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.
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Forserum, SE
Scandinavian mid-century table lamp, model 726, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Ateljé Lyktan in the 1940s. Crafted in brass with a circular base ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1970s. Minor small stains on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Lampshade shows signs of moderate wear consistent with age and use. Dimens...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (in...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Resin, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A beige resin and brass pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina to brass and some staining to resin. Wear consistent w...
Brass
Josef Frank Silk Pendant Lamp for Svenskt Tenn, Brass & Silk, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Portland, OR
An early example of model 2560 Josef Frank pendant for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden 1940s. Executed in solid nicely patinated brass and with newer silk shade, made in Austria. Original mount...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and beige white fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Several small stains on fabric; wear consistent wit...
Brass
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and fantastic height adjustable brass counter balance pendant lamp with a wicker lampshade model 'Kugel-Dreierzug' no. 2514 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s....
Brass
Josef Frank Wall Light from the 1950's, made in Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
An elegant wall light made with patinated brass and a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank in the 1950's. This beautifully constructed lamp uses two light bulbs to illuminate the sil...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and green-lacquered parchment paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 10.5” H x 17.75” W x 11.5...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Chandelier by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large brass frame with six arms fitted with E27 sockets each with silk shades. Designed by Josef Frank in the 1930s for J.T. Kalmar produced in the 1940s. The chandelier is fully re...
Brass
Brass Chandelier By Josef Frank For J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Large brass frame with six arms fitted with E27 sockets each with silk shades. Designed by Josef Frank in the 1930s for J.T. Kalmar produced in the 1940s. The chandelier is fully re...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights designed by Josef Frank c. 1930s, produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 11.0"H x 8.3"W x 21.5"D ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 18.5” H x 7.25” W x 16.5“ D Back Plate Dimen...
Brass
Six Arm Chandelier in Brass with Silk Shades from Oswald Haerdtl from the 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautiful six arm chandilier in brass from Oswald Haerdtl from the 1930's. The metal a has been restored: polished and lacquered by hand. Lamp shades have been recovered with silk...
Brass
Modernist Table Lamp #2563 by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful table lamp by Josef Frank, model #2563. White lacquered, sculpted wooden base, voluminous shade with textile fabric. Pattern of yellow wildflowers.
Brass
Table lamp 'Model 2468' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Early Cylinder Table Lamp 1819 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early edition cylindrical 1819 table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. The lamp has been produced in four different shapes: the globe, the cylinder, the cube and the ...
Glass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor small stains to fabric. Wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Early Globe Table Lamp 1819 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early edition spherical "Glass globe" 1819 table lamp designed by Josef Frank in 1934 for Svenskt Tenn. The lamp has been produced in four different shapes: the globe, the cylinde...
Glass
$4,369Sale Price|20% Off
Counterweight Pendelleuchte „Jo-Jo Zug“ Kalmar, Josef Frank, Messing und Seide
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Diese extrem seltene höhenverstellbare Messing-Pendelleuchte Modell 'Jo-Jo Zug' Nr. 2505 von J.T. Kalmar wurde in den 1950er Jahren hergestellt. Die Leuchte basiert auf einem Entwurf...
Brass
Mid-century Brass Wall Lamp with Silk Shades, 1950's , Josef Frank, Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautifully made wall lamp designed by Josef Frank and made in Austria in the 1950's. The lyrically shaped brass tubing supports lamp shades with a feminine form tailored to emph...
Brass
$3,391Sale Price|20% Off
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
'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
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
Model "1842" Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden First half of the 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...
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
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 Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Frank, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
1920 designed Josef Hoffmann chased brass lamp base, different finishes available. Hand sewn Lamp Shade with a Josef Frank fabric, different patterns available. Sample book of the Wi...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1960s. Moderate patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions...
Brass
$5,544Sale Price|20% Off
Large Chandelier with Six Shades in Brass from Josef Frank , Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Large chandelier in brass with six arms, designed by Josef Frank in the 1950's, Austria. The silk shades in a yellow colour use the original metal construction. The electric has bee...
