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.
Brass Chrome Smoked Glass Willy Rizzo Square Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Sharp looking Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Willy Rizzo.
Brass, Chrome
Willy Rizzo, table in Lacquered Wood and steel for Mario Sabot, Italy
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Willy Rizzo, table in Lacquered Wood and steel for Mario Sabot, Italy 1960
Steel
Willy Rizzo Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Willy Rizzo 2-tier rectangular coffee table or side sofa, model Flaminia.
Brass
$3,828
H 13.78 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
Alveo black lacquered coffee table by Willy Rizzo for Sabot 70s
By Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Padova, IT
CONDITIONS: very good with small and inevitable signs of age and use Willy Rizzo (1928–2013) was an influential Italian-French photographer and designer, known for his portraits of the greatest celebrities of the 20th century and for his iconic luxury furnishings of the 1970s. In 1968, after moving to Rome, he began designing furniture because he felt the existing ones were neither comfortable nor luxurious enough for his jet-set friends. Style: His designs are characterized by fine materials (brass, stainless steel, lacquer, marble), geometric lines, and a modern, funky aesthetic. Iconic Pieces: Among his best-known creations are the low tables with integrated bars, the marble dining tables, and the lacquered furniture produced for brands such as Mario Sabot and Cidue. Awards: Some of his works are exhibited in prestigious museums, including the MoMA in New York. Even today, Studio Willy Rizzo in Paris continues to preserve its photographic archive and re-edit its design projects. Mario Sabot: The Company and its Style Mario Sabot was a prominent Italian design studio and manufacturer active in the 20th century, known for creating furniture that embodied the glamour and style of 1970s Italy. Aesthetics: Mario Sabot furniture designs are characterized by a fusion of modern and classic elements, with elegant lines, luxurious materials, and a timeless aesthetic. Materials: The company made extensive use of high-quality materials such as lacquered wood, stainless steel, brass, and glass, often combined to create sophisticated visual contrasts. Collaborations: The most famous collaboration was with photographer and designer Willy Rizzo, who designed many of Sabot's iconic pieces, including round dining tables with gold metal details and black sideboards...
Metal
1970s Willy Rizzo Square Two-Tiered Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
A square French two-tiered low side tables with chrome and gunmetal finish metal and smokey glass tops. By Willy Rizzo* for Linea Flaminia. From the estate of Mrs. C.Z. Guest (Mrs. W...
Chrome
$2,565 / item
H 29.93 in W 86.62 in D 43.31 in
Minimalist-style "Planos" dining table in solid wood and painted steel
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
This dining table, made of solid wood in a minimalist style, was Inspired by modernist architectural projects and the grace of its structures, which Alessandra Delgado used to design...
Steel
$2,250
H 16 in W 39.25 in D 40.25 in
Peter Draenert "Klassik" Model 1022 Glass Coffee Table with Square Chrome Base
By Peter Draenert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Mid-Century 'Klassik' Model 1022 coffee table. Thick glass top and square chrome base. Designed by Dr. Peter Draenert, a philosopher and art historian, this table meshes a sleek...
Chrome
$9,690Sale Price|40% Off
H 13.78 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Willy Rizzo forest green lacquer square coffee table 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
This stunning square coffee table is guaranteed to be the focus of attention when you entertain guests in your living room. Following the glamorous mid-century look of other classic ...
Lacquer
$695
H 14.25 in W 35.5 in D 23.625 in
1980s Willy Rizzo Style White Laminate Storage Coffee Table, Chrome
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Geometric, box-form coffee table in the manner of Willy Rizzo captures the sleek glamour of 1980s Italian design at its most refined. White laminate wraps the entire form — body, pli...
Chrome
$2,140Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Midcentury Square Lucite Coffee Table with Chromed Metal Details
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of midcentury square lucite coffee tables with chromed metal details. We have matching pair square coffee table available 60cm x 60cm.
