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 Custom Sofa, 1940s, Pair Available
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available, USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measure: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x ...
Silk, Oak
Set of custom ordered Florence Knoll Benches
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll Pair of benches USA 1954 leather, steel Measures: 48 W x 19.5 D x 16.75 H inches Pair of custom-sized Florence Knoll benches in a custom flat steel finish wit...
Steel
Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier LC3 lounge chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Amarillo, TX
Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier LC3 lounge chair Cassina France / Italy, 1928 / c. 1995 mohair, chrome-plated steel 24 h × 39 w × 29 d in
Steel
Paul Frankl Cork Coffee Table, 1951
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl. Coffee table. Johnson Furniture Company, USA, circa 1951. Lacquered cork, lacquered mahogany. Dimensions: 60 D x 14.25 H inches. Rare lacquered cork coffee t...
Cork, Mahogany
Florence Knoll stool / bench in leather for Knoll Associates
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll stool Knoll Associates USA 1984 leather, steel 17 h × 18 w × 18 d inches Vintage piece.
Stainless Steel
Paul Frankl Corner Tables, Lacquered Cork and Mahogany, 1951
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl. Corner tables (pair). Johnson Furniture Company, USA, circa 1951. Lacquered cork, lacquered mahogany. 32 w x 32 d x 28.25 h inches Each branded "#5029.&...
Cork, Mahogany
Pierre Cardin Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa, Fabric, 1970
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This impressive two-seater sofa by Pierre Cardin is in very good condition. The opulent design of the upholstery, which appears to be layered, gives the two-seater an extremely elega...
Fabric
Custom Sized 1950s Widdicomb Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and exceptionally rare four-seat sofa by Widdicomb from the 1950s, custom-sized and upholstered in its spectacular original woven fabric. This configuration is seldom seen...
Steel
Vintage sofa in the style of Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautiful settee made in the manner of Percival Lafer. It's done in the sling style which screams of Brazil and Percival Lafer. It's in need of an upholstery job, but it wo...
Faux Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Two Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco
By Mario Marenco
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Two Seater Marenco Sofa by Mario Marenco Mario Marenco was born in 1933. He studied architecture in Naples and won research grants for Stockholm and Chicago. In 1...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern 3 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime collection is influenced by Art Deco, born under the burst of bright colors and shades, mirroring the elegance and glamour of the 1920’s and aiming to be the inspiration of life. This collection is characterized by the use of brass, a noble and sophisticated material, and the lacquered surfaces, which provide the piece with the representative shine of Art Deco. Pieces with voluptuous lines, but nevertheless comfortable and cozy, are what define Art Deco, as well as our collection. The Sublime modular sofa offers all the space you need to welcome your family and friends. A very comfortable and elegant best-seller, with fabric upholstery that can be customised according to your needs. The perfect versatile addition to your living room. The Sublime sofa...
Textile, Wood
Franklin Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Franklin sofa is a variation on our Classic Montebello sofa style. It features two down-wrapped seat and back cushions and two bolster pillows. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is ...
Upholstery, Oak
