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 for Charak Modern Mid Century Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Mid Century Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet The upper of the china cabinet measures: 60 wide x 13.25 deep x 44.5 inches high The lower of the chi...
Glass, Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Leather Covered Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A green leather clad cabinet with gold embossing and brass hardware. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern.
Leather
Mid-Century Tommi Parzinger Sideboard Cabinet
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern buffet. Ribbon grain mahogany with wonderful color, featuring 5 drawers centering two doors. Sculptural wood handles.
Mahogany
Two-Door Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a rare example of Tommi Parzinger's work using fine veneers. This cabinet has absolutely stunning book matched veneers of Curley Maple inset with Mahogany inlays. Perfect fro...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Tall Chest or Dresser for Charak Modern
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A tall chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Two piece cabinet with lower portion consisting of three generous sized drawers. Above sits a cabinet with door...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century Modern, Rare Cabinet, Brown Lacquer, Brass, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
One of a kind, showroom model, fabulous Parzinger Art Deco designed wardrobe/entertainment center. Carrying five pull-out drawers and one large open top shelf and six smaller opened ...
Wood
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Bleached Elm Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Bleached Elm Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet. Item features swing doors, five dovetail constructed drawers, c...
Elm
Tommi Parzinger Early Important Tall Cabinet/ Bookcase Limed Sawed Oak Cane Door
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Highly important Tommi Parzinger tall Limed sawed oak and Cane front Bookcase /Cabinet . 1930's together with original photo and sketch fro catalog page ,one of three possibly made. ...
Cane, Oak
Tommi Parzinger Credenza for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger design Chinese red lacquer credenza with polished brass mounted hardware. High quality construction and attention to details, newly lacquered in the original color ...
Brass
Stunning Tommi Parzinger Cabinet.
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Wave front cabinet by Tommi Parzinger. The two double door cabinet has been Newly restored with polished brass handles. The interior of the cabinet has four adjustable she...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Tommi Parzinger cabinet. Sleek sophisticated cabinet Newly restored in an ivory satin finish set on a rich Mahogany plinth base. The cabinet has two sets of drawers with t...
Wood
Tommi Parzinger Credenza/ Sideboard for Charak Modern
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare long credenza designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Features three sections each revealed by a door. Left section containing a drawer and shelf, middle section housin...
Oak
Tommi Parzinger Sliding Door Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tommi Parzinger Ceruse Finish credenza A great early form on a sophisticated Plynth base. Original lacquered interior. The home this was in was featured in a 1956 House beautiful cov...
Mahogany
H 40.16 in W 19.69 in D 15.36 in
Rattan Tall Boy Dresser, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rattan woven wicker six-drawer tall boy dresser or slim chest of drawers. Spain, 1960s This beautiful rattan dresser has a bamboo and rattan struct...
Wicker, Rattan
H 29.25 in W 33 in D 18 in
Two-Door Burl Bar Cabinet by Tomlinson
By Tomlinson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking vintage bar cabinet by Tomlinson — warm burl-wood veneer all around, dignified brass hardware, and versatile interior built for entertaining or sophisticated storage. Behi...
Brass
H 33.25 in W 77 in D 17.75 in
Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Mahogany Dresser, Six Drawers, USA, 1960s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular mid-century Mahogany dresser designed by Tommi Parzinger. Dresser has 6 ample drawers with brushed brass engraved pulls and carved and gil...
Mahogany
H 57.49 in W 35.44 in D 19.1 in
Charles Dudouyt Mid-Century Two Doors Cabinet
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Raw oak sculpted cabinet by Charles Dudouyt in a bleached finish. France c. 1950.
Oak
H 40 in W 47.25 in D 18.25 in
Sleek Belgium Modernist Two-Door Sideboard or Cabinet
By De Coene Frères
Located in Westport, CT
A super Art Deco two-door cabinet finishing on a pedestal base shown with nickel plated hardware in beautiful rich stained rosewood veneer. Sleek two door cabinet/sideboard/bar on a ...
Rosewood
H 31.5 in W 101 in D 19 in
8 foot Lacquered Credenza Cabinet in Style of Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous black lacquered 8 foot cabinet in the manner of Tommi Parzinger, circa 1970s. A commanding cabinet for a large room. Large door knocker pul...
Wood
H 53.55 in W 25.6 in D 14.18 in
Vintage Raw Industrial Metal Factory Cabinet with Shelves, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This industrial factory cabinet was produced during the 1950s. It is made of metal. It has four shelves closed with a magnetic latch. All shelves has been cleaned and finished in bla...
