4D series modular cabinets by Angelo Mangiarotti for Molteni 1960s

Designed in 1966, the 4D series represents the first modular storage system ever produced by Molteni, marking a revolution in flexible home organization. This pair of cabinets embodies Angelo Mangiarotti’s philosophy where structural clarity meets sculptural elegance.

Crafted with the precision of high-end Italian cabinetry, these units are defined by their rich wood grain and the signature vertical grooves that serve as both ergonomic handles and a distinctive architectural rhythm.

True to their "4D" name, these pieces are meticulously finished on all four sides, including the back. This rare feature allows them to be placed at the center of a room as sophisticated dividers or freestanding islands. Equipped with their original, smooth-gliding casters, they can be effortlessly repositioned to adapt to the changing needs of a creative studio or a dynamic living space.

The cabinets have undergone a careful conservative restoration to ensure they are fully functional while maintaining their historical integrity. They arrive in excellent condition, boasting a stunning natural patina that only decades of quality aging can bestow. Solid, robust, and technically refreshed, they are ready to serve as a centerpiece in any high-end contemporary interior.

H.142 / W.95 / D.48 (cm)

PRICE FOR THE SET

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Shipping (front door at ground floor) from Italy warehouse to : 

The Mangiarotti & Molteni Legacy: A Revolution in Modular Design

The collaboration between Angelo Mangiarotti and Molteni&C during the mid-1960s represents a defining moment in Italian furniture history. Mangiarotti, a designer known for his "architectural" approach to objects, was the creative mind behind the 4D Series (1966), the very first modular storage system ever produced by Molteni.

Before the 4D series, cabinets were rigid, static pieces of furniture. Mangiarotti introduced a rationalist system based on freedom of movement and composition. By finishing the units on all four sides (hence the name "4D") and adding wheels, he transformed heavy storage into dynamic architectural elements that could live in the center of a room rather than just against a wall.

Historical Context & Publication

The 4D series is extensively documented in the archives of Italian design. It appeared in the most influential publications of the era, cementing its status as a "modern classic."

Domus Magazine : Frequently featured as a prime example of the new "living fluidity."

Repertorio del Design Italiano (1950-2000) by Giuliana Gramigna: Cited as a fundamental evolution in modular cabinetry.

The Molteni Archive: Recognized as the foundation of the brand’s industrial success in modular home systems.

“A house is not a static place, but a space in motion.” – This philosophy of Mangiarotti is perfectly captured in the 4D Series, where the iconic vertical grooves (the "invisible" handles) create a rhythmic, sculptural facade that remains contemporary nearly 60 years later.