Kartell's Componibili has been around since 1967, and it now comes in more heights, widths and finishes than most people realise. This guide sets out the sizes side by side, explains the different finishes, and suggests where each version works best, so you can choose the right one before you order.
A quick word on the design
The Componibili was created by Anna Castelli Ferrieri as a modular storage system: simple, solid round elements stacked and interlocked to form a cabinet, with sliding doors that keep the contents out of sight. That rounded form is what makes it so easy to place. There are no sharp corners to catch a knee beside the bed, and it sits comfortably in a tight bathroom corner or next to a desk. Today it is one of the most recognisable pieces of Italian design.
Sizes: standard, Big and square
The standard round cabinets come in three heights:
- The Componibili Classic Cabinet 2 Tier is 40cm tall and the most compact option, good for a low bedside or under a desk.
- The Componibili Classic Cabinet 3 Tier sits at a useful middle height for most bedsides and bathrooms.
- The Componibili Classic Cabinet 4 Tier stands 77cm tall, enough to act as a small side unit in its own right.
If you need more room inside, the Big versions have a generous 42cm diameter. The Componibili Classic Big Cabinet 2 Tier Low is 61.5cm tall and makes a roomy bedside or bathroom unit, while the 2 Tier High is 77cm and the 3 Tier is 70.5cm, both offering deep storage for a bedroom, bathroom or home office.
There is also a square form. The Componibili Classic Big Cabinet Square 2 Tier High measures 38cm square and 77cm tall, with a 61.5cm low version too. Square units push neatly against a wall or into a corner, which can make better use of space in a narrow room.
Finishes: from classic to glamorous
Beyond the Classic range, there are several variations to know about:
- New Big: the Componibili New Big Cabinet 3 Tier keeps the 42cm diameter but has a refreshed finish thanks to a new industrial print, in an extended palette of contemporary shades with nods to the past. It also comes in a 2 tier.
- Metallic: the Componibili Metallic Cabinet 2 Tier gives the design a glamorous twist in three sparkling finishes, with a fixed structure. A 3 tier is available as well.
- Recycled: the Componibili Recycled Cabinet 2 Tier is made from recycled industrial material, with the same sturdy construction as the original and a soft-touch matt finish. At 40cm tall it makes a neat bedside.
- Bio: the Componibili Bio Cabinet 3 Tier is made in a biopolymer from renewable raw materials, derived from non-GMO agricultural waste not intended for the food chain. It is part of Kartell's "Kartell loves the planet" commitment and holds TÜV Austria certification.
- Smile: on the Componibili Smile Cabinet 2 Tier, Fabio Novembre reimagines the classic round handle hole as three different smiley faces, a nod to today's emojis.
Where to use one
Bedside: match the height to your mattress. A 2 tier suits a low bed or platform; a 3 tier or a Big 2 Tier Low is better beside a standard bed. A Metallic finish adds a bit of shine to a plain bedroom.
Bathroom: the sliding doors hide toiletries and spare loo rolls, and the round shape tucks in beside a basin or bath. In a small room, the slimmer standard diameter keeps the floor clear.
Children's rooms: the Smile is made for these, as a bedside table or for toy storage.
Home office: a Big 3 Tier or 2 Tier High gives deep storage for paperwork and chargers, and can stand alongside a desk as a handy surface for a lamp.
See every version we stock in our Componibili by Kartell collection, or browse the wider Kartell furniture range. If you are in Somerset, come and see the colours in person at the shop, or contact the team for help choosing a size.
