Austrian architect and furniture and fabric designer Josef Frank was a leading voice for a gentle, humane modernism. His advocacy of warm, comfortable, eclectically styled environments was highly influential in his adopted country of Sweden, and it’s now widely regarded as a harbinger of the backlash against doctrinaire modernism and the embrace of the homespun that occurred in the late 1960s.
The son of a successful Viennese textile manufacturer, Frank studied architecture at Vienna University of Technology, graduating in 1910. From the first years of his practice, he marched counter to the orderly, symmetrical architectural layouts and decors prescribed by contemporaries such as Adolf Loos.
Frank drafted rooms of varying shapes and called for flexible interior-design arrangements. His furniture pieces are light and easy to move — and his chairs are always made of wood, most often with lushly curved steam-bent arms and slatted backs. Frank openly loathed the tubular steel furnishings and “machine for living” aesthetic promoted by Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and other Bauhaus principals. “The home must not be a mere efficient machine,” Frank once said. “It must offer comfort, rest and coziness…. There are no puritan principles in good interior decoration.”
Frank — who was Jewish — sensed the dire implications of the rise of Nazism in Germany and Austria, and in 1933 he moved to Stockholm with his Swedish wife, Anna. He became the design chief for the furnishings maker Svenskt Tenn and found a perfect match culturally for his brand of simple, relaxed and bright creations. Like many modernists — notably Charles and Ray Eames and Alexander Girard — Frank had a deep love of folk art, which influenced his designs for a wide array of colorful, richly patterned upholstery fabrics, many based on the classic “Tree of Life” motif.
In all his designs, Frank took inspiration from a broad variety of sources. In his furniture, one can discern traces of Asian patterns, Rococo, Italian Renaissance, Scandinavian handicrafts and even Chippendale pieces. As such, the work of Frank — the friendly modernist — is at home in any type of décor.
Find vintage Josef Frank pillows, armchairs, floor lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and brass pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, wood and white fabric floor lamp, model Lilla Kamelen, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consi...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric string wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with a...
Brass
A Rare Josef Frank Cream Silk Pendant Lamp Model 2562 From 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn model 2562, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. new silk shade
Brass
Early Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' Sofa
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 'Liljevalchs' sofa, model '345', fabric, beech, Sweden, design 1934, made 1930s An early example of the Liljevalchs sofa, designed by Josef Frank, and...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Frank, Lounge Chair, Walnut, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and and red fabric lounge chair designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Chip to back leg, vintage fabric d...
Fabric, Walnut
Josef Frank, mirror for Svenskt Tenn, 1960
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Very large mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, made of brass. High-quality craftsmanship.
Brass
Josef Frank Silk Pendant Lamp for Svenskt Tenn, Brass & Silk, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Portland, OR
An early example of model 2560 Josef Frank pendant for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden 1940s. Executed in solid nicely patinated brass and with newer silk shade, made in Austria. Original mount...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1970s. Minor small stains on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Brass
A Rare Josef Frank Cream Silk Pendant Lamp from 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. new silk shade
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Frank, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
1920 designed Josef Hoffmann chased brass lamp base, different finishes available. Hand sewn Lamp Shade with a Josef Frank fabric, different patterns available. Sample book of the Wi...
Brass
Tulip Fabric Pendant Lamp Desiged By Josef Frank For, Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a tulip fabric shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. Used but in a very good condition.
Brass
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Haus & Garten, J.T. Kalmar, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and fantastic height adjustable brass counter balance pendant lamp with a wicker lampshade model 'Kugel-Dreierzug' no. 2514 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s....
Brass
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' Coffee Table in Walnut and Marble
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' coffee table, walnut, marble, Sweden, design 1938 An iconic 'B 965' coffee table, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in 1938. This e...
Marble
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and floral-printed fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced canop...
