For his range of sophisticated modernist furniture, Romeo Rega worked with wrought iron, textiles, glass and more, yielding an amalgam of geometric shapes, sculptural flourishes and glamorous sensibility commonly associated with the Hollywood Regency style that remains popular today. For collectors in the know, vintage furniture made by the Italian designer's eponymous company is branded with his iconic double R logo, and Romeo Rega lighting, tables and other work is recognized globally for its seductive materials and dazzling forms.
Growing up in the heart of Rome, Rega apprenticed with a blacksmith and, just like his craftsman father before him, became a master in the skill of working with wrought iron and forging. In 1957, Rega opened his own workshop and began to explore his potential as a designer while collaborating with other master metalsmiths and blacksmiths. The creation of gates, railings and various furnishings led to a pivotal moment in his career — a contract with Italian movie studio Cinecittà. Rega was commissioned to design and manufacture the chariots for the 1959 acclaimed American film Ben-Hur.
In the 1970s, the Rega trademark was put to use and the designer began to mass produce furniture — including chairs, console tables and more. Renowned designers like Willy Rizzo and Gabriella Crespi collaborated with the company over time but the production of now sought-after Romeo Rega furniture ceased during the 1980s.
Among Rega's clients were A-list Italian entertainment and cinema celebrities, and the company’s furniture continues to be coveted by collectors today. At Hudson, New York–based antique shop Regan & Smith, Rega’s work is among the owners’ favorite designs.
Find a collection of vintage Romeo Rega case furniture, seating and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Chess set by Romeo Rega c1970
By Romeo Rega
Located in London, GB
A rare Romeo Rega 1970s chess set in polished brass and chrome. The tallest chess piece 8.8cm
Brass, Chrome
$1,850
H 0.75 in W 14.25 in D 14.25 in
Vintage Marble Chess Set with Hand Carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces. 1950s. Vintage mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set comple...
Onyx, Marble
A Chess Set by Hans Teppich, Israel Circa 1950
By Hans Teppich
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Chess Set by Hans Teppich, crafted in Israel circa 1950, is a remarkable blend of artistry and craftsmanship. The set features a finely mad...
Brass
Vintage Italian Lapiz Lazuli Chess Board 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Embark on a journey of opulence with our Vintage Italian Lapis Lazuli Chess Board, a striking piece from the 1980s. This exquisite chess board, meti...
Lapis Lazuli
$523
H 1.6 in W 6.7 in D 3.38 in
Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game handmade & Pokerwork Board / Box, Circa 1910
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own lidded pokerwork decorated box, which we date to the English Edwardian period, cir...
Brass
$5,904
H 2.76 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Nelson Chess Set in Corno Italiano and Palladium-Plated Brass, Mod. 3010
By Arcahorn Srl., A. Andreucci
Located in Recanati, Macerata
A modern interpretation of the iconic game of chess, our Nelson chess set will delight generations of players or collectors. Artisan crafted from Corno Italiano and crowned with pall...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Style Wooden Chess Board
Located in Westwood, NJ
This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Featuring our hand-painted lightly distressed Brown suede and Forofino white painted finish. The...
Wood
Green and White Customizable Chess Board
Located in Westwood, NJ
This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Shown in our hand-painted lightly distressed Vintage Willow Green and harvest white finish. The...
Wood
$374
H 1.3 in W 5.9 in D 4 in
Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game handmade in walnut Inlaid box, circa 1940s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the mid 20th century, circa 1940s. The smal...
Brass
Italian Tortoiseshell Lucite Chess Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated Italian chess set from the 1970s, crafted in rich tortoiseshell-pattern Lucite with polished brass accents. The board lifts to reveal a fitted interior tray that neatly...
Lucite
Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game Inlaid Walnut Box handmade, circa 1930's
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid walnut box, which we date to the early 20th century, circa 1930's. The che...
Wood
$19,067
H 26.38 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
21th Century Italian Table, Chess Board, Chess Game Gold /Silver plated brass
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Chess table and chess game in bronze and brass made with the ancient casting technique. After the casting, the finishing was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-k...
Brass, Bronze
$707
H 1.19 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Late 20th Century Chessboard - Vintage - Inlaid Marble - Brass Chess Pieces
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This elegant vintage chessboard dates from approximately 1990 and is a refined example of late 20th-century decorative design. The board is crafted from beautifully inlaid marble, fo...
Marble, Brass
Rare Chrome and Brass Italian Chess Set by Romeo Rega 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of our Rare Chrome and Brass Italian Chess Set by Romeo Rega, a masterpiece from the 1970s. Meticulously crafte...
Brass, Chrome