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.
Rare Paul T. Frankl Model '5025' Coffee Table in Cork
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company, coffee table '5025', varnished cork, United States, 1950s Designed by Paul Frankl, this very rare coffee table features a striking biom...
Cork
Paul Frankl Cork Amoeba Cloud Coffee Cocktail Table Model 5005 USA 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Troy, MI
Paul T Frankl cork top Amoeba or Cloud cocktail table Model 5005 Johnson Furniture circa 1950s Asymmetrical lacquered cork surface on four sculpted and splayed mahogany legs Signed ...
Mahogany, Cork
Paul Frankl, Console Table, Wood, USA, 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A wood console table produced by Brown Saltman, USA, 1950s. Designed attributed to Paul Frankl, Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.375"H x 42.0"W x 17.875"D All items ship from High ...
Wood
Paul Frankl Cork Top Two-Tier Side Table for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking two-tier side table by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture is a perfect example of his innovative approach to modern design. Featuring a natural cork top, it offers a bea...
Mahogany, Cork
Rare Paul Frankl Cork Top Console Table model # 5008 for Johnson Bros.
By Paul Frankl
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A smaller scale console entrance way table with cork top and dark mahogany toned winged V oak base. A rare form designed by Paul Frankl whose iconic skyscraper book shelve units are ...
Oak, Cork
Paul Frankl Brazilian Rosewood Coffee Table Model 5003 for Johnson Furniture 50s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional Paul Frankl model #5003 coffee table produced by the Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, circa 1950s. This striking example is executed in richly figured...
Wood
Paul Frankl, Console Table, Mahogany, Cork, USA, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and lacquered cork console table designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Johnson Furniture Company, USA, 1950s Multiple water rings present. The tabletop presents with a...
Mahogany, Cork
$7,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Paul Frankl Cork Top Nightstands or End Tables in Dark Walnut and Ivory
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A Mid-Century Modern pair of Paul Frankl cork top mahogany nightstands or end tables professionally restored to their original finishes - dark walnut mahogany stain and ivory lacquer...
Brass
Paul Frankl Rosewood Coffee Table / Bench
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood table / bench designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture.
Rosewood
Pair of Paul Frankl Ivory Lacquered Nightstands with Brass X Pulls, circa 1950
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone loves Paul Frankl furniture. A pillar of design, he created some of the most iconic midcentury pieces of furniture. And here we have a lovely pair of Paul Frankl ivory lacqu...
Brass
Paul Frankl Cork Top Dining Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A large cork top dining table with oak pedestal bases. Designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture. Fully restored.
Cork
Paul Frankl, Organic Coffee Table, Cork Top, Mahogany Base, 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A very rare cork top coffee table or cocktail table by Paul Frankl for American manufacturer Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1955. The playful cork top features a tear-drop shaped ...
Mahogany, Cork
Coffee Table / Bench by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful coffee table model #5004 designed by Paul T. Frankl, 1948 for Johnson Furniture Company. Constructed from mahogany and cork, this Asian inspired coffee table can also funct...
Mahogany, Cork
Paul Frankl Style Tripod Dark Walnut End Side Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Single round top dark walnut/espresso finish wood side or end table. Solid wood construction table resting on gently curved tripod legs.
Wood
Amoeba Table by Paul T. Frankl for NO GA Projects (authorized by Paul T. Frankl)
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul T. Frankl (1886-1958) designed the Amoeba Coffee Table (also called “Model no. 5005” and “Cloud Table”) for the Michigan-based Johnson Furniture Company in the late 1940s. The l...
Beech, Oak, Cork, Plywood
$4,200 / set
Pair of Espresso Paul Frankl Occasional Tables
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman two-tier occasional tables with splayed and tapered legs and espresso finish.
Wood
$4,140Sale Price / set|40% Off
Restored Rattan 3-Strand "Hour Glass" Dining Table & Chairs Dining Set
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored Mid-Centyury 4-person 3-strand mahogany dining table and 4 "Hour Glass" rattan back chairs. Dimensions: Chair: 32" H x 24" W x 22" D Ta...
Fabric, Rattan, Mahogany
Paul Frankl, Console Table, Wood, USA, 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered wood console table with cabinet attributed to Paul Frankl for Barzilay, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.5" H x 35.8" W x 11.8" D Materials: Wood A...
Wood
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Black Lacquered Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency black lacquered oak coffee table By Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman USA, 1940s Measures: 47.75"W x 21"D x 16.5"H. Newly refi...
Oak, Lacquer
Paul Frankl Amoeba Cork Card Table for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This amoeba card table produced by John...
