Rectagular Checkerboard Coffee Table by Paul Frankl For Brown & Saltman

The fresh perspective of Paul Frankl has been felt from the early designs of his skyscraper line to the mass produced pieces he designed for Brown and Saltman and Johnson Furniture Co. He was instrumental in forging the unique look of the emerging American modernism.  He created pieces that appeal to the American aesthetic. His designs were strong and confident without being heavy handed. With mentors such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Frankl was encouraged to think outside of the box.

This coffee table that we are offering cleverly represents his ability to be a non-conformist. The  table is a playful convergence of geometry and texture. Made of solid maple this table is made to last a lifetime. The checkerboard top is a whimsical way to make such a substantial piece seem less serious. Resting on an open u-shaped base, the table allows for clean spatial line and an openness that would not exist if the designer chose a waterfall or closed base.

This table would be an exciting addition to any environment. Even if you are not a designer, anyone can appreciate these unique and exceptional pieces. Frankl at his best. Do not let these get away. The table is in good vintage condition.

Measurements: 49 3/4" long x 25 1/2" wide x 16 1/2" high.

Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design

Arriving in the United States in 1914, Viennese-born Paul T. Frankl (1886–1958) brought with him an outsider’s fresh perspective and an enthusiasm for forging a uniquely American design aesthetic. In the years between the two world wars he, more than any other designer, helped shape the distinctive look of American modernism. This authoritative book draws on an extensive collection of unpublished documents and family papers and photographs to provide the first full account of Frankl’s life and ideas. The book also explores the history of modern American design and the extent of Frankl’s influence on its trajectory.

In the early 1920s, Frankl opened a New York City shop that became an epicenter of American modernism. Over the next decades, his work encompassed everything from individual pieces of furniture and decorative accessories to entire interiors, and his style continuously evolved, from early “Skyscraper” furniture to relaxed and casual designs favored by the Hollywood elite in the 1930s to manufactured pieces for the mass market in the 1950s. The book charts the impact of Frankl’s ideas on merchants and consumers, on his fellow designers, and on the changing look of American homes and workplaces. With close to 170 illustrations, Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design is an essential reference on 20th-century design.