at vitra.com
3. Ferm Living
Ferm Living brings a touch of Art Deco glam and graphic punch to its Scandinavian roots. Their collection is filled with furniture and accessories that feature bold geometric patterns, soft curves, and rich materials like velvet and brass. Compared to Kartell's focus on lucite and plastic, Ferm Living offers a more textural and often more playful take on modernism.
Shop now at fermliving.com
4. HAY
Another beloved Danish brand, HAY has perfected the art of creating cheerful, minimalist furniture that feels both stylish and approachable. Their sofas, chairs, and accessories share Kartell’s love for clean lines and contemporary forms, but with a softer, more inviting vibe and a more accessible price point. They are the ideal choice for anyone looking to furnish their space with high-design looks that don't take themselves too seriously.
Shop now at hay.dk
5. Normann Copenhagen
Normann Copenhagen loves to challenge convention with furniture and lighting that features simple but daring silhouettes. Their pieces often have an unexpected twist - an unusual angle or a surprising use of material - that feels akin to Kartell's sculptural approach. They master the balance between minimalist design and eye-catching details, creating statement pieces that are playful conversations.
Shop now at normann-copenhagen.com
6. Magis
Magis is another Italian design giant that shares Kartell’s pioneering spirit, especially when it comes to molded plastic furniture. Working with legendary designers, Magis has produced playful icons like the "Puppy" chair and the "Bombo" stool. They are arguably one of Kartell's most direct competitors, offering an equally creative and boundary-pushing collection of futuristic, art-like pieces for the home.
Shop now at magisdesign.com
7. B&B Italia
If you're looking for that sleek Italian modernity but at a super-luxe level, B&B Italia is the answer. This heritage brand is celebrated for its incredibly high-quality sofas, armchairs, and tables that combine cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance. Their aesthetic is more refined and sophisticated than Kartell's playful plastics, focusing on impeccable upholstery and premium finishes for an upscale take on contemporary design.
Shop now at bandbitalia.com
8. Blu Dot
Blu Dot was founded by a trio of friends who wanted to bring good design to as many people as possible. Their furniture features clean lines, clever details, and practical functionality, sharing Kartell's modern mindset but with a friendly, witty, and more affordable approach. They are a fantastic source for well-made, stylish pieces that feel both contemporary and coolly understated.
Shop now at bludot.com
9. Menu
Now connected with by Lassen and Brdr. Petersen under the Audo Copenhagen banner, Menu’s philosophy centers on "soft minimalism." Their furniture and decor pieces have a quiet, serene quality, using natural materials like wood, stone, and steel. While the material palette differs from Kartell, the commitment to pure, sculptural, and functional forms is strikingly similar.
Shop now at menuspace.com
10. Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach (DWR) is a curator of modern design classics, offering authentic pieces from iconic brands and designers around the world. While you'll find brands like Vitra and Herman Miller here, DWR itself represents a modern aesthetic built on quality and authenticity. It’s similar to Kartell in its dedication to legitimate, high-level design, but offers a much broader anthology of modernism beyond a single brand's vision.
Shop now at dwr.com
11. Moroso
If Kartell pushes the boundaries of design, Moroso demolishes them entirely. This high-end Italian brand is known for its avant-garde, artistic furniture created in collaboration with the world's edgiest designers. Their pieces are often more eclectic and expressive than Kartell’s sleek catalog, but they share a fearless passion for bold colors, innovative manufacturing, and creating furniture that is truly a work of art.
Shop now at moroso.it
12. Inmod
Inmod focuses on making modern and classic designs accessible at a more budget-friendly price than many higher-end brands. Their catalog includes a wide selection of sofas, tables, and lights that take cues from contemporary aesthetics. You'll find a sleek, streamlined vibe similar to Kartell but prioritizing value without compromising style and quality.
Shop now at inmod.com
13. Herman Miller
Best known for its performance-driven, ergonomic office furniture like the Aeron chair, Herman Miller is a titan of 20th-century modernism. Their commitment to research-backed, functional design sets them apart from Kartell's more artistic approach. However, their home furniture collections share a dedication to clean lines, technical innovation, and high-quality materials that appeal to design lovers.
Shop now at hermanmiller.com
14. Calligaris
Calligaris is an Italian brand that excels at producing "smart," versatile furniture for modern living. Their aesthetic is sleek, contemporary, and highly functional, with a special focus on dining tables, chairs, and storage solutions that often feature clever extension mechanisms. They use a sophisticated mix of materials like ceramic, glass, and metal, providing a grounded complement to Kartell’s high-concept plastics when creating a complete modern interior.
Shop now at calligaris.com
15. Artek
Founded by iconic Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, Artek is synonymous with warm, Scandinavian modernism. While their signature material is bent birch wood - a clear departure from Kartell's synthetics - their foundational belief in simple, functional beauty is the same. Artek offers an organic alternative to the sleekness of modern design for people who love craftsmanship.
Shop now at artek.fi
16. Eames Office
Managed by the Eames family, the Eames Office continues the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames, two of modern design's most important figures. They share a common history with Kartell in pushing the potentials of new materials, most famously through their molded plastic and fiberglass chairs. For purists who love the origins of innovative, form-fitting design, the Eames Office provides direct access to iconic styles that feel just as fresh today.
Shop now at eamesoffice.com
17. Ligne Roset
Ligne Roset is a French luxury brand famous for its contemporary furniture that often features bold silhouettes and embraces ultimate comfort - the famous Togo sofa is a prime example. They share Kartell’s flair for creating memorable, statement-making pieces, but prioritize plush upholstery and innovative upholstered forms. It's a brand for those who want their modernism to be cozy, chic, and incredibly inviting.
Shop now at ligne-roset.com
18. Poliform
Poliform is another high-end Italian brand that has mastered the art of sophisticated, minimalist design, especially when it comes to cabinetry, wardrobes, and walk-in units. This brand offers a sleek, elegant, and intricately well-made alternative to Kartell, focusing more on architectural spaces and refined materials.
Shop now at poliform.it
19. Zanotta
Zanotta is renowned for its high-quality, innovative designs that merge classic silhouettes with modern stories and rich materials. This Italian brand offers an artful touch to Kartell’s more playful approach, balancing creativity with the elegance of timeless design. The variety of collections cultivates an inviting atmosphere of artful sophistication.
Shop now at zanotta.it
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
