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Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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.

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Creator: Paul Frankl
Paul Frankl Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser Chest With Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered highboy dresser or chest of drawers with unique drop front secretary desk By Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Gentleman's Chest by Paul Frankl, C. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Westport, CT
The Gentleman's Chest by Paul Frankl, a tribute to mid-century elegance from the 1950s, meticulously restored to perfection by Stamford Modern. Crafted from exquisite maple, the ches...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Two-Drawer Mahogany Commode Console By Paul Frankl, c1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Welcome to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of mid-century modern history. This stunning Mahogany and Nickel 2-Drawer Console Table, expertly designed by the celebrate...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Nickel

Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mid Century Modern X Pulls Dresser c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Denville, NJ
We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives at our warehouse to streamline operations and focus on restoration for current orders. This also enables us to maintain a...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Cerused and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage chest of drawers / tall dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. This beautiful chest of drawers features four large pull-out dovetailed drawers, all i...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

A Pair of High Chests by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This pair of high chests designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture were produced in the 1950s. Standing the test of time, the craftsmanship of...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Paul Frankl Four-Drawer Chests for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl
Located in Hanover, MA
HOLIDAY SALE 27 November through 15 December 2023 Pair of 1950s four-drawer chests with distinctive polished brass "X" drawer pulls. Produced by Brown Saltman. Can be used when ov...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer Paul Frankl Stamped John Stuart Double Dresser
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer Paul Frankl Stamped John Stuart Double Dresser A spectacular dresser designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, recently ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lacquer

Compatible Pair Mid-Century Modern Dressers, Chests by Paul Frankl, John Stuart
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Mid-Century Modern Double dressers by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, Lacquer Highly compatible Set of two spectacular dressers designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, recently f...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass, Chrome

1950s Paul Frankl Moroccan Red Lacquered Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Iconic Paul Frankl 10-drawer chest with freshly polished brass X pulls, refinished and shown in Moroccan Red Lacquer from Frankl's Debonair Collection for Johnson Furniture. Pair Available. Please note buyer has the option to select any color for professional refinishing to match the desired interior. Certainly one of Paul Frankl's most celebrated designs, the chest is timeless and pairs well with contemporary, eclectic and mid century decor. Paul Frankl was known in the Art Deco period for his architectural skyscraper...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage Oak and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage oak and brass chest of drawers / tall dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. This beautiful chest of drawer’s features a Minimalist but highly functional design that highlights the elegance of the oak wood used for its construction. The contrast offered between the different shades of oak and mahogany wood makes the dresser's structure stand out even more and captivates the viewer's eye. Features four large pull-out dovetailed drawers, all integrated with original brass X-pulls. Its spacious drawers make it the ideal home addition for storing bedroom essentials...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl, John Stuart, Mid-Century Modern Rare Station Wagon Full Bedroom Set
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl for John Stuart complete 1950s bedroom set. Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. and retailed by John...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Mid-Century Walnut Six Drawer High Chests
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
2 Mid-Century walnut high chests / dressers with six drawers mounted with X-shaped brass drawer pulls. (PAUL FRANKL FOR JOHNSON FURNITURE CO)(PRIC...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Brass

Seven Drawer Chest by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful seven-drawer chest designed by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture. In excellent condition, restored in a beautiful lacquer with solid brass 'X's which have been professio...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1950s Modern Paul Frankl for John Stuart Ebonized Walnut Chest
By Paul Frankl
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Love this! This is an ebonized walnut chest with plated brass hardware designed by Paul Frankl for John Stuart. It is in very good conditio...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Nickel

Paul Frankl Chest in Your Choice of Color
By Paul Frankl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Chest designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American, circa 1950s. It is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color. The hardware is a m...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Paul Frankl for Johnson Brass X Pulls High Chest of Drawers Dresser Cabinet
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Paul Frankl for Johnson Brass X Pulls high chest of drawers dresser cabinet.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Large American Mid Century Commode by Paul Frankl, 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large American mid century commode by Paul Frankl, 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Paul Frankl "Station Wagon" Three-Drawer Chest for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Restored Six Drawers Paul Frankl American Walnut Solid Brass Buckle Shaped Pulls
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Century modern American walnut solid brass buckle shaped pulls hardware high chest dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Paul Frankl Brass X-Pulls Brown Cherry High Chest with Drop Front Secretary
By John Stuart Inc., Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern cherry finish 7 drawers high chest dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture. The dresser has nice drop front secretary compartment...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Petite Mahogany Chest of Drawers for Johnson Furniture Co.
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.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Lacquered Wood Chests of Drawers
By John Stuart Inc., Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Pair of white lacquered wood chests of drawers with brass cross pull details by Paul Frankl for John Stuart Inc. Signed.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl For Brown Saltman Chest Dresser
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern chest of drawers designed by Paul Frankl and made by Brown Saltman. An oak case with combed oak drawer fronts and signature Frankl X pulls. As shown in the las...
Category

