Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Italian, 1928-2013

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.

Creator: Willy Rizzo

Superb Pair of Suede Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs, Signed Studio Willy Rizzo, 1969

$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off

Superb Pair of Suede Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs, Signed Studio Willy Rizzo, 1969

By Willy Rizzo

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Extremely rare pair of signed Willy Rizzo lounge chairs finished in suede with stainless steel bases. These are very early examples which were produced by the 'Studio Willy Rizzo' in Rome in 1969, recognised by the Willy Rizzo signature in the fabric. Original Signed early period Willy Rizzo lounge chairs are very rare, 95% of the output of this design were produced as either two, three or four-seat sofas and the individual lounge chairs are very rarely seen on the market today. This iconic design featured prominently in the prestigious Italian design periodical 'Casa Vogue' throughout the early to mid-1970s including a feature on Rizzo ad Elsa Martinelli's own home in St Tropez, France in the October 1974 issue which illustrates this design. Please see image 4. These rare chairs have had their upholstery completely renovated including new seat support strapping, new foam and suede upholstery to the original specifications. The Willy Rizzo signatures from the original upholstery have been carefully cut from the original worn fabric and sown to the underside of each chair to maintain the authenticity. Photos of the restoration process are available on request. Please see image 10 as an example. Literature:- CASA VOGUE, October 1974 (features this design in the home of Elsa Martinelli and Willy Rizzo in St Tropez,France). See image 4 CASA VOGUE , JUNE 1975 CASA VOGUE, September 1975, Please see IMAGE 9 CASA VOGUE, November 1976, Please see IMAGE 8 Willy Rizzo is best known as a photographer. He began his illustrious 20 year career with Paris Match in 1948 which lead to him photographing some of the greatest names of the period. Rizzo was married to italian actress Elsa Martinelli,which gave him unparalleled access to the star names of the period and his cornucopia of sitters would include among others Brigitte Bardot, Sofia Loren...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mario Bellini for Cassina Pair of 'Quartet' Lounge Chairs in Beige Suede

$32,000 / set

H 24.81 in W 35.83 in D 35.44 in

Mario Bellini for Cassina Pair of 'Quartet' Lounge Chairs in Beige Suede

By Mario Bellini, Cassina

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Mario Bellini for Cassina, pair of 'Quartet' lounge chairs, model '932', suede, Italy, 1964 Known as the Quartet, this lounge chair was designed by Mario Bellini as a reinterpretati...

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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Suede

SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970

$9,674 / 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

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 ...

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1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

SQ-AL Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Maison Willy Rizzo - Brass Version 1970 Set of 2

$5,576 / 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

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...

Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Milo Baughman Style Heavy Chrome Suede Lounge Chair Midcentury

$5,200Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 29 in W 30 in D 30 in

Pair of Milo Baughman Style Heavy Chrome Suede Lounge Chair Midcentury

By Milo Baughman

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Magnificent pair of Milo Baughman style heavy chrome lounge chairs, circa 1970s. This pair are quite unique with chunky round bars making the frame instead of the usual flat bars. Th...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Lounge Chairs

$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 35.5 in W 32 in D 28.5 in

Pair of Lounge Chairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of vintage chairs .Metal and brass legs wood sturdy base .We suggest reupholstery. Chairs are very commifortable . USA continental shipping in home delivery $475 2-4 weeks

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1990s American Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Willy Beck Lounge Chairs, Model 4401

$12,500 / set

H 40.5 in W 31 in D 30 in

Willy Beck Lounge Chairs, Model 4401

By Willy Beck

Located in San Francisco, CA

Pair of large impressive high back lounge chairs designed by Madsen, Aksel Bender and Ejner Larsen for Willy Beck. Perfectly refinished teak and newly upholstered in Danish wool. Eac...

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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca

$11,171 / set

H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 34.26 in

Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca

By Viggo Boesen, Mogens Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Flemming Lassen

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

A superb pair of modern round-arm lounge chairs. Handmade beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a premium, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric with solid oak feet. Fast shi...

