German furniture designer Tommi Parzinger brought high-style modernism to the forefront. Taking a vivid, stylized approach to mid-century furniture, many of his works feature boldly colored lacquers and offbeat finishes that make his pieces stand out among the works of his peers. Despite his uniquely progressive vision, Parzinger showed equal expertise in producing fine, traditional furnishings.
Born in Munich, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932. He began his practice in the United States by designing for the Manhattan style trailblazer Rena Rosenthal. In 1939, he established his first company, which split its focus between handcrafted silver household items — such as tea sets and barware — and home furnishings, like dining tables and cabinets. In his first year in business, Parzinger exhibited several pieces of furniture at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
A master craftsman, Parzinger sought out the most exceptional materials for his furniture, employing the finest woods — like mahogany and walnut — as well as including custom brass hardware and pewter inlays.
His silver works presented an elevated level of style and grace. A November 1939 article in LIFE magazine described Parzinger as “the most creative original designer of silverware in the United States.”
While he was still running his own business — creating 12 to 30 new designs each year — Charak Furniture Company appointed Parzinger as its head of modern furniture design. He modernized Charak’s design approach from a more traditional form to a mid-century modern style.
In the mid-1960s, Parzinger stopped designing furniture, turning his company over to his friend Donald Cameron. He shifted his attention to paintings, which he created until his death in 1981.
On 1stDibs, find a broad selection of vintage Tommi Panzinger tables, lighting, storage pieces and more.
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Four Arm Brass Wall Candelabrum
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Grand scale wall mounted candle sconce with four branches designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. This uncommonly seen candela...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Candle Stick Holder with Original Hurricane Glass
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Candle Stick Holder with Original Hurricane Glass These were handcrafted brass pieces by Dorlyn for Parzinger. The long brass bar looks to be slightly eschew to the...
Brass
Midcentury Brass Plated Candleholder Sconce by Tommi Parzinger, USA c. 1955
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Chicago, IL
Polished brass plated candleholder sconce by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, USA, c. 1955. Larger scale with five (5) candleholders. Backplate features the iconic etched bra...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger, Candleholder Sconces, Polished Brass, Metal, USA c. 1955
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, Mid-Century Modern, Candleholder Sconces, Polished Brass, USA c. 1955 Pair of large scale candleholder sconces designed by Tommi Parzinger f...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Five-Arm Sconces in Polished Nickel, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
A pair of grand scale polished nickel Hollywood Regency five-arm sconces designed by one of the most influential and iconic American Mid-Century designers. Tommi Parzinger was the go...
Nickel
Trio of Custom Acanthus Leaf Sconces by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Lovely and elegant group of brass candelabra sconces featuring an acanthus leaf motif were designed by Tommi Parzinger from one of his most important commissions, the Appleman resid...
Brass
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.5 in Dm 8.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps in Tommi Parzinger Style, Circa 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of metallic gold and light green painted plaster table lamps with large nickel-plated rings, circa 1950. Both lamps are signed by the manufacturer on the back of the lamp. These...
Nickel
$8,950Sale Price|22% Off
H 24 in W 14 in D 7 in
Pair 19th Century French Empire Figural Bronze 2 Arm Wall Sconces Sothebys
Located in Roslyn, NY
A pair of very fine 19th century French empire doré bronze figural two-arm sconces. The left facing figure is of a woman, and countering her is the right facing man. Provenance to...
Bronze
$1,750 / set
H 14 in W 10 in D 4.5 in
Wonderful Pair Vaughan Empire Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces Wall Lamps
By Vaughan Designs
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Vaughan Empire Style Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces / Wall Lamps With Pleated Shades.
Nickel, Bronze
$875
H 19.94 in Dm 8.5 in
Vintage Chapman Style Brass & Glass Hurricane Candle Holder Cylinder Lantern
Located in St. Louis, MO
A striking 1970s vintage modern architectural, brass and glass hurricane candle lantern made in Spain, designed in the bold architectural style of Chapman Manufacturing and Guild Mas...
Brass
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Polished Nickel Candlesticks
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Classic candlesticks in polished nickel designed by Tommi Parzinger.
Nickel
$1,000 / set
H 8 in W 4 in D 4 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks, Mid-Century Modern, Polished, USA
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of midcentury classically styled candlesticks with a square base stylized column and engraved drip plate. Designed by Tommi Parzinger, signature stamp on bottom. Polished.
Brass
Pair of Monumental 5 Arm Brass Sconces After Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of custom made oversize wall lamps in the manner of Tommi Parzinger. These were bench made entirely by hand for a one off project; not mass produced. Five arms with candelabra s...
Brass
Italian Silver Gilt 5 Arm Candle Wall Sconce, Pair
Located in San Angelo, TX
Unique and simple pair of silver gilt Italian 5 Arm Candle Wall Sconces that feature antique Italian bobeches. These are lightweight and are neutral toned making them perfect for man...
Metal
$5,370Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 24 in W 21.75 in D 11 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern 5-Light Brass Sconces for Dorlyn
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An original pair of iconic Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern brass wall sconces. Each with 5 lights (or candleholders) on individual arms that are centered on a round disk. O...
Brass
Pair of French Biot Bubble Glass Hurricane Candle Holders
By Biot
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant pair of French Biot glass hurricane candle holders exemplifies the enduring tradition of glassmaking from the village of Biot, located in the South of France. Mouth-blow...
Glass, Blown Glass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candle Sconces, Hollywood Regency, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Hollywood Regenbcy sold brass sconces with a Tommi Parzinger influence. Brass backplate measures 3 3/8 inches in diameter.
Brass
Mid Century Tommi Parzinger Beveled Mirrored Sconces Brass Ring
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elegant wall sconces by Tommi Parzinger. The mirrored backs reflect and amplify light from the candles. Great brass accent screws and iconic TP brass ring.
Brass
Sold
H 21 in W 22 in D 11.5 in
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Candleholder Sconces, Brass, USA c. 1955
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, Mid-Century Modern, Candleholder Sconces, Brass, USA c. 1955 Pair of candleholder sconces designed by Tommi Parzinger and produced by Dorlyn...
Brass
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Candle Wall Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very fine pair of elegant mirrored candle sconces with brass candle holders and accents by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American, 1950's. Dimensions W 6 in; H 29.5 in; D ...
Brass
Sold
H 22.5 in W 21.5 in D 11 in
Pair of Brass Five Arm Hollywood Regency Wall Sconces by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of mid century brass five arm wall sconces - The pair are non-electrical sconces that hold 5 candles each. Designed by Tommi Parzinger and signed by Dorlyn Silversmilths. Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German furniture designer and painter. Born in Munich in 1903, he later moved to New York City in 1932, starting his first company in 1939. He had begun by designing for Manhattan style...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century brass sconces with an etched circular back plate and two graceful arms.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Mirrored Candle Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant wall sconces by Tommi Parzinger. The mirrored backs reflect and amplify light from the candles. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Brass
Pair of Impressive Five Arm Wall Sconces by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of elegant and impressive "Five Arm Wall Sconces" model no. 106 in polished nickel by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, American 1950s (each one is stamped with the Dorl...
Nickel