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 Corked Topped Sideboard / Chest for Johnson Bros.
By Paul Frankl
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted dark ebony toned sideboard with cork top , two doors to each end with a non adjustable shelve , above are two small divided drawers . Solid brass X pulls to the f...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Dresser attributed Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a MCM Ebonized Dresser attributed to Paul Frankl. Double dresser, 3 drawers per side. All drawers open and close with ease. Iconic "X" pull handle. Dimensio...
Wood
$4,045
H 36.88 in W 74 in D 20 in
Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Ebonized Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Brown Saltman, Paul Laszlo
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized mahogany 21-drawer "Treasure Chest" long dresser or credenza By Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman USA, 1950s Measures: 74" W x...
Mahogany
Vintage Ebonized Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With beautiful ebonized panels and metal pulls, this vintage sideboard is full of timeless style. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Metal
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. x Pull Cork Top Sideboard
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. X Pull Cork Top Sideboard. As found condition with original black painted finish and cork tip that has been painted white. Brass X pulls retain ...
Brass
$1,195
H 32 in W 50 in D 19 in
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Ebonized Credenza
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century ebonized credenza The credenza measures: 50 wide x 19 deep x 32 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting stud...
Chrome
$2,795
H 32 in W 60.25 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern dresser, credenza, or sideboard By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with original brass ha...
Brass
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...
Wood
$9,780Sale Price|40% Off
H 34 in W 80 in D 19.5 in
Ebonized Piet Hein Sculptural Dresser / Credenza for Daniel Jones Inc. NYC.
By Piet Hein, Daniel Jones
Located in Deland, FL
An exceptional architectural build. Designed by Piet Hein and retailed exclusively for Daniel Jones, NYC. This c. 1960 nine drawer dresser has been newly ebonized. The base is set on a sculpted...
Walnut
Dark Mid Century Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid Century Credenza, features a sophisticated tapering silhouette and reeded angular doors, crafted from Prima Vera in our Bistre finish. The custom forged hardware, finished in a d...
Wood
Swaim Art Deco Style Sideboard or Credenza, Late 20th Century
By Swaim
Located in Hamburg, PA
This striking Swaim sideboard or credenza showcases a bold Art Deco-inspired aesthetic with sophisticated Hollywood Regency influences. Handcrafted by Swaim Furniture of High Point, ...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Lacquered Grey Credenza Attributed to Tommi Parzinger, Mid-Century
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hamburg, PA
This stunning lacquered grey credenza or sideboard, crafted in the manner of Tommi Parzinger for Tommi Parzinger Originals, exemplifies mid-century desig...
Nickel
Robert Baron for Glenn of California Headboard, 1970s
By Glenn of California, Robert Baron
Located in Hamburg, PA
An exquisite Robert Baron for Glenn of California rosewood headboard, 1970. Black oak full-size frame with rosewood panels and pol...
Aluminum
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Six Drawer Louvered Chest, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
This classic mid-century modern chest of drawers was designed by legendary American designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Crafted in rich mahogany with a beautiful natural finish that ...
Mahogany
Rosewood Chest of Drawers by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Hamburg, PA
A gorgeous rosewood Chest of Drawers by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1950s. This Scandinavian rosewood chest would look great in any Mid-Century Modern interior or home. This is the perfe...
Nickel
Art Deco Style Macassar Two-Tier Console Cabinet, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, PA
Elevate your space with this striking Art Deco-style two-tier cabinet crafted in Macassar (also known as Macassar veneer). The bold, linear striped grain creates a dramatic, high-end...
Wood, Macassar
