For French interior and furniture designer Jean-Michel Frank (1895–1941), history always had a great allure. He once wrote, “The noble frames that came to us from the past can receive today’s creations.” His career celebrated heritage while promoting new modes of 20th-century design, and it flourished between the World Wars when Frank designed interiors that tastefully mixed extravagance with sophisticated simplicity, often featuring pieces he made with his business partner, cabinetmaker Adolphe Chanaux.
It took personal tragedy for Frank to realize his calling. Frank had been exempted from the World War I draft due to his physical frailty but his brothers both served and died on the front. When his German father applied for French naturalization, he was rejected and placed under house arrest, killing himself shortly after. His mother went into a deep depression and began undergoing psychiatric treatment and died a few years later.
With his large inheritance, Frank joined the Paris culture crowd and there got his start in the burgeoning field of interior design. His signature style, which became known as “luxe pauvre” — “impoverished luxury” — was characterized by clean lines, mixed materials and hard-to-miss details. His interiors for clients including Nelson Rockefeller and Elsa Schiaparelli featured artwork by modern creators like Diego and Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Favoring the color white, he would consider each element of his spartan rooms as part of the whole, from bronze doors to plush antique furnishings, always tastefully rich yet never decadent. He worked on furniture with Chanaux that reinforced this austere style. Some of his most well-known furniture pieces, including the Croisillon table lamps, the Parsons table, brass tripod gueridons and the leather Comfortable chairs that used the Hermès saddle stitch, are extremely simple in their elegant appearance. This attention to refined details, simple luxury and the cohesion of design in a room made him one of the leading tastemakers of 1930s Paris.
After fleeing the Nazi occupation of France (he was part of a Jewish family that included his distant cousin, the diarist Anne Frank), Frank arrived in New York where he killed himself at the age of 46. His commitment to creating home interiors where comfort and fine art could merge and styles could mix in harmony remains influential in design.
Browse Jean-Michel Frank furniture on 1stDibs.
$65,337 / set
Pair of "Elephant" Armchairs
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Forest, BE
A pair of the Iconic ‘Elephant’ lounge chairs by Jean-Michel Frank that embodies the timeless sophistication of the mid-20th century. Crafted in Argentina by the Comte firm, the chai...
Textile, Wood
Jean Michel Frank Geometric Straw Marquetry Box, France circa 1930
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare Art Deco straw marquetry lidded box is attributed to French designer Jean Michel Frank. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1930. The rectangular shape is stunni...
Straw, Wood
Jean Michel Frank, Ecart, Paris Cabinet, France, model created in 1932
By Jean-Michel Frank, Ecart International
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jean Michel Frank, Ecart, Paris Cabinet, France, 1932 Oak, Gouge technique H: 33.5 D: 19.85 L: 67 in. This is a custom ordered cabinet made in 2022 by Ecart, authorized JM Frank ma...
Oak
Decorative Faux Bois Jardinière by Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This faux bois jardinière or planter was created by the French decorator Jean-Michel Frank. It is sophisticated made of black lacquered forged metal. The planter is in good condition...
Metal
$23,900 / set
Comté Croisillon Table Lights 1940
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Comté Croisillon lights designed by Jean Michel Frank, produced by Comté Argentina, circa 1940 Elegant yet rough painted iron desk lamps in good condition with original cables switc...
Brass, Iron
Jean-Michel Franck Straw Marquetry Box, 1930
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Jean-Michel Frank straw marquetry decorative box from the 1930s. Carved from beech wood fully covered by straw marquetry with radiating patterns. It has been fully restored, with slight traces on the marquetry remaining, and the yellow velvet fabric inside that was pretty damaged has been replaced by a black velvet fabric. The box is unsigned, but really similar in size and pattern to Jean-Michel Frank boxes...
Velvet, Straw, Beech
Green Quartz Table Lamp by Jean-Michel Frank, Art Deco, Circa 1925
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Jean-Michel Frank was a virtuoso. He used raw elements, (mica, parchment, shagreen or quartz), and put their natural qualities to the service of his art. He was known to use touches ...
Quartz
Original Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Rattan & Iron Console Tables Comte Argentina
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Uxbridge, GB
Jean-Michel Frank Iron & Rattan Console Tables, 1940 Painted Iron with rattan shelf Together with a certificate of authenticity from the Comité Jean-Michel Frank. The piece is in g...
Iron
Coffee Table Designed by J. M. Frank and A. Chanaux
By Jean-Michel Frank, Ecart International
Located in Paris, FR
End of 20th century coffee table by Jean-Michel Frank and Adolphe Chanaux, edited by Ecart International, in sanded and stained oak. This model was not reedited.
