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 Henry Olko Server
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cabinet by Henry Olko for Willow & Reed featuring signature hardware by Tommi Parzinger for Willow & Reed. Two-drop down leaves extend length to 59"...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Walnut & Glass, Italy
By Cesare Lacca, Cassina
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian bar cart made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Cesare Lacca and produced by Cassina, enhanced by detailed wood carvings, in good cond...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Walnut & Glass, Italy, 1940s
By Cesare Lacca, Cassina
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian bar cart made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Cesare Lacca and produced by Cassina, enhanced by detailed wood carvings,...
Metal, Chrome
$1,171
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 18.51 in
Italian Midcentury Serving Bar Cart or Trolley with Teak Trays, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Classic serving cart, bar or trolley from the Italian mid-century, 1970s of great quality. The base of the trolley is made of black metal with two beautiful teak wood veneer shelves....
Metal
French Gilt-Bronze Bar Cart with Gold Églomisé Tops attr. to Bagues
Located in Pembroke, MA
A highly-decorative and very rare French gilt-bronze bar cart with a gold églomisé tops. The bronze frame is in the form of palm leaves, and sun flowers adorn the sides where the sup...
Ormolu, Bronze
Campo e Graffi Bar Cart w/ Removable Tray in Teak and Brass, Italy 1960s
By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous triangular shaped serving bar cart with removable top tray in a beautiful combination of teak wood, brass, hand-woven wicker and white laminate. This incredibly unique and e...
Brass
$2,007
H 28.75 in W 36.62 in D 19.69 in
Cesare Lacca Midcentury Wood Italian Bar Cart with Glass Serving Trays 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic midcentury wood bar cart with glass serving trays. This piece is attributed to Cesare Lacca and it was designed in Italy during 1950s. ...
Brass
Vintage 1960 2 Tiers French Bamboo and Rattan Bar Cart
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1960 2 tiers French bamboo and rattan bar cart. Space in between 11 inches.
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,164Sale Price|40% Off
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 28 in
American Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood And Brass Bar Trolley Server
By Mastercraft
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
American Mid-Century Modern burl wood and brass bar trolley server The trolley has the original brass hardware and wheels. The server is in good sturdy order and the wheels works ...
Brass
$1,314
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 17.33 in
Midcentury Italian Beech Wood and Formica Red Two Tiered Bar Cart, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic midcentury serving trolley in beech wood with two formica red shelves. This unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1960s. This is a won...
Metal
$2,988
H 24.41 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in
Midcentury Cesare Lacca White Walnut Wood Italian Bar Cart, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid-century white walnut wood (Junglans Regia) bar trolley with bottle holder. This extraordinary piece is attributed to Cesare Lacca and was designed in Italy in the 1950s...
Brass
$1,733
H 24.81 in W 31.11 in D 14.97 in
Midcentury Rattan and Black Metal Raoul Guys Trolley Bar Cart, circa 1950
By Raoul Guys
Located in Labrit, Landes
Rattan and black metal serving trolley bar cart drinks midcentury, made circa 1950. Raoul Guys is a Parisian interior designer who will produce some furniture typical of the 1950s s...
Marble, Metal
Bamboo Rattan Round Serving Bar Cart & Bottle Holder, Italy, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
1960s round serving bar cart and bottle holder (up to four bottles) with a long curved handle for lifting in bamboo and rattan made in Italy.
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker, Cane
Tommi Parzinger Bar or Serving Cart
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Bar or Serving Cart, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern, circa 1950's. It has been refinished in an ultra-deep brown lacquer and the brass hardware has been hand p...
Brass