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.
Italian Pair of Nightstands in Poplar Burl and Brass, Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and unique pair of nightstands in poplar burl wood and solid brass. This incredibly elegant pair of nightstands was designed by Willy Rizzo and produced in Italy during the 1...
Brass
Side Table by Willy Rizzo 'Linea Flaminia'
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
During the 1970s Willy Rizzo has designed different lines of tables. We offer you this side table of the ‘Linea Flaminia’. This two tier square side table is made of chromed metal, f...
Metal, Copper, Chrome
$6,317Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Two-Tier brass chrome side tables Willy Rizzo Flaminia 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
This stunning pair of two-tier end tables is guaranteed to be the focus of attention when you entertain guests in your living room. Following the glamorous Italian 1970s look of othe...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage glass and chrome cabinet by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Italy 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with trace of age and use for this glass and chrome plated display vitrine cabinet designed by Willy Rizzo and produced by Mario Sabot during the 70s.
Chrome
Signed "Flaminia" Side Table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
"Flaminia" signed side table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s Chrome and smoked glass. This table shows little variations with a similar one from Willy Rizzo also available in ou...
Chrome
$2,400 / item
Signed "Flaminia" Side Tables by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
"Flaminia" chrome, brass and glass side tables by Willy Rizzo Very good condition. Signed. 3 pieces available.
Brass, Chrome
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Pair of Nightstands "Ghost," Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Naples, IT
Rare pair of cylindrically shaped bedside tables/tables in black laminated lacquered wood and chromed metal, designed by Willy Rizzo for the firm Mario Sabot in the 1970s. They have ...
Plastic, Wood
Signed "Flaminia" Side Table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
"Flaminia" signed side table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s Chrome and smoked glass. This table shows little variations with a similar one from Willy Rizzo also available in our ...
Chrome
$8,973
H 14.38 in W 46.86 in D 50.6 in
"Alveo" Rectangular Burl and Brass Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent “Alveo” rectangular coffee table in burl wood and brass, designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot in Italy during the 1970s. Fully original and in fantastic condition, th...
Metal, Brass
Willy Rizzo Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Willy Rizzo 2-tier rectangular coffee table or side sofa, model Flaminia.
Brass
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
$3,828 / set
H 19.69 in Dm 19.3 in
Italian Pair of Black Lacquered Nightstands by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 70s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare pair of black lacquered nightstands or bedside tables was designed by Willy Rizzo and produce by Mario Sabot in the 70s
Plastic, Wood
$4,200 / set
H 25.5 in W 18.75 in D 18.75 in
Pair of Burl-wood Nightstands, 1970s, Dunbar style, Henredon, Side Tables
By Henredon
Located in Round Rock, TX
Pair of 1970s Olive Burlwood Cylinder Nightstands / Side Tables with Interior Shelf Storage Olive burlwood cylinder stands, featuring a warm honey-toned finish and seriously strikin...
Burl
$2,093Sale Price|30% Off
H 11.82 in W 34.65 in D 34.65 in
Low Square Table Mario Sabot Willy Rizzo design 1960s Black and Silver
By Mario Sabot
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Elegant square table beveled corners made by Mario sabot in about 1960s probable design by Willy Rizzo, in the center square recessed licquor and glass holder.
Laminate
Vintage Italian Cocktail Table by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage Italian cocktail table designed by Willy Rizzo, circa 1970s. This table has an organic and minimalist design in which the elegance of the materials used in its const...
Stainless Steel
On Hold|$2,393 / set
H 23.63 in W 20.87 in D 14.97 in
Pair of Italian Art Deco Night Stands Bed Side Tables in Burl Walnut
Located in Carimate, Como
Very important, elegant and refined pair of Italian 1940s Art Deco bedside tables with great design shape and detail of every part and beautiful decors with the burl wood veneer in t...