Brass
$3,382Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Brass & Leather Desk Table Lamp, 1950s, Austria
By Josef Frank, Haus & Garten, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Important 1950s desk lamp, designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the Viennese Modern Age era. The light is made of massive brass in very elegant shape and high q...
Brass
Floor Lamp in red and Brass by Josef Frank. Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1960s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Floor lamp model 1842 designed by Josef Frank. Produced in Sweden by Firma Svenskt tenn during the 1960-70s. Made from brass and red lacquered brass. New lamp shade in pleated chintz...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage lampshade in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamps Model 1842 Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of height adjustable floor lamps model 1842 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Height: 98.5-145 cm.
Brass
Modernist Table Lamp #2468 by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Early edition brass table lamp with three colorful shades by Josef Frank, model #2468. Slender forms that give a voluminous expression and a great general, soft spreading of light.
Brass
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 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
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
$1,456Sale Price|20% Off
Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar, 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Large brass table lamp. Designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1930s. Two E27 sockets. Original silk shade.
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and blown glass table lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.125“ H x 4.25“ diameterDimensions of Shad...
Brass
Josef Frank, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Manhasset, NY
Josef Frank, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s Rare example of a model "1842" floor lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in ...
Brass
Pair of Wall Lamps 'Model 2565' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
This pair of wall lights, model 2565, was designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Each fixture is centred on a circular polished brass backplate from which two softly ...
Brass
Brass Floor Lamp Model #2148 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass floor lamp by Josef Frank with adjustable height. Simple, clean lines, crisp plissé lamp shade. About Josef Frank: Josef Frank was ...
Brass
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar Around 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Floor lamp by josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar around 1950s Brass polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ) Rewired ( new ).
Brass
Josef Frank Two Light Brass Table Lamp, Viennese Modern Age, Austria
By Haus & Garten, Josef Frank
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Very rare and elegant Viennese Modern Age adjustable brass and forged iron table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten in late 1920s, Vienna. ...
Brass, Iron
Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in New York, NY
Rare Large Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn, Sweden. Carved lamp arm in a white lacquered color with a large flower printed lamp shade...
Brass
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Table Lamp Tisch-Überall, Brass & Leather, Austria, 1930
By Svenskt Tenn, Haus & Garten, J.T. Kalmar, Oskar Wlach, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Viennese Modernism table or desk lamp form the 1930s, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten (Josef Frank und Oskar Wlach) in 1934. The...
Brass, Iron, Wire
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, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and fabric wall lights designed and produced by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8” H x 4” W x 5.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 2.9” ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1980s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights by Josef Frank c. 1930s, produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1980s. Replaced lampshades. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 16.0"H x 7....
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 47.5“ H x 15” W x 27.25” D ...
Brass
Two Bergboms Table lamps in Brass with Josef Frank "Nippon" Shades, Sweden 1970s
By Josef Frank, Bergboms
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Elegant Mid-Century table lamps by Bergboms in brass, Sweden 1970s. Bergboms, Malmö, 1960s/70s. The lamps have shades covered in the textile "Nippon" by Josef Frank. Age-related...
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
Josef Frank, Table Lamp "2388", Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2388, designed by Josef Frank in 1936. Manufactured by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, mid-1900s.
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
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass, mahogany and white fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn,, Sweden, 1940s. Cord feeds from bottom of brass stem. Overall Dimens...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and paper floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Socket takes standard E-26 medium base bulb. There is no maximum wattage state...
Brass
Rare Pair of Table Lamps Model 2552/2 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
Austrian Chandelier with six Arms in Brass and Silk Shades from Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Elegant chandelier from Josef Frank produced in the 1950 ´s in Austria, probably by the company J.T. Kalmar. The lamp has been completely restored, which includes rewiring, hand pol...
Brass