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Willy Rizzo Dry Bars

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.

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Creator: Willy Rizzo
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Suede Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Willy Rizzo Dry Bars

Materials

Chrome

Hollywood Regency-style Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Greding, DE
Hollywood Regency style bar with large kidney-shaped counter and L-shaped shelf with integrated lighting and mirrors. The bar is made of polished stainless steel and brass and covere...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Dry Bars

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Mario Sabot
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage dry bar with black laminate structure and chromed metal base by Willy Rizzo. Realized in Italy in 1970s and produced by Mario Sabot. Very good condition.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Dry Bars

Materials

Metal, Brass

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Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
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Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
H 29.93 in W 75.99 in D 23.23 in
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Rare and beautiful vintage dry bar designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s. Orange suede and silver metal bars. Cleaned, rewired and tested (lights and refrigerator), in fully working ...
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1970s Italian Vintage Willy Rizzo Dry Bars

Materials

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Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
Vintage Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
H 75.99 in W 36.62 in D 47.25 in
Vintage Italian Dry Bar by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
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Indulge in the epitome of 1970s glamour with this rare and beautiful vintage dry bar, a testament to Willy Rizzo's design prowess. Immerse yourself in luxury with its brown suede and...
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Rizzo Dry Bars

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Willy Rizzo dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Willy Rizzo dry bars 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 dry bars, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dry bars 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 dry bars by Vittorio Dassi, Pier Luigi Colli, and Cesare Lacca. Prices for Willy Rizzo dry bars can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,868 and can go as high as $20,922, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.

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