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.
Willy Rizzo Nesting Trays Set, Polished Stainless Steel & Brass, Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
Willy Rizzo trays, stainless steel, brass, signed. Set of 3 polished stainless steel nesting trays with brass inlay. The graduated measurements are: 5...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Willy Rizzo Nesting Trays Serving Pieces in Steel and Brass 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Willy Rizzo set of three nesting trays in polished stainless steel and brass, signed, from the 1970s. The graduated measurements are 5.15 inches then 7.9 inches and 10.65 i...
Brass, Steel
$670
H 2.37 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970 Gorgeous serving tray or basket, in the shape of a shell, made of Lucite, rattan and brass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Braided rattan is cast within the Lucite acrylic material. Beautiful workmanship. The brass part is kept in original vintage version, with the patina from that time. Since the shape is as a shell, the tray inside...
Brass
Moroccan Moorish Polished Brass Decorative Tray Wall Hanging
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Fabulous Moroccan Moorish hand-hammered brass tray, intricate multi dimension artwork, very fine Islamic Metalwork brass repousse designs. Handcrafted wall hanging decorative brass tray with a copper...
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Double O Tray in Stainless Steel by Richard Hutten
By Richard Hutten, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
As an extension of the Double-O collection of the famous champagne cooler, Richard Hutten designs the Double-O tray. A fun and essential object that brings surprise and panache to th...
Stainless Steel
$804
H 12.8 in W 16.74 in D 1.19 in
Midcentury Tortoiseshell Plexiglass Italian Serving Tray after Willy Rizzo 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury piece of serveware, produced in Italy during the 1970s. It is a rectangular design attributed to Willy Rizzo for a Christian Dior production. It is iconic tor...
Metal
$1,206
H 1.58 in W 25.2 in D 15.36 in
Mid-Century Serving Tray in Brass, Lucite and Rattan, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century large rectangular serving tray in a fantastic combination of brass, clear lucite and pressed rattan canes. This stylish and unique tray was produced in Italy d...
Brass
$988 / set
H 0.4 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Willy Rizzo Style Lucite & Brass Coasters, Set of 6, Italy, 1970's
By Willy Rizzo
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful set of 6 lucite and brass coasters designed in Italy, 1970's. This unique set in the style of Willy Rizzo will add a touch of elegance to your bar and dining room. Ideal fo...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Style Italian Plexiglass And Nickel-Plated Brass Tray
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Please kindly read the entire description, as we strive to provide you with detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This refined and or...
Brass
$907
H 1.38 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in
Midcentury Marble Effect Lucite and Steel Octagonal Serving Tray, Italy, 1980s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury octagonal serving tray in a stunning marble effect green lucite and chrome. This beautiful centerpiece was made in Italy in ...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage Italian Espresso Coffee Cups Set in Stainless Steel, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a set of authentic Italian espresso cups that combine functionality with vintage charm. Made in Italy around th...
Stainless Steel
Willy Rizzo Nesting Trays, Brass and Stainless Steel, Signed
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
Executed in brass and stainless steel, the nesting trays feature a square, architectural form with stepped construction and polished contrasting surfaces. The graduated trays measure...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$574
H 1.58 in W 15.36 in D 9.85 in
Midcentury Serving Tray in Lucite and Chrome Willy Rizzo Style, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular serving tray in lucite ice effect and chrome in the style of Willy Rizzo. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Chrome
$976
H 0.99 in W 20.48 in D 12.6 in
Willy Rizzo Mother-of-Pearl & Brass Serving Tray or Centerpiece, Italy, 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and unique large rectangular serving tray or centerpiece entirely made of solid brass and exquisite mother-of-pearl. This refined piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s...
Brass
$1,034
H 1.58 in Dm 19.69 in
Round Centerpiece Serving Tray Lucite Faux Tortoiseshell and Brass, Italy 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing round serving tray / centerpiece in tortoiseshell effect lucite with and border brass in the style of Christian Dior. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Brass
$999
H 1.58 in W 23.04 in D 13.59 in L 1.58 in
Willy Rizzo Large Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large serving tray in gorgeous tortoiseshell-effect lucite with brass handles. This charming rectangular tray is attributed to the mastery of Willy Rizzo and was produced i...
Metal, Brass
$804
H 3.15 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Ice Effect Tray Centrepiece, Lucite and Brass Willy Rizzo Style, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Huge squared ice effect centerpiece tray in Lucite and brass in the style of the Italian designer Willy Rizzo. Made in Italy, circa 1970.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 2.37 in W 18.51 in D 15.56 in
Willy Rizzo Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Italian Serving Tray, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century tray in a single piece of curved tortoiseshell-effect lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its desig...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Trays Stainless Steel and Brass Signed Italy, 2000s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
Willy Rizzo trays stainless steel and brass signed Italy, 2000s. Polished stainless steel nesting trays with brass inlay. Trays in graduated sizes: 5 ...
Brass, Stainless Steel