Brass
$4,306
H 28.35 in W 66.93 in D 51.58 in
Extendable Dining Table by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Hollywood Regency, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Extendable Dining Table by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Hollywood Regency, 1970s
Wood
$3,850
H 16 in W 31.5 in D 19.75 in
Signed Willy Rizzo Two-Tier Chrome & Brass Coffee Table Smoked Glass Italy 60s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Very elegant two-tier coffee table signed Willy Rizzo made in Italy, circa 1965. Sturdy chrome frame with brass inlay and smoked glass tops. Space in between the glass is 7.5 inche...
Brass, Chrome
$2,631
H 13 in W 40.56 in D 22.05 in
Coffee Center Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta Chrome and Smoked Glass
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Midcentury table 'Marcuso' by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta steel chrome and large tempered thickness smoked cristal. Excellent condition. Measures cm: H 33, W 103, D 56 About This...
Crystal, Steel
Willy Rizzo - coffee table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Blue lacquered coffee table with cocktail bar. Modèle Alveo. Italy, 1970. Dimensions : 36 x 130 x 80 cm.
Wood, Lacquer
TAVOLINO NERO Willy Rizzo per Mario Sabot '70/'80
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Manzano, IT
TAVOLINO NERO Willy Rizzo per Mario Sabot '70/'80 Stile Vintage Periodo del design 1970 - 1979 Periodo di produzione 1970 - 1979 Anno di produzione 1970 Paese di produzione Italia Cr...
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 35.44 in D 70.87 in
Willy Rizzo Table Dining Room Table Barrel Shape Travertine and Brass, 1975
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Willy Rizzo table Dining room table Barrel shape Travertine and brass circa 1975 180 x 90 x 76 cms 70 kgs Price : 3400 € for a barrel.
Travertine
Willy Rizzo TRG Revolving Coffee Table with Ice Bucket
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Willy Rizzo TRG revolving coffee table dates back to 1970's, Italy. Made from brushed steel and has a retractable stainless steel ice bucket. The ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 13.78 in W 50.79 in D 31.5 in
Willy Rizzo "Alveo" Rectangular Black Wood Chrome Italian Coffee Table, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
"Alveo" coffee table designed by Willy Rizzo. Black lacquered solid wood structure and chromed steel bottle gap and corners.
Wood
Sold
H 15.95 in W 43.31 in D 43.31 in
Willy Rizzo "Alveo" Squared White Brass Italian Center Table, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
"Alveo" center table designed by Willy Rizzo. White lacquered solid wood structure and brass bottle gap.
Brass
Alveo Burlwood Coffee Table, Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Stunning!! The Alveo coffee table from Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Rare laminated burlwood edition in combination with gold messing. Perfect vintage condition - no damage. Very ...
Laminate
Sold
H 13.78 in W 50.79 in D 31.5 in
Willy Rizzo "Alveo" Rectangular Black Wood Chrome Italian Coffee Table, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
"Alveo" coffee table designed by Willy Rizzo. Black lacquered solid wood structure and chromed steel bottle gap and corners.
Steel
Willy Rizzo Lacquered Chrome Brass Flaminia Game Table, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
A rare Flaminia game table by Willy Rizzo, it has a double sided surface, one side is a shining black lacquered top, the other side is brown Suede leather as a playing surface. Follo...
Brass, Chrome
Italian Vintage Ebonized Coffee Table with Chrome by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Austin, TX
Iconic Italian vintage ebonized coffee table with chrome by Willy Rizzo. Renowned Italian designer Willy Rizzo designed this piece featuring a bottle holder in the center. We couldn’...
Chrome
Large Square Coffee Table with Bar by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Echt, NL
Impressive coffee table with bar in good condition. Designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot in the seventies. Very large size: 51.18 x 51.18 In...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 14.97 in W 47.25 in D 27.17 in
Low Bar Table by Willy Rizzo Chrome and Black Glass with Glass and Bottle Range
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Low bar table by Willy Rizzo chrome and black glass with glass and bottle range the top can be open.
Chrome
Sold
H 13.78 in W 50.79 in L 13.78 in
Willy Rizzo "Alveo" Rectangular Black Wood Chrome Italian Coffee Table, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
"Alveo" coffee table designed by Willy Rizzo. Black lacquered solid wood structure and chromed steel bottle gap and corners.
Steel