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.
MCM Blonde Birch Buffet w/ China Cabinet by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Elegant Mid-Century Modern buffet with china cabinet designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Crafted in warm blonde birch, it features clean architectural lines, sculpted drawer f...
Glass, Birch
Rare Paul László for Brown-Saltman Basket Weave Sideboard/Credenza
By Paul Laszlo
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stunning and rare ash credenza or sideboard designed by Paul László for Brown Saltman c.1950s ,USA as part of the "Basket Weave" collection; this classic California Modern design f...
Ash
Billy Haines Style Dark Walnut White Lacquered /Leather Cabinet/Chest Metal Leg
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Westport, CT
William "Billy" Haines style, dark walnut hand rubbed, and off white lacquered bureau, cabinet angled design middle is shorter depth than ends and center door is lacquered leather, w...
Brass
$4,166Sale Price|20% Off
H 24.02 in W 27.56 in D 18.12 in
Small Biedermeier-Style Walnut Half Cabinet, circa 1920
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautifully crafted Biedermeier-style half cabinet made around 1920, featuring exceptional walnut veneer in symmetrical bookmatched patterns. The chevron parquetry and contrasting ...
Walnut, Spruce
$3,995
H 76 in W 60 in D 18 in
MCM 2-Piece China Hutch Cabinet Buffet by Heywood Wakefield Contessa Collection
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Mid-Century Modern 2-piece china hutch, cabinet, or buffet by Heywood Wakefield for the Contessa Collection. Comprised of 2-pieces a top hutch & a bottom buffet in a dark cherrywood, woven wicker basket weave or caned door fronts, brass toned pulls, & slim steel legs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are nicks on the left side of the buffet edge toward the front. Stiffener has been added underneath buffet as the cabinet had sagged in the middle making doors uneven. Stiffener corrected that issue. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1960’s. In 1959, the Heywood Wakefield “Contessa” slogan was "Wood for warmth and grace ... steel for strength and rigidity." "Furniture of Slender Elegance." And does this China cabinet ever fit that description. The Contessa line features a darker cherrywood, gold or brass toned accents, and slim steel legs. This cabinet has 2 pieces. A bottom buffet that features brass toned pulls that open two sets of double doors. There are three drawers on the right side with a silverware tray in the top drawer. The left side is open storage. The top hutch features two rolling side doors with woven wicker basket weave, or caned, door fronts and three shelves in the center. The whole cabinet stands on slim steel legs and exudes mid-century modern magnificence! This awesome, versatile china cabinet or buffet will look amazing whether you place it in the dining room, living room, study, or the kitchen. It is adaptable enough to blend right in whether your design style leans to Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern, industrial, southwestern, or modern country. In 1897, two prominent furniture companies, Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company merged and created Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company; the name would be shortened to Heywood-Wakefield in 1921. The new company rose to popularity in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s with its solid wood, Art Deco-inspired, mid-century modern furniture. In 1992, South Beach Furniture Company acquired the rights to the Heywood-Wakefield name. After realizing how in demand vintage Heywood Wakefield pieces were, production began on new pieces that remained true to the style, quality, and values of the original company. Today's Heywood-Wakefield is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the name and its famous pieces while incorporating new and contemporary technology which allows new generations to appreciate the classic looks from a classic company. This is a fabulous piece by Heywood Wakefield’s Contessa...
Metal
$5,447
H 28.25 in W 63.5 in D 18.5 in
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Basket Weave Bleached Oak Desk
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Mid Century Basket Weave Bleached Oak Desk This desk measures: 63.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a chair...
Oak
Paul Laszlo "Basket Weave" Dresser for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning oak dresser designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman c.1950s, USA. This classic California Modern design features six generous sized drawers all showcasing Laszlo's textu...
Oak
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 56.5 in W 50 in D 20.5 in
Spanish Baroque Bargueno Style Gilt Cabinet Chest on Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rustic large Spanish baroque bargueno style cabinet or chest on stand crafted from thick pine. The beautiful case has exposed dove tail joinery and features 6 large storage drawers and is centered by an arched storage door with an ornate carved surround and an old master style religious painting on the door of Christ. The drawers have decorative cartouche designs on the front with an iron pull in the center and finished in gilt. The cantilever style stand has two square leg supports decorated with acanthus vines and gilt finishes flanking four turned supports attached to stretchers. Decorated in the style of a Bargueno or Vargueno desk...