Cork, Mahogany
Paul Frankl Side Table Rattan Bamboo Mid Century Modern c1960s MINT
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Paul Frankl Side Table Rattan Bamboo Mid Century Modern c1960s MINT
Rattan
Paul T. Frankl Amoeba cloud coffee table Johnson Furniture Company - USA, 1940s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in London, GB
Furniture designer, architect, painter and writer Paul T Frankl (1886–1958) was born in Vienna and studied at the Berlin Polytechnic before settling in New York. An unlikely proponen...
Cork
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Expandable Dining Table
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman expandable dining table. The rectangular top having (2) 15" wide leaves, above two supports having ribbed details, with branded mark to underside. Table...
Wood
Chic Black and White Modernist Side Table by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Perfectly proportioned side table by Paul Frankl. Black painted cork top resting on a white painted hardwood frame with a practical lower shelf. Also great as a tall small coffee tab...
Hardwood, Paint, Cork
Pair of Paul Frankl Mid-Century Modern End Tables
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Paul Frankl black cerused Mid-Century modern end tables with stepped motif and smoke glass top.
Wood, Smoked Glass
$4,250 / set
Pair of Paul Frankl Black Cerused End Tables.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of iconic side/end tables by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company. Much of Frankl’s work is influenced by the art deco period and these classic end tables are no exception....
Glass, Wood
$22,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Newly Refinished - 1945 Paul Frankl 'Station Wagon' Nightstands by Johnson Co.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and important 1945 Paul Frankl Station Wagon Nightstands/end tables for Johnson Furniture Company USA. Made from mahogany, birch, lea...
Leather, Birch, Mahogany, Maple
Paul Frankl Cork Top Coffee Table or Bench
By Paul Frankl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Curvaceous Cork Top Coffee Table or Bench, designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American, circa 1940s. This piece has been recently refinished and is ready to use.
Wood, Cork
Classic Mid Century Cork Cocktail Table By Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Iconic 1940’s Design by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture. Classic Elemental from Cocktail Table with thick Natural Cork Top supported by three Architectural Mahogany shaped legs wit...
Wood, Cork
Paul Frankl Cork Top Bench
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and cork bench / coffee table by Paul Frankl for Johnson furniture. Two available in different finishes.
Cork
$12,500 / set
Cork Top End Tables by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of cork top end tables by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, ca' 1950's. Triangular top with protruding lower shelf these are modern and organic. Rare to find as a pair.
Maple, Cork
1950s Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Combed Dining Set Modernism, 9 Piece Set
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Monrovia, CA
Vintage Paul Frankl dining room set by Brown - Saltman. 9 piece dining table one leaf six chairs with matching buffet all with honey combed design ico...
Wood
Paul Frankl Dining Table with Two Leaves, Cork Top, Mahogany Frame, Original
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Kansas City, MO
Cork top dining table designed by the most important American Art Deco furniture designer, Paul Frankl, for Johnsone Furniture Company. Thi...
Mahogany, Cork
$586Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Stick Leg Rattan Side Table with Two-Tier Wood Tops
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Stick leg rattan side table with two-tier wood tops, circa 1950. Designed in the manner of Paul Frankl. Restored to new for you. We only purchase and sell only the best and finest...
Wicker, Rattan, Formica
1940s Paul Frankl Attributed Rattan + Bamboo Stacked Pretzel Coffee Table Patina
By Paul Frankl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This one is a real unrestored survivor. Heavily worn and patinated. Especially the edge banding, which is chipped and has some very old patch work spots. But this table is holding t...
Wood
Paul Frankl Mid-Century Square Cork Top Coffee Table, 1950s Design
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century square cocktail / coffee table with a cork top and cork veneer, resting on four squared legs. (PAUL FRANKL).
Cork
Paul Frankl Custom Dining Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Frankl custom dining table, designed for a project in La Jolla, California 1930c. Sold with two 24-inch leaves when both are inserted the tabl...
Glass, Wood, Cork
Paul Frankl Two-Tier Side Table for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl two-tiered occasional table by Brown Saltman of California, circa 1950. Solidly crafted and elegantly designed. Signed and marked. We have not refinished or restore...
Maple
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Cork and Mahogany Corner Table, ca 1951
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Cork and Mahogany Corner Table, ca 1951 Unique large corner table that would be perfect with two larger mid-century sofas set in a L-shape arrangem...
Mahogany, Cork
Paul Frankl Continental Mid-Century Walnut and Brass 2-Drawer Console Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Mid-Century walnut contole table having two drawers with X-shaped brass drawer pulls, resting on four tapered round legs ending in brass sabots. (PAUL FRANKL) Wear to fi...
Walnut
Paul Frankl Cork and Ebonized Oak Console Table
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Minimal, Paul Frankl model 5008 console table for Johnson Furniture Company features a natural beige cork top with folded ebonized oak legs.
