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.
$4,800 / set
H 20.25 in W 21.5 in D 10 in
Tommi Parzinger, Candleholder Sconces, Polished Brass, Metal, USA c. 1955
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, Mid-Century Modern, Candleholder Sconces, Polished Brass, USA c. 1955 Pair of large scale candleholder sconces designed by Tommi Parzinger f...
Brass
$5,370Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 24 in W 21.75 in D 11 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern 5-Light Brass Sconces for Dorlyn
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An original pair of iconic Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern brass wall sconces. Each with 5 lights (or candleholders) on individual arms that are centered on a round disk. O...
Brass
$3,850 / set
H 19.25 in Dm 5 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass and Glass Wall Lamps, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Elegant pair of Italian wall lamps from the 1960s, featuring slender brass mounts and tall cylindrical opaline glass shades. Their composition is clean and balanced, with a subtle in...
Brass
$2,780 / set
H 18.12 in W 3.94 in D 7.09 in
Pair of Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces produced in the 1950s, characterized by a minimalist linear design. Each lamp features a cylindrical opaline glass diffuser supported by a slender brass ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of 2 Brass and Glass Sconces, 1960s, Germany
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass and glass sconces made in Germany in the 1960s. The lamps are in a very good condition. The lights require E14 light bulbs. Works with both 120/220V. Free worldwide expr...
Brass
$719 / set
H 8.67 in W 9.26 in D 4.73 in
Set of 2 Mid-century Brass Glass Mirror Wall Lamps, Made in Italy 1950s
Located in Palermo, IT
Set of 2 Mid-century brass glass mirror wall lamps, Made in Italy 1950s Good condition, intact glass, e 14 lamp. Found in a noble apartment in my city, Palermo.
Brass
Two Kalmar Sconces Glass and Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two Kalmar sconces glass and brass. Polished.
Brass
$1,650 / set
H 18.12 in W 13.39 in D 7.49 in
Mid Century Modern Brass Pair of Sconces with Mirrors, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid Century Modern Brass Pair of Sconces with Mirrors, 1960s, Italy Very elegant and Minimalist wall lamps and mirrors together Lamp is in very good condition. These lamps works wi...
Brass
Rare Tommi Parzinger Brass And Glass Wall Sconce
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A vintage solid brass and blown glass sconce designed by Tommi Parzinger. Dorlyn Silversmiths made both mass produced and custom pieces for Tommi Parzinger. The sconce i...
Brass
Vintage Modern Brass and Lucite Bouillotte Lamp
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Great modern twist on the classic bouillotte lamp. Brass candle sticks lucite panel to separate. Clean sophisticated lines in the manner of Tommi Parzinger.
Brass
Mid Century Brass Stiffel Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Spectacular mid century Stiffel lamps. Heavy brass presence with signature Stiffel detail. Very substantial and heavy. Great lines everywhere ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern John Widdicomb Brutal Mirrors by John Stuart
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Mid Century brutal mirrors by John Stuart for John Widdicomb. Thin profile with iconic arched tips. Curbside to NYC/Philly $450
Mirror, Walnut
Mid Century Brass Floor Lamp Parzinger Laurel Thurston
By Laurel Lamp Company, Gerald Thurston, Tommi Parzinger
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fabulous mid century floor lamp in the manner of Tommi Parzinger, Gerald Thurston and Laurel Lamp. Brass with wood accents. 2 cylindrical acrylic shades secured with hefty brass moun...
Brass
Renato Zevi Italian Brass and Chrome Mirrors 1970's
By Romeo Rega
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Stunning Italian Brass and Chrome Mirrors in the manner of Romeo Rega. Brass banding surrounds a thick pillowed chrome frame. Wonderful classic contrasting. Curbside to NYC/Philly $400
Brass, Steel
Vintage Brass Gaslight Lamps
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful classic brass lamps in the design of oil or gas lamps. Solid and heavy with wonderful finials. Classic lines which allow for the perfect addition to varied decor.
Brass
