- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Paul Frankl Mid-Century Modern Credenza

About
Details
- CreatorBrown Saltman (Maker),Paul Frankl (Designer)
- DimensionsHeight: 34 in. (86.36 cm)Width: 64 in. (162.56 cm)Depth: 20 in. (50.8 cm)
- StyleMid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques
- Place of Origin
- Period
- Date of Manufacture1950s
- ConditionRepaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Base reinforced/repaired with steel "L" brackets. Interior wood shelves are replacements.
- Seller LocationFulton, CA
- Reference Number1stDibs: LU5539221925492
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingShips From: Fulton, CA
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
About the Designer
Paul Frankl
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.
- By Paul FranklLocated in Fulton, CAA Mid-Century Modern waste basket attributed to Paul Frankl. Made of combed fir with a conical four sided rectan...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
MaterialsWood
- By Paul FranklLocated in Fulton, CAA scarce pair of Mid-Century Modern combed fir table lamps designed by Paul Frankl for Brown-Saltman. Very good,...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsWood
$1,500 Sale Price / set37% Off - By DyrlundLocated in Fulton, CAClassic teak Danish Modern credenza in exceptional original condition. Features tambour doors, fitted interior a...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
- By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Fulton, CAA Paul Frankl cork top coffee table or bench, circa 1940s. Asian influence design with curved table top. Base cr...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMahogany, Cork
- By DyrlundLocated in Fulton, CAClassic teak Danish Modern credenza with a fitted interior and sliding Tambour doors. Exceptional original condi...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
- By DyrlundLocated in Fulton, CAA fine rosewood Scandinavian Modern credenza / media cabinet. Exceptional book-matched rosewood tambour doors. R...Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
MaterialsRosewood
You May Also Like
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Laminate, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Wood, Cork
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
Recently Viewed
View MoreThe 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Insured Global Delivery