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.
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
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
Midcentury Modern "Captain's Chair" by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Pair of Josef Frank Six-Armed Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Few objects carry a room quite like a lit candelabra. This petite pair, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in the 1940s, Sweden, does so with characteristic wit — five ar...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$5,474Sale 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
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, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and pattern-printed fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Plug in with cord feeding from bottom of stem. Not ...
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 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, 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
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
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
$17,396 / 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
Carrara marble table lamp 2575 by Josef Frank, Svenskt tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Table lamp model 2575 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1950-60s. Made from carrara marble with brass lamp socket and new lamp shade in deep green ch...
Carrara Marble
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
Pair of Firma Svenskt Tenn 1838 floor lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Josef Frank Art Deco Vintage Brass Table Lamp for J. T. Kalmar Vienna circa 1934
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Vintage Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for J. T. Kalmar Vienna circa 1934 An iconic and joyful table lamp by Josef Frank and executed by J. T. Kalmar Vienna with an adjusta...
Brass, Iron
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
Modernist Floor Lamp, by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant, rare early edition floor lamp by Josef Frank, made from brass with a light switch on the base. Shade with original fabric with a graphic pattern around the edge. Only the e...
Brass
Serving trolley model 2248 Designed by Josef Frank Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 2248, designed by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s H: 75.5 cm / 2' 5 3/4" W: 50 cm / 1' 7 11/16" D: 83.5 cm / 2' 8 7/8"
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
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
Bruno Matthsson "Pernilla" Easy chair by Karl Mathsson 1944 Josef Frank cushion
By Josef Frank, Bruno Mathsson
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
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
Marble and Mahogany Side Table by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful side table by Josef Frank, with an oval green marble table top on a slender mahogany base. Deep green marble, lovely sculpted legs and feet.
Marble
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
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
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
Josef Frank Brass and Black Glass Serving Tray for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant and highly collectible serving tray designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1940. This refined example embodies Frank’s signature balance of functional des...
Brass
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
Pair of Josef Frank floor lamps model '2148' for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
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
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
Side Table by Josef Frank
By Haus und Garten, Josef Frank
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
Sewing table designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, Mid 20th-Century
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass floor lamps by Josef Frank, stems lacquered white on the bottom half. Metal shades with brass details, sculpted wooden feet.
Brass
$2,490 / item
Thonet Armchair No. 752 by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Beach bentwood fully restored with new caning. Made in the 1920s, price per chair 2 pieces available.
Cane, 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
Midcentury Modern table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare, elegant brass table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, with original leather upholstery with some patina on the stem and base. Flexible neck and decorative round brass feet.
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
Art Deco Era Josef Frank Beech Vintage Windsor Chairs Vienna, circa 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco outstanding and rare set of 6 Windsor chairs designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten and executed by Thonet, circa 1925. (Labeled underneath) The set consists of 5 green Windsor chairs...
Beech
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Lampada da tavolo in ottone di Josef Frank, paralume originale
By Josef Frank
Located in Brescia, IT
1950s/60s brass table lamp with original butter-white shade and brass stem; shaped tripod base. Elegante lampada da tavolo in ottone, attribuita a Josef Frank, con stelo unico e bas...
Brass
Art Deco Cherrywood Stool Ottoman Josef Frank Haus and Garten Vienna c 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage stool from cherrywood and fabric by Josef Frank for Haus and Garten, circa 1925 Vienna. While the frame from solid cherrywood in an amazing warm color tone the uphol...
Fabric, Cherry
Table Lamp Model 2466 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2466 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Brass with fabric shade. Stamped. An understated and tim...
Brass
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
$4,175Sale 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 Stools Model 973 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools model 973 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
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
Floor lamp model 2599 'China hat' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Adjustable Wall Fixture Model 2582 by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Art Deco Vintage Wood Armchairs and Coffee Table Josef Frank Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Vintage Wood Armchairs and Coffee Table by Josef Frank Vienna circa 1930. We present a stunning ensemble of two armchairs and one coffee table by Josef Frank, Vienna circa 1...
Wood
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
Floor Lamp, Walnut and Brass, Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Floor lamp in walnut and brass, model 2548. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1952.
Brass
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
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