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.
Curvaceous Lounge Chair by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Curvaceous lounge chair by Tommi Parzinger, American, circa 1950s. This chair is currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in your choice of color and in your...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,500
Tommi Parzinger Lounge Chair
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely rare example of Tommi Parzingers' finest production Subtle curved arms and notched upholstery create this design.
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Dining Chairs, Brown Wood, Yellow Fabric
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Manhasset, NY
Six Parzinger dining chairs each having high backs and strong frames in the original fabric. A pair of arms and four sides make up this sleek and stylish set of dining chairs by Tomm...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Original Club Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Tommi Parzinger original early period club chairs, dark walnut, woven off white fabric, box pleat designed. Chairs are early design, horse Hair and springs interior.
Walnut, Fabric
$5,800Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 32 in W 30 in D 29 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Club Chairs with Wooden Arms
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of Hungarian Mid-Century style arm chairs with walnut veneer and chenille upholstery. Hungarian furniture makers have been exceptionally skilled with wood veneers since the Bi...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of French 1920s Art Deco Club Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible pair of Art Deco club chairs from France, 1920s. Beautiful curved wood frame with scroll details on arms. Newly upholstered in a lovely pale yellow linen. Original wood fi...
Linen, Wood
Ember Fabric Chair, Wood and Velvet Dining Chair
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
The Ember Chair is a versatile seat made using traditional joinery techniques. The wide, curved backrest is cut from solid white oak while the cushioned se...
Oak
$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
Pair of Dusty Pink Swivel Club Chairs
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of dusty rose swivel chairs. Fabulous golden girls style. Wooden construction. Nice wide and round shape with a low profile. Classic 1980's-90's Post...
Upholstery, Wood
$850 / item
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in New Bouclé Fabric by Spahn, Germany 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in New Bouclé Fabric by Spahn, Germany 1950s Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Spahn, Germany 1950s. Newly reupholstered in a of white bouclé fabr...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair Ernst Schwadron Club Chairs
By Ernst Schwadron
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of Ernst Schwadron design for Rena Rosenthal club chairs. These chairs are in good original condition, usable as is, however the fabr...
Upholstery
Contemporary English Rolled Arm Club Chair
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Contemporary take on English Roll Arm-style chair with a tight back and loose seat cushion. The chair also features spool turned legs at the front and...
Velvet, Wood
Rolled Arm Upholstered Club Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our Juliana chair has a Classic traditional shape with rolled arms, tight back and a deep seat. The chair is framed in maple and birch. Price does not include fabric. Fabric shown ...
Linen, Birch, Maple
Tommi Parzinger Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A classic Parzinger Originals Form. Reupholstered and refinished.
Mahogany
$1,916Sale Price / set|41% Off
H 30.71 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Wood & Fabric Dining Chair, 1960s, Set of 4
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of four elegant chairs was produced in Denmark during the 1960s. They are made of solid teak wood in a dark shade of brown. The seat and the backrest are upholstered with hi...
Fabric, Teak
Midcentury Lounge Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury lounge chair by Kroehler Mfg. Co. with wooden tips on the arms. Tapered and splayed legs support a wide and comfortable sea...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Tommi Parzinger Desk and Chair
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic example. Re-lacquered in the exact color match. Brand mark in the drawer.
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Slat Back Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Parzinger armchairs with original leather.
Leather, Wood
Set of Eight Ebonized Tommi Parzinger Dining Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of eight ebonized Tommi Parzinger dining chairs. This set of eight Parzinger dining chairs is comprised of a pair of Armchairs and six side chairs. All in a handwoven needlepoint...
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...
Tommi Parzinger Barrel Back Chair
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
A Tommi Parzinger barrel back chair, with ebonized legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Charak Modern for Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine matched set of six dining chairs by Charak Modern for Tommi Parzinger, 1903-1981. Lacquered wood with original fabric this fine set of X-back dining chairs are strong and stud...
Pair of Original Tommi Parzinger Bone and Mahogany Side Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
Classic Parzinger chairs with bone finial accents. These are stripped and ready for new fabric of your choice. Wood is in great "ready to use" condition, rich dark finish.
Bone, Mahogany
Midcentury Pair of Double X Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Astoria, NY
A vintage pair of Tommi Parzinger iconic 'Double X' upholstered dining chairs. Solid mahogany with ebonized lacquer finish, cream silk blend upholstery. This dealer is also sellin...
Wood, Textile
Tommi Parzinger Set of Twelve Dining Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Set of Twelve Custom Dining Chairs from important East Coast commission. All arm chairs. Blue original hand tooled leather with splayed tapered concave shaped legs,...
Leather, Maple
Mid-Century Pair of Armchairs Designed byTommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Astoria, NY
A vintage pair of walnut arm chairs designed by Tommi Parzinger upholstered in their original blue and gold velvet fabric. Vintage condition with some nicks and wear to the wood a...
Wood, Textile
Set of 12 Dining Chairs in Platinum Maple by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 12 dining chairs models #162 in platinum maple with upholstered seats and backs by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1970’s Refinished by Lobel Modern.