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2010s British Scandinavian Modern Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Alpaca, Beech, Oak

Pair of Giske Carlsen For Kleppe Mobelfabrik, Suede/NuBuck Lounge Chairs

$3,280

H 30 in W 25.5 in D 23 in

Pair of Giske Carlsen For Kleppe Mobelfabrik, Suede/NuBuck Lounge Chairs

By Kleppe Møbelfabrik

Located in Chicago, IL

We have here, a rare pair of Norwegian Modern lounge chairs designed by Giske Carlsen for Kleppe Møbelfabrik. Crafted from bent beechwood, the sturdy frames are finished in a naturss...

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1970s Norwegian Post-Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Suede, Wood

Pair chairs in the style of Willy Rizzo

$1,593 / item

H 37.41 in W 18.51 in D 16.93 in

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...

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20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Camber Handmade Lounge Chair with Upholstered Suede Backrest by Laylo Studio

$4,800 / item

H 29 in W 22 in D 22 in

Camber Handmade Lounge Chair with Upholstered Suede Backrest by Laylo Studio

By Laylo Studio

Located in Chicago, IL

Shown in natural cherry with taupe suede upholstery and blackened steel metalwork Measures 22" wide x 22" deep x 29" tall also shown in oil washed maple, blackened steel, and woven ...

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2010s American Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel, Bronze, Stainless Steel

Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Upholstered in Natural Sheepskin

$12,281 / set

H 29.53 in W 29.14 in D 33.47 in

Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Upholstered in Natural Sheepskin

By Fritz Hansen, Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen, Mogens Lassen

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

A superb pair of modern round-arm lounge chairs. Handmade beech frames, sprung seats, with solid oak feet. Newly upholstered in premium, soft, natural Australian sheepskin. Fast s...

Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech, Oak

Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca

$10,916 / set

H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 34.26 in

Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca

By Viggo Boesen, Mogens Lassen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

A superb pair of round arm modern 1940s Danish style armchairs. Handmade beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a premium, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric with solid oak ...

Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Alpaca, Beech, Oak

Sensational Pair of Late 20th Century Ultra-suede Upholstered Lounge Chairs

$5,560Sale Price|20% Off

H 31 in W 31 in D 32 in

Sensational Pair of Late 20th Century Ultra-suede Upholstered Lounge Chairs

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Sensational pair of sculptural Elephant Chairs. This pair retains their original purple ultra-suede with some signs of wear-cleaning recommended. They measure 31"t x 31"w x 32"d wi...

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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Willy van der Meeren for Tubax Pair of Lounge Chairs in yellow

$1,591Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 27.56 in W 23.63 in D 20.87 in

Willy van der Meeren for Tubax Pair of Lounge Chairs in yellow

By Willy Van Der Meeren, Tubax

Located in Berlin, DE

Newly upholstered Willy van der Meeren for Tubax Pair of Lounge Chairs in yellow.

Category

1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of 'Ribbon' Lounge Chairs by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, c 1969

$12,825Sale Price / set|28% Off

H 25 in W 37 in D 28 in

Pair of 'Ribbon' Lounge Chairs by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, c 1969

By Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, Fiarm

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rare collectors pair of 'Ribbon' lounge chairs by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, designed in 1961 and produced by Fiarm - Elco in Sorzé (Venice) Italy, in 1969. Also known as t...

Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Previously Available Items

Chair Willy Rizzo Black Leather Chrome N1, circa 1970

Sold

H 31.11 in W 19.3 in D 27.56 in

Chair Willy Rizzo Black Leather Chrome N1, circa 1970

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Labrit, Landes

Black leather and chrome Willy Rizzo chair, circa 1970s Good vintage condition, very comfortable. For shipping: 70/49/79cm.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Willy Rizzo Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Willy Rizzo lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Willy Rizzo lounge chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willy Rizzo lounge chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs by Willy Rizzo were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lounge chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Vivai del Sud, and Marzio Cecchi. Prices for Willy Rizzo lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $12,000 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,000.