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 Custom Dining Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Frankl custom dining table, designed for a project in La Jolla, California 1930c. Sold with two 24-inch leaves when both are inserted the tabl...
Glass, Wood, Cork
Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cutout Back Arm & Side Chairs by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
A set of six Mid-Century Modernist arm and side chairs, designed by Paul Frankl, featuring striking cutout backrests and crafted in elegant walnut, American, circa 1945. This excepti...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of 12 Paul Frankl Corset Back Dining Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
We are pleased to offer this one of a kind exquisitely large set of 12 Paul Frankl plunging corset dining chairs for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950 professionally reupholstered in ivo...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany, Bentwood
$10,750 / set
6 Paul Frankl Corset Dining Chairs in Grey Wool
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Mid Century set of 6 Paul Frankl Corset Dining room Chairs. The "V" back is very sexy and sophisticated - reminiscent of a corset or a tuxedo - elegant and uptown. The set has fo...
Wool, Upholstery, Wood
$3,570Sale Price / set|40% Off
1940s Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Seven
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs are upholstered in high-quality blue cotton fabric. The set includes seven captain's chairs. Arm ...
Wood
Paul Frankl Set of 20 Dining Chairs in Bleached Mahogany & Latte Bouclé c. 1950
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A knockout one of a kind extra large set of Mid Century Modern bejewels is what most describes this iconic set of 20 Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs designed by one of the period's ...
Bouclé, Wood, Mahogany
Set of 10 Paul Frankl Corset Back Dining Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
We are pleased to offer this one of a kind exquisite set of 10 Paul Frankl plunging corset dining chairs for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950 professionally reupholstered in ivory white...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany, Bentwood
Set of 16 Paul Frankl Corset Back Dining Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
We are pleased to offer this one of a kind exquisitely large set of 16 Paul Frankl plunging corset dining chairs for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950 professionally reupholstered in ivo...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany, Bentwood
Paul Frankl Armchair for John Stuart
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart
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
Set of 18 Paul Frankl Corset Back Dining Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
We are pleased to offer this one of a kind exquisitely large set of 18 Paul Frankl plunging corset dining chairs for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950 professionally reupholstered in ivo...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany, Bentwood
$1,806Sale Price / set|40% Off
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Four
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set include...
Wood
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
Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork Dining 9 Piece Set
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture mahogany and cork dining set - 9 piece set. An exquisite, iconic and truly timeless and unparalleled classic dining set...
Fabric, Mahogany, Cork
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
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
$4,100 / set
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs Set 9 plus 1
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Fulton, CA
A set of 9 Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by Paul T. Frankl for Brown-Saltman of California. Eight side chairs and one captains chair. Circa. 1940's. (10th chair available...
Oak
$10,500Sale Price / set|40% Off
Mid-century Blond Birch Dining Chair by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, Set of 10
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 10 blond birch 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....
Wood
Set of 14 Paul Frankl Corset Back Dining Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
We are pleased to offer this one of a kind exquisitely large set of 14 Paul Frankl plunging corset dining chairs for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950 professionally reupholstered in ivo...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany, Bentwood
Pair of Paul Frankl for Johnson Corset Side Dining Chairs
By Paul Frankl
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Corset side or dining chairs also know as plunging neckline or "V" back chairs. Chairs are in need of re-upholstery, price includes refi...
$669Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35.04 in W 18.12 in D 20.87 in
1940s Set of Four Art Deco Dining Chairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The chairs have been reupholstered some time ago.
Wood, Fabric
$5,395 / set
H 33 in W 19 in D 20.5 in
Set 6 Paul Frankl Style Mid Century Dining Chairs 2 Arm + 4 Side with New Fabric
By Paul Frankl
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1950s set of six dining chairs in manner of Paul Frankl. Found in the US - unknown maker - these chairs are similar in style to the Corset chair des...
Upholstery, Wood
$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
$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
$780 / set
H 31.5 in W 16.15 in D 16.93 in
1950's Baumann Bentwood Tri Back Dining Chair - Bleached - Set Of Four
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s Baumann Bentwood Tri Back Dining Chair – Bleached – Set Of Four 1950’s Baumann Bentwood Tri Back Dining Chair – Honey – Set Of Four. Classic Beech bistro chair made in France ...
