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.
Early Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' Sofa
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Beautiful mid-century brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in München, DE
Beautiful heavy mid-century modern brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Made in Sweden. Minimalist 1950s design with a decorative brass loop frame and a brass ring at t...
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
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 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
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Resin, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A beige resin and brass pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina to brass and some staining to resin. Wear consistent w...
Brass
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 First exhibited in 1934 at the home furnishings exhibition at Liljevalchs Konsthall...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Frank Silk Pendant Lamp for Svenskt Tenn, Brass & Silk, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and beige white fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Several small stains on fabric; wear consistent wit...
Brass
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Diplomat' Square Coffee Table in Mahogany
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 'Diplomat coffee table, model '2073', mahogany, Sweden, 1949 Josef Frank’s 1949 Diplomat coffee table presents itself as a restrained piece: square in ...
Mahogany
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
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan, Josef Frank
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
Vintage Swedish Sofa Table by Josef Frank, Beechwood, Mid-Century
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Hoffmann, J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn
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, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1980s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights by Josef Frank c. 1930s, produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1980s. Replaced lampshades. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 16.0"H x 7....
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights designed by Josef Frank c. 1930s, produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 11.0"H x 8.3"W x 21.5"D ...
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
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
Pair of White Markslöjd Table Lamps with Josef Frank Shades, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Markslöjd, Josef Frank
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of table lamp was produced by Markslöjd in Kinna, Sweden, in the 1970s. The lamps are marked with the Markslöjd label on the brass fitting. The design is characte...
Fabric, Beech
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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn
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
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 5 Josef Frank Prague Chairs Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1970s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of five bentwood armchairs design attributed to Josef Frank, marked Made in Czechoslovakia. The chairs are constructed of steam bent wood, probably beech, and nylon, circa 1970's. A Mid 20th C version of the early 20th C Frank...
Beech, Bentwood
Josef Frank Wall Light from the 1950's, made in Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
An elegant wall light made with patinated brass and a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank in the 1950's. This beautifully constructed lamp uses two light bulbs to illuminate the sil...
Brass
$1,511Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Armchairs No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
A pair of legendary bentwood armchairs Model No. 752, designed by Josef Frank in 1933 for Thonet, Very good condition relative to age. Carefully cleaned and gently restored while pre...
Bentwood
$4,410Sale Price|20% Off
Counterweight Pendelleuchte „Jo-Jo Zug“ Kalmar, Josef Frank, Messing und Seide
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Diese extrem seltene höhenverstellbare Messing-Pendelleuchte Modell 'Jo-Jo Zug' Nr. 2505 von J.T. Kalmar wurde in den 1950er Jahren hergestellt. Die Leuchte basiert auf einem Entwurf...
Brass
Exceptional Josef Frank Chest of Drawers, Cabinet, Svenskt Tenn, Mahogany, Brass
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank Dining Chairs Cherry Leather Model 2238, Svenskt Tenn, 1957, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 4 original production Josef Frank dining chairs model 2238 made in the late 1950s. Model designed in 1957, frame in cherry, lyre-shaped back tray in rattan and bamboo, seats u...
Leather, Cherry
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Nazmiyal Collection Vintage Josef Frank Curtains 3 ft 10 in x 8 ft 10 in
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Vintage Pair of Primavera Curtains Cotton Textile by Josef Frank, Country of origin: Scandinavia, Circa date: Vintage
Cotton
Cabinet 'Model 522' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
This cabinet, model 522, designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, stands among the most expressive examples of Swedish modern design. The rectilinear mahogany case is entirely clad ...
Mahogany
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish " Vänskapsknuten " candle holder made of handcrafted silvered metal, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good conditi...
Metal
Mid-century Brass Wall Lamp with Silk Shades, 1950's , Josef Frank, Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautifully made wall lamp designed by Josef Frank and made in Austria in the 1950's. The lyrically shaped brass tubing supports lamp shades with a feminine form tailored to emph...
Brass
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
Pair of Josef Frank Six-Armed Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Few objects carry a room quite like a lit candelabra. This petite pair, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in the 1940s, Sweden, does so with characteristic wit — five ar...
