Domenico “Ico” Parisi was one half of a prolific postwar design duo he comprised with his wife, Luisa. Their furniture designs are known for running the stylistic gamut, with celebrated mid-century modern pieces ranging from elegantly skeletal — like dramatic ebonized dining chairs — to plush and shapely, like the iconic 1951 Egg chair, in a plethora of materials.
The son of an art teacher father, Ico Parisi was exposed to art at an early age. Born in 1916 in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, he and his family moved to Como in 1925. There, the young Parisi would begin to develop his interest in architecture and design. After earning a degree as a building inspector in 1936 and working as a civil engineer, Parisi took on an apprenticeship in the studio of Giuseppe Terragni, the modernist, fascist Italian architect, pioneer of the Rationalist movement and creator of the iconic Casa del Fascio.
While working for Terragni, Parisi crossed paths with such contemporary design talents as Lucio Fontana, Bruno Munari and Pietro Lingeri, though he briefly moved away from design and architecture to explore photography and film. His artistic work would soon be interrupted, however, by the outbreak of World War II, during which he served at the front before returning to Como in 1943. There, he resumed work as a designer and architect, founding two architecture groups: the Alta Quota and the Gruppo Como.
Through his creative circles, Parisi met Luisa Aiani, a former student of the prolific architect and furniture designer Gio Ponti, who was affiliated with the Alta Quota. They married in 1947 and founded the studio La Ruota — a cross between a design firm and an intellectual salon — in Como shortly thereafter. In 1950, Parisi finally completed his architectural schooling, studying under the nationalist architect Alberto Sartoris at the Athenaeum Architecture School in Lausanne, Switzerland. He and Aiani began several decades of sophisticated output, designing curved sofas upholstered in yellow velvet and armchairs with slender mahogany frames for enduring Italian manufacturers such as Cassina and others.
Much like Charles and Ray Eames in America, the Parisis worked as a team and relied on experimentation in style and material for many of their designs. Ico Parisi died in Como in 1996.
Find a collection of vintage Ico Parisi coffee tables, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.
$8,268 / set
Ico Parisi nightstands, fo MIM Rome, Italy c1950
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma
Located in London, GB
Pair of bedside tables designed by Ico Parisi and edited by MIM. Walnut wood, brass and painted brass Integrated lights “mod. 222" designed by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, Italy, ...
Brass
Pair of "Positano" Nightstands by Ico Parisi & Gino Sarfatti for MIM, Italy 1958
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Positano illuminated nightstands in rosewood, black enameled brass and steel designed by Gino Sarfatti and Ico Parisi and produced by MiM Roma in Italy during the late 1950s. The iconic nightstands are fully original, complete and in amazing conditions. They are signed inside. These incredibly rare and unique pair of bedside tables are in amazing conditions, made in rosewood and black enameled brass. These nightstands were designed by Parisi using Gino Sarfatti spot...
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
Six-Piece Walnut Positano Bed by Ico Parisi for MIM Mobili Italiani Moderni Roma
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Petershagen, DE
This rare, six-piece bed is from the Positano series, which was designed by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma (Mobili Italiani Moderni). It exemplifies the elegant functionality of Italian mod...
Metal
Italian modern black bedside tables by Ico Parisi for Poggi, 1970s
By Poggi, Ico Parisi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black bedside tables by Ico Parisi for Poggi, 1970s Pair of bedside tables with wooden drawers. The top with rounded corners is in black leather. On the front there ar...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Ico Parisi Edited by Mim Pair of Italian Bedside Tables
By Ico Parisi
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of bedside tables designed by Ico Parisi edited by MIM. Composed of solid walnut wood structure and metal legs. Interior lighting “mod. 222" designed by Gino Sarfatti for Artel...
Metal
Ico Parisi, Bed and bedside tables from the 540 series, Prod. Fratelli Longhi, 1960s
By Fratelli Longhi, Ico Parisi
Located in Rivoli, IT
Rare set consisting of bed and bedside tables signed Ico Parisi and produced by Fratelli Longhi company since 1969. Good vintage condition. Lacquered wood frame and brass details. Bi...
