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.
Barbara Barry for Baker Console, Entry, or Vanity Table with Drawer
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulously chic table designed by Barbara Barry for Baker.
Wood
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Spindle Side Table, Mid-Century Modern c.1960s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Mid-Century Arthur Umanoff (attr.) walnut spindle side table with white laminate top.
Laminate, Walnut
Italian Campaign Style Brass Accent Inlay Lingerie Chest Dresser Chest Drawers
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Charming Italian made Campaign style chest with brass accents and inlays.
Brass
Bernard Vuarnesson “Hexa” Modular Wood, Laminate Coffee Table, 1980s
By Bernard Vuarnesson
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Minimalist, functional coffee table designed by Bernard Vuarnesson. Each of the 4 leaves can be pulled pulled out or stowed independently. Each leaf can be fully removed and flipped ...
Laminate, Wood
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Concrete Cantilever Coffee Table
By Saporiti, Giovanni Offredi
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Rare coffee table designed in the late 1970s by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia.
Concrete, Metal
1970s Monkey Form Composite & Glass Console Sofa Table
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Whimsical console table in form of monkey holding up a piece of glass.
Composition
Tommi Parzinger Originals Console Table or Credenza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger Originals console table or small credenza. Sophisticated modernism executed in Spanish white lacquer on a dark mahogany stained base with polished brass hardware. Fea...
Milk Glass, Mahogany
Monumental Ivory Lacquered and Aged Brass Credenza Style of Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Culver City, CA
This piece is absolutely stunning. A monumentally large credenza in the style of Tommi Parzinger, this credenza features a scalloped ivory lacquered body with solid brass Italian mod...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Console Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A four drawer lacquered console cabinet with mahogany base, brass hardware and Vitrolite white glass top. Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals.
Lacquer
Mid-Century Cream Lacquer w/ Black Lacquer Supports Sideboard by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modernist sideboard, designed by Tommi Parzinger and crafted in the United States, circa 1950, is a sublime example of refined restraint and sophisticated craftsmans...
Brass
1975 Mastercraft Cabinet In White Lacquered Mahogany Wood, Chrome Plated Bronze
By Mastercraft, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This absolutely stunning very gloriously restored custom vintage Mastercraft white lacquered over mahogany wood long cabinet, buffet or console was a custom piece at the time of 1975. It originally had a stainlerss steel top that cpuld not be polished out so it was replaced with a wood top that was lacquered. This magnificent piece has door knocker chrome plated over bronze dramatic hardware. They have been all re plated over the bronze as was before. The base is aluminum and has been polished to near perfection. The hinges also have been chrome plated to match. The dramatic and heavy hardware on the doors gives the cabinet a great modern look. The door knockers have been re-chrome plated to match all the other areas. They are very heavy. While this cabinet has been attributed to the style and work of Tommi Parzinger it is a custom Mastercraft piece. This is now modern, fabulous and timeless. It is 101 inches long. There are 3 compartments; the one on the left has 3 drawers, the middle one has shelves and the end one has shelves and drawers. It becomes timeless and has drama with modernity to it. It is stellar! It is ready to be shipped and purchased. No wait in stock. Please note that this has had the highest level of restoration and is a very special cabinet that will transcend time. it is 101 inches wide and a monumental gorgeous cabinet...
Aluminum, Bronze, Chrome
French artisanal white 2-door 3-drawer high wooden sideboard, by E Gizard 140 cm
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2 doors and 3 drawers sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and eac...
Ash, Wood
