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.
Willy Rizzo Chest of Drawers in Poplar Burl and Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and extremely elegant large chest of drawers in magnificent poplar burl and solid polished brass. This outstanding piece was designed by Willy Rizzo and produced in Italy dur...
Brass
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
Willy Rizzo Black Laminated Wood & Chrome Sideboard, Dresser, Cabinet Italy Pair
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo pair of very heavy black laminated wood dresser, sideboard, cabinet with circle chrome pulls and elegant chrome corners. Fea...
Chrome
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
Three-Doors Sideboard by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage three-doors sideboard in wood and chromed steel. Striking and architectural, this large 1970s sideboard exemplifies Willy Rizzo’s unmistakable glamour—where sharp geometry m...
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
$7,164
H 31.89 in W 73.63 in D 16.93 in
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard dresser with Mirror by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Italian mid-century sideboard i produced by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s. This sideboard has excellent manufacturing aspects, noticeable from the arched line, hard transparent glass s...
Brass
Willy Rizzo, Bar, Room Divider for Mario Sabot, 1970
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Serving as both a bar and a room divider, this piece of furniture by Willy Rizzo structures the room without closing it off. It consists of three modules: The two leather-covered sto...
Steel, Chrome
On Hold|$6,208
H 74.81 in W 52.17 in D 20.67 in
Sequoia Burl Bar Cabinet by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Conversano, IT
Elegant, bold, and timeless: this rare bar cabinet designed by Willy Rizzo is the perfect embodiment of his unmistakable style, suspended between rationalist functionalism and sophis...
Brass, Chrome
Painted Pine Three Door Sideboard
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique pine sideboards can be hard to find so our workshop in Europe takes good quality European yellow pine to build this piece using traditional design features and construction t...
Pine
Mae Solid Wood Dresser by Crump and Kwash
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Mae dresser by Crump and Kwash. Solid wood case / hand turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close dr...
Maple, Oak, Walnut
$4,800Sale Price|36% Off
H 28.75 in W 71.38 in D 18 in
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood 8 Drawer Dresser Sideboard Chest Westnofa Norway
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Wayne, NJ
Stunning 1960's Modern Brazilian Rosewood Eight-Drawer Dresser Sideboard Chest Westnofa Furniture Norway. The back side also is finished in R...
Rosewood
Art Deco Style Burl Cabinet Sideboard Server
Located in Pasadena, TX
Art Deco style burl cabinet server. Measure: 39". Beautiful burl is paired with contrasting ebony legs and finished back. Nickel pulls. Top drawer and a 2 door cabinet that opens...
Burl
$2,628Sale Price|54% Off
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 18.51 in
1970s Willy Rizzo Wood and Brass Chest of Drawers
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Chest of drawers attributed to Willy Rizzo. ten drawers, wood and brass details. Size of the piece: w 120 cm, h 75 cm , d 47 cm A video and better pictures will be available soon.
Brass
$7,938Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 69.49 in D 18.71 in
Willy Rizzo Cabinet, Elm Burl Wood & Brass, Mid-Century Modern, Italy
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in London, GB
Willy Rizzo cabinet, from the 1970s, it's a piece of history of furniture design. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Brass
$7,761
H 29.73 in W 47.25 in D 18.71 in
Original 3-door Sideboard with red laminate surface by Willy RIZZO, Sabot 1972
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Two-door sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo. Italy, Maria Sabot, 1972. Dark red laminate and chrome detailed sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Mario Sabot. Two doors ...
Laminate
Italian Bamboo Chest of Drawers, 1970s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Bamboo, boho; italian, brass, chique, 1970s This bamboo chest of drawers has a refined elegance, bringing a sense of timeless sophistication to any space. Madd from richly dark-stained bamboo, its natural texture and warmth are beautifully contrasted by sleek brass accents, which catch the light and add a touch of understated luxury. The design triggers a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of mid-century glamour or classic resort living, where craftsmanship and style went hand in hand. More than just a storage piece, it becomes a focal point—one that effortlessly elevates the ambiance of a bedroom, hallway, or living area with its unique blend of charm and character. This lacquered bamboo chest...
Wood, Bamboo
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot sideboard
By Willy Rizzo
Located in BE
A refined dark brown, lacquered and laminated credenza designed by Willy Rizzo and manufactured by Mario Sabot in Italy during the 1970s. The piece features elegant chromed corner pr...
Chrome
Original Burr Wood 3-door Sideboard by Willy RIZZO, Sabot 1972
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Burl wood three-door Sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo. Italy, Mario Sabot, 1972. Burl wood veneer with brass-coloured handles and corner details was designed by Willy Rizzo and prod...
Burl
Sold
H 29.73 in W 69.69 in D 18.71 in
Black "Alveo" Sideboard & Bar Cabinet by Willy Rizzo for Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Striking and iconic "Alveo" sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Sabot in Italy during the 1970s. In fabulous condition and fully original. Crafted in black lacquered ...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 29.93 in W 69.69 in D 18.9 in
Mid-century modern sideboard "Alveo" by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s A stunning and rare vintage sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo and manufactured by Mario Sabot in Italy, ci...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 64.97 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s.
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s.
Chrome
Sold
H 29.93 in W 69.69 in D 18.9 in
Willy Rizzo ‘Sideboard Alveo’ in Lacquer and Metal for Mario Sabot, Italy - 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Curitiba, PR
Willy Rizzo ‘Buffet Alveo’ in Lacquer and Metal for Mario Sabot, Italy - 1970. Willy Rizzo (1928–2013) was an Italian designer and photographer known for his glamorous, modernist fu...
Metal
Willy Rizzo Sideboard
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Willy Rizzo Sideboard, Produced in Italy, 1970s Introducing a stunning Willy Rizzo sideboard from the 1970s, a perfect blend of elegance and functionality that epitomizes the luxuri...
Steel
Sold
H 29.75 in W 47.25 in D 18.75 in
'Alveo' Sideboard Cabinet by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, circa 1970s Italy
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1970s 'Alveo' cabinet, which works excellent as a sideboard or small credenza, designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. The modern design consists o...
Stainless Steel
Italian Sideboard Alveo by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This unique sideboard was designed by Willy Rizzo from the Alveo series published by Mario Sabot Editions, Italy 1970. Willy Rizzo (1922-2013) was an Italian photographer and designe...
Steel
Two Sideboards by Willy Rizzo, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Greding, DE
Two black sideboards by Willy Rizzo in two- and three-door versions with the characteristic contrasting edges in stainless steel and round handles. Th...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 47.25 in D 18.9 in
20th Century Two-Door Sideboard By Willy Rizzo For Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An elegant two-door sideboard designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, produced in Italy in the 1970s. The gloss finish laminate veneer is beautifully accentuated by mirror polished ...
Metal