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 4 pcs. chairs with and 2 pcs. with amrests. The chairs are with new black color ...
Chrome
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
$4,671Sale 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
$333Sale Price / item|20% Off
Cidue Dining Armchair By Willy Rizzo Italy 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
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
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
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
Vintage dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 5, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 5 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. The chairs have a beautifully shaped brass frame and come with a beige fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition The chai...
Brass
$1,787 / set
Set of six cidue rattan dining chairs
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in BE
A set of six chairs made in Italy in the 1970s by the renowned manufacturer Cidue, known for its collaborations with designer Willy Rizzo. Each chair features a beautiful chrome fram...
Chrome
Vintage leather and chrome dining chairs by Willy Rizzo, 1970s - set of 8
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Fantastic set of 8 dining chairs by Willy Rizzo manufactured with a tubular chrome frame and beautifully patinated leather seats. Good condition 1970s, Italy Dimensions: Height: 7...
Chrome
Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Black Lacquered Wood, Italy, 1960
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot set off four dining chairs made of curved wood lacquered in black shiny colour and leather padded cushions, custom made for these chairs, and hold ...
Leather, Wood
$2,250Sale Price / set|20% Off
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Collectible Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Milano, IT
Willy Rizzo Design - Mario Sabot Dining Chairs - Collectible Space Age Furniture Four Space Age dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo and manufactured by Mario Sabot. A complete set...
Leather, Wood
Vintage dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 4, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. The chairs have a beautifully shaped chrome frame and come with the original black leather seats. Good vintage condition w...
Chrome
$3,563 / 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
$9,568Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Ten Dining Chairs for Mario Sabot in Black Lacquer with Cotton Blend 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Cheyenne, WY
This set of ten dining chairs, designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, feature an elegantly curved back and frame of black lacquered wood. Offering up simple, ergonomic elegance, th...
Upholstery, Lacquer
Set of 6 Brass "Willy Rizzo" Dining Chairs in Original Fabric, Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waasmunster, BE
Set of 6 Brass "Willy Rizzo" Dining Chairs in Original Fabric, Italy
Metal, Brass
On Hold|$3,200 / set
H 35 in W 18 in D 20 in
1970s Willy Rizzo Model C2 Dining Chairs For Cidue, Set of 4, Itally
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
18" w x 20"d x 35" h SH: 19" Offered for sale is a set of 4 Model C2 dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue made in Italy in the 1970s. Willy Rizzo was a photographer who became ...
Chrome
1970's Streamline Chrome Italian Dining Chairs Set Of 6
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
Amazing set of 6 streamline chrome Italian dining chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo, newly re-upholstered in Chenille fabric, with minor wear and patina to the chrome due to age and...
Chrome
$8,580 / 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
Set of Four Italian Beech Dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Italy - Made of beechwood - Very good craftsman work - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Beech
Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
Fabric
$4,528 / 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 Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
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
$2,264 / 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
$2,860 / set
H 30.32 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Giotto Stoppino Chrome Chairs from 1970s
By Giotto Stoppino
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian set of Giotto Stoppino chairs with chrome structure and original fabric apholstery in brick-colored. If needed the chairs available are 5 pieces. The fab...
Chrome
$4,767 / set
H 31.89 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
Cidue Dining Armchairs Chairs Set of 6 Chrome and Leather
By Cidue
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These Italian design chairs are produced for Italian manufacture Cidue. It has a polished chromed steel base and upholstered in dark brown leather seat. A very comfortable dining cha...
Chrome
$5,839 / set
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 16.15 in
SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
SET OF 2. Product Name: SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Designer: Willy Rizzo Year of Design: 1970s Style: Italian modernism with architect...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Square Pouf in Cow Skin
By Willy Rizzo
Located in PARIS, FR
Rizzo loved the simplicity and purity of Rationalism and was heavily inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic. Informed by his photographer’s eye, he sought visual harmony of shapes and mat...
Animal Skin
$4,528 / set
H 29.53 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Vintage leather and chrome dining chairs by Willy Rizzo, 1970s - set of 8
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Fantastic set of 8 dining chairs by Willy Rizzo manufactured with a tubular chrome frame and beautifully patinated leather seats. Good condition 1970s, Italy Dimensions: Height: 7...
Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Six leather cantilever dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Elegant set of six Italian cantilever dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue in the 1970s. The chairs feature a striking chromed steel cantilever frame with sculptural side ...
Chrome
Vintage dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 5, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 5 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. The chairs have a beautifully shaped chrome frame and come with the original brown leather seats. Good vintage condition ...
Chrome
Vintage dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 8, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 8 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. The chairs have a beautyfully shaped chrome frame and come with the original black leather seats. Good overall condition ...
Chrome
Sold
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in D 23.63 in
Vintage brass and cognac leather dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 4
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue (model C2). The chairs have a beautifully shaped brass frame and come with the cognac brown leather seats. Rare to find the...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 22.84 in
Vintage brass dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 6, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. The chairs have a beautifully shaped patinated brass frame and come with the original black leather seats. Good condition ...
Brass
Sold
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 16.15 in
Set of 8 SQ-AL Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo 1970 Set of 4
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning set of eight "SQ-AL" dining chairs, designed by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo in the 1970s-a perfect example of how that era masterfully combined luxury, functionality,...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 16.15 in
Set of 8 SQ-AL Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo 1970 Set of 6
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning set of eight "SQ-AL" dining chairs, designed by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo in the 1970s-a perfect example of how that era masterfully combined luxury, functionality,...
Brass, Steel
Willy Rizzo Set of Six Dining Room Chairs, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Hellouw, NL
This set of six chairs exemplifies Rizzo’s affinity for clean architectural lines and luxurious materials. Design Each chair features a pared-back, rectilinear frame in chromed steel, supporting a generously cushioned seat and backrest. The upholstery is a textured natural fabric, likely an original or early material, which complements the cool metal framework with subtle warmth. The seat is slightly cantilevered, contributing to the chairs’ dynamic silhouette while maintaining comfort and stability. The geometry of the design is elegantly understated;two steel runners form each leg and side structure, providing visual lightness without sacrificing strength. This type of structural clarity is characteristic of Rizzo’s broader design ethos, which emerged from his background as both a photographer and designer with an eye for cinematic compositions. Best known for his low-slung lounge furniture and glamorous interiors, Rizzo designed these chairs to blend seamlessly with modernist dining tables, offering a calm but confident presence. They suit a variety of settings, from formal dining rooms to creative studios, and work especially well with glass or travertine dining tables. The restrained palette and clean profile make them highly versatile, without compromising on their distinct period character. We also have the matching Willy Rizzo travertine dining table...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.71 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
Set of 6 Brass "Willy Rizzo" Dining Chairs in Original Leather, Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waasmunster, BE
Set of 6 Brass "Willy Rizzo" Dining Chairs in Original Leather, Italy
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 33.08 in W 19.3 in D 23.63 in
Set of four Cidue leather chrome cantilever chairs by Willy Rizzo, 1970
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of four includes two chairs with armrests and two without. The chairs are in good condition. The dark brown leather seat cushions are in perfect condition. The chrome platin...
Chrome
Sold
H 31.89 in W 18.9 in D 19.3 in
Mid-Century Modern Set of 8 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 8 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Chrome
Vintage dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for cidue set of 6, 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 dining chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. The chairs have a beautifully shaped chrome frame and come with the original brown leather seats. Good vintage condition ...
Chrome