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Paul Frankl Armchairs

Austrian, American, 1886-1958

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.

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Creator: Paul Frankl
Paul Frankl Armchair for John Stuart
Paul Frankl Armchair for John Stuart

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Armchairs

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Upholstery, Wood

Midcentury Adjustable Lounge Chair by Paul Frankl  1950 '
Midcentury Adjustable Lounge Chair by Paul Frankl  1950 '

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...

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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Armchairs

Materials

Iron

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Pair of Armchairs + Table in Rattan Bamboo Design Paul Frankl, 1940s
Pair of Armchairs + Table in Rattan Bamboo Design Paul Frankl, 1940s

Pair of Armchairs + Table in Rattan Bamboo Design Paul Frankl, 1940s

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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 ...

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Vintage Rattan Bamboo Armchair Paul Frankl

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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...

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Pair of V Back Armchairs by Paul Frankl
Pair of V Back Armchairs by Paul Frankl

Pair of V Back Armchairs by Paul Frankl

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Pair of V Back Armchairs by Paul Frankl

By Paul Frankl

Located in Atlanta, GA

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Paul Frankl armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Frankl armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of bamboo and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Frankl armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Paul Frankl were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Mel Smilow, Michael Taylor, and Nicos Zographos. Prices for Paul Frankl armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $11,125, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,231.