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.
Vintage Tommi Parzinger Gold Leaf Over Iron Bench, Upholstered White Velvet 40's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage stunning Regency style Mid century modern vintage Tommi Parzinger bench is gold leaf over iron with wonderful newly upholstered seat in white cut velvet sculptural fabri...
Iron, Gold Leaf
$6,500
Tommi Parzinger Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A classic Parzinger Originals Form. Reupholstered and refinished.
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Bench for Parzinger Originals
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tommi Parzinger design bench for Parzinger Originals, N.Y. Upholstered in what appears to be the original white leather on a brass tubular studded frame. A rare design made with high...
Brass
Wrapped Stainless Bench Upholstered in Grey Velvet
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom stainless steel wrapped bench with seat upholstered in grey velvet. A sleek modern design that is at home in any interior from the traditionally designed to the contemporary. ...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Upholstered Velvet and Brass X-Benches
Located in New York, NY
Pair of upholstered velvet and brass X-benches. The benches have brass frames and green velvet upholstery.
Brass
$6,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34.5 in W 18.5 in D 23 in
Rare Set of Six Double x Dining Chairs by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Wichita, KS
A classic and rare set of six black painted mahogany dining chairs designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger originals, circa 1950. Two arm chairs and four side chairs included in th...
Fabric, Mahogany
$595
H 19 in W 39.5 in D 15 in
French Louis XVI Style Blue White Distress Painted Upholstered Wooden 40" Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Louis XVI Style White/Blue Distress Painted Upholstered Wooden 40" Long Bench. Item features a white and blue distress painted finish, brown printed upholstery with nail-head ...
Fabric, Wood
Original Painted Swedish Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th century original painted Swedish pine bench with carved decoration. Waiting for an upholstered seat. 1820. Seat height: 16-inches (41cm) Code: 9154 Dimensions: W: 76"...
Pine
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.5 in W 36.5 in D 11 in
Art Deco / Art Nouveau Cast Iron Bench Upholstered in Pelangi Velvet
Located in Skokie, IL
Art Deco / Art Nouveau Cast Iron Bench Upholstered in Pelangi Velvet This is a beautiful and unusual antique Art Deco / Art Nouveau cast iron bench. Wonderfully casted and decorated...
Iron
100% Belgian Linen Upholstered Bench with Iron Accents.
Located in Fall River, MA
Designed by Blair Moore as an entry seat, this New Vintage design features a modern, utility-driven form with a black powder-coated steel base and solid wood construction. Upholster...
Iron
Spanish Iron Bench in Gold Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant iron bench was recently crafted by skilled artisans and features scrolled legs and a stretcher with decorative bands that are highlighted in hand-applied gold. Handmade by expert European craftsmen, it has a hand forged iron base with a black painted finish. The seat is covered in a soft gold velvet that compliments the black and gold frame. Whether you place it in the living room or bedroom, this handcrafted Spanish bench is sure to elevate your space. This beautiful bench is part of our vintage-inspired collection...
Iron
French Victorian Wrought Iron Upholstered Window Bedside Bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Victorian era wrought iron bench is a striking example of 19th-century craftsmanship, combining elegance, durability, and timeless style. The hand-forged iron frame featu...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Geometric Wrought Iron Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage geometric wrought iron bench. This stunning heavy weight midcentury iron modernist bench has been professionally upholstered in a stunning plush geometric cut velvet fabric. This versatile bench is perfect for a hall, living area...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Style Southwestern Upholstered Boho X Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-style Upholstered Boho X Bench featuring a comfortable padded seat upholstered in eye-catching Navajo-inspired patterned fabric, paired with a classic X-base design. Rich tex...
Wood
$2,250
H 43.75 in W 31.5 in D 31 in
Tommi Parzinger Style Lounge Chair Reupholstered Your Fabric Hollywood Regency
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Hollywood Regency Lounge Chair, in the style of Tommi Parzinger, unsigned, American, circa 1940s. This chair is currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be comple...
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals Brass Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tommi Parzinger design bench for Parzinger Originals, N.Y. Upholstered in what appears to be the original mauve leatherette on a brass tubular studded frame. A rare design made with...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Elegant Upholstered Bench with Tapering Legs 1950s
By Parzinger Originals, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare elegant upholstered bench, model number 313, with base in mahogany and upholstered seat with signature elements that wrap around frame b...
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Embossed Leather X-Base Stools by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
A very rare pair of x-base benches with original embossed leather upholstery and black-finished metal / brass legs.
Brass, Metal
Tommi Parzinger Button-Tufted Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Parzinger Originals bench.
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Graceful Bench with White Lacquer Base, 1950s
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Elegant bench no. 313, white lacquered mahogany base with tapering legs and upholstered seat, by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals, American 1950s. This is newly upholstered by...
Lacquer
Sold
H 19 in W 60 in D 22 in
Vintage Tommi Parzinger Gold Leaf Over Iron Upholstered White Velvet Bench MCM
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning Hollywood Regency inspired Mid-Century Modern vintage Tommi Parzinger gold leafed iron bench has been totally restored. It has been newly upholstered in a white cut vel...
Iron, Gold Leaf
Tommi Parzinger Brass and Upholstered Mid-Century Modern Bench
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
The lines, the weight, the quality, the beauty, the simplicity, the elegance, the timeless modernity of this rare very heavy polished Tommi Parzinger Mid-Century Modern brass bench s...
Brass