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.
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
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
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, 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
Josef Frank, Large Table Lamps, White-Painted Wood, Svenskt Tenn, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of large table lamps for Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. In painted turned wood. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.0" Height x 7.75" Diameter Bu...
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
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and paper floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Socket takes standard E-26 medium base bulb. There is no maximum wattage state...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Brass Acrylic Bar Cart Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Chic 1950s Scandinavian modern brass bar cart designed by Josef Frank and manufactured for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Made out of tubular and perforated brass. Wire mesh brass tray on t...
Brass
Swedish Midcentury Walnut Dining Table by Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking round dining table by Josef Frank, model B 1020, designed in the 1940s. Four-pass shaped base made from walnut with a beautiful table top in rooted veneer with a decorative ...
Boxwood, Walnut
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
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
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
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
Table lamp 'Model 2468' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank Cushion in the Hawaii Pattern
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular cushion with a "Hawaii" pattern fabric by Josef Frank.
Fabric
Table Lamp 2563 White by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood frame creme painted fitted with 2 E27 sockets up to 100W each and colorful semi spherical shade with jungle motives. Designed in Sweden by Josef Frank in the 1950 for Svensk...
Fabric, Beech
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
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
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
Art Deco Vintage Walnut Coffee Table Josef Frank Haus & Garten c 1925 Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco circular coffee table or side table from walnut by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten circa 1925, Vienna. An amazing coffee table with three curved legs -from solid walnut an...
Walnut
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
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
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. The piece exemplifies Frank’s unique approach to Scandinavian modern ...
Brass
Original Josef Frank pair of Windsor Chairs, Modell A 945/2F
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
around 1920 for Thonet-Mundus and Jacob & Josef Kohn, four-legged structure made of dark stained beechwood, Height c. 93 cm, width 52 cm, height of seat c. 44 cm. (MHA) Original...
Beech
'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
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 by Josef Frank in the 1950s for Svenskt Tenn. Executed in mahogany, the design is defined by its clear proportions: a rectangular top wi...
Mahogany
Bruno Matthsson "Pernilla" Easy chair by Karl Mathsson 1944 Josef Frank cushion
By Bruno Mathsson, Josef Frank
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Bruno Mathsson – an early ‘Pernilla’ chair Frame of laminated beech with patinated lightblue canvas webbing and headrest upholstered with Josef Frank ‘loops’ fabric. Made and marked ...
Canvas, Beech
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 Armchair, Model No. 403/F, 1928
By Thonet, Josef Frank
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
$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 model 2332, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank. New original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
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
White Painted Stool, Josef Frank Upholstery
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 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
Modernist Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Swedish Modern Table or Console Table by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940/50s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant dining or console table made for many uses by Josef Frank, model 1086, designed in the 1940s. Made from walnut with a beautiful table top in rooted veneer. Depth when l...
Walnut
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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 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
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
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
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
Hand painted "Apple" jar by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Set of 3 Bookcase and Cabinets in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare set of freestanding bookcases and cabinets, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, exemplifies the designer’s nuanced approach to functional furnit...
Mahogany
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
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
$4,208Sale 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
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
Floor lamp model 2599 'China hat' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp model 2599 — affectionately known as the “China Hat” — is among the most distinctive lighting designs by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Three elegantly arched arms rise f...
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
Model "2326" Adjustable 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
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 Three Legged Stool
By Josef Frank
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming, three legged stool, Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden.
Cherry
Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Malmö, SE
A hand made, cylindrical Art Deco / Swedish Grace glass table lamp with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank (model 1819) and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden, 1950s...
Brass
Pair of Firma Svenskt Tenn 1838 floor lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two 1838 Floor lamps designed by Josef Frank 1934 for iconic Swedish company Firma Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm. Brass frame with cognac leather. Different heights on lamps. One is 5 c...
Brass
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 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