Brass
$948Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Armchair No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1920s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
This antique armchair, model no. 752, was designed in the 1920s by Josef Frank for Thonet and originates from Austria. It is made from beech and features an upholstery seat. This pie...
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and green-lacquered parchment paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 10.5” H x 17.75” W x 11.5...
Brass
Art Deco Two Vintage Ash Viennese Mesh Armchairs Josef Frank Vienna, circa 1928
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco two armchairs from ash wood and Viennese mesh by Josef Frank, Vienna circa 1928. The armchairs show a Viennese mesh structure at the back. Furth...
Ash
Josef Frank Art Deco Era Round Walnut Side Table for Haus & Garten c 1926 Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco circular charming three-legged side table from walnut by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten, Vienna, circa 1926. The side table was made of solid walnut feet and walnut veneer. T...
Spruce, Walnut
Set of Four Josef Frank Cushions in the "Hawaii" Pattern
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A set of four square cushions featuring vintage fabric by Austrian designer Josef Frank. Each cushion displays a design motif from Josef Frank's "Hawaii" pattern. Cushions may also b...
Fabric, Down, Feathers
Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stamford, CT
Josef Frank, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s Rare example of a model "1842" floor lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in ...
Brass
Josef Frank Dining Table Model 1020 Produced by Svenskt tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare dining table model 1020 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt tenn in Sweden.
Mahogany, Amboyna
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Josef Hoffmann, Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Created by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the Otto Beyer fashion style pattern store in Vienna, Singerstrasse 14 which is shown on one of the images. Fabric "Notturno," design...
Fabric, Beech
Polished Brass Candelabra by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
A brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn with 9 candle holders.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Gueridon Table by Josef Frank, Maplewood, 1950
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish gueridon table with a round top. Designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Modell 560. Shellac polished, beautiful bird'...
Maple
Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare desk model 590 Produced by Svenskt Tenn ...
Brass
Nazmiyal Collection Vintage Josef Frank Curtains 3 ft 10 in x 7 ft 8 in
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Playful Vintage Pair of Aralia Curtains by Josef Frank, Origin: Scandinavia, Circa Date: Vintage
Cotton
Bookcase model "1142" by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Freestanding bookcase designed by Josef Frank in the 1940s. Executed in mahogany with a warm, even tone. Open construction with three adjustable shelves. Sculptural feet with a dis...
Mahogany
$2,702Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Set of Two Bauhaus Armchairs B 246 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare Bauhaus armchairs B 246 designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by Thonet in 1930s. Historically, this model was among those installed in the iconic Villa Rezek in Vienna, buil...
Bentwood
Josef Frank 'Gustav V' Cabinet in Rosewood, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant rosewood cabinet was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930's. In the Svensk Tenn archive's furniture book, Estrid Ericson (the founder of Svenskt Tenn) has made a pencil sketch of the cabinet and written "designed for the King", Gustaf V, likely for his 80th birthday in 1938. So this particular model 792 also became known as the Gustav V model. The rare cabinet on offer here was produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in the early 1950s. The model was usually produced in pyramid mahogany, only a few pieces were made in rosewood. The cabinet has double doors, veneered in mirorred rosewood, with a solid oak interior with a total of 10 pull-out drawers. Brass key and round brass door hinges...
Wood, Oak, Rosewood
Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Brass Nails, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Floor Lamp in Brass, Black Metal and Original Shades by Josef Frank, 1938
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Floor Lamp in Brass, Black Lacquered Metal and Original Shades by Josef Frank, 1938 Additional Information: Material: Brass, black lacquered metal and original shades Style: Mid cen...
Brass
Model 811 Side Chair, Josef Frank, Stendig w/ Original Cane, Poland, c. 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful single bentwood Prague Model 811 side chair by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s, this chair i...
Cane
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Oswald Haerdtl, Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Created by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the Otto Beyer fashion style pattern store in Vienna, Singerstrasse 14 which is shown on one of the images. Fabric "Notturno," design...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Frank "The Knot of Friendship" candelabra, Sweden 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Malibu, CA
Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) brass candle holder designed by Josef Frank Candlestick for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden, 1930’s.
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
$1,470Sale Price|20% Off
Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar, 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Large brass table lamp. Designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1930s. Two E27 sockets. Original silk shade.
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