Paul Frankl Dining Chairs, Set of 10
View Similar Items
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs, Set of 10
About the Item
- Creator:Paul Frankl (Designer),Brown Saltman (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Width: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)Seat Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 10
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Pasadena, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU82581017134
Paul Frankl
Born in Vienna, Paul Frankl came to the United States in 1914 as part of a wave of Central European design luminaries — among them Kem Weber, Rudolph Schindler, and Richard Neutra — who were drawn by the energy and optimism of the American scene. Prolific and protean, Frankl would go on to design furnishings that are emblematic of nearly every key stylistic chord in American modernism, from the streamlined Art Deco to free-form organic shapes.
Frankl's Skyscraper cabinets, bookcases and more — introduced in 1924 — are his earliest and best-known designs (and the work by which he is most often represented in institutions, such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art). Tall and narrow, the pieces have staggered shelves meant to mimic the setbacks of Manhattan office towers. A later visually expressive line — the Speed chairs and sofas, which have a raked profile suggesting motion — links Frankl to Donald Deskey, Raymond Loewy and other creators of Streamline Moderne design.
Frankl moved to Los Angeles in 1934 and luxuriated in the climate and lifestyle. His designs became lighter and simpler and found an audience among the Hollywood élite. (Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire were clients.) Fascinated by Asian arts, Frankl produced numerous pieces — tabletops with edges that curve upward; sofas, chairs and other seating with rattan frames — inspired by Chinese and Japanese forms and materials. In the 1940s, Frankl became one of the first designers to incorporate free-form, biomorphic shapes in his work, as well as novel upholstery fabrics such as denim and nubby wool.
Frankl biographer Christopher Long argues that the designer’s easy, elegant aesthetic had an enormous influence on movie set design. As the furniture below attests, Paul Frankl’s work is ready for its close-up.
Find vintage Paul Frankl tables, dining chairs, case pieces and storage cabinets on 1stDibs.
Brown Saltman
The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.
Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions.
He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.
In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract.
Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.
Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.
- Biedermeier for Baker Set of 6 Dining ChairsBy Baker Furniture CompanyLocated in Pasadena, CAThe high-end Baker manufacturer was inspired by this so refined Biedermeier style and made these chairs with the same attention. Biedermeier itself was inspired by the Directoire Fr...Category
Antique 1830s American Biedermeier Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsBirdseye Maple, Upholstery
- Set of Eight Wood Dining Chairs by Alwy VisschedykLocated in Pasadena, CAThis rare set of 8 chairs in ash wood by designer Alwy Visschedyck is meticulously well-crafted and visually awesome in the simplicity of design. Despite their strikingly angular a...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsAsh
- Set of 6 Dyrlund Blue/Grey Danish Dining Room Chairs in TeakBy DyrlundLocated in Pasadena, CAThis set of six Danish Dining Room Chairs was crafted in the 1970s by the Danish manufacturer Dyrlund. They embody the essence of Danish mid-century modern aesthetics. Dyrlund, a tr...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Set of Four Memphis Italian White-Wash Wood Dining Room Chairs by S.p.A TononBy TononLocated in Pasadena, CACrafted with meticulous craftsmanship, these set of four high-backed dining chairs feature a lacquered finish in an elegant white wash wood tone. The chairs are adorned with rust-col...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- A Set of 5 Walnut Folding Chairs by Coronet NorquistLocated in Pasadena, CAThese highly comfortable folding chairs are made of solid walnut, and they deserve the slogan written on the label under their seat: You'd have to be told.... they fold". They featu...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Pair of 1970s White Lacquer and Lucite Beige Dining ChairsBy Brickfield Furniture CompanyLocated in Pasadena, CAElegant set of four 1970s high-back dining chairs by the Brickfield Furniture Company, High Point, N.C., 1972. Finished in white lacquered wood frames with beveled Lucite backs and p...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood, Lucite
- Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of FourBy Paul Frankl, Brown SaltmanLocated in Van Nuys, CASet of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set include...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- 1940s Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of SevenBy Paul Frankl, Brown SaltmanLocated in Van Nuys, CASet of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set includes seven captain's chairs. North...Category
Vintage 1950s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Paul Frankl Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman, Set of 10By Paul FranklLocated in Van Nuys, CASet of dining chairs by Paul Frankl for the Brown Saltman group. The chairs are upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric with a unique crisscross "X" chair back. Great example ...Category
Vintage 1950s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Paul Frankl Set of 6 Oak X- Back Dining chairs 1950sBy Paul FranklLocated in Brooklyn, NYA beautiful set of 6 upholstered Paul Frankl X-Back dining chairs with oak frames 1950s. This set includes 2 captain’s chairs and 4 side chairs.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Foam, Oak
- Paul Frankl Corset Dining Chairs for Johnson, Set of 8By Paul FranklLocated in Chicago, ILRare opportunity to acquire this stunning set of Paul Frankl Corset dining chairs by Johnson Furniture Co. The set includes 2 arm chairs and 6 sid...Category
20th Century North American Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Mahogany
$15,120 Sale Price / set24% Off - Paul Frankl Set of 4 Plunging Neckline Dining/Game Chairs 1950sBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in New York, NYSet of 4 "Plunging Neckline" dining/game chairs by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American 1950's. Refinished and newly upholstered in white leather. These chairs are both very ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Work Rattan and Wicker Furniture into Any Space
Interior designers Celerie Kemble and Angie Hranowsky dish out their advice on artfully bringing these natural materials into today's homes.
Why This L.A. Designer Prefers Soulful Sophistication over Snobbism
Mallery Roberts Morgan practices a singular brand of creative fluidity as a writer and a quietly influential interior designer.