Skip to main content

Paul Frankl Furniture

Austrian, American, 1886-1958

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.

7
to
2
7
7
7
7
4
2
231
196
4
4
6
44
86
17
4
5
2
2
2
1
7
7
139
331
330
295
290
Period: Early 20th Century
Creator: Paul Frankl
Modernique Clock by Paul Frankl Art Deco Skyscraper Telechron Clock 1928 Gold
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco Skyscraper Warren Telechron Clock 431Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928. This very rare two-tone gold model with a bakelite base and rear panel includes a blue chapter ring dia...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Diminutive Stand / Table Art Deco Skyscraper Furniture Designed by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare stand, table model 2188, designed by Paul Frankl, Skyscraper Furniture, c 1928. when sold, only avail at Frankl Galleries, New York...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul T Frankl Skyscraper Sideboard Frankl Galleries Ny Moderne Art Deco, C. 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare and important lacquered sideboard in two tone yellow ochre finish with silver leaf ornamentation, original mirrored tops, glass shelves, bullet hinges, faceted solid brass silver leafed hardware and silver plated shelf...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul Frankl Telechron American Moderne Deco Clock, 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Sharon, CT
The iconic American Deco Frankl 'Skyscraper' mantel clock. Polished silver over brass with black bakelite base. This rare 'top of line' deco item retains the original bevelled glass ...
Category

1920s American Machine Age Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Glass

Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Combed Wood Desk
By Paul Frankl
Located in Pasadena, TX
A desk designed by Paul Frankl for Brown and Saltman. This desk features combed wood restored to emphasize the beautiful tones and textures of the natural ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Cork Top Side or End Table by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co.
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Cork top side or end table designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company, rendered in lacquered cork for the top with mahogany legs and brass sabot feet. Marks to finish on ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Lacquered Cork Top Dark Mahogany Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Westport, CT
Rare Paul Frankl crème lacquered cork top dark mahogany square designed base. In exceptional condition and nice size.
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Cork, Mahogany

Related Items
Vintage American Nautical Clock
By Chelsea Clock
Located in New York, NY
Vintage American Nautical clock. Handsome black-faced circular Chelsea naval clock with white enumeration and water-tight glass cover retailed by M. Low of...
Category

20th Century American Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Telechron Model 7H141 Lucite & Brass Electric Desk Clock
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare Lucite and brass Telechron Model 7H141 Electric desk clock featuring a brass face with a bubble glass front fitted inside a highly polished square acrylic block with brass feet....
Category

1940s American Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Acrylic

Art Deco Moderne Three-Piece Marble Clock Set, French, circa 1930s
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Art Deco Moderne three-piece marble clock set, French, circa 1930s.
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair of Paul Frankl Four-Drawer Chests for Brown Saltman
By Paul Frankl
Located in Hanover, MA
HOLIDAY SALE 27 November through 15 December 2023 Pair of 1950s four-drawer chests with distinctive polished brass "X" drawer pulls. Produced by Brown Saltman. Can be used when ov...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul Dupré-Lafon, Hermès Desk Clock, c.1935
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Vintage Hermes Brown Leather Desk/Table Clock, 1930s This is a beautiful Art Deco style table/desk clock. Original leather with gold brass details. hand-stitched by Hermès echappem...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Bookshelf attributed to Paul Frankl, 1920s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Espoo, FI
Bookshelf attributed to Paul Frankl in the Skyscraper Furniture style. Its sleek lines and geometric precision reflect the finest Art Deco. The Skyscraper style, introduced in the 19...
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Sculpted Sideboard in Solid Oak and Linseed Oil
By Sóha
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary sculpted sideboard in solid oak and linseed oil. Dimensions: H. 85 x W. 160. x D. 45 cm Unique piece made to order. Founded ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Oak

Handmade Wall Clock 1970s American Craft
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 1970s one of a kind handmade wall clock, constructed of a radius of earth toned suede on a solid asymmetrical wooden frame. The clock face is ...
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Solid Lucite & Brass Electric Desk / Mantel Clock by Telechron
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous solid lucite with brass accents electric desk / mantel clock by Telechron, circa 1940s. The clock is in very good working condition and keeps accurate time. The brass dial...
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Art Deco Style Skyscraper Bakelite Clock by JAZ
By Jaz
Located in Devon, England
Fabulous Art Deco clock by JAZ a French clock maker. This clock is red bakelite a wonderful skyscraper shaped casing. The condition of the face is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Oak and Brass Chest of Drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage oak and brass chest of drawers / tall dresser designed by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s. This beautiful chest of drawer’s features a Minimalist but highly functional design that highlights the elegance of the oak wood used for its construction. The contrast offered between the different shades of oak and mahogany wood makes the dresser's structure stand out even more and captivates the viewer's eye. Features four large pull-out dovetailed drawers, all integrated with original brass X-pulls. Its spacious drawers make it the ideal home addition for storing bedroom essentials...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Brass