Brass
Swedish Modern Table or Console Table by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940/50s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant dining or console table made for many uses by Josef Frank, model 1086, designed in the 1940s. Made from walnut with a beautiful table top in rooted veneer. Depth when l...
Walnut
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (in...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and fabric wall lights designed and produced by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8” H x 4” W x 5.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 2.9” ...
Brass
$1,490 / item
Black Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame (painted black). An absolute design classic from the 1950s. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Vintage Mahogany Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A square, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish coffee table made of hand crafted polished Mahogany, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The Scandina...
Metal, Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
Brass
Six Arm Chandelier in Brass with Silk Shades from Oswald Haerdtl from the 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautiful six arm chandilier in brass from Oswald Haerdtl from the 1930's. The metal a has been restored: polished and lacquered by hand. Lamp shades have been recovered with silk...
Brass
Art Deco Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Cuban Mahogany, Sweden, 1920s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Art Deco Swedish coffee, sofa table made of hand crafted polished cuban mahogany wood, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svensk Tenn in good condition. Th...
Mahogany
Midcentury Mahogany Side Table by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Side table by Josef Frank, model called “The Tea Table”, made from mahogany with an elegant ledge around the rounded corner tabletop. Inlayed pewter sphere in the middle of the table...
Pewter
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish floor lamp made of handcrafted polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The height of the Scandinavian light is adjustable, composed with a new white small round shade...
Metal, Brass
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. New leather and original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor small stains to fabric. Wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and paper floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Socket takes standard E-26 medium base bulb. There is no maximum wattage state...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage lampshade in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Brass
Exceptional Josef Frank Chest of Drawers, Cabinet, Svenskt Tenn, Mahogany, Brass
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful chest of drawers by Josef Frank, Mahogany and Brass pulls, six drawers. Cabinet has age-related wear. We will have it refinished for the buyer. Great piece of Swedish Moder...
Brass
Midcentury Bar Trolley by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Mahogany serving trolley by Josef Frank. Simplistic to the core with a clean silhouette and great proportions.
Mahogany
Set of Six Josef Hoffmann-designed “Prague” Bentwood & Cane Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a mix of the classic seating styled after the iconic 1925 Model No. 811 "Prague" chair. Armless side chairs in the front row and armchairs with fluid, looping bentwood ar...
Cane, Bentwood
Josef Frank, Serving Cart, Bamboo, Rattan, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan, raffia and metal serving cart or bar cart, model 892, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Larsson Korgmakare for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor staining...
Bamboo, Rattan
Josef Frank for Svenkst Tenn 'Knot of Friendship' Brass Candle Stand 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Wonderful and beautiful Swedish, Scandinavian Modern Mid-Century brass candlestick holder, Candelabra or candle stand designed by Josef Frank (1885 - 1967) in 1938 for the Firm Svens...
Brass, Metal
Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Brass Nails, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank & SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful bench by Josef Frank, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1960s. The frame is made of mahogany, upholstered seat with brass nails. The feet are elegantly sculpted and the bench can also be used as a table, end of bed stool...
Fabric, Mahogany
Midcentury Modern Leather Stools, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant stools by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with elegantly sculpted feet. Cognac brown leather with decorative nails around the joinery of the legs.
Leather, Mahogany
Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare table lamp by Josef Frank, with a cylindrical base standing on four wooden ball feet. Dressed in beautiful dark green leather imitation nicely combined with the original floral ...
Brass
Midcentury Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Small coffee or side table by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with a rounded corner tabletop. Light design with elegantly sculpted legs.
Mahogany
Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano
By Josef Frank, Frangi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano Italy 1957 Model presented at the ‘Colore e forme nella casa d’oggi’ Exhibition 1957 at Villa Olmo, Como Bea...
Brass
Vintage Swedish Sofa Table by Josef Frank, Beechwood, Mid-Century
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish sofa table "diplomat" made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt...
Beech
Midcentury Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful desk by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with a smooth look. Clean lines and subtly rounded forms, a timeless piece. There are some dents in the table top that have been pr...
