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 Mid-Century Modern Bleached Maple Nightstands, 1960s
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Tommi Parzinger midcentury bleached maple side tables/ nigh stands with satin brass pulls, trimmed in 22-karat gold leaf detailing around legs a...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Tommi Parzinger Rams Head Console / Sofa Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Westport, CT
Tommi Parzinger ram's head console sofa table with draw, original dark mahogany finish, French polished lacquer. Parzinger original.
Mahogany
Black Lacquer Rectangular Two-Tier Console Sofa Table
By Lane Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black lacquer two-tier console table.
Hardwood
$4,850
H 26.25 in W 60 in D 20 in
Console / Sofa Table in Brass and Glass by Design Institute of America, Signed
By Design Institute America
Located in Kansas City, MO
Console / Sofa / Hall Table in brass and glass by Design Institute of America (DIA), 1970s. Striking design in which the original glass inserts into the brass frames with a screw on ...
Brass
Broyhill Premier 'Emphasis' Cabinet Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Attractive Mid-Century Modern nightstands with inside storage, made by Broyhill for their 'Empahsis' line. Features nice walnut grain with golden oak trim, carved relief pattern on d...
Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim handles. Please confirm location NY of NJ.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Green Leather Occasional Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mid Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Green Leather Occasional Table
Leather, Wood
$3,850 / set
H 24.5 in W 25.5 in D 15 in
Tommi Parzinger Nesting Tables Refinished In Your Color Mid Century Modern Glam
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Set of Nesting Tables, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern, signed, circa 1950s. These tables are currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of ...
Metal
$1,495 / set
H 24.5 in W 22 in D 17.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands with Hairpin Legs, 1960s Pair
By Paul McCobb, George Nelson, Milo Baughman
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A refined pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands, American-made and likely dating to the early 1960s. These cabinets present a clean, architectural silhouette in beautifully f...
Metal
White Oak Console Table, Minimalist Solid Wood Sofa Table
By Autonomous Furniture, Kirk Van Ludwig
Located in Victoria, BC
White oak console table designed for contemporary interiors where a minimal, architectural presence is preferred. Crafted from solid white oak, this piece emphasizes clarity of form...
Oak, Hardwood
Karl Springer Style Sculptural Console Sofa Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Resin
Mid-Century Modern Style Teak Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of contemporary modern nightstands feature a cabinet door with a hidden pull that opens up to unveil a large compartment with a shelf. A sleek and simple pedestal...
Teak
Console / Sofa Table in Brass Anodized Aluminum and Gray Glass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Sofa / console table. 48 inches wide. The frame is made of anodized aluminum with a brass finish making it light while being very sturdy. The top is grey glass. Both show very few si...
Aluminum
Walnut Six-Legged Console Table on Tapered Legs Parzinger Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern rectangular walnut console table on six tapered legs with higher wood accents.
Walnut
Tommi Parzinger Occasional Table for Charak
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in New York, NY
Moderne-style occasional table or game table with channeled mahogany base and green embossed leather top with mahogany center. With a small drawer with leather pull and tapering med...
Leather, Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger "Ram" Mahogany Console
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Tommi Parzinger "Ram" console crafted of mahogany with ram's head crowning the top of front legs. One drawer stamped inside with Parzinger Originals engraving.
Mahogany