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.
Paul Frankl Armchair for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare model 2254 ½ armchair designed by Paul Frankl in all-original, unrestored condition. It features a sculptural solid wood frame with delicate curve...
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury Adjustable Lounge Chair by Paul Frankl 1950 '
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rome, IT
Original Mid-Century Modern reclinable Bamboo and Rattan three -stand lounge chair features stylized pretzel arms. It has a wonderful design with a classic look. Providing comfort a...
Iron
$64,200 / set
H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in
Paul Frankl Set of 14 Dining Chairs in Bleached Mahogany & Latte Bouclé c. 1950
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most special and large iconic set of Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs designed by one of the most beloved of all Paul Frankl fully restored from top to bottom with newly refinished bleached mahogany frames and new cushions and latte bouclé upholstery. Our shop has carried several Paul Frankl dining sets...
Mahogany, Bouclé, Upholstery
$2,800 / set
H 32.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Handsome Set of Five John Stuart Walnut Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern
By John Stuart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome set of 5 John Stuart walnut dining chairs. This well crafted set consists of 2 arm chairs and 3 side chairs. The seat seats pads h...
Upholstery, Walnut
$48,400 / set
H 34 in W 21 in D 23 in
Set of 14 Paul Frankl Corset Oak Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman in Latte Bouclé
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sultry large set of 14 Oak Corset Dining Chairs designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Brown Saltman newly professionally restored and refinished in original stain with new cushions...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
$3,339Sale Price|40% Off
H 33 in W 32 in D 36 in
Restored Rattan Six-Strand Square Pretzel Lounge Chair Paul Frankl Style
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-style six-strand rattan lounge chair features square pretzel arms and the classic stacked rattan base. The lounge blends style and vintage charm...
Wicker, Rattan
$440Sale Price|70% Off
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 24.41 in
Midcentury Lounge Chair Bratislava By Jindrich Volak, Drevopodnik Holesov, 1960
By Drevopodnik Holesov, Ludvik Volak
Located in Zohor, SK
Completely restored iconic armchair named "Bratislava" as it was originally produced for the airport in Bratislava city. Designed by Jindrich Volak, this armchair was produced by Dre...
Faux Leather, Oak
$2,750
H 4,275 in W 26.5 in D 25 in
Danish Midcentury Higback Lounge Chair with Open Armrests by Fritz Hansen
By Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Stylistically perfect open armchair designed by Soren Hansen for Fritz Hansen in the early 1940s. Sturdy construction of stained beech wood with the frame being in very good conditio...
Wool, Beech
Set of Six Paul Frankl for Johnson "Corset" Dining Chairs
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of six Paul Frankl dining chairs for Johnson Furniture. The chairs frames are made of cerused oak and are very sturdy and comfortable. Measures: 32 inches H x 23 in...
Upholstery, Oak
$1,480 / set
H 35 in W 23.25 in D 23.25 in
Classic Pair of Modernist Armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair of modernist armchairs by John Van Koert for Drexe, amazing original condition, solid. Sturdy construction, superior quality, sculpted walnut, extremely comfortable.
Fabric, Walnut
Cab Armchair 2 by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Italian Mid-Century Modern armchair designed by Mario Bellini featuring handstitched black leather upholstery wrapped over internal steel frame. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy, ...
Leather
Pair of Midcentury Solid Walnut Lounge Chairs by Stow Davis
By Jens Risom, Stow Davis
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair midcentury solid walnut lounge chairs by Stow Davis, handsome architectural profile in the style of Jens Risom. Superior quality and construction, retains original orange wool f...
Fabric, Walnut
$7,850
H 31.5 in W 33.5 in D 34 in
Swivel Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Paul T. Frankl, 1940s. Gray Mohair Upholstery
By Paul Frankl
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful Swivel Lounge Chair and ottoman designed by the most important American Art Deco designer, Paul Frankl. Expertly reupholstered in grey mohair. Very comfortable and would ...
Wrought Iron
$3,600 / set
H 40 in W 20 in D 21.5 in
Vintage John Stuart Provincial Cane Back and Leather Dining Chairs
By John Stuart Inc., John Stuart
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Set of 6 Cane back dining chairs with leather seats. Louis XVI styling. Great design with complimenting warm wood and black leather seat.
Leather, Cane, Wood
Sold
H 32.09 in W 29.53 in D 30.71 in
Austrian Art Deco rattan and white fabric armchairs by Paul Frankl, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian Art Deco rattan and white fabric armchairs by Paul Frankl, 1940s Pair of rattan armchairs with padded seat and backrest covered in white fabric. The structure is composed of...
Fabric, Rattan
Paul Frankl Bamboo and Rattan Armchair, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Naples, IT
Bamboo and rattan armchair by Paul Frankl, 1960s Paul Theodore Frankl (1887-1958), born in Vienna in 1887, together with his friend Joseph Urban was among the first modernist designe...
Bamboo, Rattan
Bamboo and rattan armchair by Paul Frankl, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Milano, IT
Bamboo and rattan armchair by Paul Frankl, 1960s Good condition Paul Theodore Frankl (1887-1958), born in Vienna in 1887, together with his friend Joseph Urban was among the firs...
Bamboo
Set of Two Armchair by Paul Frankl, Dal Vera
By Paul Frankl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of 2 bamboo armchairs designed by Paul Frankl is a captivating combination of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted with sustainable bam...
Bamboo
Set of 2 Armchair and a Sofa by Paul Frankl, Dal Vera
By Paul Frankl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of 2 bamboo armchairs and bamboo sofa designed by Paul Frankl is a captivating combination of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted with...
Bamboo
Pair of Vintage Armchairs by Paul Frankl 1960 Bamboo
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pair of vintage armchairs by Paul Frankl 1960 Bamboo, rattan This is an airy design with a solid and sturdy construction. The way the seat frame curves is also often called a pre...
Wood
Sold
H 36 in W 35 in D 38 in
Rare Museum Quality Six-Strand Square Pretzel Lounge Chair by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Frankl six strand square Pretzel rattan arm lounge chair. This chair dates from 1934. This chair is a Paul Frankl original. This comes dir...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Bamboo Lounge Set Paul Frankl, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
Why dream of sultry summer evenings, when you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere all year round with this lounge set. This beautiful set of two bamboo armchairs and a three-person ...
Bamboo
Vintage Set of Bamboo Lounge Armchairs by Paul Frankl, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
This beautiful set of bamboo armchairs is by Paul Frankl. The chairs were produced in France around the 1960s. The chairs have a solid bamboo frame. The cushions feature the original green and cream striped fabric. The combination of the colours give the chairs a wonderfull summery vibe. This creates an interesting contrast with the robust and strong bamboo frame. Considering their age, the armchairs are in good vintage condition. Perfectly cozy for a veranda or lounge corner of a bar or hotel. With many people becoming environmentally conscious, buying vintage...
Cotton, Bamboo
Sold
H 32.29 in W 28.35 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Armchairs + Table in Rattan Bamboo Design Paul Frankl, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in taranto, IT
splendid and very rare pair of rattan armchairs, production and design by paul Frankl, originals from the 1940s, complete with coffee table they measure 82 cm in height, 72 cm in ...
Bamboo
Vintage Rattan Bamboo Armchair Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
Why dream of sultry summer evenings, when you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere all year round with this lounge armchair. This great bamboo armchair is by Paul Frankl and comes fr...
Bamboo
Pair of V Back Armchairs by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of sculptural V back armchairs, designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1950s. The examples seen in the photos have been sold, but we have another pair ...
Upholstery, Mahogany