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 Mid-Century Yin Yang Coffee Cocktail Table, Willy Rizzo, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Italian Willy Rizzo Yin Yang series mid-century coffee table from 1970s. This table is created ir round form with two levels. The surface is in black varnish combined with upper lev...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century ALVEO Coffee Cocktail Table, Willy Rizzo, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Italian Willy Rizzo ALVEO series mid-century coffee table from 1970s. This table is an exclusive piece created with burl walnut veneer decorated with brass details on the corners an...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Signed 2 Tiers Console
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
2 tiers Willy Rizzo console, Flaminia series. Chrome and brass, high quality piece, heavy and sturdy Signed on the front leg Perfect dimensions for a sofa table use.
Brass, Chrome
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
Rare side table of chromed brass and creme coloured laminate by Willy Rezzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare side table of chromed brass and creme coloured laminate. Manufactured 1970s by Mario Salbot, Italy.
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Brass Chrome Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo Signed 1970s Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vienna, AT
This signed Willy Rizzo vintage coffee table was made of brass and chromed metal and appears as an elegant beauty. Willy Rizzo (1928-2...
Metal, Brass
$9,036
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
Black Lacquer Rectangular Two-Tier Console Sofa Table
By Lane Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black lacquer two-tier console table.
Hardwood
Willy Rizzo Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Willy Rizzo 2-tier rectangular coffee table or side sofa, model Flaminia.
Brass
$3,855
H 13.78 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
Alveo black lacquered coffee table by Willy Rizzo for Sabot 70s
By Willy Rizzo, Sabot
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
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
$3,193
H 14.57 in W 62.6 in D 31.11 in
Midcentury Brass and White Formica Italian Coffee Table Willy Rizzo Style, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic and large mid-century low table in brass and white formica laminate. This wonderful piece is inspired by Willy Rizzo's production and was designed in Italy during the 1970s...
Metal, Brass
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
Vintage Italian Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Austin, TX
Iconic vintage Italian coffee table with chromed central compartment by Willy Rizzo. Renowned Italian designer Willy Rizzo designed this piece featuring a bottle holder in the center...
Chrome
1970s Vintage Faux Marble Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bold and sophisticated faux marble coffee table was designed by Willy Rizzo, renowned for his glamorous, architectural approach to modern design. Featuring a substantial rectang...
Wood
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
$4,900
H 28 in W 57.25 in D 18 in
Italian Mid-Century Brass, Chrome & Glass Console / Sofa Table, Willy Rizzo
By Fontana Arte, Willy Rizzo, Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern brass, chrome and smoked green glass console / sofa table in the style of Willy Rizzo for Maison Jansen, circa 1970 with the smoked glass by Fontana Arte. This double tier console...
Brass, Chrome
$2,108Sale Price|50% Off
H 13.78 in W 51.19 in D 27.56 in
Large Brass and Chrome Coffee Table Willy Rizzo Model Flaminia, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
This stunning coffee 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 C...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 13.78 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Italian Mid-Century ALVEO Coffee Cocktail Table, Willy Rizzo, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Italian Willy Rizzo ALVEO series mid-century coffee table from 1970s. This table is an exclusive piece created with burl walnut veneer decorated with brass details on the corners an...
Brass
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
Sold
H 13.78 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Italian Mid-Century ALVEO Coffee Cocktail Table, Willy Rizzo, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Italian Willy Rizzo ALVEO series mid-century coffee table from 1970s. This table is an exclusive piece created with burl walnut veneer decorated with brass details on the corners an...
Brass
Sold
H 13.78 in W 50.4 in D 31.5 in
Italian Mid-Century ALVEO Coffee Cocktail Table, Willy Rizzo, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vilnius, LT
Italian Willy Rizzo ALVEO series midcentury coffee-cocktail table from 1970s. This table is an exclusive piece created with burl walnut veneer decorated with brass details on the c...
Brass
Willy Rizzo Alveo Coffee Table Mid Seventies
By Willy Rizzo
Located in bari, IT
A classic of Italian design ALVEO model coffee table designer Willy Rizzo production Mario Sabot from the 70s. Particular model because purple red lacquered wood. Born in Naples, he ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
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
Pair of Ends of Sofas in Chromed Metal, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of cubic sofa ends in chromed and gilded brass resting on four straight legs connected by spacer bars and opening with a drawer. Top and crotch windows...
Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 55 in D 13.38 in
Signed Willy Rizzo Two-Tier Chrome & Brass Console Table Smoked Glass Italy 60s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Very elegant two-tier console table signed Willy Rizzo made in Italy, circa 1965. Sturdy chrome frame with brass inlay and smoked glass tops. Mid-Century Modern minimalist design f...
Brass, Chrome
Willy Rizzo TRG Revolving Coffee Table, Italy, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Spectacular 'TRG' revolving coffee table designed by Willy (William) Rizzo and manufactured by Studio Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970. This is probably...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 13.59 in W 50.6 in D 31.5 in
Coffee / Sofa Table “Alveo” by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Regensburg, DE
Coffee / Sofa table “Alveo” by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s Black Formica laminate on wood. Chrome-plated corners and removable tray. Good, over-polished condition. One...
Metal, Chrome
Tavolino da salotto Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Catania, IT
Tavolino da salotto in ottone con laccatura in cromo e 2 ripiani di cristallo fumè disegnato da willy rizzo come attesta la firma sullo stesso.
Brass
Sold
H 13.27 in W 51.19 in D 31.66 in
Coffee Table, 1973, Alveo, Burr Thuya Brass Willy Rizzo Bar Bohemian Vintage
By Willy Rizzo
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
This is a rare edition of the Alveo (riverbed) coffee table, retailed by Mario Sabot in Italy from 1972. The table is veneered in burr Thuya which is sought after for its beaut...
Brass