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.
20th Century Swedish Art Deco Svenskt Tenn Glass Table Light by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
Josef Frank, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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, 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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By 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. Oxidation present to brass. Replaced lampshade. Wear consistent with age and...
Brass
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Vienna, AT
Created by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the Otto Beyer fashion style pattern store in Vienna, Singerstrasse 14 which is shown on one of the images. Fabric "Notturno," design...
Fabric, Beech
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
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
Swedish Modern Serving Cart by Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1940/50s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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 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
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
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
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Brass Bamboo Table Lamp 'Tisch-Überall', 1940s, Austria
By Haus & Garten, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Important & rare, early 1940s 'Tisch Überall' table lamp mod. 1092, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, handmade in the Viennese Modern...
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
Sven Wejsfelt Ceramic Table Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Gustavsberg, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 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
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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, Floor lamp model 2564, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Nice patina
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Hand painted "Apple" jar by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare lidded jar in the shape of an apple designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1950s. Made from Aluminum with hand painted decor. Very good vintage condi...
Aluminum
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
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
Josef Frank, early example model 2148 floor lamp for Svenskt Tenn, 1934
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
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, 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
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
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 ...
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
$11,369 / set
Pair of Josef Frank Floor Lamps, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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 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 Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. Original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
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
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
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
Josef Frank Side Chair Easy Chair Model 2067 for Svenskt Tenn circa 1948 Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Frank side chair or easy chair model no. 2067 from walnut and fabric for Svenskt Tenn 1947, Sweden. A fabulous side chair or easy chair designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Ten...
Fabric, Walnut
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
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
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
$2,411 / 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
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
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
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 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
$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, including one chair from the 1930s, and a replica chair of later manufacture. Each chair has a sculpted so...
Mahogany
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
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 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
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 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 Circular Coffee Table Cherry Wood Josef Frank circa 1932 Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage authentic circular coffee table from cherry wood by Josef Frank designed circa 1932, Vienna. A beautiful circular like coffee table by Josef Frank with 4 ( four ) s...
Cherry, Walnut
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 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 Brown Beech Windsor Chairs Josef Frank, circa 1930, Vienna
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage Windsor chairs or dining chairs Josef Frank attributed circa 1930 in Vienna and executed by Thonet-Mundus. It features a company´s branding label. The chairs from br...
Bentwood, Beech