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 Credenza/ Sideboard for Charak Modern
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare long credenza designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Features three sections each revealed by a door. Left section containing a drawer and shelf, middle section housin...
Oak
Tommi Parzinger Leather Covered Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A green leather clad cabinet with gold embossing and brass hardware. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern.
Leather
Tommi Parzinger Credenza for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger design Chinese red lacquer credenza with polished brass mounted hardware. High quality construction and attention to details, newly lacquered in the original color ...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Originals Credenza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic server/buffet by Tommy Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, ca' 1960's. Beautiful brass hardware, key, felt lined top drawer. High quality construction and original warm finish.
Wood
Original Domus Credenza by Michael van Beuren
By Michael van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare original Domus Credenza by Michael Van Beuren in pine wood and with the characteristic Van Beuren green color, designed by the American Bauhaus designer, Michael V...
Pine
Italian Midcentury Credenza With Malachite Panel
Located in Kent, Dover
A stylish Italian Mid-Century credenza, beautifully veneered, with a central two door cupboard & upper glass shelf. The central panel with brass detailing and a faux malachite pa...
Brass
$6,044Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Italian Dark Green Sideboard with "Grisinato" Murano Glass and Brass
Located in Guazzora, IT
This exquisite dark green Italian buffet sideboard is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, blending Mid-Century Modern style with luxurious materials. The highlights are the four doors ...
Brass
$5,648Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Light Green Italian birch Sideboard with 4 'Grisinato' Glass Doors Available
Located in Guazzora, IT
This exquisite Italian sideboard in light green birch is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, it features four beautiful 'Gr...
Brass
$4,707Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.47 in W 70.87 in D 19.69 in
Emerald green sideboard and dry bar: three doors justfurnituress design
Located in Guazzora, IT
Striking a perfect balance between art and contemporary design, the emerald green sideboard by Justfurnituress stands out as a genuine star of high-end furniture. Featuring a solid w...
Brass
$12,000
H 33 in W 70 in D 19 in
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Maple & Mahogany Dresser Chest Credenza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Maple & Mahogany Dresser Chest Credenza. Item features six dovetail constructed drawers, mahogany plinth, brass Parzinger hardware and inlaid ...
Mahogany, Maple
Two-Tone Black Italian Credenza on Brass Legs
Located in Stamford, CT
A flat black sideboard with high gloss recessed lines. Italian circa 1965. Case has three doors two housing shelves on either side of 5 drawers.
Wood
Mahogany and Aluminum Cabinet Designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc
By Jens Risom
Located in Stamford, CT
A Mahogany sideboard with aluminum hardware designed by Jens Risom Designs Inc, circa 1960s. Labled on interior of top drawer. Two cabinets with shelfs, the third with drawers.
Mahogany
French School of Arbus Credenza in Light Wood with Adam & Eve Medallion
Located in Stamford, CT
French School of Arbus 6 drawer credenza in veneered light wood with 2 center doors and Adam & Eve Medallion. Circa 1940's.
Wood
Model NV54 Tambour Door Sideboard Produced Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stamford, CT
A model NV54 sideboard designed in 1954 produced by Niels Vodder. Exterior is dark brown teak and the interior cabinet is Maple. Having 8 interior drawers and a ...
Maple, Teak
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Bleached Mahogany Chest of Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern bleached mahogany chest of drawers with brass hardware. Circa 1945. Partial label inside top drawer.
Mahogany
Rosewood Bedside Cabinet with Chrome Legs
Located in Stamford, CT
A possibly Danish; rosewood cabinet having chrome leg. Having a single ebonized internal shelf.
Rosewood
