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 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
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
Floor Lamp, Walnut and Brass, Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Floor lamp in walnut and brass, model 2548. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1952.
Brass
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
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 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 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
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 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
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
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
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Headboards by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Barcelona, ES
A Pair of 20th Century Swedish Headboards by Josef Frank in 1939. Made for Firma Svenskt Tenn.
Rattan, Mahogany
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
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
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
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
$2,938
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Armchair A63/F by Josef Frank for Thonet Mundus
By Josef Frank
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Armchair A63/F by Josef Frank for Thonet Mundus. Professionally stained and repolished with new seat.
Bentwood
Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mou...
Metal
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
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 Table Lamp Model G-2466 Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare table lamp model G-2466 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Metal, 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
$1,348Sale 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
Restored Art Deco Armchair, by Josef Frank for Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
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
Rare Pair of Table Lamps Model 2552/2 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Early 1900s Table Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Josef Frank
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
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
$4,033Sale 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
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
Josef Frank Brass Mirror with Ball Feet for Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hamburg, DE
This elegant round mirror was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. Crafted in solid brass, it features Frank's iconic looped brass border surrounding ...
Brass
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
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
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, Sconce, Brass, Metal, White Paper, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, metal and white paper sconce designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions variable, measured as illustrated in first image. Overall Dime...
Metal, 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
Midcentury Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Designed by renowned Austrian-Swedish architect and designer Josef Frank for the iconic Swedish design house Svenskt Tenn (Model 2326 / 2568 series), this vintage floor lamp beautifu...
Metal
Josef Frank 'Model 1197' Svenskt Tenn Drop-Leaf Dining Table in Mahogany
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
$970Sale 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 wall lamps 'Model 2389' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
The 'Model 2389' wall lamp by Josef Frank, designed in the 1950s for Svenskt Tenn, exemplifies the designer’s refined approach to functional elegance and modernist form. Crafted enti...
Brass
Josef Frank Vänskapsknuten Brass Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Brass "1842" Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden Mid-20th Century
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...
Metal, Brass
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare floor lamp was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by his company Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1928. The elegant design is exemplary for the Swedish Grace style with...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Birch
Josef Frank Two-Arms Mid-Century Adjustable Brass Floor Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
A very beautiful and unusual Viennese brass floor lamp, attr. Josef Frank in the early 1950s. A charming lamp with two rotatable and height-adjustable arms and lovely details. In excellent condition. Has been carefully restored and rewired and comes with its original refurbished red lampshades.
Brass
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Örsjö Industri AB, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Sven Wejsfelt Ceramic Table Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Gustavsberg, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Sven Wejsfelt and produced by Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden in the 1960s. The lamp is marked with the maker's initials "SW" on the bottom of the b...
Ceramic, Fabric
Desk in Mahogany, Brass & Glass Desk by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare dressing table or desk, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, is a refined and highly collectible example of Frank’s vision for modern interi...
Brass
Delicate Polished Brass Chandelier by Josef Frank, 1950s (restored)
By Josef Frank
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare charming mid - century brass six -arms chandelier by Josef Frank, circa 1950s. Socket: 6 x e14 for standard screw bulbs. Condition: n...
Brass
Svenskt Tenn Serving Trolley in White Lacquered Metal by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Aachen, NRW
Svenskt Tenn, bar cart or serving trolley, brass, lacquered metal, Sweden, 1950s This sophisticated bar cart, crafted by the renowned Swedish manufacturer Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s,...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$5,876 / item
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Platter in Brass, Candle Holder, Gold Color, by Josef Frank, 1940
By Josef Frank
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
It is a tray from the Art Deco period, in brass with geometric patterns. It is equipped with two candle holders. It was made in Sweden around the 1940s. It is gold in color. The manu...
Brass