Paul Frankl Buffets
Austrian, American, 1886-1958
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.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
4
3
1
4
4
2
4
3
3
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
163
58
57
26
22
Creator: Paul Frankl
Paul Frankl Buffet for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl oak buffet for Brown Saltman, c.1950s, USA. The piece features four center drawers flanked by two cabinets. Each cabinet has two shelves for storage and the top drawer sh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
1950s Paul Frankl Black Cerused Oak Buffet Cabinet Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 1950s Paul Frankl black cerused oak buffet dresser for Brown Saltman.
Fabulous cerused oak finish, iconic x handles on combed wood.
Dimensions: 64 x 20 dee...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Oak
1950s Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Cork and Mahogany Credenza Buffet
By Paul Frankl
Located in Portage, MI
Beautiful Paul Frankl buffet or credenza with rare lacquered cork top. Made by Johnson and Company in the 1950s. Has lots of storage options. Deep cabinets, silverware drawers and mo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork Buffet Cabinet
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork buffet cabinet
An exquisite, iconic and truly timeless and unparalleled classic, complete buffet and display case by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co.
The 2 door breakfront cabinet...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Figural French Art Deco Buffet (Dominique)
By Travail Francais
Located in Bridgewater, CT
A walnut and marble buffet from circa 1930s, beautifully carved in relief with a colonial African scene. A Dominique design.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Marble
Mahogany and Brass Sideboard, Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman, 1940's
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Culver City, CA
This credenza epitomizes Paul Frankl's California cool. Frankl, who's know for his enormously collectable design worked with Richard Neutra, R.M. Schindler, Gregory Ain, J.R. Davidso...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
$12,400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 38 in W 62 in D 21 in
Art Deco Buffet, France, 1950s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Presenting a captivating Art Deco buffet from 1950s France, carefully crafted to embody both elegance and functionality. This exceptional piece features two spacious storage compartm...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Oak
Paul Frankl Dresser and Nightstand for Johnson Furniture, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl, John Stuart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic 1950s ten-drawer double dresser and nightstand was designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John Stuart duri...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Metal
$5,900 Sale Price / set
37% Off
H 17 in W 24 in D 24 in
Paul Frankl Petite Mahogany Chest of Drawers for Johnson Furniture Co. USA 1940s
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Petite mahogany chest of drawers or dresser with inset handles, fully incased with a stepped edge detail. Johnson Furniture Co. USA 1940s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
$1,000
H 24 in W 36 in D 14 in
Paul Frankl "Station Wagon" Three-Drawer Chest for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Hanover, MA
Gorgeous three-drawer nightstand chest by Paul Frankl from his highly coveted "Station Wagon Group" created in 1945 for Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids. Branded mark in top...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
$3,750
H 21.25 in W 24 in D 22 in
Pier Luigi Colli Oak Buffet Mirror Sideboard, Midcentury, Italy, 1940s-1950s
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in New York, NY
Pier luigi Colli oak sideboard, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, 1950s
Beautiful oak sideboard. The oak has lovely patina throughout the piece.
It is a large-scale sideboard with four doors and architectural details throughout.
Amazing oak grain visible throughout the piece. Smoked glass mirrors cover the front doors.
The piece is in original vintage condition.
Measures: 19 inches deep
93 inches wide
33 inches high
Hays Company/Pier Luigi Colli
The firm was founded in Turin in 1850, as a laboratory that embroidered for the upholstery of armchairs and sofas. The manufactory collaborated with the Martinotti and C.ia furniture manufacturer, Giuseppe and then Luigi Martinotti, who since 1831 produced luxury furniture in style and from the end of the century in the most up-to-date liberty style.
At the death of Federico Martinotti, the last male descendant of the family, in the twenties, the widow gave way to Teresa and Maria Colli and the two companies reunited, assuming the name "Colli da 1831" (with the date they referred To the foundation of the firm Martinotti). Then came Pier Luigi Colli (1895-1968), younger brother of the two holders who had attended the courses of the École des arts décoratifs.
Pier Luigi Colli, thanks to his close relationship with Paris, imported Lalique glasses and Jean Perzel decor lamps in Turin. The company took care of the real train setup, built by Fiat Ferroviaria and the technical office, led by Pier Luigi Colli, designed and produced the chairs of the Magna University of Turin and the furniture of the Turin seat of the Bank Italy and the Prefecture. In addition to the furniture, the company produced embroidery for coverings and curtains, carpets, lamps with Seguso glasses, door locks and door handles.
