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.
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 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
Expertly Restored - Paul Frankl Cork Top Side Table for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Brass
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
Paul Frankl Amoeba Cork Card Table for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
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
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pr. Cork Top Side Tables by Paul Frankl Johnson Furniture John Stuart c. 1940s
By John Stuart, Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of cork top side, or end tables, designed by Paul Frankl, made by Johnson Furniture, retailed by John Stuart circa 1940's. The tables feature thick rectangular cork tops, w...
Brass
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
$586Sale Price|30% 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
$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
Mid-Century Modern Bleached Walnut Cork Tops Paul Frankl End Side Tables MINT!
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Bleached Walnut Cork Tops Paul Frankl Two Drawers End Side Tables MINT!.
Walnut, 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
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
$2,604Sale Price / set|30% 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
$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 for Johnson Furniture Cork Top Two Drawer Sqaure End Table Stand
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern blond birch square side end table by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture. Excellent original condition.
Birch, Cork
Paul Frankl Cork Side Table for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Paul Frankl, 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 side table produced by Johnson Fur...
Brass
Cork-Topped End Table by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Tapered dowel legs support a bleached mahogany two (2) drawer end table with a cork top, having hammered brass round pulls.
Brass
$2,300 / set
Paul Frankl Wood & Glass Side Tables, Pair of 2
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Alhambra, CA
Pair of "Stepped" side tables by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Classic Frankl Machine Age design built from solid oak. Newly refinished in walnut with gloss laquer. Brand new bronz...
Cut Glass, Oak
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company Cork & Mahogany End / Side Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century rectangular end / side table with a partially white painted cork top resting on a mahogany frame with a lower rectangular stretcher shelf and four square legs. (PAUL FRAN...
Mahogany
Paul Frankl Square Cork Top Cocktail / Coffee Table
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)
Wood
Paul Frankl Corner Table, Rosewood Stained Maple, Art Deco, USA, 1950
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Camden, ME
Paul Frankl corner table for Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan from the 1950s. The frame is a rosewood stained maple with clear lacquered cork tops. Restored in ver...
Brass
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company Black and White Cork and Wood End
By Paul Frankl
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century rectangular end / side table with a white painted cork top resting on a white painted wooden frame with a lower rectangular stretcher shelf and four square legs. (PAUL FR...
Wood, Cork, Paint
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
Paul T. Frankl Cork and Mahogany Occasional Table, Model 5026, 1948, USA
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul T. Frankl Cork and Mahogany Occasional table, Model 5026, Johnson Furniture Company, USA, 1948-1952. 22 h × 30 w × 20 d in. Stenciled manufacturer's mark to underside '5026 #280...
Cork, Mahogany
Paul Frankl Lacquered Cork Top Dark Mahogany Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Westport, CT
Rare Paul Frankl crème lacquered cork top dark mahogany square designed base. In exceptional condition and nice size.
Cork, Mahogany
$12,000 / set
Pair of Elegant Paul Frankl Cork Side Tables
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Elegant Paul Frankl Cork Side Tables
Cork
Mid Century Modern Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Cork Top Nightstand
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Cork Top Two Drawer End Table / Nightstand This amazing cork top nightstand/side table is a great piece to bring together any ty...
Brass
$1,066 / set
H 20.87 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Pair of Mid Century Bamboo and Rattan Side Tables, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very nice, understated yet very typical bamboo & rattan side tables. Two different heights: 44 cm and 53 cm The base areas are 33 x 33 cm and 41 x 41 cm.
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 22.5 in W 28 in D 24 in
Milo Baughman Style Burl Walnut Parson Side End Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-century modernist burl wood Parsons side/end table in the style of Milo Baughman. The table features a squared-off look with a beautiful deep walnut burl wood veneer. We love usi...
Burl
$5,830 / set
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...
Mahogany, 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 Cork Console Table for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl, 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 cork top console table designed f...
Oak, Cork
Classy Paul Frankl Writing Desk for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
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.
Wood
$7,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 23.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
Pair of Paul Frankl Cork Top Nightstands or End Tables in Dark Walnut and Ivory
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
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
Vintage Paul Frankl Style Coastal Rattan Side Tables - Pair
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul Frankl Style Floating Granite Guitar-Key Shaped Coastal Rattan Side Tables - Pair Gorgeous vintage set of Paul Frankl style, thick b...
Marble
Sold|$2,450
H 29.25 in W 40 in D 20 in
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 honey toned winged V oak base . A rare form designed by Paul Frankl who's iconic skyscraper book shelve units are present...
Oak, Cork
$1,850 / set
H 15 in W 24 in D 24 in
Franco Albini Style, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Side Tables, Bamboo, Rattan
By Franco Albini
Located in Manhasset, NY
Franco Albini Style, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Side or End Tables, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1960s Pair of organic modern side or end tables in bamboo and rattan likely designed by F...
Bamboo, Rattan
$2,995
H 28.25 in W 32 in D 32 in
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Cork and Mahogany Corner Table, ca 1951
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
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
$995
H 20.25 in W 28.5 in D 28.5 in
Paul McCobb Style Lane Rhythm Mid Century Walnut Nightstand Side End Table
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Style Lane Rhythm mid century walnut nightstand side end table This side table measures: 28.5 wide x 28.5 deep x 20.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Brass
Two-Tiered Occasional Table by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, The Standard Furniture Company, Brown Saltman
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fully restored maple two-tiered occasional table designed by Paul Frankly and produced by Brown Saltman, California. Three curved legs support the upper tiers. Makers mark is stam...
Maple
Paul Frankl Side Table in Oak with Sculptural Base 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sculptural side table in dark oak with zig zag base by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American 1950's. This table has great presence and would be a beautiful addition to any int...
Oak
Pair of Paul Frankl Cork Side Tables for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Paul Frankl, 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 pair of side tables produced by Jo...
Brass
Sold
H 23 in W 28 in D 15.5 in
Newly Refinished -Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Side Table by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Year: c.1950’s With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful pro...
Walnut
1930s Art Deco Paul Frankl End Table
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Art Deco side table for sale. Designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman in the late 1930's, and has been professionally refinishe...
Oak
Sold
H 21 in W 30 in D 18 in
Pair of Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Cork Top Two Tier Side or End Tables, 1950s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Camden, ME
A pair of mahogany side or end tables with cork tops designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company in the 1950s. The tables are in excellent vintage condition and were r...
Mahogany, Cork, Lacquer
Large Paul Frankl Lamp Table with Cork
By Paul Frankl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic cork top side table or occasional table by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, USA, ca' 1940's. Two tier design with a stylized greek key base. The table is very heavy.
Maple, Cork
Sold
H 16.13 in W 17.75 in D 17.75 in
Paul Frankl Cork Side Tables for Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1950
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Frankl cork side tables for Johnson Furniture Company, circa 1950.
Brass
Circa 1955 Paul Frankl Pair of Rattan & Maple Side Tables
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1955 pair of rattan & maple 2-tier side tables by Paul Frankl in the six pretzel design. Measures: 14 1/2" W., 35" D., 25" H.
Rattan, Maple
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company Ebonized and Limed End Tables
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart Inc., Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in New Windsor, NY
A fine pair of limed and ebonized Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company two drawer end tables. Burn in mark and John Stuart retailer labels are in the top drawer. The pair featur...
Mahogany, Walnut
Paul Frankl Tables Manufactured by Brown-Saltman
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An iconic pair of tables. Original Mahogany underside of tables show factory pencil notations.
Wood
Set of Tiered End Tables by Paul Frankl, C. 1950s
By Paul Frankl, Brown Saltman
Located in Westport, CT
Set of tiered side tables executed in mahogany, designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman. Completely restored and redone in medium walnut. ...
Mahogany