Metal
$5,803 / set
Pair of Ico Parisi storage unit
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Ico Parisi storage unit
Wood
$2,368Sale Price|20% Off
Small Bedside Tables Shelves Style Ico Parisi for Debaggis 1950s Brass
By Ico Parisi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small bedside tables or shelves in mahogany Ico Parisi for Debaggis 1950s brass and glass Minimalist
Brass
$1,705Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 21.66 in D 11.03 in
Ico Parisi in the Manner Set of Night Stands Late 50's
By Ico Parisi
Located in bari, IT
Pair of one-drawer wall-mounted bedside tables with glass shelf and brass details. Italian production of the 50s in the style of Ico Parisi.
Brass
$4,263
H 22.84 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
Italy Gio Ponti manner Nightstand in Walnut, Crystal Tops, by Brugnoli Mobili
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian 1940s Gio Ponti style nightstand in walnut, with double crystal tops, one transparent one lacquered, wax polished Measures cm: H 48/58 x W 55 x D 35 About Gio Ponti A...
Crystal
Fratelli Reguitti Valet Chair Style of Ico Parisi, 1950-1960
By Fratelli Reguitti, Ico Parisi
Located in Rochester, NY
Fratelli Reguitti valet chair in original cerused pale oak w/ brass fittings. Two brass rods w/ ball ends at top extend out to hold ties, belts. The synthetic woven rope seat lifts u...
Brass
$4,250
H 39.25 in W 155.625 in D 91.75 in
1950s Italian Mid-Century Bed with Nightstands Attr. La Permanente Mobili Cantù
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Mid-Century Modern double bed frame attributed to La Permanente Mobili Cantù, dating to the 1950s. The headboard is the defining feature: a wide, low panel composed of tightl...
Brass
$5,211 / set
H 23.2 in W 20.8 in D 14 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Vittorio Dassi Style Nightstands Bedside Burl Walnut
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century pair nightstands 1950s Vittorio Dassi manner in folder and burl walnut, legs in dark beech, walnut burl flame veneer on the doors and sides; interior in mahogany folder....
Glass, Burl
$2,108 / set
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Tables Brutalist Style, 2022
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne....
Oak
Pair of Louis XVI Style Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French neoclassical style nightstand, with a pierced brass gallery and Bianco Carrara marble top, pull-out tray, single drawer with cast brass handles, square tapered legs with bra...
Marble, Brass
$2,368Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.2 in W 18.12 in D 11.82 in
Small Bedside Tables Shelves Style Ico Parisi for Debaggis 1950s Brass
By Ico Parisi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small bedside tables or shelves in mahogany Ico Parisi for Debaggis 1950s brass and glass Minimalist
Brass
Italian Magazine Rack by Ico Parisi, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Wonderful Ico Parisi piece from the 1950s. Made of black lacquered mahogany with original brass wheels. Very well shaped and in very good condition. Can be used for magazines, paper...
Brass
Pair 1950s Italian Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1950s Italian nightstands with mirror top featuring maple hardwoods, brass hardware and sabots.
Brass
$1,042 / set
H 22.05 in W 98.43 in D 124.02 in
Bed with bedside tables from the 1970s by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Double bed complete with bedside tables from the 1970s. Design by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau (manufacturer's mark present). The bed is in good vintage condition although there ...
Leather, Wood
Light Walnut Bed Frame by Raymond Loewy
By Raymond Loewy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage bed frame by Raymond Loewy, in a rich light walnut. Perfect for adding elegant and timeless Mid-Century Modern style to any be...
Walnut
Sold
H 34.85 in W 28.75 in D 11.82 in
Pair of "Positano" Nightstands by Ico Parisi for MiM, Italy 1950s
By MIM Roma, Gino Sarfatti, Ico Parisi
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of Positano nightstands in rosewood designed by Ico Parisi and produced by MiM Roma in Italy during the 1950s. They are signed inside. These incredibly rare and unique pair of bedside tables are in amazing conditions, made in rosewood and black enameled metal. These nightstands were designed by Parisi using Gino Sarfatti spot...
Metal, Aluminum
Ico Parisi, Nighstands, Wood, Brass, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood and brass nightstands designed by Ico Parisi and produced by Colombo e Clerici, Italy, 1960s.
