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.
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. This set consits of 6 pcs. chairs with amrests. The chairs are with new black color velour upholster...
Chrome
Set of 4 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. The chairs are with new black color velour upholstery. Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Chrome
$4,564Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 4 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. The chairs are with olive green color upholstery. Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Chrome
$611Sale Price / item|25% Off
Pair chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Palermo, IT
Pair of chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo 1960s Products that reflect the age of the 20th century. Mid-centurymodern. Modernity for interior decora...
Brass, Nickel
$4,564Sale Price / set|20% Off
SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
If you would like to receive additional photos of this item, please feel free to contact us directly through the 1stDibs messaging system. We will be happy to provide you with furthe...
Brass
Pair of Chrome & Leather "SQ-AL" Chairs by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of Italian dining chairs by Willy Rizzo, from the 1970s. The design is defined by polished chrome rectangular frames, suspended backrests, and lightly cantilevered seats, givi...
Steel, Chrome
Willy Rizzo C2 70s Production Chromed Steel Frame Gray Vintage Leather Set of 4
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Willy Rizzo chairs C2 70s production with chromed steel frame and gray vintage leather seats. Set of 4 chairs. The seat has been re upholstered with vintage leather. The chairs are in excellent condition, the steel shows only light signs of use. Set of 4 chairs. Measurements: L seat 45 cm, total P 55 cm, H 83 cm, seat P 41...
Steel
$7,917Sale Price / set|20% Off
SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
This elegant set of four SQ-AL model chairs was designed by Willy Rizzo for his Maison Willy Rizzo during the 1970s, perfectly embodying the refined and architectural aesthetic that ...
Brass
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot and Sormani, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Sormani
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 4 vintage black lacquered chairs with natural brushed leather seat, realized by Willy Rizzo for Sormani in 1970s. Fully original and in excellent condition. Seat height 45 c...
Metal
Chair attributed to Willy Rizzo for Cidue 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Brescia, IT
Chrome-plated steel and leather-colored chair with a strong modernist character. Attributed to Willy Rizzo, 1970s. Chair attributed to Willy Rizzo and produced by Cidue in the 1970s...
Steel
Willy Rizzo saddle leather chair cognac Cidue - 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Willy Rizzo saddle leather chair cognac Cidue - 1970/80s Chair - Willy Rizzo - Italian design Measures : 46cmx46cm H:80cm SH:44cm Material : Base material: steel frame covered with l...
Metal
Set of six chairs, designed by Willy RIZZO for CIDUE, in black leather. Italy, 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Torino, IT
Set of six chairs, design by Willy RIZZO for CIDUE, in Black leather. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 1970s DESIGNER Willy RIZZO (Naples, 1928 - Paris, 2013) was a celebrated Italian photogr...
Metal
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
$3,260 / set
H 29.14 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century set of four Italian "Tulu" Chairs by K. Takahama for Gavina, 1969.
By Kazuhide Takahama, Simon Gavina Editions
Located in Sacile, PN
Set of four grey "Tulu" chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina Studio Simon, 1969. This set is for a second series as shown in the crossbar on the front of the seat New foam pa...
Metal
Mid Century Upholstered Chrome Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mid Century Upholstered Chrome Dining Chairs - Set of 6 These chairs measure: 20 wide x 22 deep x 37 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 19 inches We take our photos...
Chrome
$1,280 / set
H 80 in W 44 in D 44 in
Pair of Italian Brown Leather Chairs by Matteo Grassi, 1970s, Italy
By Matteo Grassi
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of Italian Brown Leather Chairs by Matteo Grassi, 1970s, Italy Measurements : Height: 80 cm Seating height: 45 cm Seating: 44 cm x 44 cm Please do not hesitate to ask us if y...
Leather, Wood
$2,212 / set
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of Chrome and Black Cesca Chair by Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian set of 3 chrome cantilever Cesca chair with black lacquered wood profiles by Marcel Breuer. The chairs are in really good ...
Chrome
$4,424 / set
H 36.23 in W 18.9 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian set of 4 cognac leather and dark beech wood dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù. The chairs are in really good vintage condi...
Leather, Beech
$8,383 / set
H 28.35 in W 19.69 in D 15.75 in
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.
Leather, Wood
$4,191 / set
H 28.75 in W 20.48 in D 20.87 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Four Dining Chairs Beech Blue Willy Rizzo 1960s Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage set of four ( 4 ) dining room chairs from brown stained beech and upholstered seats new covered with blue velvet by Willy Rizzo 1960s Italy. A beautiful s...
