Skip to main content

Willy Rizzo Chairs

Italian, 1928-2013

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.

7
to
1
6
1
7
7
7
2
1
1
7
1
6
1
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
1
7
4
4
3
2
7
5
1
102
390
336
298
282
Creator: Willy Rizzo
SQ Chair
By Willy Rizzo
Located in PARIS, FR
Rizzo loved the simplicity and purity of Rationalism and was heavily inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic. Informed by his photographer’s eye, he sought visual...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Brass

Willy Rizzo C2 70s Production Chromed Steel Frame Gray Vintage Leather Set of 4
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Willy Rizzo chairs C2 70s production with chromed steel frame and gray vintage leather seats. Set of 4 chairs. The seat has been re upholstered with vintage leather. The chairs are...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Steel

Willy Rizzo Peccary Leather SQ Chairs with Stainless Steel Structure, circa 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Experience the iconic design of Willy Rizzo with this exceptional pair of SQ chairs. Crafted in 1970, these chairs boast a striking stainless steel structure that exudes contemporary...
Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, circa 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Willy Rizzo, Set of 4 Chairs in Lacquered Wood for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970 Ca
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Argelato, BO
Willy Rizzo, set of 4 chairs in lacquered wood, fabric and aluminum, Mario Sabot production. Models created in the 1970s
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 4 Willy Rizzo Diningchairs in Chrome and Leather for Cidue, Italy, 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Beautifully patinated dark cognac brown dining-room chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. As we are used from Willy Rizzo we see a good combination between the two materials used in this ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Four Willy Rizzo Signed Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four chrome metal chairs signed Willy Rizzo on the chrome leg. Newly reupholstered in black ultrasuede. Measures: 19" H seat.
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Related Items
Willy Rizzo Set of Black Leather Dining Chairs "C2" For Cidue, 1970s, Italy
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautifully patinated black dining-room chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. As we are used from Willy Rizzo we see a good combination between the two materials used in this chair: Chrom...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Italian Cane Chairs 1970s Set of 4
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Rare and original curved shape Italian chairs from 1970s with black lacquered wood and cane seat and backrest and chrome structure. Minimalist and solid. Very good vintage condition.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Italian Cane Chairs 1970s Set of 4
Mid Century Italian Cane Chairs 1970s Set of 4
H 33.08 in W 20.08 in D 26.78 in
Vintage Bauhaus Skaala Fabric & Chrome Chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro, 1980s, Set of 4
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Avarte, Finland 1
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of four Skaala chairs was designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro for the Finnish Avarte manufacture during the 1980s. Due to their modern and minimal look, they will easily find their place in the living room or office. The Skaala chair perfectly reflects Kukkapuro's love for ergonomic furniture. This innovative combination of aesthetics and functionality refers to idea from Bauhaus school. The frame is made of chrome-plated goldish metal. The seat and backrest are upholstered with high-quality gray fabric, and additional armrests are made of birch plywood. Yrjö Kukkapuro is a Finnish furniture designer. He is the important person of Finnish functionalism. He has mainly been working as a freelance designer since the 1950s, and most of the furniture he designed early in his career is still in production. "Does it make sense to design a chair that is not comfortable to sit on?" - this is one of Kukkapuro's favorite sayings, which perfectly reflects the designer's love of ergonomic furniture. His designs aim at a subtle balance between functionality and aesthetics - a perfect example of this is the Karuselli chair by Artek and other iconic designs such as the Saturnus table, the Skaala chair, the Remmi series, and the Ateljee armchair and sofa. In his career, Kukkapuro has received many national and international awards - incl. Lunning Prize in 1966, First Prize at the International Chair Design Competition in Italy in 1972 and the Kaj Franck Design Prize in 1995. His works are permanently present in museums around the world, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, MoMA in New York and Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Avarte was established as a continuation of the family company Haimi. In 1980, Haimi employees acquired the company for themselves and changed the company name to Avarte. Haimi was a Finnish furniture manufacturer founded in 1943 that was especially known as the producer of Yrjö Kukkapuro designs. Avarte continued to manufacture furniture until 2013, when the company ha been ceased. In addition to Yrjö Kukkapuro's designs, Avarte also produced furniture designed by Samula Naamanka, Mikko Paakkanen and Simo Heikkilä...
Category

1980s Finnish Bauhaus Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage German Bauhaus Icon Black Leather & Chrome S33 Chair by Mart Stam, 1960s
By Thonet, Mart Stam
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This S33 chair by Mart Stam is a design icon from 1926. It was produced by the German Thonet manufactory. Our piece comes from the 1960s. It is the first can...
Category

