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.
$25,200Sale Price|30% Off
Restored Historic Paul T.Frankl Hand Made 5- Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Lounge
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Extremely rare, museum-quality five-strand square pretzel Chaise Lounge chair was designed by Paul T. Frankl in 1934 using the highest-quality rattan poles and reeds available, and r...
Rattan
Pair Custom Made Paul Frankl Chairs w/ Ottomans from a Frankl Interior. Restored
By Paul Frankl
Located in Kansas City, MO
From a private collection in Los Angeles, these Paul Frankl custom-made lounge chairs with Ottomans have been expertly restored and reupholstered in Brown Leather. Angular Art Deco ...
Leather, 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
Paul Frankl 6 Band Rattan Pretzel Arm Chaise
By Paul Frankl
Located in Highland, IN
A rare variation of Frankl's iconic pretzel arm design, this large lounge chair is possibly the most dynamic. It is ready for new cushions in the fabric of your choosing. 31.5"h X ...
Cane, Rattan
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
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
Pair of Custom Made Sheepskin Wing Chairs
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Sampo wing chair. The Sampo wing chair is from the Dagmar Design custom-made upholstered range. This obscure design originated from the w...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak
$1,609Sale Price|24% Off
H 38.19 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
Ole Wanscher Attributed to: Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1940s, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Balen, BE
An easy chair and ottoman attributed to Ole Wanscher, the frames are made from mahogany, the chair is later reupholstered with a high quality blueish fabric, the ottoman still has the original patinated leather. Both pieces are numbered and marked Børge Lerche, who was director of a furniture company called Tarm Stole og Møbelfabrik...
Leather, Textile, Mahogany
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ficks Reed
By Paul Frankl, Ficks Reed
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location,. Lounge chair and ottoman by Ficks Reed. As found condition. New Straps included. Frames are solid. Upholstere...
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed
$3,250 / set
H 30.71 in W 33.47 in D 30.32 in
Danish Art Deco Mohair Lounge Chairs, Channel Back, 1940s, Pair
Located in Rødding, DK
This pair of lounge chairs was made in Denmark in the 1940s, in the Art Deco style favored by Danish cabinetmakers of the period. The rounded back is shaped into vertical channels. T...
Velvet, Beech
Danish 1940s Highback Lounge Chair in Red Mohair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s highback lounge chair in the style of Flemming Lassen with very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller sp...
Wool, Beech
$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
Mid-Century 7 Strand Paul Frankl Style Stacked Rattan Ottoman
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stylish mid-century modern 7 strand stacked rattan ottoman, stool, or pouf designed by Paul T. Frankl. The round stool is crafted in an Organic Modern style featuring a solid drum-...
Wicker, Fabric, Wood, Rattan
$4,950 / set
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 32.68 in
Jindřich Halabala Lounge Chairs, Bentwood & Floral Upholstery, 1940s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Jindřich Halabala Bentwood Lounge Chairs in Original Red Upholstery, 1940s A striking and highly characteristic pair of Jindřich Halabala lounge chairs, produced in Czechosl...
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
$3,896Sale Price|30% 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
$4,950 / set
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 32.68 in
Jindřich Halabala Lounge Chairs, Bentwood & Floral Upholstery, 1940s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Almelo, NL
Jindřich Halabala Pair of Bentwood Lounge Chairs in Original Floral Upholstery, 1940s An expressive pair of Jindřich Halabala lounge chairs, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1...
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
$3,495
H 37.41 in W 33.47 in D 33.47 in
Sculptural Italian Bamboo and Rattan Lounge Chair, Italy, 1970s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Almelo, NL
Sculptural Italian Bamboo and Rattan Lounge Chair, Italy, 1970s A striking sculptural lounge chair crafted from bent bamboo and finely woven rattan, made in Italy during the 1970s. ...
Bamboo
$386,400Sale Price|30% Off
H 36 in W 106 in D 40 in
Original Historic Hand Made 9 Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Sofa By Paul T Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Extremely rare, museum-quality nine-strand square pretzel square-back four-seat sofa was designed by Paul T. Frankl in 1934 using the highest-quality rattan poles and reeds available...
Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Paul Frankl 1970s Rattan Bamboo Lounge Chairs
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
Do you also dream of sultry evenings under a tree, cozy in a bohemian atmosphere with a glass of wine in your hand? Then we have the perfect chairs for you. Our vintage rattan bamboo lounge chairs...
Fabric, Bamboo
Paul Frankl, Lounge Chair w Ottoman, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1940s
By Ficks Reed, Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo and green velvet lounge chair with ottoman designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Ficks Reed, USA, 1940s. Seat heig...
Velvet, Bamboo
Vintage rattan bamboo lounge chairs Paul Frankl style 1960
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
Vintage rattan bamboo lounge chairs Paul Frankl style,1960 Why only dream of sultry summer evenings, when you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere...
Bamboo
Paul Frankl Upholstered Lounge Chair
By Paul Frankl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul Frankl Upholstered Lounge Chair. Chair dates to the late 1920's or early 30's. Great small scale design with a Cubist Influence. Newly redone in a cream velvet. From the warehou...
Upholstery
Sold
H 31.5 in W 29.5 in D 34.5 in
Rare Museum Quality 4-Strand Square Pretzel Lounge Chair by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Frankl four-strand square pretzel rattan arm lounge chair. This chair dates from 1934. This chair is a Paul Frankl original. This comes di...
Rattan
Restored Vintage Paul Frankl Pretzel Rattan Children's Lounge Chair
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Offered is a children's size lounge chair designed by Paul Franki. This chair features six-strand square pretzel arms with a classic stacked base. All rattan...
Rattan
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 Coastal Paul Frankl Six Strand Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic pair of vintage Coastal lounge chairs. Made by the iconic Paul Frankl. The coveted six strand design. The cushions are included in this purchase. Matching ottoman and sof...
Rattan
Vintage Rattan Bamboo Lounge Armchair Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
Vintage rattan bamboo lounge armchair Paul Frankl Why dream of sultry summer evenings, when you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere all year r...
Bamboo, Rattan
Paul Frankl Style Lounge Chairs
By Paul Frankl, Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Frankl style lounge chairs, reupholstered with Boucle.
Wool
Sold
H 30.5 in W 32.5 in D 25.5 in
Vintage Coastal Restored Painted 6 Strand Paul Frankl Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic pair of Paul Frankl lounge chairs. The iconic six strand rattan in the 3 piece sectional. Recently painted matte black with fabulous Chinoiserie print upholstery. Acquired ...
Rattan
Paul Frankl Rattan Pretzel Lounge Chair, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Naples, IT
A beautiful square pretzel rattan lounge/club chair, circa 1940's.
Bamboo, Rattan