Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

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.

Creator: Paul Frankl

Classy Paul Frankl Writing Desk for Johnson Furniture/ Tommi Parzinger

By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegant proportions, conical tapering legs and brass X-handles. Requires refinishing. Structurally sound. Style of Tommi Parzinger

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Paul Frankl, Desk, Cork, Mahogany, Leather, Brass, USA, 1950s

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in High Point, NC

A cork, dark-stained mahogany, brass and black-dyed leather desk designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Johnson Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensi...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Eight-Drawer Desk, Mahogany & Cork, Art Deco, Circa 1940

By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl

Located in Miami, FL

Rare Paul Frankl designed eight-drawer desk for the Johnson Furniture Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Re-furbished and newly lacquered cork top, in a satin lacquer white finish. Body of desk also mahogany brown finish. Handles appear to be Bakelite, with brass brackets, also newly polished. Exposed concave cut-out to center back of desk for storing books, much like a sculptural effect of a Sol LeWitt or Donald Judd floating square cut-outs piece of art and we say art, because it is an art form to pull off stunning design, with function as the forefront to any furniture, as the body floating has an ethereal quality. As does the body of the desk prove...

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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

PAUL FRANKL for JOHNSON Furniture Co. "Amoeba" Desk and Cabinet c. 1950s

By Paul Frankl

Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA

Paul Frankl, a renowned American designer of the 20th century, crafted a timeless masterpiece in collaboration with Johnson Furniture Company—a kidney-shaped desk that blends functio...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birch, Mahogany, Maple, Teak

Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and White Cork Dining Set, Set of 5

H 29 in W 72 in D 42 in

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...

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1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Sonia Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 47.25 in

Sonia Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Sonia writing desk...

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21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Bernt Petersen Danish 1950s Mahogany Desk

H 29.14 in W 75.6 in D 37.8 in

Bernt Petersen Danish 1950s Mahogany Desk

By Bernt Petersen, Rud Rasmussen

Located in London, England

Bernt Petersen Mahogany Writing Desk, circa 1950s An exceptional 4-drawer desk from Danish designer Bernt Petersen and made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. The legs, drawer f...

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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Saarinen for Johnson Furniture Drop Side Desk c. 1950's

H 29 in W 42.5 in D 24 in

Mid Century Saarinen for Johnson Furniture Drop Side Desk c. 1950's

By Eero Saarinen, John Stuart Inc.

Located in New York, NY

Chic mid century desk designed by Eero Saarinen for the John Stuart Furniture Company, circa 1950's. This stylish desk features a rectangular top, with a drop side leaf, which can b...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights

H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 20.87 in

Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XV style writing desk made by La Maison London. Painted in a French grey with gold highlights. mounted on Serpentine legs with decorative bronz...

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2010s British Louis XV Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Boomerang Desk Circa 1940

H 29.53 in W 70.48 in D 32.68 in

Art Deco Boomerang Desk Circa 1940

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Exceptional modernist desk from the Art Deco period. This superb piece of furniture is reminiscent of the desk made by Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Janneret with its curved top and ...

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20th Century French Art Deco Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Paul Frankl Cork Top Two-Tier Side Table for Johnson Furniture

H 21.25 in W 30 in D 18 in

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...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Art Deco Writing Desk with Fluted Legs, Circa 1940s, France

H 27.96 in W 37.41 in D 20.08 in

Art Deco Writing Desk with Fluted Legs, Circa 1940s, France

Located in Beirut, LB

This French Art Deco writing desk, dating from the 1940s, features a sophisticated D-shaped "floating" top that creates an elegant architectural niche above the central drawer and lo...

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Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Paul Frankl Cork Amoeba Cloud Coffee Cocktail Table Model 5005 USA 1950s

H 14.5 in W 48 in D 35.5 in

Paul Frankl Cork Amoeba Cloud Coffee Cocktail Table Model 5005 USA 1950s

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

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 ...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Dutch Mid-Century Modern Solid Birch Vanity Desk by Everest Furniture, 1950s

H 34.26 in W 33.86 in D 24.02 in

Dutch Mid-Century Modern Solid Birch Vanity Desk by Everest Furniture, 1950s

By Everest

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Unusual and rare modernist vanity desk produced in the Netherlands by Everest Furniture early 1950s. Solid birch frame and, veneered plywood and exotic wood (Wenge) details in the...

