The suave architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo made his reputation in Hollywood, where his clients included Barbara Stanwyck, Cary Grant and Elizabeth Taylor. He was aligned to no artistic or design movements, relying on his own carefully honed instincts to create his celebrated lounge chairs, tables, dressers and other furnishings. From the late 1930s to the 1960s, Laszlo’s name was a byword for sumptuous modernity among members of the smart set.
Born in Hungary in 1900, Laszlo learned about quality from his father, a prosperous furniture manufacturer. He studied design in Vienna and had his technical training in Stuttgart, Germany, where, at age 27, he established an upscale design business that gained an international reputation. Nine years later, with the Nazis in power, Laszlo, a Jew, left Germany for the United States and made his way to Los Angeles. There, he established an interior design office in Beverly Hills and was pleased to find that his Stuttgart credentials carried weight.
While he took many commercial assignments for American department stores, custom residential work was Laszlo’s stock in trade. He turned his hand to every element in a room, “down to the last ashtray,” Time magazine once wrote. Like his clients, Laszlo appreciated luxury — not the luxury of rare and precious materials, but the luxury of rich colors and textures, and deep comforts. He had a contemporary élan, exemplified by spaces that were bright, airy, uncluttered and up-to-date.
The classic earmarks of Laszlo’s furnishings are generous proportions and, in the case of his Paddle and Plank armchairs, namesake armrests that are flat and wide, the perfect spot to rest a cocktail. His case goods, tables and dining chairs have clean, elegant lines; they are simply formed yet warm, with interesting details such as woven veneer door fronts.
In recent years, Laszlo’s designs have found a new audience among fans of his easygoing modernism. Prices are in the neighborhood of $5,000 for his vintage cabinets, and from $8,000 to upwards of $20,000 for seating pieces, which are generally found in pairs or groups of six or more.
There was a reason that Laszlo’s work was so admired in the mid-20th century: every design contributes to an environment that is comfortable and elegant — at once robust and relaxed.
Find vintage Paul Laszlo furniture on 1stDibs.
Paul Laszlo, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An wood and beige fabric lounge chair designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Touch-ups carried out to wood. Dimens...
Fabric, Wood
Paul Laszlo, Stool, Wood, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and green velvet stool designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to wood legs consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new velvet....
Velvet, Wood
Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
By Paul Laszlo, Glenn of California
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul László for Glenn of California, bench or sofa, mahogany, cane, United States, 1950 Designed in 1950, this rare bench sofa occupies a significant position within Paul László’s p...
Cane, Mahogany
Paul Laszlo, Lounge Chair, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green velvet lounge chair designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 30” H x 30” W x 34.5” D Seat Height (inches): 15" Arm Height...
Velvet, Oak
Paul Laszlo Hollywood Regency Slipper Chair in Off White Bouclé circa 1940s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Paul Laszlo 1940s slipper chair with new super soft off white ivory bouclé upholstery. Hollywood Regency from top to bottom and side to side, this gorgeous one of a kind chair...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul Laszlo, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
A burgundy red fabric and bleached mahogany sofa designed by Paul Laszlo, USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 28.75” H x 60.25” W x 30.5” D Seat Height: 17.5”
Fabric, Mahogany
Paul Laszlo, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
An wood and beige fabric lounge chair designed by Paul Laszlo and produced by Brown Saltman, USA, c. 1950s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Touch-ups carried out to wood. Dimens...
Fabric, Wood
$44,550 / set
Pair of Scrolled-Arm Chairs by Paul László, 1940s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of extremely dramatic slipper chairs designed by Paul Laszlo, undoubtedly breathes the late Art Deco Period of the 1940's. Generously proportioned each chair embodies the sheer ...
Upholstery, Wood
Paul Laszlo Scroll Lounge Chair
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slipper chair by Paul Laszlo c.1940s, USA. The chair, piping and buttons are all finished in cotton-linen blend fabrics from Rogers and Goffigon. The textured oatmeal fabric alongsid...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Laszlo Attribution, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white bouclé fabric lounge chair attributed to Paul Laszlo, USA, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 13.75" Arm Height (inches): 21.25" All items ship from High Point, North C...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Slatted Walnut Side Chairs by Paul Laszlo
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home genuine masterpieces of mid-century modern design with this exquisite set of chairs produced by legendary Hungarian-American architect Paul Laszlo for his iconic collabora...
