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.
Mid-Century Italian Faux Marble Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by the legendary Italian designer Willy Rizzo, this striking coffee table captures the glamour that made his work highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts ar...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Italian Modernist Faux Marble Coffee Table by Willy Rizzo, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by the celebrated Italian designer Willy Rizzo during the 1970s, this exceptional coffee table exemplifies the refined glamour and modernism that defined his work. Known for...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Monumental Italian Chrome and Lucite Coffee Table by Sandro Petti, 1970s
By Sandro Petti, L'Angolo Metallarte
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century modern coffee table, designed by Sandro Petti for L'Angolo MetallArte in Italy during the 1970s, is a remarkable example of sculptural modernist design. Defined by i...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Italian Modern Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This vintage Italian travertine coffee table embodies the sculptural simplicity and refined craftsmanship that made Italian stone furniture of the 1980s so enduringly desirable. Expe...
Travertine
Mid-Century Modern "Swirl" Glass Coffee Table by Daniel Gluck
By Daniel Gluck
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional vintage coffee table represents a remarkable collaboration between artistry and function. Created by renowned California artist Daniel Gluck in the 1960s, the “Swirl” showcases the era’s bold experimentation with form and materials. The table’s most captivating feature is its sculptural base—an abstract composition of torch-cut steel that spirals upward in a dramatic, fluid motion. This dynamic swirling form creates visual movement from every angle, transforming a utilitarian piece into a work of art. The raw, industrial character of the steel provides a striking contrast to the refined elegance of the thick oval glass top that rests above. The substantial glass surface not only offers practical functionality but also allows the intricate metalwork below to remain fully visible, ensuring the base’s artistic merit takes center stage. This thoughtful design choice exemplifies mid-century modern aesthetics, which celebrated transparency and openness. As a statement piece, the Swirl coffee table...
Metal
Vintage Italian Modern Travertine Coffee Table, 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Crafted in Italy during the 1970s, this vintage Italian Modern coffee table celebrates the timeless beauty of natural travertine. Carved from stone, the table showcases the distincti...
Travertine
Mid-century Modern Italian Marble and Metal Round Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Round coffee table, Carrara marble top and black lacquered metal base, Italian production from the 60s
Marble, Metal
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
Italian Mid-Century Portoro Marble Round Coffee / Cocktail Table
By (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Southampton, NJ
Striking Mid 20th Century Portoro marble coffee or cocktail table with four tapered brass legs, In the manner of Gio Ponti; signed made in Italy.
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Brass
Round Italian Marble Coffee or Side Table, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice round Italian marble coffee or side table, 1980's. The fabulous marble features a beautiful pattern of different colors. It is in very good condition, with the normal...
Marble
AT14 Round Coffee Table in Marble and Blackened Steel by Atlas Industries
Located in Geneve, CH
AT14 Round Coffee Table in Marble and Blackened Steel by Atlas Industries. Dimensions: Diameter 91.5 cm x H 35.5 cm. Materials: Marble top and blackened cold rolled steel base with b...
Marble, Bronze, Steel
Stanhope Coffee Table — Large — Circular Steel Base — Rare British Marble Top
By Richy Almond, Novocastrian
Located in Washington, GB
A circular coffee table in incredibly rare British marble and blackened steel. Hand crafted to order in the North. Measures: 100cm dia x 3...
Stone, Limestone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass, Bronze, C...
