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.
$45,600Sale Price|20% Off
Paul T. Frankl 4-Strand Square Pretzel Round-Back 3-Seat Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rare, museum-quality four-strand square pretzel round-back three-seat sofa was designed by Paul T. Frankl using the highest-quality rattan poles and reeds available and restored...
Fabric, Rattan
$358,800Sale Price|27% Off
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
Paul Frankl Pretzel 4 Seat Rattan Sofa.
By Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Frankl Pretzel 4 seat Rattan Bamboo Sofa.
Bamboo, Rattan
$100,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Original Historic Hand Made 4- Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Lounge & Sofa Set
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Scarce, museum-quality four-strand square pretzel square-back Lounge chairs and sofa set designed by Paul T. Frankl in 1934 using the highest-quality rattan poles and reeds available...
Rattan
$4,000Sale Price|33% Off
Paul Frankl Pretzel Six Strand 3-Seat Rattan Bamboo Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Frankl Pretzel Six strand 3-Seat Rattan Bamboo Sofa Offered for sale is a Paul Frankl six-strand three-seat bamboo and rattan sofa with loose seat...
Fabric, Bamboo, Foam
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Frankl Pretzel Six Strand 4-Seat Rattan Bamboo Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
Paul Frankl Pretzel 4-seat rattan bamboo sofa. Rare 4 seat version this classic design. Pretzel rattan sectional sofa designed by Paul Frankl. Thi...
Bamboo
Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, 1940s, Pair Available
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available, USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measure: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x ...
Silk, Oak
Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, Pair Available, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available. USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measures: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x...
Silk, Wood
$4,800 / set
H 27 in W 66 in D 34 in
Vintage Ficks Reed Bamboo Rattan Tiki Sofa Set with Lounge Chairs - 3 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Ficks Reed Bamboo Rattan Tiki Sofa Set with Pair of Lounge Chairs, Unmarked - 3 Pc Set. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Sofa: 27" H x 66" W x ...
Wood
Elegant Tight Back Loose Down Seat Sofa
Located in Bronx, NY
Elegant tight back loose down seat sofa - 24 D seat depth. - 21 seat high. - 25.5 arm high.
Upholstery
2-Strand Pretzel Shape Arm Rattan Lounge Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 2 strand wicker/rattan club chair has rounded arm that comes with green and white wide striped canvas seat and back cushions. The side has pretzel shape x design. This lounge chair offers style and comfort for any porch or patio. The seat cushion has a wood frame at the bottom and metal support and springs, the way they used to make outdoor seat cushions...
Rattan
$4,452Sale Price|20% 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
$2,394Sale Price|40% Off
H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in
Restored Mid-century Rattan 3-Strand Full Pretzel 3-Seat Sectional Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan 3-strand full pretzel 3-piece sofa. Meticulously refurbished, its unique design offers a blend of retro charm and modern sophistication. Elevate your...
Fabric, Rattan
Vintage Coastal Four Strand Bent Rattan Loveseat After Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace coastal sophistication with this Vintage Four Strand Bent Rattan Sofa, reminiscent of iconic designs by Frankl. Crafted with American flair, its elegant four-strand construct...
Upholstery, Rattan
Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, 1940s, Pair Available
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available, USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measure: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x ...
Silk, Oak
$10,700Sale Price / set|51% Off
H 26.25 in W 84.5 in D 39.5 in
Paul Frankl 'Speed' Art Deco Living Room Suite in Black Leather, circa 1930s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible Paul Frankl attributed 'Speed' full living room suite is comprised of a three-seat sofa, a 2-seat sofa, armchair and ottoman. The 3-seat sofa and armchair are original 1930s production based on the interior construction details and visible age. The 2-seat sofa and ottoman were created later in the 1980s to match the set and everything was then reupholstered to a thick quality black leather. I personally love this set - the wide arms are perfect for placing a glass of Scotch and an ashtray to enjoy a nice cigar. The deep black color and matching black block feet provide ample masculine style while the shape and silhouette provide a refined and classy vibe. The leather is thick and quality, also smooth and soft to the touch. The collector who acquired this sofa and armchair, purportedly in the 1980s, stated he found what he believed to be a Frankl Galleries (Paul Frankl's 1930s showroom) original example of the Speed sofa...
Leather, Wood
Antique “Open Back” 2-Seat Sofa – In Fish Print Linen
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is a superb, antique Open-Back compact 2-Seat Sofa, dressed in a stunning, striking and unashamedly-eccentric fish-print linen-fabric, and with oak-woodwork...