Metal
H 34 in W 53 in D 15 in
Modern Geometric Two-Door Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern geometric two-door cabinet. This piece features a wide linear geometric design on the doors. The antiqued and weathered driftwood finish highlights the unique design feature...
Wood
H 68.12 in W 41.34 in D 17.33 in
Minimal Italian Mid-Century Geometric Cabinet Bar Mahogany Dassi Milano
By Dassi Mobili Moderni
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Minimal Italian mid-century geometric cabinet bar mahogany Dassi Milano. In the center a large door with a bar compartment for spirits and glasses...
Laminate, Mahogany
H 36.25 in W 42 in D 21 in
Pair Mid-Century Modern Gilded Mahogany Buffets Cabinets, circa 1950
By Alberto Mastroianni
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Mid-Century Modern gilded mahogany buffets cabinets, circa 1950, perfectly embodies the bold yet elegant aesthetic of the era. Each cabinet is constructed with a rich ma...
Gold Leaf
H 73.23 in W 43.31 in D 13.78 in
Large Vintage Industrial Metal Factory Three Doors Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This industrial, metal factory cabinet was produced during the 1950s. The wardrobe has three doors with ventilation openings. There are hangers f...
Metal
H 36 in W 42 in D 16 in
Tommi Parzinger Commode/Credenza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tommi Parzinger Serving Commode Model#862 manufactured by Charak in 1940. carved mahogany 1 drawer over 2 accented with split brass handles. Marked Charak Modern
Brass
H 20 in W 25 in D 20.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Iconic Studded Small Chest/Bedside Table 1981
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Small cabinet/chest/bedside table model 223S with 2 drawers in mahogany with chrome studs and exquisite pulls by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1981. This piece i...
Chrome
H 31 in W 38 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger 2-Door Cabinet with Illuminating Glass Top 1960s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
2 Door cabinet with sculpted doors and sides with geometric motif with iconic engraved brass pulls and hinges, and illuminating glass top by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, ...
Brass
H 33 in W 84 in D 19 in
Tommi Parzinger Cabinet for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A lacquered cabinet with sliding doors, brushed silver hardware and a marble top. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals. Fully restored.
Marble
H 32 in W 42 in D 18 in
Tommi Parzinger Chests for Charak Modern- A Pair
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant and rare pair of chests/ commodes designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Each chest features two large drawers and two half drawers, finished in an elegant mahogan...
Mahogany
H 24 in W 27 in D 19 in
Tommi Parzinger Small Chest for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A small chest / nightstand designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals. Original blue lacquer with pull out file drawer on casters.
Lacquer
H 34 in W 36 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Leather Front Chest of Drawers for Charak Modern
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Drawer fronts feature hand tooled yellow/ parchment leather which perfectly compliments the dark wood case....
Leather, Wood
H 32 in W 50 in D 17 in
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Three-Door Studded Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals three door studded cabinet. The cabinet has been Newly restored in a soft white Matte finish and brass studs and sits on an espresso colored...
Wood, Lacquer
H 33 in W 52 in D 16 in
Tommi Parzinger Originals 1940 Studded 3 Door American Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
A three door matte white cabinet on a espresso plinth base. The sideboard cabinet has beautiful satin brass pulls and studs to the face and sides. Drawers and shelves are held inside...
Enamel
H 34 in W 44 in D 18 in
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Leather Front Chest of Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Iconic chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Features four drawers all clad in hand tooled leather fronts. Top and bottom drawers ar...
Leather
H 34 in W 36 in D 16.5 in
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Two Door Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Hanover, MA
Classic mahogany cabinet with tooled and gilt diamond pattern green leather door panels and distinctive polished brass door pulls. Features a single adjustable interior shelf. De...
Brass
H 35.12 in W 62 in D 17.5 in
Tommi Parzinger, Buffet, Bleached Mahogany, Brass, Charak Modern, USA, 1960s
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached mahogany and brass buffet designed by Tommi Parzinger and produced by Charak Modern, Boston, MA, United States, 1960s.
Brass
H 33.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Tommi Parzinger Iconic Cabinet with Brass Studs 1950s, 'Signed'
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic 2 door cabinet model 146 in white lacquer with brass studs, etched brass pulls, and inset milk glass top by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals 1950s (signed “Parzinger Originals” on inside of drawer). This beautiful cabinet exudes the refined elegance. It is beautifully made and very chic. Reference: Parzinger Originals Inc. catalog published in the 1950’s...
Brass