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.
Tommi Parzinger Stools, Benches, Ebonized Wood, Upholstery
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger Stools, Benches, Ebonized Wood, Upholstery. An uncommon pair of simple and elegant square stools with splayed legs, upholstered in a period burlap jute with red piping.
Upholstery, Wood
$6,500
Tommi Parzinger Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A classic Parzinger Originals Form. Reupholstered and refinished.
Mahogany
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Tommi Parzinger Gold Leaf Over Iron Upholstered White Velvet Bench MCM
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage stunning Regency style Mid century modern vintage Tommi Parzinger bench is gold leaf over iron with wonderful newly upholstered seat in white cut velvet sculptural fabri...
Iron, Gold Leaf
Tommi Parzinger Bench for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger design bench for Parzinger Originals, N.Y. Upholstered in what appears to be the original white leather on a brass tubular studded frame. A rare design made with high...
Brass
$550
H 17.5 in W 21.5 in D 14.1 in
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Waterfall Bench Stool With Faux Snake Skin Upholstery
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Lucite stool with faux snake skin upholstery. Elegant and chic, this gleaming lucite stool is attributed to Hollis Jones. Original chrome-plated casters, the lucit...
Upholstery, Lucite
Wrapped Stainless Bench Upholstered in Grey Velvet
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom stainless steel wrapped bench with seat upholstered in grey velvet. A sleek modern design that is at home in any interior from the traditionally designed to the contemporary. ...
Stainless Steel
$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
$2,960
H 17.33 in W 36.23 in D 14.57 in
Louis XIII Style Turned Wood Long Bench / Stool by Valenti, Spain 1940s
By Valenti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful mid-20th century Louis XIII style walnut bench or footstool with finely turned legs, stretcher and upholstered seat. Manufactured by Valentí, Spain, 1940s. This original V...
Brass
Pair of Upholstered Velvet and Brass X-Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of upholstered velvet and brass X-benches. The benches have brass frames and green velvet upholstery.
Brass
$542Sale Price|30% Off
H 20.75 in W 24.75 in D 12.75 in
Mid-Century Forged Cast Iron And Upholstered Seat Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-Century Forged Cast Iron And Upholstered Seat Bench Measures 24.75" in width, 12.5" in depth and 20.75" in height.
Iron
Contemporary Bench with Handwoven B&W Upholstery
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Cloud collection was created around the concept of tress. These contemporary styled benches and stools are made with cotton fabric and foam stripe...
Fabric
$2,486 / set
H 16.34 in W 28.75 in D 20.87 in
Saber Legs Wood and Brown Woven Leather Stools Customizable Upholstery and Wood
By Pescetta
Located in IT
Saber legs shiny wood and woven leather stools. Other wood colors and upholstery are available. Italian artisanal production by Pescetta Home Decoration. Walnut wood stools or otto...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Style Southwestern Upholstered Boho X Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-style Upholstered Boho X Bench featuring a comfortable padded seat upholstered in eye-catching Navajo-inspired patterned fabric, paired with a classic X-base design. Rich tex...
Wood
Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Bamboo Turned Bench
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic Movement ebonized wood bench with bamboo style turnings and gilt decoration, circa 1920s.
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Scalamandre Cut Velvet Upholstered Phyllis Morris Lucite Bench
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Scalamandre Cut Velvet Upholstered Phyllis Morris Lucite Bench
Lucite
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.5 in W 36.5 in D 11 in
Art Deco / Art Nouveau Cast Iron Bench Upholstered in Pelangi Velvet
Located in Skokie, IL
Art Deco / Art Nouveau Cast Iron Bench Upholstered in Pelangi Velvet This is a beautiful and unusual antique Art Deco / Art Nouveau cast iron bench. Wonderfully casted and decorated...
Iron
1950s Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Brass Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tommi Parzinger design bench for Parzinger Originals, N.Y. Upholstered in what appears to be the original mauve leatherette on a brass tubular studded frame. A rare design made with...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Elegant Upholstered Bench with Tapering Legs 1950s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare elegant upholstered bench, model number 313, with base in mahogany and upholstered seat with signature elements that wrap around frame b...
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Embossed Leather X-Base Stools by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
A very rare pair of x-base benches with original embossed leather upholstery and black-finished metal / brass legs.
Brass, Metal
Tommi Parzinger Cerused Benches with Cushions, a Pair
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Miami, FL
Tommi Parzinger cerused benches with cushions, a pair Offered for sale is a pair of Mid-Century Modern cerused wood benches with custom upholstered loose cushions by Tommi Parzi...
Fabric, Wood
Tommi Parzinger Button-Tufted Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Parzinger Originals bench.
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Graceful Bench with White Lacquer Base, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Elegant bench no. 313, white lacquered mahogany base with tapering legs and upholstered seat, by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1950s. This is newly upholstered by...
Lacquer
Sold
H 19 in W 60 in D 22 in
Vintage Tommi Parzinger Gold Leaf Over Iron Upholstered White Velvet Bench MCM
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning Hollywood Regency inspired Mid-Century Modern vintage Tommi Parzinger gold leafed iron bench has been totally restored. It has been newly upholstered in a white cut vel...
Iron, Gold Leaf
Tommi Parzinger Demilune Benches or Ottomans for Willow and Reed, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Willow and Reed
Located in New York, NY
Pair of demilune Tommi Parzinger benches or ottomans for Willow and Reed, 1950s. Bent bamboo bases. Gorgeous original blood orange finish. Newly uphols...
Bamboo, Velvet
Tommi Parzinger Brass and Upholstered Mid-Century Modern Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
The lines, the weight, the quality, the beauty, the simplicity, the elegance, the timeless modernity of this rare very heavy polished Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern brass bench s...
Brass