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.
'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
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
$4,238Sale Price|35% Off
Coffee Table in Walnut from the 1930s, Designed by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Solid walnut table with two levels designed by Josef Frank in the 1930s. It is visually beautiful and touching it with the hand one feels the subtleness of craftsmanship. Table is ...
Walnut
$5,886 / item
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank, model 2148, produced by Svenskt Tenn. With 4 lights each, controlled with two discreet push switches, allowing two different lighting moods. With a bespoke ...
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, 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
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, 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
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.
Boxwood, Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish reading floor lamp with a new withe round shade made of hand crafted polished brass, composed with its original light switches, designed by Josef...
Metal, 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp “Model 2564” by Josef Frank was designed for Svenskt Tenn and exemplifies his measured approach to materials, proportion and function. Each lamp is executed in brass with ...
Metal, Brass
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
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
Josef Frank Brass, Silk Floor Lamp by Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This floor lamp, model 2148, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, exemplifies Frank’s distinctive vision of modernism—one that marries functionality with w...
Brass
Pair of Josef Frank floor lamps model '2148' for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Floor lamps designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn model '2148'. Made by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the middle of the 20th century. The lamp features a brass base and stem, w...
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
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
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
Modernist Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, with an asymmetric shade and flexible neck. Lacquered green in a nuance that goes beautifully with the warm brass.
Brass
Cabinet model 2135 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 2135 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn is a cabinet that exemplifies the refined balance between material richness and architectural lightness that defines Frank’s work. Raised o...
Cherry
Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
$5,557Sale 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
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 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 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
Display Cabinet / Table Vitrine in Mahogany and Glass by Josef Frank, 1960's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Display Cabinet / Table Vitrine in Mahogany, Glass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, glass and mirrored glass Style: Mid century,...
Mahogany, Glass
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
Pair of floor lamps, model '2564' by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$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
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
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
Adjustable Wall Fixture Model 2582 by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall lamp in brass, model 2582. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, mid-1900s. Adjustable length and height.
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Josef Frank Textil, "Navigate" from 1944 in Linen
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
$2,590Sale Price / set|24% 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
Art Deco Vintage Walnut Rectangular Side Table Josef Frank circa 1925 Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage rectangular walnut organic side table by Josef Frank circa 1925 Austria. A beautiful side table of coffee table by Josef Frank in rectangular form. This stunning and...
Walnut
Square Coffee Table by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Stamford, CT
Square coffee table by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden.
Birch
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 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
$17,660 / set
Pair of Side Table in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1939
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Side Table in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1939 Additional Information: Material: Mahogany Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Rare pair of side table model 961 / San Francisco Prod...
Mahogany
Josef Frank Side Chair Easy Chair Model 2067 for Svenskt Tenn circa 1948 Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Frank side chair or easy chair model no. 2067 from walnut and fabric for Svenskt Tenn 1947, Sweden. A fabulous side chair or easy chair designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Ten...
Fabric, Walnut
Josef Frank, Table Lamp "2388", Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2388, designed by Josef Frank in 1936. Manufactured by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, mid-1900s.
Brass
Art Deco Circular Chess Walnut Side Table Josef Frank Haus und Garten c 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage side table or coffee table circular like with a chess table top from walnut, cherry and poplar veneer by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten circa 1925 Vienna. An amazing ...
Cherry, Poplar, Walnut
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
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
Pair of Floor Lamps in Cherrywood, Brass and Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Floor Lamps in Cherrywood, Brass and Original Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Cherrywood, brass and original lamp shades Style: Mid cent...
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...
Stool in Mahogany, Brass and Leather by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare stool, model 967, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. It exemplifies Scandinavian modern craftsmanship through its elegant ...
Brass
A Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Model 2466 table lamp designed by Josef Frank (1885-1967) for Svenskt Tenn. The brass base and stem in white lacquer, with the original pleated fabric shade topped with a brass cap...
Brass
Sewing table designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, Mid 20th-Century
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
This sewing table was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the mid-twentieth century. Veneered in walnut and fitted with brass details, it combines practical sto...
Brass
Model "1842" Brass 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
Pair of Bookcases in Mahogany, Brass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Bookcases in Mahogany, Brass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, brass and mirrored glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian ...
Brass