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 Race Track Dining Table, Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Tommi Parzinger Race Track dark walnut finish Hollywood inlaid dining table Parzinger originals, with two leaves 20” each.
Mahogany, Walnut, Holly
Price Upon Request
Tommi Parzinger Rare Table and Four X Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Tommi Parzinger card table or small dining table and four double X back chairs, rare dark mahogany Hollywood inlaid top. Table size: 36 x 36 29" high. ...
$2,000
H 29 in W 72 in D 38 in
Sleek Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Laquered Mahogany & Maple Dining Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Breathtaking No. 161 dining table by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals featuring an inlaid dark mahogany lacquered top inlaid with contrasting maple and laquered maple legs ter...
Mahogany, Maple
Tommi Parzinger Charak Modern Console Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic console table by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern ca' 1940's. Single drawer with classic brass hardware.
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Coffee Table for Parzinger Originals
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger Coffee Table, Model 222 Parzinger Originals, USA, c. 1965 Glass coffee tables features a lower wood table top mounted to steel frame. Metal from underside shows a...
Steel
Vintage Tommi Parzinger for Charak Extendable Dining Table, c 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
Timeless and distinctive, Tommi Parzinger furniture embodies modern design across many eras and styles. Crafted with mahogany, with geometric inlaid fruitwood and slender tapered leg...
Brass
$16,000 / set
H 36 in W 21 in D 20 in
Leather Basket Weave Wicker Style Square Dining Room Table 4 Chairs Glass Top
By Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Leather basket weave wicker style square dining room table 4 chairs glass top set. All new beige wool upholstery. Table measures 42 x 42 x ...
Leather
Tommi Parzinger Large Scale End Tables
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare pair of large scale end tables designed by Tommi Parzinger. Tables feature elegant curved legs and a beautiful top. Model #209. Great styling cues reminiscent of T.H. Robsjohn-G...
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Large End Table
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Very nice table by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Parquetry checkerboard table top. Great styling with Italian like influence. Would work well with Gio Ponti, Harvey Probber, Ed...
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Model 161 Dining Table Mahogany and Maple
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Parzinger Originals model no. 161 dining table designed by Tommi Parzinger featuring a dark mahogany top inlaid with contrasting linear bands of maple on a base of satin finished pla...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Henry Olko Server
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cabinet by Henry Olko for Willow & Reed featuring signature hardware by Tommi Parzinger for Willow & Reed. Two-drop down leaves extend length to 59"...
Brass
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
$3,950Sale Price|46% Off
H 69.25 in W 19.25 in D 19.25 in
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Floor Lamp with Side Table, 1955, Signed
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible floor lamp with built-in side table by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals is finished in a black lacquer with Parzinger's signature brass accents. Signed 'Parzinger Originals' under the base, making this 1950s authentic designer piece ultra-collectible. The three lights comprise of a single up-light and two down-lights which can be turned on and off independently of one another or used in unison as demonstrated in the photos. A glass Stiffel branded glass cone shade sits on top of the lamp and a larger black fabric shade with golden insides is included. Can be used with or without the larger black shade. Consider using in a Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency or Postmodern home...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Pair of Side Tables
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Elegant pair of side or end tables by Tommi Parzinger of square form, ebonized walnut top with caramel colored inlay and body made of holly with stylized hand carved fixed shelf and ...
Walnut, Holly
Tommi Parzinger Dining Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant dining table, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern, American, circa 1950s. This table is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of finish col...
Metal
Tommi Parzinger Dining Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant mid century dining table, designed by Tommi Parzinger, American, circa 1950s. This table is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color. The price...
Wood, Mahogany
Selection of Elegant Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of elegant "X" back dining chairs, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered, and can be com...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Dining Chairs Set of Eight
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight dining chairs, designed by Tommi Parzinger, American, circa 1950s. These chairs are in the process of being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in your cho...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 12 Dining Chairs Designed by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 12 dining chairs, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, circa 1950s. The price quoted in this listing is for the complete set of 12 chairs.
Upholstery, Wood
Tommi Parzinger Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Eight Elegant Dining Chairs, designed by Tommi Parzinger, circa 1950's. These chairs are currently being refinished, and the price noted below INCLUDES refinishing in your cho...
Fabric, Mahogany