Porcelain, Linen, Oak
Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, Pair Available, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available. USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measures: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x...
Silk, Wood
Vintage Coastal Bent Rattan Sofa After Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this vintage coastal bent rattan sofa, inspired by the designs of Paul Frankl. Showcasing beautifully curved rattan arms and an in...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
Custom Sized & Upholstered Hand Made Sofa by La Maison London
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
The ‘Emily’ sofa is designed to be both comfortable and chic. The seat provides a generous depth, and while the overall silhouette is lean and modern, it is complemented by a touch of tradition with its diamond-pleated, buttoned back. The sofa’s skirt...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Paul Frankl 3-seater sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Hilversum, NL
This distinctive 3-seater rattan sofa was designed by Paul Frankl and is known for its striking, looped armrests reminiscent of a pretzel. The sturdy rattan frame and rounded shapes ...
Rattan
Paul Frankl 6 Band Rattan Pretzel Arm Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Highland, IN
A great example of Frankl's dynamic square "pretzel arm" design, this three seat sofa is beautiful from every angle. To us the one-piece construction and cohesive form is more pleasi...
Cane, Rattan
Mid 20th Century Vintage Coastal Paul Frankl 6 Strand Bent Rattan Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Coastal sofa. The iconic 6 strand bent rattan shape with three sections. In excellent condition. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Rattan
Bamboo Sofa by Paul Frankl, Dal Vera
By Paul Frankl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A bamboo sofa designed by Paul Frankl is a captivating combination of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted with sustainable bamboo, these pieces exude an air of organic elegance while showcasing Frankl's signature sleek lines and innovative approach. The bamboo armchairs feature a graceful silhouette with gently curved armrests and a comfortable seating area, providing both style and comfort. The bamboo sofa continues the theme, offering generous seating space and a refined aesthetic that effortlessly blends into any interior. Paul Frankl's bamboo furniture collection is not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. Bamboo's sustainable nature makes it an eco-friendly choice, perfect for those seeking both style and a greener lifestyle. Embrace the allure of nature with this timeless set, where Paul Frankl's expertise in modern design meets the timeless beauty of bamboo, creating an inviting and sustainable seating...
Bamboo
Vintage Coastal Paul Frankl Six Strand Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Incredible vintage Coastal rattan sofa. The iconic six strand design made by Paul Frankl. A full set of cushions included with the sofa. Matching pair of lounge chairs also available...
Rattan
Vintage Bamboo Lounge Set Paul Frankl, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oirlo, LI
Why dream of sultry summer evenings, when you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere all year round with this lounge set. This beautiful set of two bamboo armchairs and a three-person ...
Bamboo
Sold
H 30 in W 86 in D 38 in
Piero Lissoni for Cassina Le Corbusier Sofa with Iconic Paul Frankl End Tables
By Paul Frankl, Cassina, Piero Lissoni
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rarely available Cassina three seat sofa with oatmeal fabric designed by renowned designer Piero Lissoni and coupled with Paul Frankl side tables ...
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Paul Frankl Six Strand Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic vintage MCM six strand sofa. Made by the iconic Paul Frankl. Lacquered a pale grey and in great shape. Cushions are included. Acquired from a Palm...
Lacquer
Sold
H 36 in W 105 in D 39 in
Rare Museum Quality Restored Nine-Strand Square Pretzel Sofa by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Frankl nine-strand square pretzel arm rattan sofa. This four-seat sofa dates from the 1934. This sofa comes directly for a Paul Frankl decorated house located in Los Angeles and...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Restored Paul Frankl Nine Strand Settee Loveseat
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing restored and updated nine strand settee or loveseat by Kosuga for Paul Frankl. Authentic Japanese steam-bent rattan frames with rare nine strand width arms. Midcentury redux ...
Fabric, Rattan
Square Pretzel Rattan Sectional Sofa by Paul Frankl
By Kosuga, Paul Frankl
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Midcentury square pretzel rattan sofa by Kosuga for Paul Frankl featuring a six-strand arm and four seats. made in Tokyo, Japan with authentic st...
Fabric, Rattan
Sold
H 32 in W 101 in D 36 in
Restored Square Pretzel Rattan Four-Seat Two-Piece Sectional Sofa by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Square pretzel rattan sectional sofa designed by Paul Frankl. This sofa features a stacked rattan base with six strand square pretzel arms and is divided into a two pieces making a f...
Rattan