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.
$17,140 / set
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage dry bar designed in the 1970s by Willy Rizzo. Orange suede, chromed metal bars. Fully working. The set includes: illuminated shelves, a counter with a mirrored gl...
Metal
$18,283 / set
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage dry bar designed in the 1970s by Willy Rizzo. Orange suede, chromed metal bars. The set includes: illuminated shelves, a counter with a mirrored glass top, chrome ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s Beige Suede and Metal
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s Willy Rizzo (1928–2013) was an Italian-born French designer and photographer. He began designing furniture in the late 1960...
Metal
"Alveo" Black and Chrome Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Sabot. Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Milan, IT
"Alveo" sideborad by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Black body with chrome details; three drawers and three doors w/central element with inner lighting.
Steel
Bar corner cabinet by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s, this bar corner exemplifies the designer’s unmistakable approach to furniture as architecture, where structure, material and light converge in a...
Granite, Metal, Brass
Stunning Willy Rizzo Bar / Sideboard in Black & Stainless Steel, Italy 1969
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Oirlo, LI
This stunning bar cabinet is a true statement piece, originally designed by Willy Rizzo in 1969. Known for his luxurious and modern aesthetic, Rizzo created furniture that perfectly ...
Aluminum
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage dry bar with black laminate structure and chromed metal base by Willy Rizzo. Realized in Italy in 1970s and produced by Mario Sabot. Very good condition.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Motorized Bar by Willy Rizzo, Wood Metal and Glass, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Motorized Bar by Willy Rizzo, Wood Metal and Glass, Italy, 1970s
Metal
Willy Rizzo Drybar Set in Black Lacquer with Chrome and Cowhide Upholstery, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Cheyenne, WY
This dry bar set by Willy Rizzo features a clean chrome top that compliments the high-gloss quality of its black lacquered finish—an entertainment piece that exemplifies high-class g...
Chrome
Vintage Italian World Globe Dry Bar, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 1960s Italian dry bar is perfect for adding a touch of classic European flair to your home. The globe design is made of wood, giving it an authentic and timeless look. T...
Wood
$9,141Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 69.69 in W 56.3 in D 11.82 in
Mobile Bar vintage Hollywood Regency set from the 1970s.
By Regency, Willy Rizzo
Located in Palermo, IT
Furniture bar design hollywood Regency attr. to Willy Rizzo 1970s. His cocktail and bar designs are among his most prolific and therefore most sought-after items. Questo particolar...
Brass, Chrome
$16,569 / set
H 73.63 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Vintage Motorized Bar attr. to Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage motorized bar is a design item attributed to Willy Rizzo, and realized in 1970s. Four bottles and twelve glasses can be placed. The ceiling lig...
Steel, Metal
$18,400 / set
H 78 in W 61.5 in D 11 in
Standing Dry Bar in the style of Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sculptural, this standing dry bar in the style of Willy Rizzo embodies the glamorous aesthetic of 1970s Italian design. The piece features a curved front clad in plush gr...
Metal
$2,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 79 in W 79 in D 21 in
1970s Vintage Wall Display Cabinet with Dry Bar, Brass & Glass
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage 3 Piece 1970s wall display...
Brass
Brutalist Italian Chestnut Wood and Brass Bar Cabinet, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Brutalist dry bar cabinet in chestnut wood. With geometric and harmonious lines, the piece of furniture is also embellished by the brass band below.
Brass
$3,428
H 26.38 in W 22.84 in D 15.75 in
Brutalist Italian 1970s Small Wood and Glass Dry Bar on Wooden Wheels
Located in Milan, IT
Brutalist Italian 1970s Small Wood and Stained and Textured Yellow Glass Dry Bar on Wooden Wheels. Provenance: Monticello Golf Club. Designed by Architect. Luigi Caccia Dominioni 1974.
Glass, Wood
Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet in the Style of Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, metal, chrome, suede, glass, brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar in the style of Willy Rizzo. This striking set includes a counter element and an illumi...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Architectural Bar Cabinet Italy, 1970s
Located in Berlin, DE
Architectural Italian bar cabinet with a black lacquered structure, smoked glass shelves and illuminated upper sections. The design is defined by repeated arched forms, circular cut-...