1940s American Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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John Keal for Brown Saltman Highboy Dresser
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Pair of Paul Frankl Four-Drawer Chests for Brown Saltman
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1950s Paul Frankl Moroccan Red Lacquered Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers
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Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
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19th Century American Federal Antique Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Paul McCobb Gentleman's Tall Chest Irwin Collection for Calvin Furniture, 1956
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Camden, ME
Paul McCobb's gentleman's walnut chest with a fold down mirror Irwin line for Calvin. The accordion doors are bookmatched veneer opening to 18 shirt shelves and five graduated drawe...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Vintage Oak and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage oak and brass chest of drawers / tall dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. This beautiful chest of drawer’s features a Minimalist but highly functional design that highlights the elegance of the oak wood used for its construction. The contrast offered between the different shades of oak and mahogany wood makes the dresser's structure stand out even more and captivates the viewer's eye. Features four large pull-out dovetailed drawers, all integrated with original brass X-pulls. Its spacious drawers make it the ideal home addition for storing bedroom essentials...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Brass

Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...
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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
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H 62 in W 48.25 in D 20 in
Celato Chest of Drawers in Brass by De Castelli
By DeCastelli
Located in Boston, MA
Celato is a reference to what is concealed to keep a memory intact; it’s an archetype in which beauty is revealed in stages. A monolithic appearance makes Celato a contemporary menhi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Celato Chest of Drawers in Brass by De Castelli
Celato Chest of Drawers in Brass by De Castelli
H 32.29 in W 51.19 in D 18.12 in
Midcentury Black and Brass Keys Commodes and Chest of Drawers, 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful design, dresser completely lacquered in black shellac, enhancing the shape of the leg. Beautiful workmanship, and perfect interior finishes. The chest of drawers is composed of an upper body, with two drawers that can be opened using two splendid brass keys...
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Mid-Century Modern Asian Gentleman's Tall Chest on Chest by Heritage
By Heritage Furniture
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Asian Gentleman's Tall Chest on Chest by Heritage Offered is an excellent example of Asian mid-century modern design; a Black Mahogany chest from the 1960's. Feat...
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Paul Frankl "Station Wagon" Three-Drawer Chest for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
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...
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Ten Drawer Dresser by Paul Frankl, C. 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Westport, CT
A meticulously restored Paul Frankl Dresser from Johnson Furniture, a mid-century masterpiece circa 1950s. This vintage gem, designed by the iconic Paul Frankl, features 10 drawers a...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Nickel

Previously Available Items
Paul Frankel for Johnson Furniture Company High Chest of Drawers with x Hardware
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant high chest from Paul Frankl’s Debonaire series for Johnson Furniture Co., the chest features seven drawers with signature X-shaped pulls in brass-plated aluminum. Construc...
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1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Brass

Tall Chest of Drawers in Walnut by Paul Frankl, C. 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Westport, CT
A tall chest of drawers executed in walnut designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored and refinished in dark walnut, topped with our scratch/...
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Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Mid-Century Walnut Ten Drawer Low Chest
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century walnut low chest / dresser with ten drawers mounted with X-shaped silver metal drawer pulls. (Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co).
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser, Refinished
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl, John Stuart
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered seven-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John Stuart USA, 1950s ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Brass

Paul Frankl Tall Dresser High Chest of Drawers with X-Pulls in Tiffany Blue
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in West Hartford, CT
This newly lacquered sophisticated high chest was designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company, circa late 1940s-early 1950s. The coveted Johnson hallmark is incised ins...
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Johnson Furniture Tall Dresser High Chest Drawers in Hermes Orange
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in West Hartford, CT
This newly lacquered sophisticated high chest was designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company, circa late 1940s-early 1950s. The coveted Johnson hallmark is incised ins...
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Matching Paul Frankl Tall Dressers High Chest of Drawers with X-Pulls
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in West Hartford, CT
This matching pair of sophisticated high chests were designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company, circa late 1940s-early 1950s. The coveted Johnson hallmark is incised ...
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Brass

Paul Frankl Mid Century Eight-Drawer Oak Dresser for Brown-Saltman
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Newly Lacquered White Vintage Paul Frankl Chest of Drawers Dresser John Stuart
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Vintage Cerused and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
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Located in North Hollywood, CA
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Paul Frankl Chest of Drawers 'Station Wagon Series' in Mahogany Maple & Leather
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Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company Station Wagon Dresser Chest of Drawers
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Located in West Hartford, CT
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Paul Frankl commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Frankl commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers by Paul Frankl were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by Michael Taylor, Dunbar, and Herman Miller. Prices for Paul Frankl commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,960 and can go as high as $85,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,600.

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