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.
Cabinet model 2135 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,337Sale Price|41% Off
Mirror by Joseph Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
Brass framed mirror by Joseph Frank. This elegant timeless design would fit any style of interior from traditional to contemporary as it makes a very disc...
Brass
$2,575Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric string wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with a...
Brass
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
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
Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank, Just Andersen, 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
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
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Floor Lamp in Brass and Fabric
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, floor lamp, model '2598', brass, lacquered steel and fabric, Sweden, 1950s Designed by Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank (1885–1967) for Sven...
Metal, Brass
$2,926
Serving trolley in brass
By Josef Frank
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Mid century serving trolley in brass by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden.
Brass
MCM Brass and Black Glass Serving Tray by Josef Frank, West Germany 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a small and very chic Mid Century Modern Serving Tray done in brass and black glass, designed by Josef Frank. Tray is stamped on the bottom "GERMANY". M...
Brass
Art Deco Vintage Walnut Coffee Table or Side Table Josef Frank, 1930s, Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco coffee table or side table designed by Josef Frank for Haus and Garten, 1930s, Vienna. A stunning coffee table from solid walnut and walnut veneer with a beautiful surface. ...
Walnut
Art Deco Vintage Walnut Side Table Josef Frank Haus and Garten Vienna c 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage walnut side table / coffee table by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten, circa 1925 Vienna, shows a top with beautiful walnut burl...
Beech, Spruce, Walnut
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
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
Table Mirror in Brass and Teak by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Table Mirror in Brass and Teak by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass, teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Svenskt tenn in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Brass
$1,451Sale Price|20% Off
Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar, 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Large brass table lamp. Designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1930s. Two E27 sockets. Original silk shade.
Brass
Josef Frank Candlesticks Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of candlesticks designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
Pair of armchairs model A413F by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus
By Josef Frank
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Pair of armchairs model A413F by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus with bamboo backrest. Professionally stained and repolished.
Bamboo, Beech
Josef Frank Pair of Wall Lamps in Brass Svenskt Tenn Model 2389, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Josef Frank’s Model 2389 wall lamp, designed in the 1950s for Svenskt Tenn, exemplifies his refined approach to functional elegance and modernist form. Crafted entirely from polished...
Brass
Mid Century Swedish Round Mahogany Occasional Table by Josef Frank Model 2126
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
The model is originally part of the furnishings in Josef and Anna Frank’s Stockholm apartment, the model was later included in the 1968 memorial exhibition at the National Museum. Jo...
Elm, Mahogany
Midcentury Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant chest of drawers by Josef Frank, made from mahogany. Beveled edges around the drawers, brass handles. Lighter wood stripe inlayed around the edge of the table top.
Brass
Josef Frank Candlestick Produced by Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank Sideboard 'Model 1148', Walnut & Alder, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sideboard model 1148 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Walnut and alder root veneer. This sideboard model 1148 with two clever extension flaps was designed b...
Walnut
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 Floor Lamp Model G2424 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare height adjustable floor lamp model G2424 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Measures: Height 139-193 cm.
Brass
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Josef Frank for Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Art Deco armchair comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and was manufactured by the renowned Thonet company according to the design of the si...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
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
Serving trolley model 2777 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1950
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 2777 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Mahogany with a black arborite top. Brass handles. H: 105 cm / 41 3/8" L: 81 cm / 31 7/8" D: 50...
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
Josef Frank Art Deco Walnut Circular Side Table Haus & Garten circa 1928 Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage coffee table or side table by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten circa 1928 Austria. A stunning and sleek Josef Frank coffee table from the Viennese Art Deco period c...
Walnut, Spruce
Josef Frank 'Model 1197' Svenskt Tenn Drop-Leaf Dining Table in Mahogany
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining table model 1197 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Mahogany. This simple yet elegant dining table is an excellent example of how Josef Frank combined...
Mahogany
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
Early 1900s Table Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd
By Josef Frank, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 1900s. Table lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd features a linen shade printed by Josef Frank. Its base and frame are crafted from painted wood and brass, combining durab...
Brass
$966Sale 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
Pair of Side Tables in Mahogany, Walnut and Brass by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Side Tables in Mahogany, Walnut and Brass by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, walnut and brass Rare pair of side tables modell 1073 Produced b...
Brass
Set of Six Chairs Model 2025 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of six chairs model 2025 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Lacquered wood frame and a fabric upholstered seat. Marked. Josef Frank designed this chair i...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood, Lacquer
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 61” H x 17” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb N...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamps, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable green-lacquered brass and fabric floor lamps designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wea...
Brass
Swedish Modern Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass table lamp by Josef Frank, made from brass with a decorative, fun three-part foot base. Model #2467
Brass
$4,017Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Frank A 63/F Armchairs for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Pair of rare modernist armchairs first showcased at the Vienna Werkbund exhibition in 1928. Crafted from solid beech (bentwood) and plywood, adorned with a brown lacquer coating, th...
Beech
Josef Frank Vänskapsknuten Brass Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Utrecht, NL
Josef Frank designed Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) as a symbol of friendship and peace at a time when Europe was filled with turmoil. The very first sketch of the candelabr...
Brass
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
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
Swedish Modern Serving Cart by Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1940/50s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant serving cart on wheels by Josef Frank, made with a brass frame and two blue glass top panels. The frame has a beautiful scalloped edge with a perforated pattern. Very clean a...
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass, brass and green paper lampshade designed by Josef Frank and produced by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 14.75“ H x 12.5“ Diameter...
Brass
Mid-Century Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Brass & Iron, Sweden, 1940-1960
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish floor lamp made of hand crafted iron and polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The ...
Metal, Brass, Iron