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1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Teak, Wenge, Plywood

Paul Frankl, Organic Coffee Table, Cork Top, Mahogany Base, 1950s

H 14 in W 57 in D 24 in

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 ...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Cork

Expertly Restored - Paul Frankl Cork Side Table for Johnson Furniture

H 16.25 in W 18 in D 18 in

Expertly Restored - Paul Frankl Cork Side Table for Johnson Furniture

By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Materials: Cork, Mahogany, Patinated Brass ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Expandable Mahogany and Cork Desk, Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture c.1950

H 28.5 in W 58 in D 24 in

Expandable Mahogany and Cork Desk, Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture c.1950

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An original expandable Paul Frankl desk with cork surface and a Mahogany base with brass hardware. Three drawers, open storage compartment on opposite side and Mahogany booksh...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modernist Ebonized Walnut Desk w/ Brass X Form Pulls by Paul Frankl

H 28 in W 48 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modernist Ebonized Walnut Desk w/ Brass X Form Pulls by Paul Frankl

By Paul Frankl

Located in New York, NY

This sleek and sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist Desk with Tapered supports in Ebonized Walnut W/ Nickel X form Pulls is by the esteemed designer Paul Frankl and originates from th...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Cork Top Desk

H 28.63 in W 59.5 in D 29 in

Paul Frankl Cork Top Desk

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in Denton, TX

Rare six-drawer desk designed by Paul Frankl featuring a curved cork top, adorned with brass drawer pulls and partial brass covered legs. Can also be used as a vanity.

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Oak, Cork

Vintage Cerused Executive Desk by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman

H 28 in W 60 in D 26 in

Vintage Cerused Executive Desk by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman

By Paul Frankl

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Beautiful vintage cerused executive desk by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk has a Minimalist design where the correct choice of materials used for its construction stands out. The desk has been constructed from black cerused oak wood, giving it a unique contrast and making it immediately stand out from the rest. Features five drawers, within which a drawer stands out since this is a file drawer, and it will be useful to keep your most important documents...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Kidney Shaped Desk by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co

H 28.25 in W 48.25 in D 25 in

Kidney Shaped Desk by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An ebonized mahogany kidney shaped table with two center drawers supported by 3 oval shaped legs.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Frankl Rare Kidney Desk in Mahogany, Birch, Leather and Brass, USA, 1950s

H 28.25 in W 66 in D 28 in

Paul Frankl Rare Kidney Desk in Mahogany, Birch, Leather and Brass, USA, 1950s

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in New York, NY

Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids rare exquisite desk from Station Wagon Group, USA, 1940s. This organic desk consists of two separate parts - desk top in rich mahogany and three drawer cabinet in mahogany and birch with leather and brass pulls. This modernist design has beautiful and playful elements which allow modifications in orientation. The desk top with legs rests on the cabinet through the use of a circular birch column which can be adjusted anywhere on the cabinet top to create different angles in the configuration and different overall lengths. Truly an iconic design, this chic desk exemplifies Frankl early use of biomorphic form. Branded mark "JOHNSON FURNITURE CO. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH." Adjustable desk length: 55-66 in Desk top including legs measurements: H 28.25 x W 48 x D 23.5 in Cabinet measurements...

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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 1950's Paul Frankl Desk Vanity for John Stuart Johnson Furniture

H 28.5 in W 48 in D 21 in

Early 1950's Paul Frankl Desk Vanity for John Stuart Johnson Furniture

By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in Dallas, TX

This fine example of early 1950's streamlined furniture designed by Paul T. Frankl and made by Johnson Furniture Company. Two-tone black satin lacquer and bleached wood finish make t...

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1950s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Elegant Desk or Vanity Designed by Paul Frankl

H 28 in W 48 in D 21.5 in

Elegant Desk or Vanity Designed by Paul Frankl

By Paul Frankl

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant desk or vanity designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American, circa 1950s. It has been refinished in a black lacquer finish. This piece is a versatile size and can ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Elegant Desk or Vanity Designed by Paul Frankl

H 28 in W 48 in D 21.5 in

Elegant Desk or Vanity Designed by Paul Frankl

By Paul Frankl

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant desk or vanity designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American, circa 1950s. This piece is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of color. Th...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Desk by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950

H 28.38 in W 53.88 in D 30 in

Rare Desk by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Rare desk by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. This piece has been professionally restored.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Writing Desk by Paul Frankl

H 30.5 in W 50 in D 20 in

Rare Writing Desk by Paul Frankl

By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman

Located in Danville, CA

Very rare and early modernist ebonized mahogany desk with sculpted saber legs and stylized bail pulls by Paul T. Frankl for Brown-Saltman. The desk has been completely restored and r...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Classy Paul Frankl Writing Desk for Johnson Furniture

H 28 in W 48.5 in D 21 in

Classy Paul Frankl Writing Desk for Johnson Furniture

By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegant proportions, conical tapering legs and brass X-handles. Reminiscent of Tommi Parzinger. This item should be purchased with the intent to refinish. Structurally sound. Priced ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Paul Frankl desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Frankl desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by John Widdicomb, Leon Rosen, and Bruce Burdick. Prices for Paul Frankl desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $6,500 and can go as high as $32,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $23,000.