Oak
"1928" coffee table, by A. Chanaux &J-M. Frank, Ed. Ecart Int. France circa 2000
By Adolphe Chanaux & Co., Ecart International, Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee table model « 1928 », designed by Jean-Michel Frank and Adolphe Chanaux. This table is an Ecart International edition circa 2000. Wood and natural sycamore veneer. Biography ...
Wood, Sycamore
Original Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Rattan & Iron Guideron Tables Comte Argentina
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Uxbridge, GB
Jean-Michel Frank Guideron Tables, 1938 Painted Iron and Rattan Diameter 39cm - 15¼ inches Height 71cm - 28 inches Produced by Comte, Argentina. Together with a certificate of aut...
Iron
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jean-Michel Frank Oak Table with Leather Top, Art Deco, Circa 1940
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Table made of oak with leather top and golden vignette. Design by Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941), made by CASA COMTE (1932-1960), numbered 6760. Argentina...
Leather, Oak
Mahogany Table by Jean-Michel Frank & Casa Comte Srl
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Low table in mahogany wood with leather and golden vignette. Design by Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941), made by CASA COMTE (1932-1960). The table is numbered ...
Leather, Mahogany
Console table designed by Jean-Michel Frank made by Casa COMTE
By Comte S.A., Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Writing desk made of wood with leather covered top and golden vignette. The table has 8 drawers, 4 on each side. Design by Jean-Michel Frank(1895-1941). France, CIRCA 1930.
Leather
Jean-Michel Frank 1940s pair iron tripod table lamps for Bustillo
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in London, GB
Rare pair of tripod lamps made for Alejandro Bustillo, the architect whom Jean-Michel Frank worked with to produce furniture for the famous Llao Llao Hotel in Patagonia, Argentina du...
Iron
$3,800 / set
H 16 in Dm 10 in
Pair of 'Croisillon' Matte Black Steel and Parchment Lamps by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic pair of 'Croisillon' matte black steel and parchment lamps by Design Frères. European style shade with bottom ring (no finial).
Steel
Spanish Faux Bois Garden Planter 4+ Ft Tall
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish faux bois sculptural garden planter, approximately 4.3 feet in height. This vintage garden art piece from Spain has been created of cast-stone in faux bois fashion, it has ...
Cast Stone
Pair of Delicious Barovier Murano Glass Table Lights, 1940
By Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of amazing small ivory colored Murano glass table lamps with turquoise "pasta vitrea "base by Barovier, 1940s. Nice light blue shade in very good condition. Each with one E14 ...
Blown Glass
Design Table Lamp, Functionalism, 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of chrome, glass - New cabling - Re-polished - Fully functional - Good, original condition.
Chrome
Silver Box with a Straw Marquetry Lid by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This lovely box is made of brushed stainless steel with a lid covered of straw marquetry. The radial design of the straw reminds the great Art deco period which contrasts perfectly ...
Stainless Steel
$2,571
H 76.78 in W 35.44 in D 16.93 in
Mid Century French Shelving Display Cabinet Bookcase C.1970, Pierre Vandel Paris
By Pierre Vandel
Located in London, GB
Mid century French shelving display cabinet bookcase C.1970. PIERRE VANDEL, PARIS: A black and gilt lacquered display cabinet, the frame form supers...
Aluminum
Jean-Michel Frank Inspired Exquisitely Crafted Parquetry Cabinet
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Jean-Michel Frank Inspired Exquisitely Crafted Parquetry cabinet - 20th century.
Wood, Mahogany
$11,900Sale Price|57% Off
H 69 in W 42.5 in D 17.2 in
Unique Swedish Art Deco, Modern Neoclassical Cabinet, Carl Malmsten Signed, 1932
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important 'Swedish Grace' sideboard, cupboard or buffet by Swedish Master, Carl Malmsten delicately constructed of inlaid birch and elmwood depicting a scene of Saint Geor...
Birch, Ebony, Maple
Jean Michel Frank Large Straw French Marquetry Box, 1930s
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Milan, IT
Astonishing French straw-marquetry box, dating from the 1930s, designed by Jean-Michel Frank.
Straw, Cork
IVY Cabinet, Cherry, Brass, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
IVY Cabinet by Dosbananos. Two-door cabinet covered in original Josef Frank 'Paradiset' wallpaper. Cherry wood with brass hinges and brass stretchers. Cabinet has four adjustable she...
