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.
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
Brass
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish " Vänskapsknuten " candle holder made of handcrafted silvered metal, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good conditi...
Metal
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
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
Josef Frank "The Knot of Friendship" candelabra, Sweden 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Malibu, CA
Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) brass candle holder designed by Josef Frank Candlestick for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden, 1930’s.
Brass
Josef Frank, Candelabra, Brass, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds nine 0.5” candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.5"H x 11.25"W x 11.0"D All item...
Brass
Pair of Josef Frank Six-Armed Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Few objects carry a room quite like a lit candelabra. This petite pair, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in the 1940s, Sweden, does so with characteristic wit — five ar...
Brass
Polished Brass Candelabra by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
A brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn with 9 candle holders.
Brass
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
Josef Frank Six-Branched Candle Holder for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Utrecht, NL
In 1934, Josef Frank made his first attempt at modernizing the classic candelabra. With softly swaying forms, he eliminated the base in the middle, ...
Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
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
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
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 "Hortus" Glass Pots or Vases by Josef Frank
By Reijmyre Glasbruk, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Paris, FR
Josef Frank designed the original Hortus pot in 1938. Later, during the war period, when metal was hard to come by, Estrid Ericson had the Gullaskruv glassw...
Glass
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 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 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
$1,162
H 1.19 in Dm 12.01 in
Josef Frank Brass and Mirror Tray/Plateau for Svenskt Tenn Swedish modern, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Refined mirrored plateau designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, in the 1940s. This circular tray features a beveled mirror surface set within a gilded brass frame, accente...
Brass
$458
H 2.17 in W 4.34 in D 2.96 in
Lidded Pewter Box by JL Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn, Erik Fleming, Edvin Ollers
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded pewter box with amazing patina. Made by J.L. Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'JLH' and 'SVENSKT TENN'.
Metal, Pewter
Anna Petrus, Pewter Box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1928
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box in brass and pewter with decor of a womans face. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked B8 = 1928.
Brass, Pewter
$2,440
H 4.34 in Dm 3.94 in
Scandinavian Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericsson
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of wonderful white metal drip pewter candles made in the 1960s at Avesta Jernverk / Avesta Ironworks in Sweden. In the style of Svenskt Tenn.
Metal
Early Svenskt Tenn Pewter Lidded Box by Ernst Svedbom, Sweden 1932
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined and architecturally composed pewter lidded box designed by Ernst Svedbom for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, dated 1932. This elegant piece embodies the restrained sophistication of ...
Pewter
$697
H 10.63 in W 8.86 in D 8.86 in
Gunnar Ander 4 Flower Candelabra Brass & Purple Glass, Ystad Metall Sweden 1960s
By Paavo Tynell, Ystad-Metall, Josef Frank, Gunnar Ander
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Four arm candelabra by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander (1908-1976) for Ystad Metall, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The candelabra is made from brass and shaped as four...
Brass
Nils Fougstedt Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Stockholm, SE
Nils Fougstedt (1881-1954), Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986 This is an exquisite tin box adorned with intricate meadow flowers in relief. The delicate floral patterns bring ...
Brass, Pewter
Svenskt Tenn Pewter Lidded Box, Sweden 1936, Scandinavian Modern
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined and rare pewter lidded box by Svenskt Tenn, dated 1936, exemplifying the elegance and craftsmanship of early Scandinavian Modern design. The piece features a clean hexagona...
Pewter
$1,700
H 2.25 in W 14.25 in D 4 in
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
$8,424
H 8.27 in Dm 7.09 in
Pewter Vase by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1928 with poem, brass
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1928. Pewter vase and brass bands engraved with a poem by Verner von Heidenstam. Stamped.
Brass, Pewter
$1,371 / set
H 9.85 in Dm 4.73 in
Pair of Svenskt Tenn Pewter Candleholders by K.E Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1931
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural pair of pewter candleholders designed by Knut Eriksson & Co. for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1931. These elegant pieces embody the refined organic forms and...
Pewter
Anna Petrus, Pewter box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1929
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box with decor of a lion, brass and pewter. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked C8 = 1929.
Brass, Pewter
Candelabra 'Model 2663' designed by Joseph Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 2663 is a brass candelabra designed in the early 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. The composition is organised around a slender vertical stem crowned by a circular loop, ...
Brass
1940s Josef Frank Swedish Silver Candelabra by Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1940s, Sweden. Designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, this silver piece features elegant scalloped edges, fluting, and hangers. The manufacturer’s and designer’s mark ...
Silver
The Knot of Friendship Candlestick in Brass by Josef Frank, 1938
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Knot of Friendship Candlestick in Brass by Josef Frank, 1938 Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden Dimensio...
Brass
Josef Frank Candelabra Brass Loop Slingan Svenskt Tenn 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Basel, BS
Josef Frank ‚Loop‘ candelabra in solid brass, designed for Svenskt Tenn around 1950. This piece has beautifully aged with a nice patina, very good condition with normal signs of ag...
Brass
Pair of Candle Holders "The Knot of Friendship" by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Piacenza, Italy
"The Knot of Friendship" is a brass candle holder designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. The elegant design features flowing brass lines forming a delicate knot, a symbo...
Brass
Sold
H 8.67 in Dm 6.11 in
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
Three Light Candlestick by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden c 1930's
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Scandinavian Modern design brass candlestick designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, made in Sweden circa 1930's. Quintessential Northern European Modern, Art Deco period ob...
Brass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 14.18 in D 2.76 in
Josef Frank Candelabra Brass Loop Svenskt Tenn Sweden 1950 Slingan Candle Holder
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Basel, BS
A beautiful Josef Frank ‚Loop‘ candelabra in solid brass, designed for Svenskt Tenn around 1950. This piece has beautifully aged with a distinct patina, very good condition with nor...
Brass
Josef Frank Candelabra
By Josef Frank
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a rare early Josef Frank candelabra with its original patination and whimsical crown design. The arms can be adjusted in height with sm...
Brass
Sold
H 6.3 in W 9.06 in D 9.06 in
"Vänskapsknuten" silver plated candelabra by Josef Frank, Svenskt tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candelabra "Vänskapsknuten" designed by Josef Frank. Manufactured by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Silver plated metal. Very good vintage condition with few signs of age related wear and p...
Silver Plate
Candelabra in brass by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candelabra designed by Josef Frank. Manufactured by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. This example ca 1940-50s. Made from solid brass with six candle holders. Very good vintage condition with ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A six-armed organic brass candelabra designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Fits 0.80” diameter candles
Brass