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.
Signed "Flaminia" Side Table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
"Flaminia" signed side table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s Chrome and smoked glass. This table shows little variations with a similar one from Willy Rizzo also available in our ...
Chrome
Willy Rizzo, table in Lacquered Wood and steel for Mario Sabot, Italy
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Willy Rizzo, table in Lacquered Wood and steel for Mario Sabot, Italy 1960
Steel
1970s Hollywood Regency Flaminia Smoked Glass Coffee & Side Table by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Izegem, VWV
A large coffee table and matching side table created by Willy Rizzo from the Linea Flaminia series produced in the 1970s. The structure is in chrome, and the original smoked glass tr...
Brass, Chrome
Burl elmwood and brass sideboard by Willy Rizzo, Ed.Mario Sabot 1970
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Renens, CH
Burlwood and brass sideboard by Willy Rizzo, Ed.Mario Sabot 1970 The gorgeous credenza has been designed by the famous Italian fashion photographer turned designer Willy Rizzo. Thi...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Super C Sectional
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Super C Sectional leather and wood sofa set is a rare, highly collectible piece of Italian mid-century design manufactured in 1970. A partial set cons...
Leather, Suede
Willy Rizzo Italian Smoked Glass and Chrome Rolling Bar Trolley, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Troy, MI
This Italian rolling bar cart by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot dates from the 1970s and is constructed of smoked grey glass panels set within a polished chrome frame, the upper corners...
Chrome
Signed Willy Rizzo Two-Tier Chrome & Brass Coffee Table Smoked Glass Italy 60s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Very elegant two-tier coffee table signed Willy Rizzo made in Italy, circa 1965. Sturdy chrome frame with brass inlay and smoked glass tops. Space in between the glass is 7.5 inche...
Brass, Chrome
$2,649Sale Price|20% Off
Tavolo in noce, inserti in ottone, piano vetro fumé stile Willy Rizzo, anni 70
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Catania, IT
Tavolo anni '70 nello stile di Willy Rizzo in radica con inserti in ottone e piano in vetro fumè. Buone condizioni e usura compatibile con l'età. Il tavolo presenta una piccola scheg...
Crystal, Brass
Set of five Italian dining chairs in the manner of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in BE
This set of six 1970s Italian dining chairs features a fresh brown boucle upholstery, offering a stylish update to a classic design. While often attributed to designer Willy Rizzo an...
Bouclé, Wood
Willy Rizzo Mid-Century Large Sculptural Table Lamp in Chrome, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and unique table lamp in polished chrome-plated steel designed by Willy Rizzo and produce in Italy during the 1970s. In fabulous condition and fully original. This one o...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$14,194Sale Price|20% Off
Coffee Table Composed of Two Designer Faux Marble Tables Resting on Chrome Legs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare and beautiful design coffee table is composed of two tables made of faux marble resin tops and resting on two discreet chrome legs of different heights giving the impressio...
Chrome
Willy Rizzo , Black and Metal Sideboard for Mario Sabot, circa 1970s.
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Milano, IT
Willy Rizzo , Sideboard for Mario Sabot, circa 1970s. Laminate veneer with glossy finish, enhanced by mirror-polished stainless handles and edging. Designed and made in Italy. 120 x...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$927Sale Price|20% Off
Willy Rizzo. Brutalist murano glass table lamp for BD Lúmica, Spain, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, BD Lumica
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Space Age style Murano glass table lamp designed by Willy Rizzo for BD Lúmica, Spain, 1970s. Hand-blown Murano glass base with bubbles, crafted in transparent, white and grayish navy...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Willy Rizzo for Jean Charles Travertine and Brass Dining Table, France 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Hellouw, NL
Italian glamour meets architectural rigour in this sculptural dining table, designed by Willy Rizzo for Jean Charles in the 1970s. Its strong geometric silhouette, paired with natura...