Brass
$2,070Sale Price|40% Off
Restored 4-Strand Staple Arm Rattan Lounge Chair by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored 1948 Paul Laszlo four-strand rattan lounge chair featuring four-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases. 1948, United States We only purchase and sell only the best and...
Rattan
Pair of Paul Laszlo Chairs from the Brentwood Country Club, circa 1954
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A favorite of Paul Laszlo, these chairs were featured in design projects for the Brentwood Country Club (see photo), Mr. Laszlo's personal residence, and the Fausto M. Ricci family. ...
Leather, Wood
$4,500 / set
Paul Laszlo Cross-Stretcher Stools
By Paul Laszlo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A great combination of materials and design.
Naugahyde
$3,600 / set
Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans
By Paul Laszlo
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul Laszlo ottomans. Green laquered notched legs with brass cross stretchers.
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Lounge and Chair and Ottoman. The Max comfort Chair has a channeled back with large padded armrests, The Ottoman is customized to match the chair. We re...
Upholstery, Oak
Paul Laszlo Set of 6 Bleached Wood Dining Chairs in Camel Teddy Bear Upholstery
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Plush and whimsical set of 6 fully restored mid century modern dining chairs designed by Paul Laszlo. Understated elegance that seduces with silhouettes that draw you in. Captain's c...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,075 / item
Mid-Century Paddle Armchairs by Paul László
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paddle Armchairs by Paul László (Hungarian American, 1900-1993) H 32" x W 35" x D 32.75" FDV11580 *Wear consistent with age and use.
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Boucle and Leather Armchairs by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A rare opportunity to acquire a pair of 1950s armchairs by the architect Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, a testament to mid-century American design at its finest. These exceptional c...
Leather, Bouclé, Mahogany, Walnut
Paul Laszlo Mid Century Scroll Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Laszlo Mid Century Scroll Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 31 wide x 32 deep x 29 high, with a seat height of 16 inches Fair Vintage Condition - Chairs will Need to b...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,000 / set
Pair of Paul Laszlo Patio Armchairs
By Paul Laszlo, Pacific Iron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of rare patio dining armchairs by Paul Laszlo for Pacific Iron Products, circa 1950s. The chairs feature a black iron frame with newly upholstered se...
Wrought Iron
$9,442Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paul Laszlo Set of Four Chairs in Black Lacquered Wood, 1950s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Milano, IT
Finished in black lacquered wood with spindle backs, open arms, and architectural supports. Red upholstered seats. *Similar chairs were used in the interior of the Brentwood Country ...
Leather, Wood
Set of 6 Paul Laszlo Mid-Century American Geometric Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 Mid-Century (1950s) American dining chairs comprised of 2 armchairs and 4 sides; the side chairs having open form horizontal slat backs and the armchairs having upholstered ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Set of 4 Paul Laszlo For Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Alhambra, CA
Set of 4 Philippine Mahogany side chairs by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Very rare. Great vintage condition with a couple repairs performed in house. 20"d x 22"w x 30"h Seat h...
Mahogany
$10,020Sale Price|40% Off
Restored 3-Strand 3 Seat Rattan Sectional Sofa by Paul Laszlo for Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1948 Paul Laszlo designed three-strand sectional settee featuring three-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunni...
Fabric, Rattan
$5,800
Paul Laszlo Chair
By Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Custom designed pull-up chair by Paul Laszlo. Bleached mahogany frame, with recessed grip detail on the back. Upholstered seat and back.
Mahogany
Pair of Paul Laszlo Mid-Century American Geometric Upholstered Armchairs
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Mid-Century (1950s) American armchairs with flat right-angled arms, padded backs upholstered in a brown tone geometric patterned fabric, seat wrapped in light brown canvas fi...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$6,900Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Rattan 3-Strand Sectional Settee Sofa by Paul Laszlo for Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1950 Paul Laszlo designed three-strand sectional settee featuring three-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunni...
Rattan
$7,500Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Restored Museum Quality 3-Strand Rattan Settee, Paul Laszlo for Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1948 Paul Laszlo designed three-strand sectional settee featuring three-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunni...
Rattan
$6,900Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Paul Laszlo Designed Rattan 4-Strand Sectional Settee by by Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1948 Paul Laszlo designed four-strand sectional settee featuring four strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunning...
Rattan