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
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
$1,405
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 19.1 in
Italian Midcentury Serving Cart or Trolley in Cesare Lacca Style, 1960s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Midcentury Serving Cart or Trolley in Cesare Lacca Style, 1960s Beautiful bar cart or trolley, which can be used also as side table. Made in Italy in the mid-century in the ...
Brass
$2,057
H 32.68 in W 32.68 in D 27.96 in
Organic Riviera Style Vintage Rattan Wicker Patio Garden Bar Cart, 1950s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Organic Riviera Style vintage bar cart or serving trolley from rattan 1950s Italy. A stunning bar cart or serving trolley from rattan with beautiful details like big wheels with wove...
Rattan
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 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
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
$1,395
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
$7,942
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
Edward Wormley Bar Cart for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Karl Springer fortuni covered Rolling Two-Tier Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer signed and dated, muted green and black covered black Foo Dog printed animal two-tier table, with original brass casters.
Brass
$1,120
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
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