Tommi Parzinger Benches
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.
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Fabric, Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Upholstery, Wood
1950s North American Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Iron, Gold Leaf
1920s American American Craftsman Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Leather, Wood
2010s Brazilian Tommi Parzinger Benches
Fabric
2010s Brazilian Tommi Parzinger Benches
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Tommi Parzinger Benches
Iron
Mid-20th Century European Tommi Parzinger Benches
Upholstery, Oak
2010s Italian Greek Revival Tommi Parzinger Benches
Leather, Wood
19th Century Austrian Antique Tommi Parzinger Benches
Pine
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Sheepskin, Maple
2010s American American Classical Tommi Parzinger Benches
Mahogany
19th Century Austrian Antique Tommi Parzinger Benches
Pine
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Tommi Parzinger Benches
Wood
20th Century American Campaign Tommi Parzinger Benches
Brass, Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Benches
Wood, Fabric
1950s American Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Mahogany
1950s American Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Lacquer
1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Bamboo, Velvet
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Benches
Brass