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.
Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mou...
Metal
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mo...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mou...
Metal
$1,317Sale Price|42% Off
Mirror by Joseph Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
Brass framed mirror by Joseph Frank. This elegant timeless design would fit any style of interior from traditional to contemporary as it makes a very disc...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Sunburst Loop Mirror by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst loop Mirror in brass made by Josef Frank. Made by Svensk Tenn in the 1960. In a ferry good condition whit clear glass mirror. Josef frank was an Austr...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Round Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mo...
Metal
$1,201Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.19 in Dm 24.41 in
Rattan Sunburst Mirror in Black Patina, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Black Mid-Century Modern Rattan mirror, Spain 1960s. This handcrafted mirror features a round rattan frame with loop decorations placed in sunburs...
Rattan, Mirror
Sunburst Flower Wall Mirror in Rattan, Mid-Cemtury Modern, Spain 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
French 1960s handcrafted rattan double layered flower shaped mirror A lovely Mediterranean style handcrafted rattan flower shaped mirror with two layers of petals in two sizes and py...
Wicker, Mirror, Rattan
Stunning German Starburst Sunburst Gilded Mirror, circa 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous petite starburst sunburst flat mirror. Made of gilt resin. It measures approximate 15" in diameter, Mirror itself is approximate 5 3/4" in diameter. It stands approximate ...
Mirror, Resin
$6,842
H 31.5 in W 11.03 in D 0.4 in
1930 Mirror by Björn Trägårdh for Svenskt Tenn – Swedish Modernist Brass-Framed
By Bjorn Tragardh
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror, anonymous, Sweden, 1930s. Pewter and mirrored glass. Measurements: H: 161 cm/ 5' 3 1/2" W: 55 cm/ 21 3/4"
Pewter
Large French Tudor Wall Mirror by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning French convex wall mirror by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s-1960s. A relatively rare model called "Tudor". Textured talosel construction with si...
Silver Leaf
Austrian Mirror with Glass Blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Palwa
Located in Houston, TX
Austrian mirror with glass blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Stunning round Austrian mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, circa 19...
Glass, Mirror
$5,900
H 18.12 in W 24.02 in D 0.6 in
Nils Fougstedt 1926 for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror.
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Skanninge, SE
Amazing pewter mirror by Nils Fougstedt 1926. Model "No 137". A great example of "Swedish Grace". Made for famous Swedish firm "Firma Svenskt Tenn". This model was first introduced ...
Brass, Pewter
$4,870
H 18.71 in W 14.57 in D 1.11 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Golden Loops Wall Mirror Josef Frank 1950s Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage oval wall mirror attributed to Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 1950s Sweden. A stunning oval wall mirror attributed to Josef Frank features a frame with brass...
Metal
$990Sale Price|40% Off
H 48 in Dm 48 in
48" MCM Style Gilt Wood Starburst Mirror by Carol Canner for Carvers Guild
By Carol Canner
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Starburst Mirror by Carol Canner for Carvers’ Guild. A striking mirror interpretation of the classic sunburst form. Radiating rays extend outward in layered dimension, punctuated by ...
Plaster, Wood
Giltwood Sunburst Mirror, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This sunburst mirror is a piece from the 1960s. The frame is made of carved wood and finished with gold leaf. It features a central circular mirror.
Wood
$4,465 / set
H 31.11 in W 25.2 in D 1.97 in
Pair of Rattan Bamboo Oval Sunburst Mirrors / Wall Mirrors, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spanish Sunburst Oval Mirrors in Rattan Amazing pair of bamboo and rattan sunburst oval mirrors. Handcrafted in Spain, 1960s. They have all the taste and freshness of the Med...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
$3,800 / item
H 17.92 in Dm 13.19 in
Table Mirror by Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table mirror in brass designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Four pieces available, two different sizes. Measures: Height 47, diameter 38 cm 3 500 USD ...
Brass
Sold
H 15.36 in W 15.36 in D 0.6 in
Sunburst Wall Brass Loop Mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A vintage brass framed mirror with wire loop rim designed by Josef Frank for Svensk Tenn is a beautiful piece of home decoration. The mirror itself is surrounded by a wire loop rim t...
Brass
Sold
H 15.36 in W 15.36 in D 0.6 in
Sunburst Wall Brass Loop Mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A vintage brass framed mirror with wire loop rim designed by Josef Frank for Svensk Tenn is a beautiful piece of home decoration. The mirror itself is surrounded by a wire loop rim that adds a touch of elegance to the design. The frame of the mirror is made of brass, giving it a warm, vintage feel. Designed by famous architect and designer, Josef Frank, who is known for his work with the Swedish design...
Brass
Large Brass Wall Mirror by Josef Frank for Svensk Tenn 1950.
By Josef Frank
Located in Brussels, BE
Big curved brass mirror surrounded by a scalloped frieze.. Designed by Josef Frank. Sweden c.1950.
Brass
Round Wall Mirror in Brass with Decorative Surround by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
Round brass wall mirror with decorative corona-effect surround by Josef Frank (circa 1950s - 1960s). Original styling and elegant presence, this mirror is the centre of attention in ...
Brass
Small Brass Mirror by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
Brass framed mirror by Joseph Frank. This elegant timeless design would fit any style of interior from traditional to contemporary as it makes a very discreet pared back statement in...
Brass
Josef Frank Circular Brass Loop Mirror, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful small and delicate mirror with brass loop frame designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. J.Frank was born in Austria and is one of the most ...
Brass