1960s German Bauhaus Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Four Dining Chairs Beech Blue Willy Rizzo, 1960s, Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage set of four ( 4 ) dining room chairs from brown stained beech and upholstered seats new covered with blue velvet by Willy Rizzo 1960s Italy. A beautiful s...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Mario Sabot, Set of 6 Chairs in Lacquered Wood and Steel , Italy
By Mario Sabot
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Mario Sabot, Set of 6 Chairs in Lacquered Wood and steel Italy 1960 there are lacks of paint on the top of all the chairs the upholstery needs to be redone the model table is offere...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of Ten Post Modern Aluminum and Steel Dining Chairs by Cidue, Italy, 1980s
By Cidue
Located in Miami, FL
Set of ten Postmodern chairs rendered in black enameled steel frame and cold rolled aluminum seat by Cidue, Italy, circa 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Set of 5 Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, Leather and Steel, Italy, 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 5 dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue, leather and steel, Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Steel

Cidue Dining Chair in Red Brown Leather
By Cidue
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cidue, dining chair, leather, chrome-plated metal, Italy, 1970s Cantilevered dining room chair with chromed flat tubular steel frame. The seating and back are from thick red to bro...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Cidue Dining Chair in Red Brown Leather
Cidue Dining Chair in Red Brown Leather
H 32.88 in W 18.12 in D 22.45 in
Pine wooden Italian dining chairs 1970s, set of four
By Mario Marenco
Located in Den Haag, ZH
These remarkable dining chairs embody a sculptural aesthetic evoking the spirit of 1970s Italian design and craftsmanship. While the exact designer remains unknown, their craftsman...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Pine

Set of 6 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Original and signed set of 6 "Plia" pink lucite folding chairs. This fantastic set was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. These folding chairs are made of very rar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Rare Midcentury Stool Produced by Mario Sabot, Italy 70s
By Mario Sabot
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare stool designed produce by Mario Sabot Italy in the 70s Lacquared wood and leather.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Rare Midcentury Stool Produced by Mario Sabot, Italy 70s
Rare Midcentury Stool Produced by Mario Sabot, Italy 70s
Free Shipping
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 16.93 in
Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Willy Rizzo Six Black Lacquered Wood & Green Velvet Italian Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid Century modern set of six chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Made of black lacquered wood structure. Seat reupholstered in green cotton velvet with polished steel fr...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Black Leather Chrome Cantilever Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue Italy
By Willy Rizzo, Cidue
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 4 dining or accent chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. A stunning set of vintage Italian designed cantilever chairs, iconic and minimal. These chairs feature a chrome ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Leather

Sedie Willy Rizzo per Mario sabot
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Napoli, NA
Sedie Willy Rizzo set di 4 In camoscio rivestimento nuovo Legno laccato
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Suede, Wood

Set of 4 Willy Rizzo chairs in Chrome and Leather for Cidue, Italy, 1970s
By Cidue, Willy Rizzo
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautifully patinated dark cognac brown dining-room chairs by Willy Rizzo for Cidue. As we are used from Willy Rizzo we see a good combination between the two materials used in this ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Willy Rizzo Six Black Lacquered Wood & Green Velvet Italian Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid Century modern set of six chairs designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot. Made of black lacquered wood structure. Seat reupholstered in green cotton velvet with polished steel fr...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set Fo 6 Dining Chairs Designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, 1970s
By Mario Sabot, Willy Rizzo
Located in Conversano, IT
Amazing set composed of six iconic Space Age style chairs designed by the Master Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot 1970s. The chairs are all in excellent conditions, in mahogany beech w...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Textile, Velvet, Wood

Group of 6 Chairs W. Rizzo for M. Sabot Beech, Italy 70s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Milano, IT
Group of 6 chairs in stained beech wood with foam padding and fabric covering.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Willy Rizzo Chairs for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern set of 6 Willy Rizzo chairs for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Metal

Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Prod, Italy, 1970 Ca. Six wooden chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in London, GB
Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Prod. Italy, 1970 ca. Six wooden chairs with curved back and fabric upholstery. Set of 6 chairs from the 1970s designed by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Set of 12 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 12 Willy Rizzo Dining Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 dining chairs by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot 1970s. This dining set of 4 chairs by the Italian Designer Willy Rizzo consists of a wooden frame in light reddish mahogany tone. The seats were re-covered with a matching fabric with the colour in mustard/curry. A perfect match! The unique geometric shapes characterize the structure of noble wood, often used by Willy Rizzo, an internationally known photographer who began to approach furniture design in the late 60s and early 70s. He designed furniture for his residences inspired by modernism, such as "Mies van der Rohe" and "Le Corbusier". The geometric shape immediately catches the eye. The noble wood in combination with the beige brown seat cushions gives a perfect combination of colors. The chairs can be perfectly used as a family dining table...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Willy Rizzo, Set of 4 Chairs in Lacquered Wood for Mario Sabot, Italy 1970 Ca
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Argelato, BO
Willy Rizzo, set of 4 chairs in lacquered wood, fabric and aluminum, Mario Sabot production. Models created in the 1970s
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Willy Rizzo Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Willy Rizzo chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Willy Rizzo chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willy Rizzo chairs, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Willy Rizzo were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Tobia Scarpa, and Carlo Bartoli. Prices for Willy Rizzo chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $579 and can go as high as $10,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,050.

Recently Viewed

View All