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.
Set of Six Josef Hoffmann-designed “Prague” Bentwood & Cane Chairs
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a mix of the classic seating styled after the iconic 1925 Model No. 811 "Prague" chair. Armless side chairs in the front row and armchairs with fluid, looping bentwood ar...
Cane, Bentwood
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 5 Josef Frank Prague Chairs Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1970s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of five bentwood armchairs design attributed to Josef Frank, marked Made in Czechoslovakia. The chairs are constructed of steam bent wood, probably beech, and nylon, circa 1970's. A Mid 20th C version of the early 20th C Frank...
Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" Chairs for Wittman, 1980s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Coronado, CA
An outstanding set of 8 "Fledermaus" dining chairs designed by the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, and crafted by Wittmann in the 1980s. The chairs, which are crafted of solid Bee...
Fabric, Fruitwood
$4,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set Of Four Josef Frank Chair For Wiesner Hager 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set Of Four Josef Frank Chair For Wiesner Hager Austria 1950s
Palisander
Set of 4 Prague Model 811 Chairs by Josef Frank for Stendig, Poland, c. 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful set of four (4) Bentwood Prague Model 811 Dining Chairs by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s,...
Walnut
Set of Six Chairs Model 2025 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of six chairs model 2025 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Lacquered wood frame and a fabric upholstered seat. Marked. Josef Frank designed this chair i...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood, Lacquer
Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Josef Frank, Model B 2027, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
A set of six Model B 2027 dining chairs designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted in elm with sculptural backs composed of interlacing curves—one of Frank’s most refine...
Brass
Art Deco Era Josef Frank Beech Vintage Windsor Chairs Vienna, circa 1925
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco outstanding and rare set of 6 Windsor chairs designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten and executed by Thonet, circa 1925. (Labeled underneath) The set consists of 5 green Windsor chairs...
Beech
Pair of Mid Century Modern Chairs by Josef Frank for Wiesner Hager, Austria 1950
By Josef Frank, Wiesner-Hager
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of stunning and very rare Mid Century Modern dining chairs designed by Josef Frank for Wiesner Hager. The chairs have been refurbished and reupho...
Fabric, Wood
$4,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.75 in W 20 in D 20 in
Josef Hoffman for Thonet Set of Six Bentwood and Cane Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Rare pair of No. 811 Thonet chairs or Prague chairs designed by Josef Hoffman. The chairs feature an iconic bentwood frame design with square shaped arms and a caned seat and back. E...
Bentwood
Oswald Haerdtl Set of Four Chairs, the 1950s
By Thonet, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Almelo, NL
Oswald Haerdtl set of four chairs, the 1950s A rare set of four chairs was designed by the Austrian designer Oswald Haerdtl and produced by Ton (Thonet) in the former Czechoslova...
Ash, Beech, Bentwood
$1,359Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.25 in W 16.25 in D 18.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus Bat' Chair Model No.728
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Basel, BS
Designed by the renowned Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann in 1907 for the Fledermaus Cafe in Vienna, this single "Fledermaus" Model number 728, aka "Bat" Cafe chair features black upholstery covering the seat and backrest. The chair is supported by four cylindrical legs with spherical elements, showcasing a tub back with a horseshoe form base. Crafted from bent beech wood, this rare chair was specifically created for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna as one of Hoffmann's iconic designs. Representing a significant moment in design history, the chair is featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. With its sleek bentwood frame, swooping armrests, and curved backrests, the chair exudes elegance and sophistication. The Fledermaus chairs embody Hoffmann's renowned Viennese Secessionist style, known for its simple geometric shapes and use of high-quality materials. Considered a bold departure from traditional European nightclubs, the design quickly gained popularity for its iconic and innovative aesthetic. This is an authentic Hoffmann chair manufactured by Wittman, the authorized manufacturer of the Fledermaus starting in the 1970s. This chair was sold by "Teo Jacob...
Leather, Faux Leather, Beech
$9,914Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Wittmann - Josef Hoffmann - Fledermaus - Chair (6) - Beech
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Budapest, HU
This remarkable set of six **Fledermaus chairs**, designed by the visionary Austrian architect **Josef Hoffmann** in the early 1900s and masterfully crafted by **Wittmann**, represen...
Leather, Beech
$1,000 / set
H 31.89 in W 17.33 in D 21.66 in
1970s Set of Four Beech Dining Chairs by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly reupholstered - wooden parts has been repolished - sturdy and stable
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
$3,638 / set
H 38.59 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Set of Four Dining Chairs in Walnut in the Style of Scarpa, Italy 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Hellouw, NL
These dining chairs share great similarities with the designs of Afra and Tobia Scarpa and Mobil Girgi. This is a playful design that follows the rule of a dining chair. Meaning that...
Leather, Walnut
Set of Six George Nakashima Dining Chairs for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six dining chairs by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s. The walnut and hickory set consists of four side chairs and two armchairs. T...
Walnut, Hickory
$2,387 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
2 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria (Customizable)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Set di due sedie modello "Fledermaus" (che significa "pipistrello" in tedesco), progettato dall'architetto e designer austriaco Josef Hoffmann nel 1907. Originariamente concepito per...
Bentwood
$8,500 / set
H 31 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Set of Six Oak and Woven Rope Chairs Model 6200 by Robert & Trix Haussmann
By Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in IT
This set of six oak wood and woven rope chairs, model 6200, was designed by renowned Swiss architects Robert and Trix Haussmann. Known for th...
Rope, Oak
$6,821 / set
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in D 20.48 in
8 Set of Original Austro Chairs by Franz Schuster for Wiesner Hager Austria 1959
By Franz Schuster, Wiesner-Hager
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Austro chairs are designed 1959 by Austrian architect Franz Schuster and produced by Wiesner Hager. The chair get well known also as "Forum Stadtpa...
