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 Mahogany Coffee Table with Cork Tops Johnson Furniture c. 1940s/50s
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Camden, ME
Classic Paul Frankl cork coffee table in original color with the rosewood stained maple frame and two cork laminated tops on a Greek key designed base for Johnson Furniture of Grand ...
Maple, Cork, Lacquer
Paul Frankl John Stuart Walnut Expandable Dining Table Johnson Furniture 1950s
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart
Located in Camden, ME
This elegant round mahogany dining table by Paul Frankl for John Stuart, circa 1950s, showcases the designer’s mastery of clean, modern lines paired with exceptional craftsmanship. T...
Walnut
Craftsman Studio End Table with Mixed Wood Inlay and Pegs, circa 1955
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Camden, ME
A studio craftsman's table built of walnut and rosewood from the mid-1950s. This table is a wonderful example of woodwork executed by a skilled craftsman utilizing specially selected...
Wood
Edward Wormley Extension Walnut Dining Table for Dunbar, circa 1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Camden, ME
An Edward Wormley walnut extension dining table designed for Dunbar in the early 1950s. The dark walnut base sets on four leather cased feet contrasts with the walnut top which is a ...
Leather, Walnut
James Evanson Studio African Mahogany / Elm Dining Table with Bone Insets- 1987
By James Evanson
Located in Camden, ME
A striking example of mid-century modern craftsmanship, this James Evanson Studio dining table showcases exquisite African mahogany with intricate bone insets, The top is set on a base of 4 turned mahogany stained elm columns set in gilded cups on raised cube supports.. Crafted in 1987, this piece reflects Evanson's skilled artistry and dedication to high-quality materials. Its warm, rich tone and elegant detailing make it an exceptional centerpiece for dining rooms seeking both sophistication and a touch of exotic allure. Designed and crafted by James Evanson Studio in 1987, renowned for blending fine craftsmanship with innovative design Made from stunning African mahogany, celebrated for its durability and deep, warm hue Decorated with intricately inlaid bone accents, adding a refined and textured contrast to the wood This has a generous dining surface perfect for intimate dinners or larger gatherings Well-restored condition with patina that enhances its vintage charm Sturdy construction and expert joinery indicative of Evanson’s craftsmanship James Evanson Studio was celebrated for its bespoke furniture pieces that seamlessly combined functional design with artistic expression. The 1980s saw Evanson experimenting with exotic woods and natural materials, and this dining table exemplifies his mastery—combining African mahogany’s richness with decorative bone inlays that evoke a sense of craftsmanship and global inspiration. Condition: Excellent restored condition with minor signs of age and wear, which add to the piece’s authenticity and character. The table top is quartered in opposing veneers of African Mahogany. The edge is decorated with a silver leafed half round band . Two pairs of turned urn shaped supports rest in gilded turned cups set into raised gilt panel on cube bases. The top has a center ring of bone pins...
Brass, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Arden Riddle Studio Craft End Table Black Walnut Italian Travertine Top 1999
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
This classic side table was crafted from black walnut at the studio of Arden Riddle in 1999. The design of this base and the use of a slightly off white travertine marble top is rem...
Travertine
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mid Century Cork and Mahogany Side End Table
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mid Century Cork and Mahogany Side End Table This side table measures: 25.25 wide x 29 deep x 24.25 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Cork...
Mahogany, Cork
Paul T. Frankl Cork and Mahogany Occasional Table, Model 5026, 1948, USA
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul T. Frankl Cork and Mahogany Occasional table, Model 5026, Johnson Furniture Company, USA, 1948-1952. 22 h × 30 w × 20 d in. Stenciled manufacturer's mark to underside '5026 #280...
Cork, Mahogany
Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture, Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Cork, Mahogany
By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul Frankl Mid-Century Modern Cork Top Mahogany Dining Table, Johnson Furniture Cork top dining table designed by the most important American Art Deco furniture designer, Paul Fra...
Mahogany, Cork
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Janus Sofa Corner Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Janus Sofa Corner Table This table measures: 74 wide x 28.25 deep x 30 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Small Areas of Stain Wea...
Mahogany
Art Deco Walnut Veneer Side Table with Shelf, Belgium, 1920s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A refined Belgian Art Deco side table dating from the 1920s, distinguished by its elegant proportions and balanced geometric design. Crafted in walnut veneer, the table showcases the...
Walnut
Paul Frankl Cork & Mahogany Dining Table for Johnson Furniture Company m. 2443
By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Paul Frankl Cork and Mahogany Dining Table model 2443 for Johnson Furniture Company. USA c. 1955. Thick oversized and rounded legs with an inset circumferential border which appears ...
Mahogany, Cork
