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
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Rolling Bar Cart
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pistachio green rolling bar cart from the Precedent series by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1960. 3 tiered rolling cart featuring a textured glass top and casters. Precedent by Drexel...
Wood
Italian Midcentury Rattan Cane and Bamboo Drinks Cart
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Italian handcrafted mid-century rattan and bamboo bar cart or drinks trolley. Featuring a two-tiered body with decorative accents - the top tier with a gallery and handle over...
Metal
$1,160
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
$1,395
H 27 in W 21 in D 28 in
W. A. Berkey & J. Widdicomb Oval Mahogany Occasional Serving Table on Wheels
By John Widdicomb, William A. Berkey Furniture Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
William A. Berkey (American, 1881-1976) for John Widdicomb oval two tiered occasional table, cart table, serving table. Banded mahogany with tapered column supports and wire mesh sid...
Iron
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
$2,961
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
Edward Wormley Bar Cart for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury bar cart features a unique sliding slate style top that expands to 62 inches wide to reveal locking side cabinet. Additional storage in drawer and open adjusta...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Rolling Bar/Serving Cart, Belgium design
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cubist Industrial solid chromed metal frame with inset white Formica and wengé shelves. In original good condition.
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
$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
$8,231
H 23.82 in W 17.72 in D 27.96 in
Mid-Century Modern Organic Vintage Cherry Brass Bar Cart Max Kment 1950 Austria
By Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte Max Kment
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern organic vintage bar cart or tea cart from cherry, brass and cords by Max Kment Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätten 1950s Austria. While the bar cart shows two tiers, one...
Brass
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