Iron
Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, two piece, walnut and brass, wall unit hutch credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection features a bottom crede...
Brass
$3,495
H 77.25 in W 53.75 in D 16 in
MCM 1 Piece Kroehler China Hutch Cabinet Glass Shelves Carved Handles
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely Mid-Century Modern one-piece Kroehler china cabinet or hutch with adjustable glass shelves, brass plated sculpted handles and hinges, lig...
Metal
Keyhole Credenza by Brown Saltman Likely Designed by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful credenza attributed to Brown Saltman and likely designed by Paul Laszlo. The cabinet has wonderful keyhole openings that add a nice touch to the overall appearance. There...
Wood
$37,993
H 67.33 in W 42.52 in D 20.28 in
Fine 17th Century William and Mary Burl Walnut Cabinet on Chest, Circa 1690
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
17th century William and Mary burr walnut cabinet on chest, circa 1690. England. Concealing two secret compartments. The Cabinet The cross-grain cornice...
Walnut, Burl, Oak
Rare Bookcase or Dry Bar by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c1950
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bookcase or bar designed for Brown Saltman by "architect to the stars" Paul Laszlo, c1950. The Bookcase is executed in a dark forest green over mahogany and features opposing X-bases...
Wood
Walnut Belmont Cabinet with Oxblood Leather Pull Handles
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This cabinet features a solid walnut frame and walnut faced drawers. Drawers are adorned with matte black stainless steel hardware and oxblood American co...
Walnut
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Basket Weave Front Double Door Cabinet
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman (signed) basket weave double door cabinet in American white oak newly refinished in dark walnut. Originally this cabinet was blonde and contained GE Mu...
Oak
Paul Laszlo "Basket Weave" Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning tall oak dresser designed by Paul Lazlo for Brown Saltman c.1950s, USA as part of the "Basket Weave" collection. This classic California Modern design features two cabinet...
Oak
Paul Laszlo "Basket Weave" Highboy Dresser for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning tall oak dresser designed by Paul Lazlo for Brown Saltman c.1950s, USA as part of the "Basket Weave" collection. This classic California Modern design features two cabinet...
Oak
Sold
H 33.5 in W 37.75 in D 18.5 in
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Pair of Nightstands or Chest of Drawers
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of nightstands or chest of drawers in oak by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Wonderful Basketweave design on drawer fronts. Three generous sized drawers.
Oak
Paul Laszlo Bar Cabinet for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar cabinet by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c.1957. This cabinet features a mahogany body and X-shaped legs with a pull down front. The top portion features vertical separation and...
Mahogany
Paul Laszlo Basketweave Chest of Drawers for Brown Saltman, Oak
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Chest of drawers in oak by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Wonderful Basketweave design on drawer fronts. Three generous sized drawers. Restored.
Oak
Paul Laszlo Liquor Cabinet for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Liquor bar by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c.1957. This liquor cabinet features a bleached mahogany body and X-shaped legs with a pull down front. The top portion features vertical...
Mahogany
Console by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Dallas, TX
A bleached mahogany console table designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman.
Mahogany
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Weave Pattern Cabinet
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in New York, NY
Chic two door cabinet designed by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman of California. This piece has the signature weave pattern fronts by Lazslo, and it retains the original Brown Saltman ...
Oak
Sold
H 34 in W 66 in L 34 in
Paul Laszlo Bleached Oak Basketweave "1656" Buffet Cabinet for Brown and Saltman
By Paul Laszlo, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Stunning bleached oak "1656" basketweave buffet cabinet by Paul Laszlo for Brown and Saltman features basketweave three-drawer fronts, two cabinets and modern Asian inspired legs. ...
Oak Cabinet by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Oak cabinet / bookcase by Paul Laszlo, circa 1950. This piece has been professionally restored.
Oak
Paul Laszlo Chest for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A four-drawer chest with winged pulls and architectural styled base in ribboned Indonesian mahogany, retains the manufactures label to the inside d...
Paul Laszlo Cabinet for Brown Saltman
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome oak cabinet by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Two doors open to reveal three shelves, standing on four angular legs. Newly refinished in ebony. Great lines.
Oak