Brass
Ico Parisi Set of Two Night Stands Late Sixties
By Ico Parisi
Located in bari, IT
Pair of wall-mounted night stands with one drawer. Italian production late 1960s in the style of Ico Parisi. Ico Parisi was born in Pale...
Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 24.02 in D 12.6 in
20th Century Ico Parisi Pair of Magazine Racks in Black Lacquered Wood, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Ico Parisi was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1916, but as early as 1925 with his family he moved to Como, where in 1936 he graduated as a building surveyor and served an apprenticeship ...
Wood
Ico Parisi Mid-Century "Positano" Nightstands, Published
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful pair of bedside tables of the "Positano" model designed by Ico Parisi for the Italian manufactory MIM Roma. The nightstands are made entirely of a very fine light wood wit...
Metal
Set of Bed Side Tables, Walnut, Ico Parisi, 1960
By Ico Parisi, Brugnoli Mobili Cantú
Located in Berlin, DE
Two night stands made of wood and walnut veneer, with Formica elements in white. Drawer on top and lower compartment with fold out door. Designed by Ico Parisi. Manufactured by Brugnoli Mobili Cantú.
Formica, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli, Late 1950s
By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A pair of side tables in teak and brass from the 'Parisi 1' series Cantù, late 1950s. Professionally restored and in great condition. Original tag still in place. Bibliografia/Lit...
Teak
Sold
H 34.85 in W 28.75 in D 13.39 in
Illuminated Nightstands by Ico Parisi & Gino Sarfatti (Arteluce) for 'MIM', 1958
By MIM Roma, Arteluce, Gino Sarfatti, Ico Parisi
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Wonderful pair of rare "Positano" series nightstands finished in italian walnut and brass, designed in 1958 by Italian architect Ico Paris in collaboration with Gino Sarfatti (appliques) for 'MIM', Roma, Italy . These cabinets came out of a hotel in the South of Italy and these examples appear to be a bespoke production specifically for the hotel's interior as each cabinet bears a unique impressed number above the circular 'MIM' manufacturer's decal. The brass hardware on these cabinets has been beautifully executed with wonderful offset brass detailing to the door handle's backplates and delicate inset brass detailing to the drawer all arranged in a composition that remind me of the beautiful mminimal constructivist and 'arte concrete' reliefs of the period, The built in appliques for bedside reading have a Calderesque minimal sculpural beauty about them and were designed in 1957 by the great master of italian lighting ,Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce (model '222;) . These are wonderful pieces that bring art and design together which is not suprising as Ico Parisi was both an architect and artist.. The delicately and beautifully handled detailing on these cabinets is right up there with masters such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa. Other subtle but lovely details are the inset chamfered finger pulls to the inside edge of the doors. The more you look the more you appreciate these details. Each cabinet has an open upper storage compartment for books, vases etc that spans the full width of the cabinet with accompanying inbuilt Sarfatti applique for bedside reading. There is a single drawer to each cabinet which spans half the width of the cabinet with inset brass detailing to the drawer front , below that there are two storage storage cabinets...
Metal, Brass, Steel
Sold
H 35.04 in W 28.75 in D 11.82 in
Pair of Nightstands by Ico Parisi for MIM with Gino Sarfatti Lamps, 1958
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
Very rare set of two Mid-Century Modern bedside tables from the "Positano" series designed by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma in 1958 Veneered teak case and black painted iron. The two meta...
Metal
Ico Parisi Table Two-Tier Table
By Ico Parisi
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and rare occasional table by Ico Parisi, circa early 1950s. Pull out drawer, galley top, lower shelf with organic legs typical of Ico Parisi.
Walnut
Sold
H 27.56 in W 24.41 in D 13.78 in
Pair of Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Nightstands, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of bedside tables designed by the famous architect Ico Parisi, in walnut wood, glass shelves and brass finishes. They have been completely restored, as can be seen in the photo.
Brass
Sold
H 35.04 in W 28.75 in D 11.82 in
1950s Ico Parisi MIM Nightstands Positano with Gino Sarfatti Arteluce Lights
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Very rare couple of Italian nightstands from the Positano series designed by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma, 1958. Veneered walnut case and painted steel finish. Metal sconces model 222, w...
Metal