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.
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 101 in D 36 in
Paul Frankl Pretzel Six Strand 4-Seat Rattan Bamboo Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
Paul Frankl Pretzel 4-seat rattan bamboo sofa. Rare 4 seat version this classic design. Pretzel rattan sectional sofa designed by Paul Frankl. Thi...
Bamboo
Vintage Coastal Four Strand Bent Rattan Sofa After Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace coastal sophistication with this Vintage Four Strand Bent Rattan Sofa, reminiscent of iconic designs by Frankl. Crafted with American flair, its elegant four-strand construct...
Upholstery, Rattan
$4,820
H 25 in W 52 in D 36 in
Restored Frankl Style Four-Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Sectional Settee
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Mid-century six-strand rattan sectional settee featuring square pretzel arms and a classic stacked base. Made of steam-bent rattan poles, the sofa features decorative wicker...
Rattan
$3,990
H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in
Restored Mid-century Rattan 3-Strand Full Pretzel 3-Seat Sectional Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan 3-strand full pretzel 3-piece sofa. Meticulously refurbished, its unique design offers a blend of retro charm and modern sophistication. Elevate your...
Fabric, Rattan
Vintage Coastal Four Strand Bent Rattan Loveseat After Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace coastal sophistication with this Vintage Four Strand Bent Rattan Sofa, reminiscent of iconic designs by Frankl. Crafted with American flair, its elegant four-strand construct...
Upholstery, Rattan
$5,250
H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in
Restored Mid-Century 3-strand 3/4 Round Pretzel Arm Rattan Sectional 3-Seat Sofa
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Post War three strand, 3/4 round pretzel arm rattan section sofa for 3 people, features a rare decorative arched detail around the perimeter of the base. Th...
Rattan
$11,500
H 35.5 in W 33.5 in D 25.5 in
Restored Paul Laszlo Designed Rattan 4-Strand Sectional Settee by by Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1948 Paul Laszlo designed four-strand sectional settee featuring four strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunning...
Rattan
Modernist 3-Strand 3/4 Pretzel "Kauai" 3 Seat Rattan Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
New old stock 3-strand 3/4, three-seat rattan "Kauai" Sofa featuring 3/4 pretzel chair arms with loop center feet. Add that mid-20th-century Hawaiian charm and timeless tropical vibe...
Rattan
$552,000
H 36 in W 106 in D 40 in
Original Historic Hand Made 9 Strand Square Pretzel Rattan Sofa By Paul T Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Extremely rare, museum-quality nine-strand square pretzel square-back four-seat sofa was designed by Paul T. Frankl in 1934 using the highest-quality rattan poles and reeds available...
Wicker, Rattan
$24,999
H 28 in Dm 88 in
Impeccably Restored Paul Frankl Four Strand Rattan 4 Seat Corner Sectional So
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this meticulously restored Four-Strand Square Pretzel Corner Rattan Sectional Sofa, a masterpiece crafted in the style of the renowned Paul Frankl...
Rattan