Cork, Oak
Midcentury Paul Frankl Painted Rattan End Tables -A Pair
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage end tables. Made by the iconic Paul Frankl. A gorgeous matte black painted finish. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Rattan
Classy Paul Frankl Writing Desk for Johnson Furniture/ Tommi Parzinger
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant proportions, conical tapering legs and brass X-handles. Requires refinishing. Structurally sound. Style of Tommi Parzinger
Wood
$2,604Sale Price / set|40% Off
Paul Frankl-Style Stacked Rattan Side Tables with Mahogany Top, Pair, circa 1930
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
These beautifully restored Paul T Frankl style two-tier stacked rattan end tables blend style and vintage charm with modern comfort, with cut-out sides and mahogany wood tops. Both a...
Rattan, Mahogany
Big Foot Table by Paul T. Frankl for NO GA Projects (authorized)
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul T. Frankl (1886-1958) designed the Big Foot Coffee Table for the Michigan-based Johnson Furniture Company in the late 1940s. The low, cloud-shaped table was marketed as a “cockt...
Beech, Oak, Cork, Plywood
$2,070Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Rattan 2-Tiered Corner Table or Desk
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored Large 30" rattan and mahogany 2-tiered side corner table or desk. 1940, United States We only purchase and sell only the best and finest rattan furniture made by the best ...
Rattan, Mahogany
Paul Frankl Cork Coffee Table Model 5021 for Johnson Furniture, 1948
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A cork and mahogany coffee table designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson furniture in 1948.
Cork
Paul Frankl American Art Deco Mahogany and Leather Extendable Console Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
American Art Deco mahogany console table with a rectangular top with one concave side and green leather inset top, which slides and folds open to create a larger surface resting on a...
Leather
Paul Frankl Art Deco Stepped Coffee Table, Ebonized Finish and Custom-Cut Smoked
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Alhambra, CA
Original 1940's vintage "stepped" coffee table by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Classic Frankl Machine Age design built from solid oak. Newly refinished with an ebonized stain. Smok...
Oak, Smoked Glass
Plectrum Table by Paul T. Frankl for NO GA Projects (authorized)
By Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul T. Frankl (1886-1958) designed the Plectrum Coffee Table for the Michigan-based Johnson Furniture Company in the late 1940s. The low, cloud-shaped table was marketed as a “cockt...
Beech, Oak, Cork, Plywood
Paul Frankl Continental Mid-Century Walnut and Brass 2-Drawer Console Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Mid-Century walnut contole table having two drawers with X-shaped brass drawer pulls, resting on four tapered round legs ending in brass sabots. (PAUL FRANKL) Wear to fi...
Metal, Brass
Paul Frankl Cork Top Bench
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and cork bench / coffee table by Paul Frankl for Johnson furniture. Two available in different finishes.
Cork
Pair of Paul Frankl Ebonised Two-Drawer Commodes/Consoles
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Paul Frankl Mid-Century Ebonised Two-Drawer Commodes/Consoles
Wood
Paul Frankl, Console Table, USA, 1940s
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Frankl’s console table has a confident profile with refined proportions and strong horizontal lines. It speaks to the American interpretation of modernism in the 1940s, where decorat...
Wood
Paul Frankl Cork Console Table for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Johnson Furniture Co., Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest lasting contributions to American modernism- and are highly sought after to this day. This cork top console table designed f...
Oak, Cork
Paul Frankl Cork Top Console Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A cork and mahogany console table with brass hardware. Designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson furniture.
Cork
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and White Cork Dining Set, Set of 5
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a timeless dining set designed by Paul Frankl for The Johnson Furniture Company, circa the 1940s. Back in the day, Johnson company in Grand Rapids, Michigan was one of the largest furniture companies in the United States. In the early 1950s, Paul Frankl produced several lines for the furniture company, among them the “Contemporary” line, made from exquisite hardwoods with cork counter tops, and chairs with cutout backs that mimicked women’s fashions of the day. This complete dining set...
Mahogany, Cork
$5,250 / set
Pair of Paul Frankl Cork Top Tables
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Clean Lined Cork Top Tables, designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company, American, circa 1940s. They have been refinished and are ready to use.
Wood, Cork
$9,500 / set
Pair of Elegant Paul Frankl Cork Side Tables
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Elegant Paul Frankl Cork Side Tables
Cork
$1,470Sale Price|40% Off
Paul Frankl Black Stepped Side Table for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This museum-quality table designed by Paul Frankl for Brown-Saltman represents a departure from Paul Frankl's previously established "skyscraper" design. This elegant glass-top side ...
Glass, Oak