Brass
Pair of Faux Bois Clay Planters
Located in Faversham, GB
A pair of faux bois clay planters of excellent proportions with exceptional colour and patina. Remnants of old flaky white paint only add to the charm. Price is for the pair. Fren...
Clay, Paint
$1,688 / set
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair Of Antique French Faux Bois Wrought Iron & Wirework Plant Stand Jardinieres
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE PLANT STANDS Naturalistic wrought iron and wirework bases in the faux bois taste to emulate branches and twigs. Decorative wirework basket upper sections to hold po...
Metal, Wrought Iron, Wire
Sold
H 30.71 in W 31.5 in D 30.71 in
Jean-Michel Frank 'Straight Back' armchair for Ecart - France, 1978
By Jean-Michel Frank, Ecart International
Located in London, GB
A fine example of Jean-Michel Frank’s blocky rectangular club chair, officially reissued by Ecart in 1978. Designed in the 1930s, its simple yet sophisticated form remains undisputed...
Mohair
Sold
H 28.75 in W 90.56 in D 34.26 in
Jean-Michel Frank & Adolphe Chanaux Three seater sofa for Ecart - France, 1980s
By Adolphe Chanaux & Co., Jean-Michel Frank, Ecart International
Located in London, GB
Co-designed by Adolphe Chanaux and Jean-Michel Frank, this three-seater Club sofa was designed in 1930 and produced in the 1980s by Ecart International. Jean-Michel Frank was an earl...
Mohair
Sold
H 28 in Dm 23.25 in
20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Mahogany Side Table by Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage French Art Deco side table made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany designed by Jean-Michel Frank, in good condition. The detailed small, round corner table...
Mahogany
Pair of Mid-20th Century Iron Guéridons Tables by Jean Michel-Frank for Comte
By Jean-Michel Frank, Comte S.A.
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of mid-20th century wrought iron guéridon tables designed by Jean Michel-Frank for the company Comte S.A. By: Jean-Michel Frank, Comte S.A. Material: metal, iron, wrought iron,...
Metal, Sheet Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
J.M. FRANK - Francois Baudot - 2004 Assouline Publishers
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Rochester, NY
J.M. FRANK ( Memoire ) Baudot, Francois - 2004 Assouline Publishers. Gray hard cover book with white lettering and dust wrapper. English text. 80 pages w/ full color / black and wh...
Paper
Sold
H 29.14 in W 59.06 in D 59.06 in
High table 1935 by A. Chanaux and J.M. Frank, Ed. Ecart Intl., France circa 2000
By Jean-Michel Frank, Ecart International
Located in Paris, FR
Dining room table designed by Jean-Michel Frank and Adolphe Chanaux in 1935. Stained oak and “sun” wenge veneer. Reedited by Ecart International. Width: 150 cm (59 inches) Depth: 15...
Wood, Oak, Wenge
Sold
H 14.18 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Pair of Original Jean-Michel Frank “Croisillon” Bronze Table Lamps, circa 1935
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in London, GB
An important pair of original bronze "Croisillon" lamps from the private collection of Dulce Martinez de Hop; a famous client of Jean-Michel Frank and star of the social scene in Paris during the 1920's and 30's. She constantly featured in glossy magazines as "Madame Martinez...
Bronze
Pair of 1940 Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in London, GB
These exceptional table lamps demonstrate Jean-Michel Franks mastery of perfectly balanced minimalist lines, with their tapered legs, exquisite texture and precise detailing. Execute...
Iron
Pair of Mid-20th Century Iron Guéridons Tables by Jean Michel-Frank for Comte
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of mid-20th century painted wrought iron guéridon tables by french decorator Jean Michel-Frank for argentine design house Comte, circa 1940. One of the legendary designer’s mos...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 28 in W 51.25 in D 19.75 in
20th Century French Oakwood Freestanding Console Table by Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brow, vintage French Art Deco freestanding console table made of hand crafted polished Oakwood, designed most likely by Jean-Michel Frank in good condition. The rectangular s...
Oak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Jean Michel Frank Lounge Armchair and Ottoman Velvet, Designed 1932
By Jean-Michel Frank, Adolphe Chanaux & Co., Ecart International
Located in Vienna, AT
Armchair designed by Jean Michel Frank in 1932 with one matching ottoman, manufactured by Ecart, acquired in the showroom Jean-Michel Frank in the 1960 and re-upholstered with Rubell...
Leather, Fabric, Oak, Velvet
ORIGINAL 1938 Iron and Leather Games Table by Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in London, GB
A games table of exceptional quality, demonstrating exactly the designer's mastery of perfectly balanced Minimalist lines. A perfect example of why Jean-Michel Frank is international...
Iron