Mahogany
Josef Frank Brass and Black Glass Serving Tray for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant and highly collectible serving tray designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1940. This refined example embodies Frank’s signature balance of functional des...
Brass
Model "1842" Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Utrecht, NL
Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank has had an enormous impact on the history of Swedish design. Despite being nearly 50 years old when emigrating to Sweden, he is now widely...
Brass
Josef Frank for Haus & Garten: small chest of drawers on wheels, 1920s
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Josef Frank designed this delicate chest of drawers in the late 1920s. It was manufactured by Haus & Garten. The original design drawing is housed in the Museum of Applied Arts (MA...
Brass
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Frank Armchair, Model No. 403/F, 1928
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
Josef Frank Armchair, Model No. 403/F, 1928 This Armchair, designed by Josef Frank in 1928, features a stained bent beech frame and stained beech plywood. It was manufactured by Gebr...
Bouclé, Beech
Art Deco Josef Frank Vintage Brass Glass Bar Cart Svenskt Tenn circa 1938 Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Art deco vintage bar cart model number 889 from brass and mirror glass designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn circa 1938, Sweden. An amazing authentic bar cart from brass, perforat...
Brass
Midcentury Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant chest of drawers by Josef Frank, made from mahogany. Beveled edges around the drawers, brass handles. Lighter wood stripe inlayed around the edge of the table top.
Brass
Josef Frank, rare stool model B313, Thonet, 1928
By Josef Frank, Thonet-Mundus
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
Bentwood stool, model B 313, designed by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus in 1928. This example have an (for this model) unusual rattan seat. Possibly a later addition since the holes o...
Rattan, Birch
Josef Frank, Lounge Chairs, Mahogany, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of mahogany and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Reupholster...
Fabric, Mahogany
Austrian Chandelier with six Arms in Brass and Silk Shades from Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Elegant chandelier from Josef Frank produced in the 1950 ´s in Austria, probably by the company J.T. Kalmar. The lamp has been completely restored, which includes rewiring, hand pol...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 18.5” H x 7.25” W x 16.5“ D Back Plate Dimen...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 47.5“ H x 15” W x 27.25” D ...
Brass
Josef Frank Model 2560 "Carl Larsson" Silk Pendant for Svenskt Tenn, 1940s/50s
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
A model 2560 pendant by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden circa 1940s. This is an early example, with its original silk shade. Later productions switched to cotton, so the silk ma...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Back Plate (inches) : 3.9 x 1.5 x 0.7 (Height x Width x Depth) ...
Brass
Mahogany and Brass Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool mahogany chest of drawers by Josef Frank, with an amazing, playful silhouette. Elegant brass handles.
Brass
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Forserum, SE
Scandinavian mid-century table lamp, model 726, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Ateljé Lyktan in the 1940s. Crafted in brass with a circular base ...
Brass
Art Deco Walnut Side Table or Coffee Table by Josef Frank for Thonet, circa 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Walnut Side Table or Coffee Table by Josef Frank for Thonet, circa 1925 A charming Art Deco side table by Josef Frank for Thonet Vienna from walnut in amazing shape. The cof...
Walnut
Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930s, the Flora chest of drawers, model 1050, is one of the most poetic expressions of Scandinavian design. This vintage chest of drawers is crafted in warm mahogany with three spacious drawers, each fronted by hand printed botanical plates from Nordens flora by C. A. Lindman. The prints are framed by Frank’s characteristically slender mouldings and the piece stands on delicately turned ball feet that lend it a light, elevated character. The Josef Frank Flora...
Mahogany
$5,410Sale Price|20% Off
Large Chandelier with Six Shades in Brass from Josef Frank , Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Large chandelier in brass with six arms, designed by Josef Frank in the 1950's, Austria. The silk shades in a yellow colour use the original metal construction. The electric has bee...
Brass