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.
$4,400 / set
H 26 in W 15 in D 39 in
Restored Rattan "Double S" Side Table with Three-Tier Mahogany Tops
By Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
"Double S" rattan side table with three-tier mahogany tops. Circa 1950. Designed in the manner of Paul Frankl. Restored to new for you. We only purchase and sell only the best and...
Rattan, Mahogany
$1,280 / set
H 24 in W 15 in D 24 in
Pair Art Deco / Modernist Bamboo Step End Tables by Rattan Art, Philippines
By Paul Frankl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair Art Deco / Modernist bamboo step end tables by Rattan Art, Philippines, Amazing quality, Great design. Very reminiscent of the classic Bamboo designed ...
Bamboo
$2,885 / set
H 23 in W 15 in D 34 in
Restored 3/4 Round Pretzel Rattan Side Table w/ 2-Tier Mahogany Tops, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of 3/4 pretzel rattan side lamp table with three-tier Mahogany tops. This unique design can also be used as a magazine rack on the bottom rear rails. 1950, United States We on...
Rattan, Mahogany
$4,560 / set
H 19 in W 15 in D 33 in
Restored Art Deco Two-Tier Stacked Rattan Side Table w/ Mahogany Top, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored pair of Paul Frankl style two-tier stacked rattan end lamp tables with cut-out sides and dark stained mahogany wood tops, all meticulously refinished to hig...
Rattan
$1,265 / set
H 21.5 in W 16.248 in D 31.748 in
Restored Rattan Side Table with Two-Tier Formica Tops, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of circa 1950 3/4 Pretzel rattan side table with two-tier formica tops. A classic example of Mid-century rattan. Designed in the manner of Paul Fr...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Formica
$2,200 / set
H 23.5 in W 11 in D 32 in
Restored "Double Arch" Rattan Side Table Pair W/ Two-Tier Mahogany Tops
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of Mid-century era side table pair with two-tier Mahogany tops. Each table features stylish steam-bent "Double Arch" sides with solid mahogany tops. 1950, United States We onl...
Rattan
$1,712 / set
H 23.63 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands or Side Tables in Bamboo, Rattan, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of French Riviera style nightstands or side tables in bamboo, rattan, and woven wicker. These incredibly stylish and unique small tables were produced in Italy during ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Restored Rattan Side Table 2-Tier w/ Formica Top - Set of 2
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired set of 2 restored rattan side tables with 2-tier table tops each featuring a soft beige Formica top is perfect alongside your bed or so...
Rattan, Formica
Restored 3/4 Pretzel Rattan Three-Tier Side Table, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
3/4 Pretzel rattan side table with three-tier Formica tops. 1950, United States We only purchase and sell only the best and finest rattan furniture made by the best and most well-k...
Wicker, Rattan, Formica
$1,535 / set
H 22.05 in W 18.51 in D 14.57 in
Pair of French Riviera Nightstands or Side Tables in Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1970
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of mid-century rectangular nightstands or side tables in bamboo, wicker, and hand-woven rattan. These stylish organic bedside tables were produced in Italy during the 1...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Pair McGuire Lacquered Rattan Taborette Drum Drink Tables
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic pair of black lacquered rattan taborette drum form drinks tables or stools crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The tables feature a pole ...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
Pair McGuire Cerused Oak Rattan Nightstands End Tables
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite pair of cerused oak and rattan nightstands, or end tables made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. These rare tables feature a thick pole ra...
Brass
Pair of J. and J. Kohn Austrian Bentwood and Cane Chairs
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of Austrian Viennese bentwood chairs produced by J. and J. John. handcrafted beechwood frames featuring a round handwoven cane seat. Supported by four round legs conjoined by a round stretcher. Each seat is stamped JJ Kohn Austria...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Nancy Corzine Gilt Curtain Side End Tables
By Nancy Corzine
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glamorous matching pair of gilt curtain side or end tables feature a Trompe l'oeil swag curtain design hand-carved from wood with hand-applied gilt and hand-burnishing for a dramatic...
Glass, Wood
Pair of Bernhardt Soho Luxe Burlwood Steel Cube Drink Tables
By Bernhardt
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome pair of Bernhardt Furniture Company “Soho Luxe” cube side drinks tables, constructed of burlwood and polished stainless steel. Each table features a substantial cube body...
Stainless Steel
McGuire Rattan Target Design Cocktail or Occasional Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional McGuire two-tier cocktail table, coffee table, or occasional table designed by Elinor McGuire. The table features a rattan frame with McGuires iconic target design on eac...
Leather, Cane, Rattan, Glass
Interior designers Celerie Kemble and Angie Hranowsky dish out their advice on artfully bringing these natural materials into today's homes.
The bold piece blurs the line between furniture and contemporary art.
Erin Lane Estate is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and its team of furniture restorers, art curators, professional appraisers and Asia specialists sources prime vintage and antique furniture from the finest estates in Northern and Southern California. Erin Lane Estate specializes in Hollywood Regency, McGuire, Chinese and Japanese pieces.
