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, Large Table Lamps, White-Painted Wood, Svenskt Tenn, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of large table lamps for Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. In painted turned wood. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.0" Height x 7.75" Diameter Bu...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red-lacquered paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 25.25” H x 9.5” W x 19“ D Back Plate Di...
Brass
A pair of floor lamps 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite pair of Josef Frank floor lamps exemplifies the designer’s poetic balance between function and warmth. Each lamp features a brass structure adjustable in height, resti...
Brass
Table Lamp 2563 White by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood frame creme painted fitted with 2 E27 sockets up to 100W each and colorful semi spherical shade with jungle motives. Designed in Sweden by Josef Frank in the 1950 for Svensk...
Fabric, Beech
Pair of 'Large Camel' Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939, this pair produced circa 1960s. New leather and new original Svenskt tenn lampshades.
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
'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
Modernist Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, with an asymmetric shade and flexible neck. Lacquered green in a nuance that goes beautifully with the warm brass.
Brass
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
$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, 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 table lamp model 2332, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank. New original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Pair of Josef Frank Model 2565 Brass Wall Lamps for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Pair of Firma Svenskt Tenn 1838 floor lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two 1838 Floor lamps designed by Josef Frank 1934 for iconic Swedish company Firma Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm. Brass frame with cognac leather. Different heights on lamps. One is 5 c...
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
Pair of floor lamps, model '2564' by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
This elegant pair of floor lamps, model '2564', was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s. The lamps combine a brass structure with deep green lacquered metal shades,...
Metal, Brass
Adjustable Wall Fixture Model 2582 by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall lamp in brass, model 2582. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, mid-1900s. Adjustable length and height.
Brass
Pair of Floor Lamps in Cherrywood, Brass and Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Floor Lamps in Cherrywood, Brass and Original Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Cherrywood, brass and original lamp shades Style: Mid cent...
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
Floor lamp model 2599 'China hat' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp model 2599 — affectionately known as the “China Hat” — is among the most distinctive lighting designs by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Three elegantly arched arms rise f...
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
A Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Model 2466 table lamp designed by Josef Frank (1885-1967) for Svenskt Tenn. The brass base and stem in white lacquer, with the original pleated fabric shade topped with a brass cap...
Brass
Model "2326" Adjustable 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, Table Lamp "2388", Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2388, designed by Josef Frank in 1936. Manufactured by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, mid-1900s.
Brass
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
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
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
Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A hand made, cylindrical Art Deco / Swedish Grace glass table lamp with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank (model 1819) and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden, 1950s...
Brass
Josef Frank Art Deco Vintage Brass Table Lamp for J. T. Kalmar Vienna circa 1934
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco Vintage Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for J. T. Kalmar Vienna circa 1934 An iconic and joyful table lamp by Josef Frank and executed by J. T. Kalmar Vienna with an adjusta...
Brass, Iron
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Floor Lamp in Brass and Fabric
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, floor lamp, model '2598', brass, lacquered steel and fabric, Sweden, 1950s Designed by Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank (1885–1967) for Sven...
Metal, 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
$1,451Sale 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 Pair of Wall Lamps in Brass Svenskt Tenn Model 2389, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Josef Frank’s Model 2389 wall lamp, designed in the 1950s for Svenskt Tenn, exemplifies his refined approach to functional elegance and modernist form. Crafted entirely from polished...
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 Floor Lamp Model G2424 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare height adjustable floor lamp model G2424 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Measures: Height 139-193 cm.
Brass
Table Lamp Model 2466 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2466 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Brass with fabric shade. Stamped. An understated and tim...
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, 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
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
Swedish Modern Brass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass table lamp by Josef Frank, made from brass with a decorative, fun three-part foot base. Model #2467
Brass
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
Rare Pair of Table Lamps Model 2552/2 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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, 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
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
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
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Örsjö Industri AB, Josef Frank
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 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
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
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, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$5,851 / item
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden
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. With a bespoke ...
Brass
Blue Ceramic table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare table lamp model 2960 designed by Josef Frank. Produced in Sweden by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1960s. Made from stoneware with an intense blue glossy glaze with shades of w...
Brass
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Josef Frank, Boet, Otto Schulz, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
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
Josef Frank, Floor lamp model 2564, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Nice patina
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Sconce, Brass, Metal, White Paper, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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 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