Bentwood
Paul McCobb Bronze and Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning set of six dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Lane. The set consists of two arm chairs and four side chairs.
Bronze
Mid-Century Set of High Back Dining Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish set of four matching dining chairs offer a shapely vinyl covered seat, with comfortable high backs. Hardwood walnut frames with tapered legs and clean modern lines add t...
Wood
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
$4,800 / set
H 31.5 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in
4 Dining Chairs by Pizzetti Rome Italy 1950s, New Wool Boucle Upholstery
By Mobili Pizzetti
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Nice set of 4 Italian dining chairs produced by Pizzetti, Rome in the 1950s During restoration the original manufacturers labels showed up under the old upholstery and were saved to be added on again when finished The chairs have been restored with respect with new Pirelli rubber strapping and latex interior foam as they were done original Zumirez moonbeam wool bouclé fabric by Zinc from their Malibu collection The black enameled solid steel frames have been polished and have paint loss consistent with age and use but proving the age of these chairs and adding character Upon request the frames can be repainted or powder coated A nice set of Italian chairs...
Steel
Custom Regency Style 56" Diameter Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Swathed in the finest figured mahogany, this 56” diameter table features a bold pedestal comprised of a tapered octagonal column having an ebonized collar and terminating on a platfo...
Mahogany, Satinwood, Ebony
Paul Frankl Armchair for John Stuart
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart
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
$3,375Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in
Set of 8 Scandinavian modern birch dining chairs in boucle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 8 Scandinavian modern birch dining chairs in boucle Upholstery. Sold as a set of 8 chairs
Bouclé, Birch, Plywood
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman - Set of 10
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set 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 ...
Wood
6 Paul Frankl Corset Dining Chairs for Johnson Bros. Furniture
By Paul Frankl
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of six Corset or V Back dining chairs including two head arm chairs and six side chairs . These very well crafted chairs are upholstered in t...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 35.5 in W 21 in D 19 in
Rare Museum Quality Paul Frankl Rattan Dining Chairs Circa 1934, Set of 10
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage set of 10 Original Paul Frankl Rattan Dining Side and Armchairs. This dining chair is made up of a total of 10 chairs, 4 side chair...
Rattan
Sold
H 30 in W 21 in D 23 in
Rare Museum Quality Paul Frankl Rattan Dining Chairs Circa 1934, Set of 6
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage midcentury slat leg rattan dining room chair with geometric back by designer Paul Frankl, included is a set of 4 side chairs and 2 matching armchairs. The side chairs feature...
Rattan
Paul Frankl Set of 4 Plunging Neckline Dining/Game Chairs 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set 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 ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.5 in W 25.25 in D 20 in
Six Paul Frankl Dining Chairs for Johnson, Mahogany Criss Cross Lattice Backs
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 6 dining chairs, two armchairs and four side chairs, designed by Paul Frankl and made by Johnson Furniture Co., 1950s. This set has the original dark mahogany finish in very g...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs for Brown Saltman, Set of 10
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set 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 ...
Wood
Restored 10 Original Paul Frankl Rattan Dining Chairs, Circa 1934
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage set of 10 Original Paul Frankl Rattan dining side and armchairs. This dining chair is made up of a total of 10 chairs, 4 side chairs, and ...
Rattan
Restored Slat Leg Rattan Dining Chair by Paul Frankl, Set of S
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage midcentury slat leg rattan dining room chair with geometric back by designer Paul Frankl, included is a set of four side chairs and 2 matching armchairs. The side chairs feat...
Rattan
Sold
H 33 in W 25.25 in D 23 in
Large Set of 10 Paul Frankl Mid-Century Modern Lattice Dining Chairs, c. 1950
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Fully professionally restored large set of ten Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Lattice Dining Chairs hailing from the 1950s. This dining set consi...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 26 in D 24 in
Set of 18 Paul Frankl Corset Back Dining Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
We are pleased to offer this one of a kind exquisitely large set of 18 Paul Frankl plunging corset dining chairs for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany, Bentwood
Paul Frankl Set of 6 Plunging Neckline Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 6 "Plunging Neckline" dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American, 1950's. Refinished and newly reupholstered in white leather. These chairs are both very ch...
Leather, Wood