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 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
Tommi Parzinger Tall Chest or Dresser for Charak Modern
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A tall chest of drawers designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Two piece cabinet with lower portion consisting of three generous sized drawers. Above sits a cabinet with door...
Brass
1950s Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern Chest of Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful Sabre leg chest of drawers on mahogany by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern. Great scale and stunning hardware Other notable designer from the period include T.H. Robsjohn...
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Credenza/ Sideboard for Charak Modern
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
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
Elegant Dresser With Twenty One Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Elegant and unusual twenty one drawer cabinet. Polished brass hardware. Impressive scale at 65.5"H, 47.5"W, 16"D. The cabinet is heavy.
Maple
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dresser
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful minimalist dresser designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Features waterfall edges, book matched walnut, and great edge details. The top drawers have partitions ...
Walnut
Lacquer Brass Hardware Mid-Century Modern Long Credenza Dresser Nine Drawers
By Tommi Parzinger, James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stunning white lacquer cabinet with polished brass pulls. Medium gloss finish.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Low Cabinet In Tommi Parzinger Style Wood and Brass, 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This magnificent and fully restored vintage Tommi Parzinger style Mid-Century Modern low cabinet is sculptural with its monumental polished solid brass hardware that opens the cabinet doors on both sides. It has brass inlay on the top and bottom and legs. The special beautiful restored stain on the wood is a light grey to darker grey over the walnut. One can see the grain of the wood as it becomes more of a mix of champagne and grey. This is perfect in back of a sofa, in a bedroom or den in front of a flat screen TV. Also a great large painting or work of art would be fantastic on top of it. There is one-drawer on the right hand side and 2 shelves on the left and one on the right hand side. Quite stunning! Beautifully restored! All of the original fabulous hardware has been polished. It is 2 cabinets on the one base originally designed and made this way. They do not separate as in for nightstands and they cannot be separated. It is one great Mid-Century Modern designer cabinet...
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Dresser w, Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Brass
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
Mid Century Modern Dresser with Brass & Wooden Legs
Located in Seattle, WA
Clean lined 3 drawer dresser form American of Martinsville. Elliptical inset drawer openings and four brass-clad mahogany deeply recessed legs with high set mahogany stretchers. Dim...
Wood
Mid-Century Three Drawer Dresser with Brass Legs, Vintage Charm
By Paul McCobb
Located in Trenton, NJ
A sophisticated study in mid-century design, this vintage three-drawer dresser combines warm natural wood grain with understated brass detailing. The case is framed in slim brass tri...
Brass