Travertine, Brass
Willy Rizzo Lumica Clock Bicolor 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, BD Lumica
Located in Cork, IE
This is a rare find! We are delighted to bring this glamourous 1970's cubic mantle clock designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Lumica to the market. In overall good condition wit...
Brass, Chrome
Canapé en velour bleu nuit "Super C" Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ce canapé modulaire modèle "Club C", dessiné par Willy Rizzo dans les années 1970, incarne à la perfection l'esthétique "Modern Regency" et le glamour de la jet-set. Revêtu d'un som...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Rare side table of chromed brass and creme coloured laminate by Willy Rezzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare side table of chromed brass and creme coloured laminate. Manufactured 1970s by Mario Salbot, Italy.
Chrome
Willy Rizzo & Nucci Valsecchi Parchment Dining Table, Model 2007D, for TURA Milano
By Nucci Valsecchi, Willy Rizzo, Aldo Tura
Located in Conversano, IT
There are important tables. And then there is Model 2007 in the D / Decorated version. A manifesto of radical 1970s luxury, a triad of the highest systems of Design. A livable sculpt...
Wood, Parchment Paper
Mario Sabot for Willy Rizzo Console Table and Mirror, Italy
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Hellouw, NL
A finely tuned balance between materials and geometry defines this rare console and mirror set, designed by Mario Sabot in collaboration with Willy Rizzo during the 1970s. The duo br...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Willy Rizzo Table Lamp in Purple Plexiglass and Brass
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Palermo, PA
This striking table lamp, designed by renowned Italian designer Willy Rizzo, exudes a sophisticated blend of materials. The base is crafted from a deep purple Plexiglass, which is be...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Chrome Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo Signed 1970s Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vienna, AT
This signed Willy Rizzo vintage coffee table was made of brass and chromed metal and appears as an elegant beauty. Willy Rizzo (1928-2...
Metal, Brass
$331Sale Price / item|20% Off
Willy Rizzo Dining Armchair by Cidue, Modern Aluminum Design, 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Debrecen, HU
This Italian design chair was designed by Willy Rizzo for the Italian manufacturer Cidue. A very comfortable dining chair with armrests. Rizzo entered the world of the newly formed “...
Metal, Aluminum
$3,536 / set
Set de 4 chaises Willy Rizzo, années 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Tresbœuf, FR
Superbe ensemble de 4 chaises attribuées à Willy Rizzo, emblématiques du design italien des années 1970, période marquée par des lignes audacieuses, des matériaux nobles et une éléga...
Chrome
Willy Rizzo Brushed Brass Wall Mirror, Italy, Modern, Circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
Celebrated luxury furniture designer Willy Rizzo designed this beautiful brushed brass wall mirror, circa 1970. With sharp and clean lines, ...
Brass
Brass Chrome Smoked Glass Willy Rizzo Square Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sharp looking Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Willy Rizzo.
Brass, Chrome
Willy Rizzo Fiorentina Model Steel and Brass Crystal Top Table, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Fiorentina Model table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s. Steel and brass structure, glass top. Size: 101 x 204 cm, H 75 cm. A video is available upon request. Good conditions, wears cohe...
Brass, Steel
Italian Modernist Faux Marble Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by the celebrated Italian designer Willy Rizzo during the 1970s, this exceptional coffee table exemplifies the refined glamour and modernism that defined his work. Known for...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Set of 6 Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 6 Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
Metal
Willy Rizzo Mid-Century Two-Tier Console Table, Chrome & Glass, 1955
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century rectangular two-tier console with a square tube chrome frame with copper and brass trim around two inSet smoked glass shelves. (signed, WILLY RIZZO) Two chips in...
Brass
Square Alveo Coffee Table in Walnut Burlwood and Brass by Willy Rizzo for Sabot
By Willy Rizzo
Located in San Francisco, CA
A signature example of Rizzo’s modernist glamour, this low-profile brass and burlwood Alveo coffee table stands at just 14 inches high. The square center cutout, lined in brass, serv...
Brass