Wood, Lacquer, Beech
$10,232 / set
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in D 20.48 in
12Set of Original Austro Chairs by Franz Schuster for Wiesner Hager, Austria, 1959
By Franz Schuster, Wiesner-Hager
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This austro chairs are designed 1959 by Austrian architect Franz Schuster and produced by Wiesner Hager. The chair gets well-known also as "Forum Stadtp...
Wood, Lacquer, Beech
$42,670 / set
H 29.5 in W 22.75 in D 17.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus' Chairs Model No.728, Set of Ten
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Dallas, TX
A scarce set of ten early first edition "Fledermaus" chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte and featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. Hoffman...
Leather, Wood
$4,092Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.15 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
Stool attributed to Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, variation of stool 967
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Forserum, SE
Early version of Stool 967, originally designed by Josef Frank in 1938 for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from solid mahogany with a rattan seat, this model bears a striking resemblance...
Rattan, Mahogany
$9,500 / set
H 33 in W 24.75 in D 23 in
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Iron and Rope Ribbon Chairs for Salterini 1950s
By John Salterini, Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural "Ribbon" patio or dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Italy circa 1950's Set consists of 2 armchairs and 2 side chairs with wrought iron frames an...
Wrought Iron
$2,587 / item
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 18.12 in
Customizable Wittmann Fledermaus Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for starting leather. Specially designed in 1907 for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, this suite still stands for exceptional bentwood craft. The runners and the woode...
Leather, Fabric
Sold
H 33.27 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Set of eight 1165 chairs designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Eight model 1165 chairs designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Mahogany, rattan & leather. H: 84.5 cm / 2' 9 1/8" D: 45 cm / 1' 5 3/4" L: 46 cm / 1' 6 1/8" SH: 44...
Leather, Rattan, Mahogany
Sold
H 21 in W 21.25 in D 20 in
Model 811 "Prague" Armchair, Josef Frank Josef Hoffmann, Stendig, Poland, 1960's
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful single bentwood Prague Model 811 armchair by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s, this chair is ...
Walnut
Sold
H 31.5 in W 20.25 in D 27.5 in
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood & Cane "Prague" Thonet 811 Chairs, Set of 9
By Thonet, Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Round Top, TX
Set includes a mixed collection, accumulated over time, of (9) "Prague" 811 bentwood + cane armchairs and side chairs, designed by architects Josef Hoffmann and Josef Frank in the mi...
Cane, Bentwood
Sold
H 32 in W 20 in D 20 in
Set of 8 Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Cane Prague Dining Chairs for Stendig 1960s
By Stendig Co., Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Troy, MI
A set of 8 model 811 "Prague" dining chairs Designed by Josef Hoffmann and Josef Frank imported by Stendig circa 1970s Includes six side chairs and two armchairs Bentwood frames in...
Cane, Bentwood
Sold
H 31 in W 18 in D 21 in
Bentwood Prague Model 811 Chair in Walnut by Josef Frank, Poland, c. 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful single bentwood Prague Model 811 side chair by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s, this chair i...
Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 18 in D 21 in
Single Bentwood Model 811 Chair, Original Cane Seat & Back by Josef Frank, 1960
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful single bentwood Prague Model 811 side chair by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s, this chair ...
Walnut
Mid Century Bentwood & Cane Cafe Chairs by Joseph Hoffman for Stendig
By Josef Frank, Stendig Co., Josef Hoffmann
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four vintage mid century Bentwood Prague Model 811 cafe dining chair were originally designed by Austrian architects Josef Hoffman & Josef ...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 34 in W 21 in D 18 in
Bentwood Prague Model 811 Dining Chair by Josef Frank Josef Hoffmann for Stendig
By Stendig Co., Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful single Bentwood Prague Model 811 Dining Chair by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. De...
Cane, Wood, Bentwood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 17.72 in D 20.48 in
Set of Six Dining Chairs Model 2027 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of six dining chairs model 2027 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Mahogany, leather and brass. Josef Frank developed his characteristic style combining e...
Brass
Sold
H 33.08 in W 17.72 in D 22.84 in
Set of Four Dining Chairs Model 2027 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of four dining chairs model 2027 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden, 1950s. Mahogany and leather. Together with Estrid Ericson and her furnishing company, Svenskt...
Leather, Mahogany
Josef Frank Dining Chairs Model 695 Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare set of 10 dining chairs model 695 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
Set of Four No.811 Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
A set of 4 birch model 811 chairs designed in the mid- to late-1920s. The chairs feature handwoven cane seats and backs which provide comfort and give lightness to the design. The No.811 is attributed to Austrian architects Josef Hoffman and Josef Frank. All chairs...
Cane, Birch
Sold
H 32 in W 20.5 in D 22.5 in
Set of (6) Bentwood Prague Model 811 Dining Chairs by Josef Frank Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Deland, FL
Visually alluring and perfectly minimal this ultra rare set of walnut "Prague" Model 811 chairs are a true treasure. Designed by Austrian designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffman for Thonet...
Walnut
Very rare Thonet B 946 chairs by Josef Frank
By Thonet-Mundus, Josef Frank
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Extremely rare set of chairs designed by Josef Frank. This type of chairs was used by Adolf Loos for the kitchen of famous Villa Müller in Prague. Solid ...
Beech
Sold
H 32.88 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Set of Eight Dining Chairs Model 2027 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of eight dining chairs model 2027 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. 1950s. Mahogany and horsehair upholstery. Together with Estrid Ericson and her furnishing co...
Upholstery, Mahogany