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.
Mid-Century Salterini Montego Chairs, Set of Four
By John Salterini
Located in Wichita, KS
Set of four Salterini “Montego” dining chairs featuring the iconic pinwheel back design associated with the line. The sculptural backs incorporate st...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Parsons Dining Chairs, Set of 6, Style of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Wichita, KS
A striking set of six Mid-Century Parsons dining chairs, custom upholstered in a vintage Japanese designer textile, these generously scaled chairs embody the timeless Parsons silhoue...
Textile, Wood
Set of 4 Milo Baughman Style Chrome & Leather Dining Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Wichita, KS
Stunning set of four Milo Baughman style high-back dining chairs. These chairs feature a sleek, architectural flat-bar chrome frame that creates a continuous, flowing silhouette. The...
Chrome
Lipse Dining Chairs by Wolfgang C.R. Mezger in Bent Plywood, Set of 6
Located in Wichita, KS
Set of six chairs with legs, central bar and structure in chromed steel, body in curved bentwood in a dark java or ebony finish. Lipse model, design Wolfgang C.R. Mezger for Walte...
Metal
Michael Taylor for Baker Spoon Back Slipper Chairs, Sold in Sets of 2
By Michael Taylor
Located in Wichita, KS
Shown here is Michael Taylor for Baker Spoon Back Slipper Chairs, Sold in Sets of 2. Designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, these iconic spoon back slipper chairs exemplify refined A...
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-Century Salterini Montego Chairs and Table, Set of Five Pinwheel Back
By John Salterini
Located in Wichita, KS
Set of four Salterini “Montego” dining chairs featuring the iconic pinwheel back design associated with the line. The sculptural backs incorporate st...
Wrought Iron
Set of Four Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century X-Back Dining Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare set of four mid-century modern dining chairs designed by Tommi Parzinger (Germany 1903-1981) for Charak Furniture, Boston. Each chair features a tapered and square...
Hardwood, Vegan Leather, Naugahyde
Set of Four Tommi Parzinger Dining Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of four elegant and timeless design X-back dining chairs by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Perfectly refinished solid mahogany frames with new upholstered seats.
Mahogany
Sublime Set of 8 Double X Back ARM Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger, circa 1950
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large ALL ARM set of rare examples is unique on the World market. This magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and completely installation ready. Expert custom upholstery service is available. The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of eight (8) modern Double X back...
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Set of Six X Back Dining Chairs
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six original Tommi Parzinger X back mahogany dining chairs for Charak Modern. Four side chairs and two arm chairs. Arm height 26 inches. All chairs have been beautifully refinished by our expert restorer and are ready for the seats to be recovered. See our separate listings for the companion Parzinger dining table, china hutch and leather door cabinet...
Mahogany
Set of 6 Mid-Century Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 American Mid-Century (1950s) dining chairs (2 armchairs and 4 side chairs) with carved maple frames featuring a square back with a fluted \"X\" design and white woven fabric...
Fabric
Sublime Set of 12 Double X Back ARM Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger, circa 1950
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
This large ALL ARM set of rare examples is unique on the World market. This magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and completely installation ready. Expert custom upholstery service is available. The rarest of the rare: an exceptional, meticulously restored set of twelve (12) modern Double X back...
Mahogany
