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.
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Estrid Ericson, 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. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank, Just Andersen
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. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
Josef Frank Cabinet for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautiful, elegant and large sideboard designed by Josef Frank. Manufactured by Svenskt Tenn, circa 1940s. Cabinet features four doors concealing one adjustable shelf per compartment...
Brass
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Brass Bamboo Table Lamp 'Tisch-Überall', 1940s, Austria
By Haus & Garten, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Important & rare, early 1940s 'Tisch Überall' table lamp mod. 1092, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, handmade in the Viennese Modern...
Brass
Josef Frank Folding Bar Cart or Side Table by Svensk Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Munich, DE
Light and easy to store foldable table with a nice print by Josef Frank.
Formica
Pair of White Markslöjd Table Lamps with Josef Frank Shades, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Markslöjd
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...
Beech, Fabric
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
Desk in Mahogany, Brass & Glass Desk by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare dressing table or desk, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, is a refined and highly collectible example of Frank’s vision for modern interi...
Brass
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
Serving trolley model 889 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 889 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Brass & glass. H: 60 cm / 2' L: 98 cm / 3' 3 1/2" D: 48 cm / 1' 6 7/8"
Brass
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
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
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
Vintage Brass Slingan Candle Holder by Josef Frank, 1950s Mid-Century
By Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Slingan, candle holder made of handcrafted polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. Each of ...
Metal, Brass
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
$2,490 / item
Thonet Armchair No. 752 by Josef Frank
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Beach bentwood fully restored with new caning. Made in the 1920s, price per chair 2 pieces available.
Cane, Beech
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Josef Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your space with this exquisite pair of Italian three-arm candelabras. Each piece features a sculptural, looped brass frame that gracefully supports three taper candles, creat...
Brass
Josef Frank, rare stool model B313, Thonet, 1928
By Thonet-Mundus, Josef Frank
Located in Uppsala, SE
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
A pair of floor lamps 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite pair of Josef Frank floor lamps exemplifies the designer’s poetic balance between function and warmth. Each lamp features a brass structure adjustable in height, resti...
Brass
Josef Frank Two Light Brass Table Lamp, Viennese Modern Age, Austria
By Josef Frank, Haus & Garten
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Very rare and elegant Viennese Modern Age adjustable brass and forged iron table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten in late 1920s, Vienna. ...
Brass, Iron
$3,370Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Brass & Leather Desk Table Lamp, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Haus & Garten, Josef Frank
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Important 1950s desk lamp, designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the Viennese Modern Age era. The light is made of massive brass in very elegant shape and high q...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Library Table/Sideboard by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking library table or sideboard by Josef Frank, model 2226. Crafted from mahogany with brass drawer handles.
Mahogany
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
Midcentury Modern Mahogany Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Mahogany coffee table by Josef Frank, with elegantly sculpted legs and a striking, whispy mahogany veneer on the tabletop. This table, which was made in the early 1940s, is among the...
Mahogany
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, 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. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with...
Brass
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
Pair of bedside tables 'Model 914' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 914 is a refined bedside table designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Executed in mahogany, the piece is defined by clear proportions and a practical, well-bala...
Brass
Height Adjustable Floor Lamp in Brass, Mahogany and New Lamp Shade, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Height Adjustable Floor Lamp in Brass, Mahogany and New Lamp Shade by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Brass, mahogany and new lamp shade Style: Mid century, Sc...
Brass
Josef Frank, Bench, Mahogany, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany bench designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Mahogany
Josef Frank Table Lamp 'Tisch-Überall' Mod. 1092 by Kalmar, Brass Leather, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous and rare Mid-Century modern table lamp model 'Tisch-Überall' no. 1092 designed by Josef Frank in 1934 or earlier for Haus & Garten. The offered piece was manufactured ...
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
Midcentury Modern Wall light by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare, beautiful wall light by Josef Frank, made from brass with a slender stem suspending a voluminous lamp shade. Adjustable height.
Brass
Art Deco Josef Frank Vintage Brass Glass Bar Cart Svenskt Tenn circa 1938 Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Floor Lamp in Brass and Lacquer by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare floor lamp, model 2426, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s, is a masterful embodiment of Frank’s distinctive design langua...
