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, John Stuart, Mahogany, Maple, Rare Station Wagon Ottoman, 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern, Mahogany, Maple, Rare Station Wagon Storage Ottoman, 1950s Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John Stuart. Branded Jo...
Mahogany, Maple
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant vintage modern foot stool features black lacquered legs. Unique walnut cross beams connect each leg adding sturdiness and style. The sleek black vinyl top is molded for comfo...
Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
$5,989 / set
H 33.47 in W 25.99 in D 38.98 in
Rare Pair of Model 2254 Lounge Chairs by Børge Mogensen with Ottomans 1950s Wool
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare pair of Model 2254. ''Slaedestolen'' lounge chairs with matching pair of Model 2248. ottomans. Designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia in the 1950s. The Model 2254. lounge cha...
Leather, Wool, Oak
Vintage Brutalist Spanish Ottoman 1950s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice chunky Brutalist Ottoman . Hand made Wood pins Solid Oak frame .comes with a Thick Leather top . 1950s Spanish . Good sturdy condition
Leather, Oak
1950s Italian Ottoman in Brass and Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool or ottoman, lacquered brass, brass, fabric, Italy, 1950s This elegant Italian ottoman from the 1950s beautifully reflects the refined spirit of mid-century design. Its clean, ...
Brass
$2,950 / set
H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in
1950s Vintage in the Manner of Paul McCobb X Base Ottomans - a Pair
By Paul McCobb, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
In the manner of Paul McCobb - although these were purchased at an estate with signed Mastercraft and other pieces dating this era so I believe the are genuine. Paul McCobb's X-base...
Brass
Sculptural Walnut Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1950s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
Sculptural ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan, circa 1950–1959. Fully restored by Stamford Modern, this striking piece features a beautifully sculpted walnut base refinished in a ric...
Linen, Walnut
Paul Frankl Armchair for John Stuart
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company
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
1950s Vintage Danish Rosewood Ottoman
By Spøttrup Stolefabrik
Located in London, England
Spottrup Mobler - Round Ottoman, 1950s 3-leg rosewood frame with round seat pad covered in new Italian bouclé wool fabric. Produced c1950s.
Bouclé, Rosewood
$3,500 / set
H 16 in W 19 in D 19 in
Pair Marge Carson for John Stuart Brass and Nubuck Leather Upholstered Ottomans
By John Stuart, Marge Carson
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Marge Carson for John Stuart Brass and Nubuck Leather Upholstered Ottomans. Kaky color nubuck leather. Measures 19" in width, 19" in depth and 16" in height.
Brass
Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans
By Paul Laszlo
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul Laszlo ottomans. Green laquered notched legs with brass cross stretchers.
$13,596Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 25.6 in D 26.8 in
Ole Wanscher's Colonial Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Seattle, WA
This is a rare and in exceptional condition Ole Wanscher's Colonial Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood, with original black leather cushions as well as a new set of new Maharam Sorghum brown cushions. Poul Jeppesen in Denmark c1950s and distributed by Illums Bolighus with solid rosewood for the frame, cane seating under black leather cushion seating. Perhaps the most famous design by Ole Wanscher, the Colonial Chair PJ 149 is inspired by 17th century English furniture...
Leather, Cane, Rosewood
$92,800 / set
H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in
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
Sold
H 13 in W 22.38 in D 22.38 in
Pair, Paul Frankl Large Stacked Bamboo Ottoman By Kosuga Japan Bohemian Chic
By Kosuga, Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco Style six-band form Ottoman with Boucle Fabric designed by Paul Frankl and made in Japan by Kosuga. Bohemian Chic Tropical Seating with new Bouclé Fabric Seat Cushio...
Rattan, Bouclé, Wood
Restored Six-Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Lounge Chair Ottoman
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This six-strand, rattan lounge chair features square pretzel arms and a Classic stacked base. Included is the matching stacked rattan ottoman. Restored to new for you. Custom c...
Rattan
Restored Square Pole Rattan Ottoman Stool
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Fully restored square pole rattan ottoman with custom (COM) cushion and steam-formed arched design, circa 1950 Note: Listed dimensions is for the frame ...
Rattan
Restored Six Strand Circles and Speed Rattan Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rattan lounge chair has what we at the shop call, the "Circles and Speed" six strand side arms. Inspired by Paul Frankl, this set is one of the ...
Rattan
Stacked Rattan Ottoman by Paul Frankl
By Kosuga, Paul Frankl
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Midcentury six-strand stacked rattan ottoman by Kosuga for Paul Frankl. Made of steam bent rattan in Tokyo, Japan from the original manufacturer. Produc...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood