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, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, wood and white fabric floor lamp, model Lilla Kamelen, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consi...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric string wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with a...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and brass pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age...
Brass
A Rare Josef Frank Cream Silk Pendant Lamp Model 2562 From 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn model 2562, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. new silk shade
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
A Rare Josef Frank Cream Silk Pendant Lamp from 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. new silk shade
Brass
Tulip Fabric Pendant Lamp Desiged By Josef Frank For, Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a tulip fabric shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. Used but in a very good condition.
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 Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, Woka Lamps
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
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Hoffmann
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, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and floral-printed fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced canop...
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, 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
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
$4,245Sale 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
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, 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, Table Lamps, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white painted wood and cream fabric table lamps, model 2563, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visibl...
Fabric, Wood
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, 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, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with...
Brass
$3,287Sale 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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and printed fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age...
Brass
Model "1842" Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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 Brass, Silk Floor Lamp by Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This floor lamp, model 2148, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, exemplifies Frank’s distinctive vision of modernism—one that marries functionality with w...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Pair of Josef Frank Model 2565 Brass Wall Lamps for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of wall lamps, model 2565, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. Executed in brass, each fixture features two elegantly curved light arms, creatin...
Brass
$5,706 / 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
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. New leather and original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Josef Frank, wall lamp model 2335
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Rare wall lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar Vienna. Designed around 1930; manufactured around 1950. This design was later distributed by Svenskt Tenn under model number 2335. This is...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pair of Wall Lamps in Brass, Svenskt Tenn Model 2389, Sweden, 1950s
By Just Andersen, Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of elegant, mid-century, solid brass, wall sconces / lights / uplights / lamps with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank (model 2398) and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stock...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Wall light by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare, beautiful wall light by Josef Frank, made from brass with a slender stem suspending a voluminous lamp shade. Adjustable height.
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 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, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.25” H x 7” W x 16“ D Back Plate Di...
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
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish floor lamp made of handcrafted polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The height of the Scandinavian light is adjustable, composed with a new white small round shade...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Josef Frank Model 2560 "Carl Larsson" Silk Pendant for Svenskt Tenn, 1940s/50s
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
A model 2560 pendant by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden circa 1940s. This is an early example, with its original silk shade. Later productions switched to cotton, so the silk ma...
Brass
Early 1819 Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Table lamp model 1819 designed by Josef Frank. Early version made from 1934-1940s. Nickel plated brass and rare socket with porcelain fitting and turn switch. New lamp shade with whi...
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
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
Table Lamp 2388 by Josef Frank, Brass Frame with Green Leather, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare brass frame wrapped with green leather and base fitted with 2 E27 sockets up to 100W each and new oval white/creme shade. Designed in Sweden by Josef Frank in the 1936 for Svens...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare table lamp by Josef Frank, with a cylindrical base standing on four wooden ball feet. Dressed in beautiful dark green leather imitation nicely combined with the original floral ...
Brass
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström, Josef Frank
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
$2,000
Josef Frank Table Lamp
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
A brass coated pewter lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Model #2332. Conical wicker shade of later vintage. Two available. Only one shade.
Brass, Pewter
Josef Frank Table lamp model no. 2468
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp designed by Josef Frank and manufactured for Svenskt Tenn, Stokholm. Model no. 2468, frame in brass, 3 light points, with lampshades by Svenskt Tenn. Highest point 56cm. ...
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
Josef Frank, Floor Lamps, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable green-lacquered brass and fabric floor lamps designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. In good vintage condition, with visible wea...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank table lamp model 2332, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank. New original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Josef Frank Table Lamp 'Tisch-Überall' Mod. 1092 by Kalmar, Brass Leather, 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous and rare Mid-Century modern table lamp model 'Tisch-Überall' no. 1092 designed by Josef Frank in 1934 or earlier for Haus & Garten. The offered piece was manufactured ...
Brass
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar Around 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
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
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
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
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
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Boet, Otto Schulz
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
Pair of 'Large Camel' Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939, this pair produced circa 1960s. New leather and new original Svenskt tenn lampshades.
Brass
Josef Frank Table lamp model no. 2468
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp designed by Josef Frank and manufactured for Svenskt Tenn, Stokholm. Model no. 2468, frame in brass, 3 light points, with lampshades by Svenskt Tenn. Highest point 56cm. ...
Brass
Art Deco Josef Frank Brass Pair Duo Table Lamps Nightstands Lamps Vienna 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Josef Frank vintage pair duo table lamps or nightstands lamps or bedside lamps from brass Vienna 1930s. A rare original brass pair of table lamps or bedside lamps, each with two shades and two switches. The table lamps or bedside lamps show original pleated vintage lamp shade...
Brass