Brass
$23,500 / set
H 16.25 in W 24 in D 20 in
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Brass
$2,400
H 16.54 in W 31.5 in D 19.69 in
Signed "Flaminia" Side Table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
"Flaminia" signed side table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970s Chrome and smoked glass. This table shows little variations with a similar one from Willy Rizzo also available in our ...
Chrome
$1,914 / set
H 31.5 in W 16.54 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Italian Art Deco Night Stands Bed Side Tables in Burl Walnut
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined pair of Italian 1940s Art Deco bedside tables with great design shape and decors in veneer burl walnut briar wood with front door and inside drawer. This nig...
Brass
$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
Sideboard by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Willy Rizzo sideboard is a mid-century design living room set realized by by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot in 1970s Structure is composed by solid wood laquered and veneered by red...
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Mid-Century Brass, Chrome and Glass Side Tables by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of mid-century Italian side tables made of brass and chrome frame with smoked glass top and lower shelves by Willy Rizzo. Each table signed on the metal. Heavy and solid, very ...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Vintage Italian Side Tables by Willy Rizzo for Cidue
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and extremely well made pair of vintage Italian side tables by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. They were made in Italy, and date from the 1970’s. The quality is outstanding, t...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 59.06 in D 17.72 in
Vintage Sideboard is a Design Work realized by Willy Rizzo, in 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Sideboard is a design work realized by Willy Rizzo, in 1970s. Lacquered Wood and Chromed steel. Stamp signed lower right. Produced by Atelier Willy Rizzo, Italy 1970s. H7...
Chrome
Sold
H 7.88 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in
20th Century Burled Walnut Veneer Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, Italy, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A large burled walnut veneer coffee table by Willy Rizzo, made in Italy towards the end of the 1960s to early 1970s. The clean lines and luxurious feel are characteristically Willy R...
Pine
Sold
H 13.78 in W 47.25 in D 26.38 in
20th Century Italian Brass Top Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful “hidden bar” coffee table, made in Italy in the 1970s. This very well crafted coffee table is finished in cream melamine with a gilded metal blades. The top level slides ...
Brass
Chromed Mirrored Coffee Tables from Cidue, Set of 3, Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waasmunster, BE
Very unique dark mirrored set of "Willy Rizzo" side tables with each different hights. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Chrome
Sold
H 16.54 in W 29.53 in D 21.66 in
Pair of 1970s Willy Rizzo Italian Travertine Topped & Bronze Side or End Tables
By Willy Rizzo
Located in London, England
Pair of rectangular side or end tables with travertine marble tops and galvanised bronze coloured metal bases. The tables are designed by the acclaimed Italian designer Willy Rizzo d...
Travertine, Metal
Sold
H 12.6 in W 50.99 in D 31.5 in
Italian Travertine Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, Hollywood Regency, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rectangular; Italian Design; Italy; Travertine; bBrass; Coffee table; Cocktail table; Side Table; Willy Rizzo; 1970s; Side table; Living Room; Hollywood Regency; Mid-Century Modern; Willy Rizzo designed this Hollywood Regency travertine...
Travertine, Brass
Sold
H 13.78 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
Burl 'Alveo' Coffee Table with Bar by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Glamorous mid-century coffee table by Willy Rizzo designed for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970s. Besides being functional, it is also a great decorative item. The table is made of lamina...
Brass
Sold
H 16.15 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Two-Tier Brass Chrome Travertine End Table Willy Rizzo Flaminia 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
This stunning two-tier end table is guaranteed to be the focus of attention when you entertain guests in your living room. Following the glamorous Italian Hollywood Regency look of other classic Willy Rizzo designs, this Flaminia model side table feature a chrome-plated steel frame finished with brass edges, resulting in a beautiful and rich contrast. The combination of chrome, brass and travertine forms...
Travertine, Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 18.12 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Mid-Century Brass, Chrome and Glass Top Side Tables by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
This pair of mid-century Italian side tables made of brass and chrome frame with smoked glass. Heavy and solid, very good condition (newly polished).
Brass, Chrome