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 Armchairs by Tommi Parzinger and Henry Olko for Willow and Reed
By Tommi Parzinger, Willow and Reed
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair armchairs designed by Tommi Parzinger and Henry Olko for Willow and Reed.
Fabric, Rattan
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Velvet Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 6 rare Tommi Parzinger dining chairs. Two arm chairs. Four side chairs. Original fabrics and finish. Arm height 24.5". Side chairs: 15.5" W 20.5" D 39.5" H 18.5" seat height...
Velvet, Wood
$9,720Sale Price|60% Off
Tommi Parzinger Originals Modern Armchair and Ottoman, Club Chair, 1958
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tommi Parzinger lounge chair and ottoman, ebonized frame, charcoal grey upholstery. Single owner. Authenticated with the original purchased receipt from Parzinger Originals Inc., dat...
Textile
$16,800Sale Price|25% Off
Tommi Parzinger Originals Modern Armchair and Ottoman, Club Chair, 1958
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Brooklyn, NY
vv
Textile
$4,800 / set
Pair of Armchairs by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of armchairs designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals.
Pair of Armchairs, France 70s
Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR
Very elegant and rare paire of italian armchairs, you can use them either outdoor or indoor. They are confortable and very design.
Chrome
$6,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34.5 in W 18.5 in D 23 in
Rare Set of Six Double x Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Wichita, KS
A classic and rare set of six black painted mahogany dining chairs designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger originals, circa 1950. Two arm chairs and four side chairs included in th...
Fabric, Mahogany
Parzinger for Willow & Reed Dining Chairs, c.1955 - Set of 6
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Savannah, GA
A set of six restored bamboo dining chairs designed by Tommi Parzinger and Henry Olko for Willow & Reed, Inc., circa 1955. 23 inches wide by 24 ½ inches deep by 37 inches tall; sea...
Rattan
$2,613Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 33.08 in W 26.78 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Armchairs by Jindrich Halabala, 1950s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Lucenec, SK
Professionally restored and re-upholstered rmchairss, model No. 2, designed by Jindrich Halabala and produced in Czechoslovakia from the 1930s by UP Zavody Brno ( the same as the fam...
Upholstery, Bentwood
$78,400 / set
H 36.62 in W 40.95 in D 26.97 in
Pair of Brasiliana Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, 1965, Brazilian Midcentury
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Brasiliana is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1965 and produced by his company, L'atelier. These rare pieces have molded laminate wood structures and were part of the first line of furniture from L’atelier. Designed for the launch of the store, this collection still had the execution and details of artisanal woodwork but already introduced some techniques and materials considered innovative. Brasiliana armchairs...
Rosewood, Fabric
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of fine French Art Deco stained beech "bridge" armchairs by Jules Leleu.
Fabric, Beech
Art Deco Club Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco club armchair from 1940 Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, s...
Upholstery
$5,800 / set
H 26 in W 32 in D 30 in
Henry Olko Pair of Mid-Century Modern Square Series Rattan Armchairs
By Henry Olko, Willow and Reed
Located in Stamford, CT
An exquisite and rare pair of rattan chairs by well known Henry Olko for his Willow and Reed company, circa 1975. These unique chairs are from Olko's Square series. - Substantial and...
Cane, Rattan, Hardwood
Tommi Parzinger Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A classic Parzinger Originals Form. Reupholstered and refinished.
Mahogany
$7,000 / set
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 30 in
Italian Modern Carlo de Carli Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Walnut and Leather
By Carlo di Carli, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Italian walnut lounge chair and ottoman designed by Carlo de Carli for M. Singer & Sons. Features a highly sculpted, ladder-back fra...
Metal
$33,200
H 29.14 in W 44.49 in D 34.26 in
Moleca Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Moleca" lounge chair is a significant piece of Brazilian design history, created in 1957 by master designer Sergio Rodrigues. It is a beautiful example of Rodrigues's unique and...
Wood
$48,000 / set
H 26 in W 40.5 in D 39 in
Brilliant Pair of Rattan and Cane Rib Series Club Chairs by Henry Olko, 1978
By Willow and Reed, Henry Olko
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are unique on the World market. They are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally re...
Cane, Rattan
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Willow and Reed Rattan Armchairs, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of armchairs designed by Tommi Parzinger for Willow and Reed in the 1950s. Woven rattan seat backs and wrapped rattan joints. In great vintage condition, no cushions.
Rattan
Sold
H 27.5 in W 28.5 in D 31 in
Tommi Parzinger Originals Modern Armchair and Ottoman, Club Chair, 1958
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tommi Parzinger lounge chair and ottoman, ebonized frame, charcoal grey upholstery. Copy of the original purchased receipt included from Parzinger Originals Inc., dated January 15, 1...
Textile
Pair of Lounge Armchairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Manufactured by Parzinger Originals Provenance: Jean and Roger Grossman, Chappaqua, NY Lacquered wood, fabric upholstery.
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Tommi Parzinger Veronese Klismos Armchairs, a Pair, in White Boucle, 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have these stunning matched Tommi Parzinger lounge / armchairs. These Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs have been completely refinished, ebonized and expertly re...
Bouclé, Wood
Tommi Parzinger Elegant Pair of Upholstered Arm Chairs, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of winged upholstered arm chairs with tapering mahogany legs by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1950's. Chairs newly reupholstered in textured chenille and ref...
Chenille, Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Elegant Pair of Arm Chairs with Mohair Upholstery, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of elegant high back arm chairs, dark mahogany with new mohair upholstery and leather welting, by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American, 1950’s. The arms have a beau...
Leather, Mohair, Mahogany
Sold
H 24 in W 35 in D 35 in
Tommi Parzinger Vibrant Batik Silk Velvet Plinth Tuxedo Armchair & Ottoman 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tommi Parzinger vibrant batik silk velvet plinth tuxedo armchair and ottoman 1960s custom Parzinger sectional mahogany plinth-base armchair and ottoman. ...
Velvet
Sold
H 30 in W 27.25 in L 30 in
Tommi Parzinger, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Webbing, Green Velvet Charak Modern 1957
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of lounge chairs designed by Tommi Parzinger in 1957. Produced by Charak Modern. Composed of stained walnut, original webbing, cushions reupholstered in brand new high-end vel...
Velvet, Walnut
1950s Henry Olko Mid Century Rattan Throne Chairs for Willow and Reed
By Tommi Parzinger, Willow and Reed
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $5,850....From the Pavilion collection for Willow and Reed, Inc., a pair of Henry Olko armchairs. A 1950s design in rattan and cane with throne chair regal aspirations ...
Cane, Rattan
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Armchairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Elegant armchairs, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, American, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered. The price noted below include...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Armchairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger armchairs with curved back and arms and tapered legs. Newly restored and reupholstered. Measures: Arm height 24.5" Seat width 19.75" Sea...
Sold
H 29 in W 24 in D 25 in
Tommi Parzinger Veronese Klismos Armchairs, Newly Upholstered, Set of Two
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pair of Veronese Klismos chairs by Tommi Parzinger which have been newly upholstered in a lush olive green hair-on-hide leather with color matching leather trim. The curvac...
Hide