Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Renowned Italian furniture designer Willy Rizzo is celebrated for having produced eye-catching, sensational showpieces that merged plush fabrics with wood, metal and glass. Influenced by European modernists and drawing on the spare forms and clean lines of the American mid-century modern style, Rizzo prized functionality and simplicity in his dazzling work.
Born in Naples, Rizzo never intended on designing furniture. Instead, he began pursuing photography at the age of 12. By the 1960s, he had become a notable photographer, having captured images of such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. His experience with furniture design came about inadvertently when he moved to Rome in 1966. There, Rizzo rented an apartment with his wife Elsa that he described as "practically uninhabitable." Dissatisfied with the Scandinavian furniture options on offer, Rizzo built sofas, coffee tables and other furniture to suit the space's strong modern vibe. When his friends saw what he had accomplished, they were enamored by his furniture creations and commissioned him to build similar items for them.
The demand for Rizzo’s furniture grew from there. He established a production facility and workshop in Tivoli, just outside of Rome, which grew to house over 150 employees. There, finding inspiration in the work of iconic architects including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, he created more than 30 unique furniture designs. Over the years he opened boutiques around the world to showcase and sell his furniture.
Rizzo prided himself on seamlessly blending the contemporary with the classic. “It was about creating something new for a traditional setting,” he said of his work. From his sleek sideboards to his low-profile side tables, elegant chairs and entire living room sets, Rizzo's style sensibility is evident throughout every detail of his designs.
Rizzo sold his company in 1978 and returned to photography. However, the presence of his furniture resonated into the new century and is sure to impact interior décor enthusiasts into the next. Over the years, high-profile collectors of Rizzo’s work have included French actress Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dalí and American musician Lenny Kravitz.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Willy Rizzo tables, lighting, seating and storage pieces.
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Metal, Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Metal, Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Metal, Chrome
2010s French Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Brass
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Burl, Mirror
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Cement
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Cane, Wicker, Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
19th Century Scottish Antique Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Oak, Pine
2010s North American Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Wood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Chrome
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Plastic
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Lacquer
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Burl
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Burl
1980s European Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Crystal, Steel
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Bookcases
Chrome
