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.
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Paul Frankl Set of 20 Dining Chairs in Bleached Mahogany & Latte Bouclé c. 1950
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
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
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
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
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
Paul Frankl Set of 6 Oak X- Back Dining chairs 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 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.
Upholstery, Foam, Oak
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
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
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
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
Paul Frankl Dining Chairs Set 9
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
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...
H 37 in W 20.5 in D 37 in
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 38.5 in W 23 in D 21.25 in
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
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
H 41.25 in W 20 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your dining space with this stylish set of six circa 1970s walnut dining chairs featuring elegant cane backs. Crafted with warm walnut frames, each chair showcases clean mid-...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
H 32 in W 25 in D 25 in
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
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
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in D 21.26 in
Set of 6 Fine French 1950s Beech Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of six fine French mid-century beech dining chairs.
Beech
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
H 33.86 in W 18.31 in D 16.74 in
Rare Set of 6 Michel Dufet 'Duffet' Dining Chairs, 1950s, France
By Michel Duffet, Michel Dufet
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare set of 6 original Michel Dufet (Duffet) dining chairs dating from the 1950s. In good original vintage condition, some signs of use and wear to the wood, including minor losses...
Wood
H 32 in W 19 in D 23 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19 wide x 23 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 18.25...
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 33 in W 18.5 in D 17.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Lane Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Stylish and timeless, this set of four 1960’s Mid-Century Modern walnut dining chairs brings warm organic character to any dining space. Each chair features beautifully sculpted fram...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
H 37.75 in W 21.75 in D 18.25 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Huntington, NY
A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.
Naugahyde, Walnut
H 33 in W 21 in D 28 in
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
H 31.25 in W 20 in D 23 in
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
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
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
H 36 in W 21 in D 19.5 in
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
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
H 33 in W 21 in D 18 in
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
H 35.5 in W 21 in D 19 in
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
H 30 in W 21 in D 23 in
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
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
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
H 36 in W 21 in D 19.5 in
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