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Paul Frankl Benches

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, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s
Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s

Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Station Wagon Bench, Rock Maple, Fabric, 1950s

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in Manhasset, NY

Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl / John Stuart Storage Ottoman, Footstool Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John Stuart. Branded Johnson Furniture Co. and lab...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Benches

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Restored Rattan Three-Seater "Eye" Bench by Paul T Frankl
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Restored Rattan Three-Seater "Eye" Bench by Paul T Frankl

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Rare, museum-quality rattan three-seat bench features a reed rattan top and a captivating eye-shaped arch. Designed by Paul T. Frankl using the highest-quality rattan poles and reeds...

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1930s Vintage Paul Frankl Benches

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Fabric, Rattan

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Paul Frankl benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Frankl benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Frankl benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Paul Frankl were created in the modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Widdicomb Furniture Co., Katavolos, Littel, & Kelly, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Paul Frankl benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $7,600 and can go as high as $14,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $11,050.