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.
$2,621Sale Price|20% Off
Elm burl veneer and chrome square mirror by Willy Rizzo. Circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice design square mirror. is made of Elm burl veneer and chrome. This is an Italian work by famous designer Willy Rizzo. Circa 1970
Chrome
Willy Rizzo Brass and Burlwood Wall Mirror, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Willy rizzo brass and burled veneer mirror 1970s. Elegant mirror by Willy Rizzo refine with beautiful veneer and brass frame.
Brass
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
$2,200Sale Price|60% Off
H 39.38 in W 36.62 in D 0.6 in
Organic Modern Wall Mirror in Brushed Brass, In Stock
By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
Inspired by the Sacred Ceiba trees of Havana, this sculptural mirror by Joao Faria brings an organic, architectural character to contemporary interiors. It combines a substantial han...
Metal, Brass
Italian Brass Wall Mirror, circa 1950s
Located in London, London
An Italian brass wall mirror, circa 1950s. The mirror features an organically shaped silhouette with gently tapering sides and a subtly undulating top edge, framed by a slim brass s...
Brass
$1,872 / set
H 39.38 in W 27.56 in D 0.79 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Oval Mirrors Brass and Bronzed Mirror, 1970
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of mirrors, with a simple brass frame and beveled edge mirrors in a gilt bronze colour, was created in Italy in the 1970s. They have been polished.
Brass
Renato Zevi Italian Brass and Chrome Mirrors 1970's
By Romeo Rega
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Stunning Italian Brass and Chrome Mirrors in the manner of Romeo Rega. Brass banding surrounds a thick pillowed chrome frame. Wonderful classic contrasting. Curbside to NYC/Philly $400
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Five-Panel Beveled Wall Mirror, 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern five-panel beveled wall mirror USA, 1970s Measures: 39.75"W x 1"D x 36"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Mirror
Italian Mid-Century Modern Steel Circular Mirror, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern steel circular mirror, 1970s. Fantastic and rare steel frame and original mirror of the 1970 period. Produced from an Italian company of the period and de...
Metal
Brass Wall Mirror Large, Italy, circa 1955
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vienna, AT
Large 53" brass wall mirror, Italy, mid-century Large Italian wall mirror with a minimal brass frame. Elegant and large wall mirror with a slender brass frame and patina to the fr...
Brass
$860
H 28.35 in W 20.28 in D 1.38 in
Mid-Century Rectangular Mirror in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful Mid-Century French Riviera style rectangular mirror in bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This gorgeous mirror was produced in Italy during the 1970s. This mirror has a...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$830
H 28.35 in W 18.51 in D 1.38 in
Mid-Century Italian Rectangular Mirror in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy, 1970s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century organic rectangular mirror in rattan and handwoven wicker. This stylish French Riviera-style mirror was produced in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
Italian Mid-Century Modern Shaped Brass Wall Mirror, circa 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, IT
This exquisite mid-century modern wall mirror is a quintessential example of 1950s Italian design, characterized by its elegant, asymmetrical shield-like silhouette. The piece featur...
Brass
$573
H 19.69 in W 13 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker Rectangular Mirror, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely midcentury rectangular mirror in bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This gorgeous mirror was produced in Italy during the 1970s. The mirror features a double frame in bamb...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
Mid-Century Modern Segmented Octagonal Polished Brass Mirror
Located in New York, NY
This refined mirror was realized in the United States, circa 1970. It features an octagonal silhouette- a form that is reiterated in the central mirrored panel surrounded by eight pe...
Brass
1970s Willy Rizzo Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish wall mirror designed by Willy Rizzo, it's an high quality wall mirror in perfect conditions.
Brass
Italian Modern Brass Mirror by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Salzburg, AT
Stylish straight lined wall mirror - the construction of the stepped brass frame has a width of 3cm. A brass console in the same style appertains to the mirror.
Brass
Pair of Brass and Chrome Mirrors by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Each mirror is made of brass anodized and chrome and is made of high quality materials. The unique combination of quality polished brass and chrome. The quality luxury materials an...
Chrome, Brass
Willy Rizzo Lacquer and Brass Mirror, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
With its strong geometric design, this statement mirror is typical of Italian designer Willy Rizzo’s work. Its imposing black lacquer and brass border surrounds an octagonal mirror, ...
Brass