1930s Art Deco Clock by Blangy, France
By Blangy
Located in Devon, England
One of my personal favourite makers of French clocks is this clock by Blangy. The stylized numerals are the epitome of Art Deco. The whole body of the clock is chrome which rests on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Chrome

1930s Art Deco Clock by Blangy, France
1930s Art Deco Clock by Blangy, France
H 4.73 in W 5.71 in D 2.76 in
Previously Available Items
Important Paul Frankl Galleries Skyscraper Chair, circa 1927
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Important jagged form chair by Paul Frankl. With Skyscraper Frankl Gallery metal label on underside. . Dated between 1926 and 1927. NY, Custom made, only one known of, made for New...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Paul Frankl Upholstered Lounge Chair
By Paul Frankl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul Frankl Upholstered Lounge Chair. Chair dates to the late 1920's or early 30's. Great small scale design with a Cubist Influence. Newly redone in a cream velvet. From the warehou...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Paul Frankl Upholstered Lounge Chair
Paul Frankl Upholstered Lounge Chair
H 27 in W 26.5 in D 29 in
Modernique Clock by Paul Frankl Art Deco Skyscraper Telechron Clock, 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco Skyscraper Warren Telechron Clock 431Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928. This very rare two-tone gold model with a bakelite base and rear panel includes a blue chapter ring dial with a black logo and numbers. This radio has just been recently restored on the outside as well as the inside. The standard M1 rotor movement with a detachable cord. It is inscribed “Telechron” in the center of the dial. This rare iconic clock was designed during a time when the majority of electric clocks sold for around 5.00, this clock retailed for $50.00, earning it the nickname “the fifty dollar clock.” The stock market crash and Great Depression struck shortly after an introduction and, as a result very few were produced and few sold. This one is also accompanied by a new cloth chord and a period-correct plug switch. It has a metal plate on the back inscribed “Warren Telechron Co. Ashland, Mass. USA”. Exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, because of its high original cost...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Modernique Clock by Paul Frankl Art Deco Skyscraper Telechron Clock 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco Skyscraper Warren Telechron Clock 431Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928. This very rare two-tone gold model with a bakelite base and rear panel ...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Skyscraper Warren Telechron Clock Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco Skyscraper Warren Telechron Clock 431Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928. It features Machine Age numbering around the dial, circumscribed by a s...
Category

1920s North American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Paul Frankl Art Deco Skyscraper Occasional Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Paul Frankl Art Deco Skyscraper occasional table, circa 1928, commissioned for the Metropolitan Life North Building in New York City, the top inset with walnut veneers within ebonize...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Art Deco Skyscraper Warren Telechron Clock Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco skyscraper warren Telechron clock 431Modernique by Paul Frankl, 1928. It features Machine Age numbering around the dial, circumscribed by a s...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Paul Frankl Machine Age Art Deco Met Life Skyscraper Library Occasional Table
By Paul Frankl
Located in Hudson, NY
Offered is a rare and important modernist table by Paul Frankl. The table was designed by Frankl and constructed by Frankl’s Studio specifically for the Metropolitan Life North Build...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Cloud Coffee Table by Paul Frankl
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic, early cloud coffee table model 5005 designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company 1951. Table is in very good original condition wit...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cork

Cloud Coffee Table by Paul Frankl
Cloud Coffee Table by Paul Frankl
H 14.5 in W 48 in D 36 in
Rare Paul T. Frankl Skyscraper side table Frankl Galleries, 1920s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Lacquered wood. Chromed metal, mirrored glass. A pioneer of modernist design in the United States, Paul T. Frankl is best known for his "Skyscraper" furniture from the 1920s. This...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare Paul Frankl “Cloud” Game or Dining Table
By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl
Located in Miami, FL
Rare "Cloud" game or dining table designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company, rendered in lacquered leather top and mahogany legs with brass sabot feet.
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Brass

"Modernique" Clock by Paul Frankl for Warren Telechron Company, circa 1928
By Warren Telechron Co., Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
This rare iteration of the iconic “Modernique" was designed for the Warren Telechron Company by Paul Frankl, circa 1928. During a time when the majori...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Paul Frankl Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Chrome

Paul Frankl furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul Frankl furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul Frankl furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Paul Frankl were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Planner Group, John Stuart, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Paul Frankl furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $920 and can go as high as $85,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,490.

Recently Viewed

View All