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.
Mid Century Austrian Vintage Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful mirror with brass frame and a decorative brass ring. Austria, 1950s.
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
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
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Örsjö Industri AB
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Mid Century Modern Chairs by Josef Frank for Wiesner Hager, Austria 1950
By Josef Frank, Wiesner-Hager
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
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
Pair of Rare Bentwood Armchairs Model A63-F by Josef Frank for Thonet-Mundus
By Thonet-Mundus, Josef Frank
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
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Walnut and Brass Serving Trolley Model 756 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 756 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Veneered walnut and brass. H: 65 cm W: 53 cm Width when fully extended: 89 cm D: 80 cm Josef Fr...
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
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
$5,802 / 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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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, c. 1950s. Light scratching and oxidation to brass. Replaced vintage lampshade. Overall D...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
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
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
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
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.
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
$2,389 / set
Pair of Bamboo & Rattan Chairs by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
A pair of Bamboo & Rattan Chairs designed in 1947 by Josef Frank in Sweden. The Austrian born architect is considered to be one of the most important figures in Swedish design. Fra...
Cane
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
$4,177Sale 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
Art Deco Walnut Brown Vintage Coffee Table Side Table Josef Frank, 1930s, Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage coffee table or side table from walnut in brown color by Josef Frank 1930s Vienna. A stunning coffee table or side table by Josef Frank 1930s Vienna in beautiful war...
Walnut, Spruce
Floor Lamp in Brass, Black Metal and Original Shades by Josef Frank, 1938
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Floor Lamp in Brass, Black Lacquered Metal and Original Shades by Josef Frank, 1938 Additional Information: Material: Brass, black lacquered metal and original shades Style: Mid cen...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
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.
Brass
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Occasional Table Model 2168 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table model 2168 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. 1950s. Walnut and marble. Josef Frank’s occasional table “model 2168” is one of his rarer models. Its beautifully carved, turned legs...
Marble
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, 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
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
$11,604 / 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
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
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
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
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art deco armchairs A752F by Jozef Frank for Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Restored Art Deco Armchairs, by Josef Frank, Thonet, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant pair of Art Deco armchairs comes from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and was manufactured by the renowned Thonet company according to the design ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Josef Frank Candlestick Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare candlestick designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
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