Brass
$4,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set Of Four Josef Frank Chair For Wiesner Hager 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set Of Four Josef Frank Chair For Wiesner Hager Austria 1950s
Palisander
Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Rare Large Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn, Sweden. Carved lamp arm in a white lacquered color with a large flower printed lamp shade...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare cabinet by Josef Frank, made in elm with beautiful woodgrain. Signature design with an array of drawers on an elevated, airy base.
Elm
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 Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.25” H x 7” W x 16“ D Back Plate Di...
Brass
Josef Frank Table lamp model no. 2468
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp designed by Josef Frank and manufactured for Svenskt Tenn, Stokholm. Model no. 2468, frame in brass, 3 light points, with lampshades by Svenskt Tenn. Highest point 56cm. ...
Brass
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar Around 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Floor lamp by josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar around 1950s Brass polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ) Rewired ( new ).
Brass
Set of 12 Josef Frank Blue, Green or Clear Seafood or Lobster Plates
By Josef Frank
Located in København, Copenhagen
Set of 12 Josef Frank seafood or lobster plates in blue. Designed in the 1940s by the Swedish designer, Josef Frank, originally as a seafood or lobster plate, also suitable for fr...
Josef Frank Art Deco Vintage Circular Walnut Black Glass Side Table Vienna, 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco era vintage circular side table or coffee table by Josef Frank circa 1925 Vienna from walnut veneer and solid walnut topped with a...
Glass, Walnut
Early Globe Table Lamp 1819 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early edition spherical "Glass globe" 1819 table lamp designed by Josef Frank in 1934 for Svenskt Tenn. The lamp has been produced in four different shapes: the globe, the cylinde...
Glass
Josef Frank Table Lamp Model G-2466 Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare table lamp model G-2466 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Metal, Brass
Art Deco Vintage Walnut Circular Josef Frank Side Table Coffee Table 1926 Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage circular like side table or coffee table from walnut, spruce and beech by Josef Frank circa 1926 Vienna. Wonderful side table or coffee table with circular like waln...
Beech, Walnut, Spruce
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
Josef Frank Candlestick Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Candlestick (the knot of friendship) in brass designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
Josef Frank, Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and black-lacquered metal floor lamp designed and produced by Josef Frank, Sweden, c. 1950s Overall Dimensions: 54" H x 15.25" W x 27" D Bulb Specifications: E-...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish dressing table lamp with a new white round shade made of hand crafted polished brass, designed by Jos...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Table Lamp Tisch-Überall, Brass & Leather, Austria, 1930
By Oskar Wlach, J.T. Kalmar, Svenskt Tenn, Haus & Garten, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Viennese Modernism table or desk lamp form the 1930s, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten (Josef Frank und Oskar Wlach) in 1934. The...
Brass, Iron, Wire
Josef Frank Stool from the 1920's with Pillow.
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Rare Josef Frank stool from the 1920's made from Beechwood with a walnut stain. There have been no restorations made to the wood or leather, they are both in very good condition. As ...
Leather, Hardwood
Table lamp 'Model 2468' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Table Lamp model 2468 was designed by Josef Frank in the 1950s and is characterised by its coloured shades, a feature that led to its long-standing nickname, the “traffic light l...
Brass
Sideboard 'Model B 598' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
This 'Model B 598' sideboard was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. Executed in mahogany with a fine boxwood border, it combines generous storage wi...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Gueridon Table by Josef Frank, Maplewood, 1950
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Alf Svensson G34 Floor Lamp in Teak, Josef Frank Shade, Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Alf Svensson, Bergboms
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant floor lamp was designed by Alf Svensson and produced by Bergboms in Sweden in the 1960s. This three-legged design is numbered G34. The design is marked by the three legged base leading to the central tube, all in solid teak wood with a beautiful grain. A brass stem and the light fitting are mounted on top of the teak wood base. The cylinder shade is a custom design in a beautiful linen Svenskt Tenn fabric...
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
Pair of 'Large Camel' Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939, this pair produced circa 1960s. New leather and new original Svenskt tenn lampshades.
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