Tommi Parzinger Desks
German, 1903-1981
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.
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Creator: Tommi Parzinger
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Mahogany & Leather Desk
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
In the early 20th century, modernism emerged as a bold response to the ornate traditions of the past. At the forefront of this shift was Tommi Parzinger, a designer who married the s...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Superb Desk in Walnut with Iconic Brass Hardware 1960s (Signed)
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in New York, NY
Fine desk in dark walnut with ebonized satinwood inlays on top and exquisite engraved brass hardware on drawers by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1960's (branded s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Display Cabinet, c 1955, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare collectors item, this fully restored Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern (c. 1955) display cabiinet / vitrine, features beautiful french polish with Parzinger's signature statement door handles. Signed with Charak Modern label on the backside of the upper cabinet.
This refined and sophisticated Parzinger credenza with glass display hutch is perfect for those high-end luxury pads looking for an incredible and collectible statement piece, which Parzinger was known to create. The gorgeous color is close to the Hermès orange, but perhaps a little bit deeper and bolder - perhaps somewhere between Hermès orange and blood orange. Beauty in every detail, from the cross-cut glass panes, to the upper flared embellishments and the signature Parzinger door handles.
Let's not skip one more aspect of this table that is equally important - the collectors appeal. Furniture by Tommi Parzinger is one of the most sought-after and cherished items of sophisticated collectors. This isn't for your typical Eames and George Nelson collector, it is much more for a refined collector, perhaps a connoisseur of fine rarities. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship and design details are something to be admired. Parzinger and Charak Modern designed and crafted some of the highest quality furniture of the early and mid 20th Century. That was at a time when US manufacturing was at its best. And now in this day and age of cheap products not meant to last - this table is your daily reminder that 'they don't make them like they used to.'
We restored this incredible sideboard display cabinet with hand-applying a new French Polish lacquer. French Polish is the most laborious and expensive finish because it requires many repetitive coats and each one hand polished to a fine glass-like finish, and while it is very expensive, it is worth it for rare and valuable pieces like this Tommi Parzinger vitrine. The results are nothing short of spectacular - such a smooth, clear and deep finish - it looks almost like a sheet of glass (much more incredible in-person than you can see (or touch / feel) in the photos). And besides how incredible it looks - it will also protect your investment for the decades ahead. This Parzinger cabinet is an ideal example for the most discriminating interior designer client or collector.
This french polish cabinet...
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1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
$18,000
H 75.5 in W 78.25 in D 15.75 in
Tommi Parzinger Tall Illuminated Bar Cabinet for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An extraordinary dry bar designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals. This cabinet is absolutely fabulous. It features gorgeous door fronts with a wave like pattern in high g...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
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$28,000
H 74 in W 46.5 in D 19.5 in
1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk in Walnut and Chrome with Four Drawers
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International. It features a walnut top that sits o...
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1960s American Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$8,000
H 28 in W 32 in D 72 in
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern China Breakfront
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Two piece mahogany breakfront and buffet designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern circa 1952. Signed Charak Modern.
Retains three original solid brass sculptural keys and all working locks.
The base cabinet has three doors with distinctive diamond pattern inlay in satinwood.
Each door has a custom Parzinger solid brass pull.
Behind the bottom left and right doors is an open white cabinet with three original number-stamped shelves which are adjustable and removable.
Behind the center door are five pull-out drawers.
The upper cabinet has three doors with astonishingly beautiful glass panels which have been deeply wheel cut repeating the diamond pattern as below.
The interior of the upper cabinet is painted white, backed by mirror and holds nine adjustable thick glass shelves each with plate grooves.
Top left and right have signature Parzinger 'wings' a design element frequently repeated in his career.
Beautifully restored by our expert refinisher.
See our separate listings for the companion Parzinger dining table, dining chairs and leather front cabinet...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger, Wood, Brass, Green Leather, Chests of Drawers, USA, 1950s
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Manhasset, NY
Tommi Parzinger, Charak Modern, Wood, Brass, Green Leather, Commodes or Nightstands, USA, 1950s
Pair of stained wood and leather chests of drawers or bedside cabinets designed by To...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
$13,500 / set
H 34 in W 36 in D 16.5 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll international Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut 1960
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut, 1960
Iconic International Style design inspired by Mies van der Rohe.
Material: Walnut oval surface, chrome-pl...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
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1960s desk, Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic freestanding desk from the 1960s by Arne Vodder. High-quality corpus in oak veneer with three drawers, one door, a floating table top and solid wood legs.
Quality Features:
...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Oak
'Parzginer Originals' Mahogany & Brass Dresser by Tommi Parzinger c 1959, Signed
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite work of art is by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, circa 1959, signed 'Parzinger Originals' in one drawer interior. Effortlessly refined, this versatile brass...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
$16,600 Sale Price
24% Off
H 32.5 in W 72 in D 18 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....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Leather, Wood
Tommi Parzinger Charak Leather Clad Chests of Drawers, Pair Circa 1950s
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Miami, FL
Tommi Parzinger Charak Leather Clad Chests of Drawers, pair Circa 1950
Offered for sale is an elegant pair of leather clad chests of drawers by Tommi Parziner for Charak Furniture. ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
$12,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 34 in W 44 in D 18.5 in
Tommi Parzinger Glazed Leather Chest Of Drawers For Charak Modern
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular with the case lacquered to imitate vellum. Three drawers with leather and glazed surface. Mother of Pearl knobs. Signed "Charak Modern" inside drawer. Square section feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
On Hold
$4,850
H 40.25 in W 44 in D 18.25 in
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Tommi Parzinger Dark Walnut Holly-Wood Inlaid Desk/Vanity Nickel Pulls
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Tommi Parzinger elegant mahogany dark walnut stain ,and Holly-wood inlay lacquered Desk 5 drawers , with polished Nickel pulls , can also be used as a vanity.
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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Desks
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Tommi Parzinger Custom Desk and Chair
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tommi Parzinger Custom Desk and Chair, unsigned, American, circa 1960s. They were designed for the NYC apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Stern. Ple...
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1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
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Macassar Desk by Tommi Parzinger for Charak
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Dallas, TX
A Macassar ebony and mahogany desk with brass hardware. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern.
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1950s Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Tommi Parzinger Secretary
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parizinger secretary/desk with metal grill doors, brass hardware and tapered legs. Stamped on the inside of drawer. Beautiful restored condition.
Desk depth - 11".
Desk heigh...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Tommi Parzinger Writing Desks
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger writing desks by Parzinger Originals. Walnut with brass frame and pulls. Refinished and fully restored. Two available.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Leather Top Desk
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Modern Desk, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, circa 1950s. It retains its wonderfully patinated cognac brown color tooled leather top and is refinished in an ultra dee...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Leather Top Desk
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Modern Desk, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, circa 1950's. It retains it's wonderfully patinated cognac brown color tooled leather top and is refinished in an ultra-d...
Category
1950s American Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Materials
Brass
Lacquered Vanity by Tommi Parzinger for Willow and Reed
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered bamboo vanity with mirror and etched iconic brass handle designed by Tommi Parzinger for Willow and Reed, American 1950's
Category
1950s American Vintage Tommi Parzinger Desks
Tommi Parzinger desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Tommi Parzinger desks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tommi Parzinger desks, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Tommi Parzinger were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber, and John Van Koert. Prices for Tommi Parzinger desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $16,800 and can go as high as $16,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $16,800.