Metal, Aluminum
Coastal Style Rattan Dry Bar/ Serving Cart. Circa 1970s
By Franco Albini
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Boho Chic / Coastal Style Rattan Dry Bar/ Serving Cart in the Franco Albini's Manner. Circa 1970s Features a two-tiered frame with ornate accents and handles at both sides. I...
Bamboo, Rattan
$6,764Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.12 in W 69.69 in D 18.71 in
Willy Rizzo Italian Mid-Century Black Credenza Sideboard for Mario Sabot, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern 3-door credenza sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Mario Sabot Italai with lacquered wooden structure and chromed steel details, made in Ital...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Willy Rizzo/Mario Sabot Sideboard
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Midcentury Italian sideboard by Willy Rizzo/Mario Sabot. Sideboard is finished with black glossy stained veneer surface decorated with ch...
Burl, Mirror
Sold
H 78.75 in W 63 in D 24.02 in
Stunning Cocktail Bar Cabinet with Stool in The Style of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, brass, chrome-plated metal, glass, aluminum, suede, mirror, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar in the style of Willy Rizzo. The set includes a counter element...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass, Chrome
Willy Rizzo for Cidue Hidden Bar Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo for Cidue, bar cocktail table, aluminum, glass, brushed chromed metal, Italy, 1970s With the creation of this luxurious rectangul...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Sold
H 77.56 in W 72.84 in D 11.23 in
Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet and Bar Stools in the Style of Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, bar stools, metal, suede, glass, brass, glass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar in the style of Willy Rizzo. The set includes a counter element and illumi...
Metal, Brass
Willy Rizzo Bar Cabinet in Metal and Brown Suede
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo, cocktail bar, chromed metal, suede, glass and brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar, designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. His bar cabinet designs are am...
Metal, Brass
Willy Rizzo Bar Cabinet in Metal and Brown Suede
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo, cocktail bar, chromed metal, suede, glass and brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar, designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. His bar cabinet designs are am...
Metal, Brass
Willy Rizzo Bar Cabinet in Black Suede
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo, cocktail bar, chromed metal, suede, glass and brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar, designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. His bar cabinet designs are am...
Metal, Brass
Willy Rizzo Bar Cabinet with Barstools in Suede
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo, cocktail bar, chromed metal, suede, glass and brass, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar, designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. His bar cabinet designs are am...
Metal, Brass
Willy Rizzo Dry Bar Set
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar set, chrome, plywood, steel 1970s, Italy. This cocktail set with stools is designed by Willy Rizzo. His cocktail and bar designs are amongst his most prolific and therefore most wanted objects. This particular piece is exemplary for the glamorous style that Rizzo is known for. The clean chrome top matches the shiny mirroring black giving the bar a classy appearance. This bar set, which exists of two leather ottomans and a bar is glamorous, sculptural and architectural at the same time. Willy Rizzo (1928-2013), born in Naples, was a celebrity and Hollywood photographer. His models include Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. At a later stage in life, Rizzo discovered that his clientele loved his particular aesthetics and sense for style so much that he decided to design matching furniture...
Chrome
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 1970s Willy Rizzo bar cabinet featuring the designer’s signature glamorous modernist aesthetic with polished chrome, smoked mirror glass, ...
Suede
Suede And Chrome Dry Bar With Barstools by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible cognac suede and chrome bar set by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s. With original mirror counter, working lights, original refrigerator and two matching bar stools. The ultimat...
Chrome
Steel and velvet bar cabinet by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Bar cabinet designed by Willy Rizzo, an emblematic example of Italian luxury design between the Sixties and Seventies. The project reflects the scenographic aesthetics that distingui...
Steel
Suede And Chrome Dry Bar With Barstools by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible cognac suede and chrome bar set attributed to Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s. With original mirror counter, working lights, original refrigerator and two matching bar stools. ...
Chrome