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.
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
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 Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Josef Frank
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
Model "1842" Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden First half of the 20th Century
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, 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
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
Modernist Mahogany and Horsehair Dining Chairs, Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of ten dining chairs by Josef Frank, model #815, made from mahogany. Elegant, ribbed backs. Decor of brass nails around the corners of the seats. Original seats made from woven ...
Mahogany
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. New leather and original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
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 Art Deco Armchairs by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1939
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Swedish Art Deco pair of armchairs made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The set of two Scandinavian dining room chairs have a slightly reclined backrest which is enhanced by a rattan pattern. The slim arched armrests are partly upholstered and the seat cushions are particularized by bonze nailheads. The chairs are standing on four wooden legs. Model Nr. 969. Newly upholstered in a white-grey cotton velour. Wear consistent with age and use. Dated 1939, Stockholm, Sweden, Scandinavia. Seat: 19" H x 21.5" W x 19" D Josef Frank was born in 1885, in Baden, Austria and passed away in 1967, in Stockholm, Sweden. He was an architect, artist, and designer. Frank studied architecture at the Vienna University of Technology and was a founding member of the Vienna Werkbund. Frank was considered one of the most prestigious designers in the Stockholm design company Svenskt Tenn. Svenskt Tenn is a Swedish interior design store founded in 1924, in Stockholm, Sweden by a Swedish teacher and pewter artist Estrid Ericson. In the early time, Svenskt Tenn was appointed as a royal warrant. Later on, Ericson and the pewter artist Nils Fougstedt produced modern pewter objects. In 1925, the Svenskt Tenn won a Gold Medal at the 1925 Exposition...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Beech
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
$5,660Sale 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
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
Set of Mid Century Swedish Josef Frank Rattan Dining Chairs
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
An elegant set of four model 1165 dining chairs by Josef Frank (1885-1967) for Svenskt Tenn. Constructed from carved mahogany with decorative, cane-bound, rattan backrest and origina...
Faux Leather, Rattan
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
Midcentury Modern Leather Stools, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Josef Frank, Candelabra, Brass, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds nine 0.5” candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.5"H x 11.25"W x 11.0"D All item...
Brass
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. Original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Vanity / dressing table in Walnut, Brass and glass by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Vanity in Walnut, Brass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Walnut, brass and mirrored glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Sve...
Walnut
Midcentury Bar Trolley by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Mahogany serving trolley by Josef Frank. Simplistic to the core with a clean silhouette and great proportions.
Mahogany
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
Josef Frank 'Model 2106' Sideboard, Mahogany & Birch, 1950s, Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Model 2106 is a sideboard that reflects Frank’s distinctive vision of modern living. Crafted in richly figured pyramid mahogany...
Brass
Josef Frank, Bench, Mahogany, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass. Replaced lampshade. Wear consistent with age and...
Brass
Hand painted "Apple" jar by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare lidded jar in the shape of an apple designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1950s. Made from Aluminum with hand painted decor. Very good vintage condi...
Aluminum
Josef Frank Two Light Brass Table Lamp, Viennese Modern Age, Austria
By Haus & Garten, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1960s. Very light oxidation to arm and socket. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9” ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Light scratching and oxidation to brass. Replaced vintage lampshade. Overall D...
Brass
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937 Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare freestanding desk model 770 P...
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and blown glass table lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.125“ H x 4.25“ diameterDimensions of Shad...
Brass
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking floor lamp was produced by the Örsjö Armatur company in Sweden in the 1950s. The design consists of a circular base in solid teak wood and a central cylindrical teak wo...
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, 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, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23” H x 14” W x 17” D Back Plate Dimensi...
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp "2388", Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2388, designed by Josef Frank in 1936. Manufactured by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, mid-1900s.
Brass
Table lamp 'Model 2468' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table Lamp model 2468, designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, is one of the most recognisable and spirited lighting designs of Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Dis...
Brass
Modernist Table Lamp #2468 by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Early edition brass table lamp with three colorful shades by Josef Frank, model #2468. Slender forms that give a voluminous expression and a great general, soft spreading of light.
Brass
Side Table by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Haus und Garten
Located in Vienna, AT
Design by Josef Frank for House & Garden, Vienna circa 1925, nut, solid, nut veneer, original condition. Dimensions: Height 61 cm, diameter 78 cm.
Nutwood
Pair of bedside tables 'Model 914' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Mid Century Austrian Vintage Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful mirror with brass frame and a decorative brass ring. Austria, 1950s.
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
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful brass floor lamps by Josef Frank, made from brass with wide pleated shades. Decorative screws used for adjusting the height. Married couple, small design variation ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red-lacquered paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 25.25” H x 9.5” W x 19“ D Back Plate Di...
Brass
Bed Frames in Mahogany and Woven Cane by Josef Frank, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bed Frames in Mahogany and Cane by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden Dimens...
Mahogany, Cane
$3,453Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Brass & Leather Desk Table Lamp, 1950s, Austria
By Haus & Garten, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
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 Leather Ottoman, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Mahogany Table Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Mahogany. Measurements: H: 60 cm/ 23 1/2'' Length when extened: 104 cm/ 3' 5'' D: 54 cm/ 21 1/2'' Jose...
Mahogany
Set of 4 Prague Model 811 Chairs by Josef Frank for Stendig, Poland, c. 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful set of four (4) Bentwood Prague Model 811 Dining Chairs by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s,...
Walnut
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Brass Bamboo Table Lamp 'Tisch-Überall', 1940s, Austria
By Haus & Garten, J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank
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
Pair of Easy Chairs in Mahogany, Cane and Fabric by Josef Frank, 1939
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Mahogany, Cane and Fabric by Josef Frank, 1939 Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, cane and fabric Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare pair of easy ...
Mahogany
Josef Frank, early example model 2148 floor lamp for Svenskt Tenn, 1934
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Uppsala, SE
Early example of the 2148 model floor lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1934. This example is most likely from the 1950s or 1960s and is height adjustable between ...
Brass
Pair of floor lamps, model '2564' by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
This elegant pair of floor lamps, model '2564', was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s. The lamps combine a brass structure with deep green lacquered metal shades,...
Metal, Brass
Brass Floor Lamp Model #2148 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass floor lamp by Josef Frank with adjustable height. Simple, clean lines, crisp plissé lamp shade. About Josef Frank: Josef Frank was ...
Brass
Josef Frank, wall lamp model 2335
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Rare wall lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar Vienna. Designed around 1930; manufactured around 1950. This design was later distributed by Svenskt Tenn under model number 2335. This is...
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, Adjustable Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and floral-printed fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24"H x 9.5"W x 24.5"D ...
Brass
Floor Lamp in red and Brass by Josef Frank. Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1960s, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Floor lamp model 1842 designed by Josef Frank. Produced in Sweden by Firma Svenskt tenn during the 1960-70s. Made from brass and red lacquered brass. New lamp shade in pleated chintz...
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 J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank
Located in Wien, AT
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