The company also carried out works designed by external architects: Gio Ponti (partition walls and windows in the Turin headquarters of Vembi), Giovanni Gariboldi (furnishings for the Richard Ginori showroom in Rome), Carlo Mollino (railing of the RAI auditorium and window frames Of the Royal Theater), Domenico Morelli (furniture of the Rai skyscraper); Gabetti and Isola (neoliberty furniture on the stock exchange) Aldo Morbelli (furniture of Fasano jewelery in Via Roma...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Oak
$12,500
H 33 in W 93 in D 19 in
MCM Cork and Wood Tall Dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Cork and Wood Tall Dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture
This amazing Cork and Wood Tall Dresser is a great piece to bring together any type of mid centur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Wood, Cork
$3,500
H 45.5 in W 29.5 in D 21 in
Early Baker Furniture Mahogany Hepplewhite Sideboard Buffet, Newly Refinished
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous traditional Hepplewhite style mahogany sideboard buffet
By Baker Furniture
USA, circa 1920s
Measures: 71.88" W...
Category
Early 20th Century American Hepplewhite Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
$2,695
H 42.75 in W 71.88 in D 21 in
Modern Black Cerused Oak Sideboard Buffet
Located in North York, ON
Modern black cerused oak sideboard buffet. Featuring a dark ebonized black ceruse finish with contrasting white grains. Doors open with sleek pus...
Category
2010s American Modern Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Oak
Paul Frankel 72" Cork Top Sideboard by Johnson Furniture Co. 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Camden, ME
An exceptional example of Mid-Century Modern design, this stunning sideboard by Paul Frankl, manufactured by Johnson Furniture Co., features a spacious 72-inch cork top surface that ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Rare John Keal Buffet or Credenza for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This Mid-Century Modern buffet or credenza by John Keal for Brown Saltman features three storage drawers and a cabinet behind a pair of double doors. The unit rests on a sculptured l...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Early Mid-Century Johnson Furniture Two-Tone Buffet Cabinet by Paul Frankl
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Elegant walnut buffet cabinet designed by Paul Frankl for The Johnson Furniture Company, American, circa 1940. This cabinet has been refinished in a slight red hue on the cabinet case with off-white doors.
The cabinet features 4 pull...
Category
1940s American Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Wood
Paul Frankl Mid-Century Modern Credenza
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Fulton, CA
Mid-Century Modern combed fir credenza designed by Paul T. Frankl for Brown-Saltman. Quality craftsmanship with solid wood construction and dovetail detail. Brown-Saltman ink stamp o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Wood
Paul Frankl Cork and Ebonized Sideboard and Hutch for Johnson Furniture
By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Culver City, CA
These pieces are absolutely stunning! Professionally restored, this Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, distributed by John Stuart sideboard cabinet with matching hutch...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Paul Frankl Johnson Dresser Cabinet Buffet Furniture Newly Lacquered
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Hartford, CT
Magnificent, newly lacquered brilliant white lacquered multi purpose cabinet. All original, except the lacquer. Features the coveted X pulls. Now more than ever, home is where the he...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
H 32.5 in W 72 in D 21 in
Paul Frankl Combed Wood Buffet or Credenza for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This Mid-Century Modern buffet or credenza by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Company features his trademark combed wood sides with black lacquer top.
It is branded beneath "Brown-S...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Sideboard / Cabinet with Ribbed Wood Border by Paul Frankl for Brown & Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful sideboard by Paul Frankl for Brown & Saltman. It has a ribbed wood detailed boarder. The middle section has three drawers and the sides have door...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Wood
H 32 in W 66 in D 22 in
Paul Frankl, Station Wagon Cabinet, Mahogany, Natural Leather Brass Grips, 1945
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A beautiful and practical cabinet or buffet executed in mahogany, birch, leather, maple, brass. Features practical storage and a bar section.
Bears the iconic design of Austrian m...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
H 30.32 in W 48.43 in D 24.41 in
Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl for Johnson Cork Top Mahogany Credenza Hutch
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a phenomenal, cork top credenza and display hutch, with glass shelves, by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
H 71 in W 72 in D 20.5 in
Cork Top Credenza by Paul Frankl
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cork top credenza buffet by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company Cork Top Buffet or Sideboard
By Paul Frankl
Located in Kansas City, MO
Paul Frankl Buffet or Sideboard with expertly refinished cork top, original mahogany wood finish, and original polished brass pulls. See our listing for the companion dining table.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Brass
Paul Frankl Buffet of Cerused Oak and Lacquered Wood
By Paul Frankl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant 1940's Chinese influenced buffet by Paul Frankl. Pulls are polished brass and the lacquer is a dark brown. With cerused oak body.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Materials
Wood, Oak
Petite Cerused Cabinet / Credenza by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Pasadena, CA
This two-door cabinet by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman features silver-tone pulls set of by a black cerused finish. The doors open to reveal a two-tier shelf. The petite credenza res...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Buffets
Paul Frankl buffets for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul Frankl buffets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Frankl buffets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original buffets by Paul Frankl were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider buffets by Dunbar, Lane Furniture, and Broyhill Brasilia. Prices for Paul Frankl buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,680 and can go as high as $6,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,600.