Upholstery, Beech
$931 / set
H 36.23 in W 17.72 in D 20.87 in
Pair of Brass and Velvet Italian Chairs in the Style of the 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
A striking pair of Italian side chairs with a gracefully tapered brass frame and sculptural ladder backrest. The re-upholstered lime green velvet seat cushions add a playful yet eleg...
Brass
1970s Italian chair in Cowhide and Chrome - Italy, 1970s
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Country: Italy Model: Desk chair / dining chair Design period: 1970’s Date of manufacturing: circa 1970 Size WDH in cm: 51x59x81 seat height 4...
Cowhide
$2,450 / set
H 28.5 in W 20.75 in D 24 in
Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Attributed Chrome & Dark Brown Leather Chairs, Cidue
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four cantilever armchairs attributed to Willy Rizzo, produced by Italian manufacturer Cidue. Each chair features a continuous thick tubular chrome frame that forms the cantile...
Chrome
$5,821 / set
H 30.32 in W 19.69 in D 19.3 in
Set of “SQ-AL” Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo, Chrome and Velvet, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, FR
Price is per set of 4. Sets of 4 are listed directly, while sets of 6 or 8 can be prepared upon request. A total of 25 chairs are currently available. Four chairs have already been r...
Chrome, Steel
$16,000 / set
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 18.51 in
Eight Exquisite Willy Rizzo SQ-BR Square Chairs, 1970, Published Casa Vogue
By Willy Rizzo
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Authentic early 1970's produced SQ-BR Square chairs by Willy Rizzo A large set of 6 SQ Square dining chairs and 2 rare matching SQ-BR armrest din...
Stainless Steel
Set di 2 sedie attribuite a Willy Rizzo per Cidue anni ’70
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Brescia, IT
Sedie in acciaio cromato e pelle color cuoio, dal forte carattere modernista. Attribuite a Willy Rizzo, anni '70. Set di due sedie attribuite a Willy Rizzo e prodotte da Cidue negli...
Steel
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. This set consits of 4 pcs. chairs with and 2 pcs. with amrests. The chairs are with new black color ...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.93 in Dm 50.79 in
Dining set with 4 chairs and 1 table by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 chairs and a table in wood, metal, and leather by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Table dimensions: H: 76 cm Dia: 129 cm Chair dimensions: H: 68 cm W: 51 cm D: 46 cm. Seat heig...
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 18.51 in D 20.48 in
Suite de 6 chaises italiennes traîneau vintage de Willy Rizzo pour Mario Sabot
By Willy Rizzo
Located in BESANÇON, FR
6 chaises vintage des années 70, superbe design italien attribué à Willy Rizzo pour Mario Sabot, structure et dossiers en bois foncé, assises amovibles totalement rénovées en très jo...
Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 18.12 in D 22.84 in
Pair of vintage 1970s chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of chairs with wooden frame and orange fabric seat, designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear and tear given by time ...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 4 Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 4 black leather chairs realized by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot in 1970s. Black lacquered curved wooden structure, seat with metal foil edging and seat in black leather. Very g...
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 22.05 in D 18.51 in
Mid-century modern six wooden chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Mid-century modern six wooden chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s Set of six chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s. The combination of clean lines, high-quality...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 19.3 in
Set of 6 pcs. Mid-Century Italian Chrome/Velvet Chairs by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Mid-Century Italian chrome frame chairs by Willy Rizzo from 1970's. The chairs are with new high quality black color velour/velvet upholstery. Very good/excellent vintage condition.
Chrome
Four Willy Rizzo dining chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, FR
Four dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo, circa 1970 Italy. Chrome structure. New Alcantara upholstery.
Chrome
Sold
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in D 23.63 in
Set of 5 Willy Rizzo chairs in Chrome and Leather for Cidue, Italy, 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautifully patinated dark red/brown dining-room chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. As we are used from Willy Rizzo we see a good combination between the two materials used in this cha...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.17 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Willy Rizzo Six Black Lacquered Wood & Green Velvet Italian Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid Century modern set of six chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Made of black lacquered wood structure. Seat reupholstered in green cotton velvet with polished steel fr...
Steel
Sold
H 32.5 in W 18 in D 22 in
Set of 4 Black Leather Chrome Cantilever Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue Italy
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 4 dining or accent chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. A stunning set of vintage Italian designed cantilever chairs, iconic and minimal. These chairs feature a chrome ...
Leather