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 Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in the Mi...
Brass
Josef Frank Wall Mirror with Loop Frame and Wall Hook in Brass, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Wall Mirror with Loop Frame and Wall Hook in Brass, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror with its proper leaf wall hook designed by Josef Frank in the midcentury. This mirror is m...
Crystal, Brass
$1,562 / item
Black Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame (painted black). An absolute design classic from the 1950s. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
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
$721
H 10 in W 10 in D 5 in
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Modernist wall sconces made by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s. The light is made of polished brass and the lampshades are made of acrylic glass. The faceted acrylic glass provid...
Brass
$2,343
H 31.89 in W 21.26 in D 1.58 in
Svenskt Tenn Organic Wall mirror Josef Frank Rattan/Wicker , Bamboo 1950s
Located in Boden, SE
A large wall mirror retailed by Josef Frank,Svenskt Tenn In finely braided wicker/ rattan/ cane & Bamboo. Age- related wear may occur. Josef Frank was an Austrian-born architec...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Lovely Mid-Century Modern 12-Arm Brass Sputnik Lamp, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Large Mid-Century Modern 12-Arm Brass Sputnik Lamp, 1950s Rare and elegant midcentury Sputnik lamps, 1950s, Germany. Executed in lacquered metal and brass. The lamp is executed wit...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Decorative Mirror in Flower Frame, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful mirror in a light decorative frame with flowers from Italy. The frame is made of glass and plastic. Mirror is in good vintage condition. Few yellow flowers is missing. Or...
Metal
$850
H 55.12 in W 31.5 in D 1.58 in
Large Oval Wall Mirror in Solid Pine by Glasmäster Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
By Glasmäster
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful large oval wall mirror in solid pine. Made by Glasmäster in Markaryd, Sweden in the 1960s. A decorative object that pairs well with...
Pine
$84
H 5.91 in W 5.52 in D 0.79 in
Mid Century Gold Decorative Table Mirror in Metal Frame, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful mirror in a golden decorative frame from Italy. The frame is made of metal. Mirror is in very good vintage condition - one chip on the mirror - as shown on pictures. Orig...
Metal
$4,206
H 15.75 in Dm 30.71 in
10-Armed Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Brass Chandelier or Ceiling Lamp, 1950s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous ten-armed Mid-Century Modern Sputnik chandelier or ceiling fixture. Designed and manufactured probably by Kaiser Leuchten, 1950s, Germany. Executed in brass, the chandelier...
Brass
$2,199Sale Price|20% Off
H 41.34 in W 13.98 in D 0.99 in
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). This sizeable mirror is oval-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition. A beautiful pa...
Brass
$1,759Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 21.3 in D 0.99 in
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s)
Located in London, GB
Italian vintage wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). The mirror is smart and distinctive in a modern Gio Ponti style with a unique shape. This one is in good overall condition...
Brass
Modern Circular Vintage Wall Mirror Circular Josef Frank Style 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage wall mirror or sunburst mirror circular like framed with brassed metal Josef Frank style 1970s. A stunning wall mirror with sunburst frame from brassed metal, which i...
Metal
$2,450
H 6.25 in Dm 23.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Large Round Porthole Wall Mirror in Gold Brass by Curtis Jere
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large chic statement piece made by Curtis Jere in the 1970s. This porthole mirror features a polished brass / gold frame with a circular mirror.
Brass
$3,424
H 7.49 in Dm 25.99 in
Brass Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ceiling Lamp by Rupert Nikoll, 1950s, Vienna
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
This presented brass vintage ceiling lamp or flush mount by Rupert Nikoll, 1950s Vienna, shows ten arms with partly perforated lamp shades. Furthermore the ceiling lamp features ten ...
Metal, Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame. An absolute design classic in a very rare version on a teak board (!) from the 1950s. The brass mirror was designed by the Austrian de...
Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 18.12 in D 1.58 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in the Mi...
Brass
Sold
H 29.93 in W 18.12 in D 1.19 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Wall Mirror in Brass with Hook for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Loop Wall Mirror in Brass with Hook for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn ...
Brass
Sold
H 17.72 in W 9.45 in D 0.99 in
Elegant Wall-Mounted Mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous, highly decorative Mid Century Modern wall-mounted mirror with loop brass frame. Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Executed in brass, mirror glass an...
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 18.9 in W 14.57 in D 0.91 in
Rare Black Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn Austria/Sweden Brass, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Andernach, DE
Mid-Century Modern oval shaped wall mirror, sculptural and elegant by Josef Frank Austria/Sweden for Svenskt Tenn, circa 1950s. Made of black finished metal in a beautiful loop-wir...
Brass, Metal
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hannover, DE
A large mirror with a brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. Very rare in this form. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A large mirror with a brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. Very rare in this form. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. This round brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the renowned Swed...
Brass
Josef Frank Mirror in Brass Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hannover, DE
This beautiful golden filigree wall mirror is made of brass in a loop design from the 50s. The back of this mirror is made of wood which makes it extremely stable and beautiful. The ...
Brass
Sold
H 28.75 in W 18.12 in D 1.19 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Brass Loop Wall Mirror with Hook for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Loop Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in the mid...
Brass
Sold
H 26.78 in W 18.12 in D 1.19 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Loop Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Loop Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in the mid...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 27.17 in D 2.37 in
Scandinavian Modern Brass Wall Mirror, in style of Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful wall mirror with a mahogany frame and decorative wave of brass wire around the edge. Elegant style in the manner of Josef Frank.
Brass