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.
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
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
Antique Armchair No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1920s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
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
Floor Lamp, Walnut and Brass, Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Floor lamp in walnut and brass, model 2548. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1952.
Brass
Pair of Josef Frank Model 2565 Brass Wall Lamps for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of wall lamps, model 2565, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. Executed in brass, each fixture features two elegantly curved light arms, creatin...
Brass
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 5 Josef Frank Prague Chairs Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1970s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
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
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 Table lamp model no. 2468
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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, 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
Midcentury Mahogany Side Table by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank White Painted Stool, Scandinavian Modern
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
White painted stool with upholstery by Josef Frank, Svensk Tenn length 44, width 36, height 44 cm. Cording is loose but we can replace cording i...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Gueridon Table by Josef Frank, Sweden, 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
Josef Frank Three Legged Stool
By Josef Frank
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming, three legged stool, Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden.
Cherry
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Just Andersen, Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson
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
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 Modern Cabinet by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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 - Pair of “Tutankhamun” Stools, Model 1063 - Sweden - 1940
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare pair of “Tutankhamun” stools, model 1063, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden circa 1940. Crafted in mahogany and upholstered in black leather, these...
Leather, Mahogany
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
Art Deco Josef Frank Brass Pair Duo Table Lamps Nightstands Lamps Vienna 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Josef Frank vintage pair duo table lamps or nightstands lamps or bedside lamps from brass Vienna 1930s. A rare original brass pair of table lamps or bedside lamps, each with two shades and two switches. The table lamps or bedside lamps show original pleated vintage lamp shade...
Brass
Alf Svensson G34 Floor Lamp in Teak, Josef Frank Shade, Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson, Bergboms, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
$2,266Sale Price / set|31% Off
Set of 2 Thonet Armchairs, Model B246, 1930s, Restored & Reupholstered
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This set of 2 armchairs was produced by Thonet (original paper labels are still under the seats as you may see in the attached picture) and most probably designed by Josef Frank. Thi...
Linen, Bentwood
$940Sale Price|44% Off
Rare Thonet B 313 Stool by Josef Frank
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Frank
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed for Haus & Garten, Vienna, c. 1928, manufactured by Thonet-Mundus AG. Dimensions: height 39 cm, 45 x 42 cm. Very good original condition, firm and stable. Some former woodwo...
Beech
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
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
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
Early 1819 Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Table lamp model 1819 designed by Josef Frank. Early version made from 1934-1940s. Nickel plated brass and rare socket with porcelain fitting and turn switch. New lamp shade with whi...
Brass
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful, rare floor lamp by Josef Frank, made from black lacquered metal and brass. Distinctly sculpted base, pleated satin shade with loose brass top. Josef Frank was an Austri...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamps Model 1842 Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of height adjustable floor lamps model 1842 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Height: 98.5-145 cm.
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Beech Prague Model 811 Chairs in Black and Pigskin Weave
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann, Stendig Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the 1920s, Michael Thonet's company crafted the iconic No. 811 Bentwood Chair. Josef Hoffmann is commonly credited with creating the "Prague chair". This design is also attribut...
Bentwood, Leather
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
Midcentury Modern "Captain's Chair" by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Captain’s Chair”, model #789A, by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with decorative brass nails and leather back and seat.
Leather, Oak
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
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
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
Pair of wall lamps 'Model 2389' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
The 'Model 2389' wall lamp by Josef Frank, designed in the 1950s for Svenskt Tenn, exemplifies the designer’s refined approach to functional elegance and modernist form. Crafted enti...
Brass
$2,000
Josef Frank Table Lamp
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
A brass coated pewter lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Model #2332. Conical wicker shade of later vintage. Two available. Only one shade.
Brass, Pewter
Josef Frank Table Lamp 'Tisch-Überall' Mod. 1092 by Kalmar, Brass Leather, 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
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 Hoffmann "Fledermaus" Chairs for Wittman, 1980s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Coronado, CA
An outstanding set of 8 "Fledermaus" dining chairs designed by the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, and crafted by Wittmann in the 1980s. The chairs, which are crafted of solid Bee...
Fabric, Fruitwood
Mahogany and Brass Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool mahogany chest of drawers by Josef Frank, with an amazing, playful silhouette. Elegant brass handles.
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
Scandinavian Modern Josef Frank Textil, "Navigate" from 1944 in Linen
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Josef Franks printed pattern "Navigare" (Navigate) with sailing ship in squares and rounding against brown bottom. National museum has several of Jos...
Linen
Rare Freestanding Bookcase in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Freestanding Bookcase in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden Dimension...
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
Model "2326" Adjustable Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
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
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 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
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Otto Schulz, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Boet
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare floor lamp was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by his company Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1928. The elegant design is exemplary for the Swedish Grace style with...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Birch
Midcentury Modern Leather Ottoman, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Ottoman by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with elegantly sculpted legs. Original black leather upholstery with patina, decorative brass nails around the edge of the seat.
Leather, Mahogany
Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mo...
Metal
Josef Frank table lamp model 2332, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank. New original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Pair of White Markslöjd Table Lamps with Josef Frank Shades, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank, Markslöjd, Svenskt Tenn
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
$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
Rare Pair of Table Lamps Model 2552/2 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Designed in 1938 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, this rare pair of table lamps, model 2552/2, showcases the refined ingenuity and lyrical elegance of Frank’s vision for modern light...
Brass