Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot Italy, 1970s

Sideboard by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot
Italy, 1970s

There are objects that tell the story of an era, and then there are those that define it.

This sideboard, designed by Willy Rizzo and manufactured by Mario Sabot in the early 1970s, stands as one of the most iconic expressions of the Italian glamour of that decade. Rizzo—a photographer before he was a designer—infused his furniture with the same visual language he used to capture the international jet set: minimalist, sophisticated, and incredibly dramatic.

Its glossy black surfaces play off iconic chrome-steel corner profiles, while large, recessed circular handles—a true signature of Rizzo’s work for Sabot—punctuate the front with a rigorous, instantly recognizable geometry. It strikes a perfect balance between minimalism and luxury, with every detail crafted to catch the light without ever appearing excessive.

Beneath its clean architectural lines lies a highly functional piece of furniture, designed to marry elegance with practicality. It is a commanding yet unobtrusive presence, equally at home in contemporary interiors and spaces with a more eclectic aesthetic.