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, Large Table Lamps, White-Painted Wood, Svenskt Tenn, 1970s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
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
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Otto Schulz, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, 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
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
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
Modernist Floor Lamp, by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Large Mid Century Modern Wall Mirror in brass frame by Josef Frank, Austria 1950
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant and understated circular wall mirror attributed to Josef Frank, produced in Austria during the mid-20th century. The design embodies Frank's ...
Brass
20th Century Swedish Art Deco Svenskt Tenn Glass Table Light by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage Art Deco table light with a new beige round shade, made of hand blown slightly smoked glass designed by Josef Frank and produced...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank, early example model 2148 floor lamp for Svenskt Tenn, 1934
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Uppsala, SE
Early example of the 2148 model floor lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1934. This example is most likely from the 1950s or 1960s and is height adjustable between ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Lounge Chair, Mahogany, Leatherette, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and black leatherette lounge chair or armchair designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.25"H x 21.5"W x 23....
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Svenskt Tenn Serving Trolley in White Lacquered Metal by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$21,000 / set
A Pair of Josef Frank Model 354 Chairs
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Model 354 lounge chairs designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Each chair has a sculpted solid mahogany frame with a gently angled back and curved legs. The front legs a...
Mahogany
Josef Frank, Floor lamp model 2564, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Nice patina
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning floor lamp model 2564 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. The polished and black lacquered brass stem and base sits on four turned walnut legs. The piece also f...
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
$5,944 / 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
Pair of Rare Bentwood Side Chairs Model A63 by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus, c.
By Josef Frank, Thonet-Mundus
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
A collectible pair of 1930s modernist bentwood dining / side chairs (Model A 63), designed by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus. Featuring Frank’s signature interpretation of the spindl...
Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Rare Bentwood Armchairs Model A63-F by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus
By Josef Frank, Thonet-Mundus
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
An exceptionally rare and iconic pair of early modernist bentwood armchairs (Model A 63 F), designed circa 1929–1930 by the renowned Austrian-Swedish architect Josef Frank and manufa...
Beech, Bentwood
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
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
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
Vintage Brass Slingan Candle Holder by Josef Frank, 1950s Mid-Century
By Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Slingan, candle holder made of handcrafted polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. Each of ...
Metal, Brass
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): 60.75" H x 16.75" Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26...
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
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
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
Blue Ceramic table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare table lamp model 2960 designed by Josef Frank. Produced in Sweden by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1960s. Made from stoneware with an intense blue glossy glaze with shades of w...
Brass
Art Deco Josef Frank Vintage Circular Walnut Sofa Table Side Table Vienna c 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage authentic sofa table or side table in circular form from walnut and beech by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten circa 1925 Vienna. While the plate shows a wonderful stel...
Beech, Walnut
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
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
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
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
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
$11,888 / set
Pair of Josef Frank Floor Lamps, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair available. 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. ...
Brass
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 for Svenskt Tenn – Rare Brass & Mirrored Glass Drinks Trolley
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
An exceptionally rare and early Josef Frank drinks trolley, designed around 1938 for Svenskt Tenn. This sought-after model features Frank’s characteristic perforated brass edging, el...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
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.
Brass
Josef Frank Easy Chair Model 508 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair model 508 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Cane, Mahogany
Josef Frank, Adjustable Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and floral-printed fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24"H x 9.5"W x 24.5"D ...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
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.
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
Art Deco Vintage Beech Walnut Circular Side Table Josef Frank circa 1927 Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage circular side table or coffee table by Josef Frank circa 1927 Vienna. A stunning circular side table with 3 slightly curved feet topped with a beautiful veneered pla...
Beech, Walnut
Art Deco Vintage Brown Beech Armchair Windsor Chair Josef Frank, Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage brown beech armchair or Windsor chair, which was designed by Josef Frank, circa 1925, Austria. The armchair was made from solid beech, cherry stained and natural lac...
Beech
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
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
Set of 12 Josef Frank Seafood/Lobster Plates in Clear Art Glass
By Josef Frank
Located in København, Copenhagen
Set of 12 Josef Frank seafood/lobster plates in clear art glass Designed in the 1940s by the Swedish designer, Josef Frank, originally as a seafood/lobster plate, also suitable for ...
Glass
Mid-Century Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Brass & Iron, Sweden, 1940-1960
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
1950s Pair of Caned Prague Dining Chairs, Model 811, by Josef Frank for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pair of Caned 811 Dining Chairs, initially designed by Josef Frank for Michael Thonet in 1920. This pair of chairs dates to the 1950s. The chairs have a pressed Vienna Brai...
Bentwood, Cane, Braid
Pair of Mid Century Modern Chairs by Josef Frank for Wiesner Hager, Austria 1950
By Wiesner-Hager, Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of stunning and very rare Mid Century Modern dining chairs designed by Josef Frank for Wiesner Hager. The chairs have been refurbished and reupho...
Fabric, Wood
Easy Chair in Beech and Original Fabric by Josef Frank, 1934
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Beech and Original Fabric by Josef Frank, 1934 Additional Information: Material: Beech and original fabric Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare easy chair model 336 P...
Beech, Fabric
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Table Lamps in Brass & White Metal & Original Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Table Lamps in Brass and White Lacquered Metal and Original Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and white lacquered metal and original lamp sh...
Brass, Metal
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
Josef Frank Walnut Vintage Circular Coffee Table Side Table, Austria, 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Frank walnut vintage round shape coffee table, which was designed and manufactured 1930s for Haus & Garten, Austria. A beautiful and elegant circular shape of the coffee table,...
Beech, Walnut
Art Deco Josef Frank Walnut Wood Vintage Coffee Table Vienna circa 1926
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco coffee table or side table shows solid walnut feet with a walnut veneered table top with a wonderful wood grain Josef Frank furniture pieces stand for effortless and timeles...
Wood
Pair of Josef Frank Cushions in the Notturno Pattern
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A pair of cushions with the "Notturno" printed cotton pattern, designed by Josef Frank. Pieced with bias linen and silk. Newly made, 50 down/50 feather insert.
Cotton, Silk, Down, Feathers
Rare Stool in Mahogany and Original Leather by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Stool in Mahogany and Original Leather by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare stool model ...
Mahogany
Josef Frank Floor Lamp Model 2564 by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare floor lamp model 2564 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Josef Frank, Model B 2027, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A set of six Model B 2027 dining chairs designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted in elm with sculptural backs composed of interlacing curves—one of Frank’s most refine...
Brass