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.
1950s Tommi Parzinger Extendable Dining Table with Mahogany Inlay
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
Timeless and distinctive, Tommi Parzinger furniture embodies modern design across many eras and styles. Crafted with mahogany, with geometric inlaid fruitwood and slender tapered leg...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Model 161 Dining Table Mahogany and Maple
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Parzinger Originals model no. 161 dining table designed by Tommi Parzinger featuring a dark mahogany top inlaid with contrasting linear bands of maple on a base of satin finished pla...
Brass
$3,200
H 29 in W 72 in D 38 in
Sleek Parzinger Mid-Century Modern Laquered Mahogany & Maple Dining Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Breathtaking No. 161 dining table by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger Originals featuring an inlaid dark mahogany lacquered top inlaid with contrasting maple and laquered maple legs ter...
Mahogany, Maple
Tommi Parzinger Walnut Dining Table with Geometric Inlay, Circa 1955
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Mid-Century dining / conference table with a geometric inlaid pattern on the table, resting on four fluted and tapered cylindrical legs ending in brass feet. (TOMMI PARZI...
Brass
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 36 in D 36 in
Console Flip Top Dining Table by Parzinger with Brass String Inlay
By Tommi Parzinger, Parzinger Originals
Located in New York, NY
Rare flip top dining table, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger originals, circa 1950s. Stunning diamond pattern veneer, with elegant arch...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Dining Table
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant dining table, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Parzinger originals, circa 1960s. This table is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of finish color. It is a versatile size and can be used as a small dining table for four...
Pewter
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Dining Table with Parquetry Inlay, 1960
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-century dining table from France made of rosewood. This piece features a beautiful rosewood veneer with a stripe of parquetry down the middle of the top. There is a lemon wood in...
Rosewood
Tommi Parzinger for Charak Mahogany Danbury Extend Dining Table
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare mid-century modern drop-leaf expanding "Danbury" bleached mahogany dining table designed by Tommi Parzinger (Germany 1903-1981) for Charak Furniture, Boston. The table is cons...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger, Charak, Mid-Century Modern, Dining Table, Bleached Mahogany
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Stamford, CT
Tommi Parzinger, Charak Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Dining Table, Bleached Mahogany, Brass, 1954 Modern dining table designed by Tommi Parzinger (American, 1903-1981) and produced b...
Brass
$16,374
H 32.29 in W 71.66 in D 36.23 in
Art Deco Italian Inlaid Mahogany Table in the manner of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Fine quality mahogany dining table with inlaid detail and useful small drawer very similar to a table sold at Sothebys, designed by Gio Ponti.
Wood
