Skip to main content

Willy Rizzo Sofas

Italian, 1928-2013

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.

to
2
4
1
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
1
2
1
3
1
1
4
1
3
1
2
1
3
2
2
1
1
4
4
5
5
5
125
334
301
270
235
Creator: Willy Rizzo
Selection of Willy Rizzo sofas available, we can restore, choose your own fabric.
Selection of Willy Rizzo sofas available, we can restore, choose your own fabric.

Selection of Willy Rizzo sofas available, we can restore, choose your own fabric.

By Willy Rizzo

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

This iconic sofa was designed by Willy Rizzo in 1969 and is published in many of the interior design journals of the period. This design was illustrated in Casa Vogue's feature on Rizzo's own home in St Tropez,France in their October 1974 issue. The sofa is finished in brown suede. We have a further selection of these Willy Rizzo sofas...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Suede, Wood

Divano Super C di Willy Rizzo modulare in pelle di cinghiale 6 moduli
Divano Super C di Willy Rizzo modulare in pelle di cinghiale 6 moduli

Divano Super C di Willy Rizzo modulare in pelle di cinghiale 6 moduli

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Ghedi, IT

Prodotta dall’Atelier Willy Rizzo, questa composizione modulare incarna lo stile sofisticato e glamour tipico del designer italiano, noto per i suoi arredi che fondono linee pulite c...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s

Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Brussels, BE

Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Italian modern Beige fabric Modular sofa by Willy Rizzo for Sabot, 1970s
Italian modern Beige fabric Modular sofa by Willy Rizzo for Sabot, 1970s

Italian modern Beige fabric Modular sofa by Willy Rizzo for Sabot, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo, Sabot

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian modern Beige fabric Modular sofa by Willy Rizzo for Sabot, 1970s Modular and corner sofa, fully padded and covered in brown-beige linen fabric. The sofa is composed of 3 simp...

Category

1970s Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Willy Rizzo Super C Sofa Set with Wood Base and Ultra-suede Upholstery, 1969
Willy Rizzo Super C Sofa Set with Wood Base and Ultra-suede Upholstery, 1969

Willy Rizzo Super C Sofa Set with Wood Base and Ultra-suede Upholstery, 1969

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Cheyenne, WY

This modular sofa set designed by Willy Rizzo features one three-seater module and two single-seat modules, upholstered with camel ultra-suede. The modular aspect of Rizzo’s design a...

Category

1660s Italian Antique Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Ultrasuede, Wood

Related Items
Mid-century modern Italian Modular Leather Sofa by Lev & Lev, 1970s
Mid-century modern Italian Modular Leather Sofa by Lev & Lev, 1970s

Mid-century modern Italian Modular Leather Sofa by Lev & Lev, 1970s

By Lev & Lev

Located in Nicolosi, IT

Italian Modular Leather Sofa by Lev & Lev, 1970s Designed and produced by Lev & Lev in Italy during the 1970s, this exquisite modular sofa is a true example of Italian craftsmanship...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass

LUXURY VIVA ITALIAN DESIGNER TAN LEATHER 3 SEATER SOFA ARMCHAiR  ALSO AVAILABLE
LUXURY VIVA ITALIAN DESIGNER TAN LEATHER 3 SEATER SOFA ARMCHAiR  ALSO AVAILABLE

LUXURY VIVA ITALIAN DESIGNER TAN LEATHER 3 SEATER SOFA ARMCHAiR ALSO AVAILABLE

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this luxury Viva Italian designer tan leather 3 seater sofa. A stunning designer collection with boastful proportions. ...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern, set of 6 Willy Rizzo chairs for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern, set of 6 Willy Rizzo chairs for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern, set of 6 Willy Rizzo chairs for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern, Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Chairs for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Circa 1920 Art Deco Fully Restored Chesterfield Brown Leather Sofa Part Suite
Circa 1920 Art Deco Fully Restored Chesterfield Brown Leather Sofa Part Suite

Circa 1920 Art Deco Fully Restored Chesterfield Brown Leather Sofa Part Suite

By Chesterfield

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this exquisite original circa 1920’s Art Deco fully restored Chesterfield club sofa which is part of a suite This sofa is very stylish, it has those Metr...

Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather

Restored Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Club Suite Armchair & Sofa on Turned Legs
Restored Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Club Suite Armchair & Sofa on Turned Legs

Restored Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Club Suite Armchair & Sofa on Turned Legs

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare handmade in England fully restored Bordeaux leather Gentleman's club suite with hand turned legs ...

Category

20th Century British Victorian Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

1970s Mid-Century Italian Modular Sofa in Original Beige Corduroy Fabric
1970s Mid-Century Italian Modular Sofa in Original Beige Corduroy Fabric

1970s Mid-Century Italian Modular Sofa in Original Beige Corduroy Fabric

Located in Berlin, DE

A stylish Mid-Century Italian modular sofa from around 1970, retaining its original beige cord fabric. The design reflects the era’s fascination with organic forms and comfort, featu...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine, Plywood

SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2
SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2

SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2

$4,364Sale Price / set|25% Off

H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 16.15 in

SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Conversano, IT

SET OF 2. Product Name: SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Designer: Willy Rizzo Year of Design: 1970s Style: Italian modernism with architect...

Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Brass

Afra & Tobia Scarpa In Style Coronado Divano Modulare 1970 Design Modernariato
Afra & Tobia Scarpa In Style Coronado Divano Modulare 1970 Design Modernariato

Afra & Tobia Scarpa In Style Coronado Divano Modulare 1970 Design Modernariato

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Taranto, IT

1970s Modular Sofa in the Style of Afra & Tobia Scarpa - Coronado Style Elegant and comfortable corner modular sofa from the 1970s, inspired by the famous Coronado model designed by...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather

Grande Divano Curvo Boomerang Sofa, After Gio Ponti, C. 1950
Grande Divano Curvo Boomerang Sofa, After Gio Ponti, C. 1950

Grande Divano Curvo Boomerang Sofa, After Gio Ponti, C. 1950

By Gio Ponti

Located in Culver City, CA

This has to be one of the most beautiful sofas our gallery has ever had. This piece is early Italian1950's. Similar to pieces by Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi and Vladimir Kagan this large curved sofa features walnut legs and has been reupholstered in a fine, white, Belgian boucle. The boomerang-shaped sofa is a true masterpiece that embodies the essence of Italian design. Italian modern design is known for its clean lines, bold shapes, and exquisite attention to detail, making them timeless pieces of art that have stood the test of time. This particular sofa, is a stunning piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. The unique boomerang shape of the sofa is both stylish and practical, as it offers a comfortable seating experience while also being a visually striking addition to any room. The sofa is upholstered in a white Belgian boucle fabric, which adds to its luxurious appeal and complements its sleek design. This boomerang shaped sofa measures 90" long on the longer side, and 75" long on the shorter side. This gorgeous sofa could fit into a corner, but hiding those 9 splayed cone legs, and curved back lines wouldn't quite do this sofa justice. This vintage Italian piece is constructed with the highest level of quality. This sofa in particular has 8 way hand tied springs, the seating cushion has springs, the stuffing all horsehair and the upholstery was a worn mohair. We have remarkable photos documenting sofa before and during restoration. While Gio Ponti is regarded as one of the most significant Italian designers; his contemporaries, such as Achille Castiglioni, Vico Magistretti, and Ettore Sottsass, also contributed to the world of Italian design. Castiglioni, for instance, was known for his playful and functional designs, while Magistretti was renowned for his minimalist aesthetic. Sottsass, on the other hand, was a pioneer of the Memphis Group, which was known for its bold and colorful designs. We currently have this sofa in the gallery alongside a pair of Jean Royere chairs...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s
Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s

Mario Bellini, Modular Sofa, Fabric, Metal, Italy, 1970s

By Mario Bellini

Located in High Point, NC

A green fabric and metal modular sofa, model Camaleonda, designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia, Italy, c. 1970s. Some staining on fabric. One fastener on one seat cus...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Metal

Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered
Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered

Le Bambole 2-Seat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s, reupholstered

By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini

Located in Berlin, DE

The Bambole series stands as one of the defining statements of Italian design in the 1970s—an object that treats seating not as a frame with padding, but as a continuous upholstered...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather

Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s
Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s

Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s

$2,419

H 34.26 in W 68.9 in D 41.34 in

Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Beautiful two-seater sofa in Italian velvet from the 1970s Space Age period. The Italian sofa is made of dark orange textured velvet fabric. Its lines are very rounded with soft and ...

Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Previously Available Items
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in Cognac Suede
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in Cognac Suede

Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Sectional Corner Sofa in Cognac Suede

By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, sectional corner sofa, suede, Italy, 1970s. Grand modular corner sofa by Italian designer Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. This sofa is executed in beaut...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Suede

Sofa "Super C" in boar leather by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo
Sofa "Super C" in boar leather by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo

Sofa "Super C" in boar leather by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Conversano, IT

Extraordinary Super C sofa, a design icon of the 1970s designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by the prestigious house of the same name. An incredible piece testimony to an era charact...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Animal Skin

Rare Vintage Sofa in Black Leather and Laminated Signed Willy Rizzo
Rare Vintage Sofa in Black Leather and Laminated Signed Willy Rizzo

Rare Vintage Sofa in Black Leather and Laminated Signed Willy Rizzo

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR

Rare vintage sofa in black leather and laminate composed of 5 low chairs and a corner module, all signed Willy Rizzo.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Modular sofa set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Suede

Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Modern Sofa in Brown Strié Velvet, circa 2010s, Signed
Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Modern Sofa in Brown Strié Velvet, circa 2010s, Signed

Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Modern Sofa in Brown Strié Velvet, circa 2010s, Signed

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This incredibly stylish and elegant sofa is by Willy Rizzo and signed on one leg with Rizzo's signature. Featuring gorgeous strié velvet in a luscious brown color with contrasting yellow undertones. A bit of James Mont chinoiserie style mixed with 70s Italian modern flair that Rizzo was known for. Produced in recent years, this sofa has had very little use and looks almost new aside from the very light use only noticeable upon close inspection. Ready for immediate use for those who wish to avoid the incredibly long lead times - not to mention shipping from overseas. Get this large Willy Rizzo sofa...

Category

2010s French Modern Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Modular Sofa Set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern modular sofa set by Willy Rizzo, Suede, Italy, 1970s New suede upholstery.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Suede

Mid-Century Modern Italian Suede Living Room Set by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Suede Living Room Set by Willy Rizzo, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Suede Living Room Set by Willy Rizzo, 1970s

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Prato, IT

Extremely rare living set by Willy Rizzo finished in suede with wood laquer bases. The set consists in 1 sofa and 2 armchairs. This iconic design featured prominently in the prestigi...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Materials

Suede, Wood

Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Sofa
Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Sofa

Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Sofa

Sold

H 31 in W 83 in D 43 in

Willy Rizzo Three-Seat Sofa

By Willy Rizzo

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Willy Rizzo studio sofa featuring a metallic base with newly upholstered blue velvet cushions.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Sofas

Willy Rizzo sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Willy Rizzo sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willy Rizzo sofas, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Willy Rizzo were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Giancarlo Piretti, Vittorio Introini, and Massimo Vignelli. Prices for Willy Rizzo sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,500 and can go as high as $24,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,800.