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.
Rare Freestanding Bookcase in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Freestanding Bookcase in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden Dimension...
Mahogany
Bookcase model "1142" by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Freestanding bookcase designed by Josef Frank in the 1940s. Executed in mahogany with a warm, even tone. Open construction with three adjustable shelves. Sculptural feet with a dis...
Mahogany
Set of 3 Bookcase and Cabinets in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare set of freestanding bookcases and cabinets, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, exemplifies the designer’s nuanced approach to functional furnit...
Mahogany
Pair of Bookcases in Mahogany, Brass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Bookcases in Mahogany, Brass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, brass and mirrored glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian ...
Brass
$10,400 / item
H 86 in W 67 in D 18.25 in
Mahogany Georgian Style Four Door Bookcase China Cabinet by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This a traditional mahogany breakfront bookcase or china cabinet with four doors by Leighton Hall. It features four bottom doors with swirly crotch mahogany fields and straight grain mahogany borders. The top four doors feature grills with individually paned glass. The drawers are masterfully dovetailed and the drawer boxes are made of oak. The hardware is solid brass. The cabinet has dimmable lighting and mortised door locks. Each section has multiple adjustable 3/8 in. glass shelves. It has a hand rubbed satin finish. This cabinet is an excellent compliment to our custom mahogany dining tables...
Mahogany
Pair of Napoleon III Kingwood Freestanding Open Bookcases
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of Napoleon III kingwood freestanding open bookcases, each of oval form with four angled, fluted pilasters, the top and three shelves covered with tooled black leather, applie...
Kingwood
Edwardian Breakfront Bookcase of Mahogany from England
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English breakfront open bookcase of mahogany from the Edwardian era, featuring a frieze of three sections, with molded cornice and decorative beaded accents, the interior with...
Metal
$159,352
H 35.44 in W 64.97 in D 20.28 in
Josef Frank 'Model 2106' Sideboard, Mahogany & Birch, 1950s, Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Model 2106 is a sideboard that reflects Frank’s distinctive vision of modern living. Crafted in richly figured pyramid mahogany...
Brass
$20,561
H 46.86 in W 45.28 in D 16.54 in
Early Swedish Mid Century Wooden Cabinet Attributed to Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Swedish mid century modern cabinet attributed to Josef Frank with solid wooden drawers and shelves in stained mahogany and covered with a "Plan de Paris à vol d'oiseau" map de...
Walnut
Bookcase model “Adolpho”
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bookcase model “Adolpho” Manufactured by Sergio Rodrigues Brazil, 1960 Jacaranda, leather panels Measurements 203 x 43 x 210h cm 79,9 x 16,9 x 82,7h in
Jacaranda
$28,000
H 96.5 in W 78 in D 18.5 in
Antique English Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Breakfront Bookcase, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Mahogany and satinwood Inlaid breakfront bookcase, Circa 1880.
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mogens Koch Bookcases in Mahogany for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch a pair of bookcases in mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen.
Mahogany
$8,000
H 32.75 in W 34 in D 19.75 in
Exceptional Josef Frank Chest of Drawers, Cabinet, Svenskt Tenn, Mahogany, Brass
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful chest of drawers by Josef Frank, Mahogany and Brass pulls, six drawers. Cabinet has age-related wear. We will have it refinished for the buyer. Great piece of Swedish Moder...
Brass
$2,341 / set
H 63.78 in W 46.46 in D 13.78 in
Pair of Original Art Deco Bookcases, Ash, Mahogany, Revived Polish, Czech. 1940s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
In pristine original condition, the item has been professionally cleaned, and its polish has been revived by our refurbishing team in Czechia. It has been re-polished with polyuthe...
Glass, Wood, Ash, Mahogany, Lacquer
1940's Italian Bookcase by Vittorio Lombardi
By Vittorio Lombardi
Located in Hanover, MA
Standing open double bookcase with two single drawers with brass bow-tie handles and decorative painted ribbon detail on both sides, like pin striping. The edges are outlined in butterfly molding. The top and bottom flare outwards giving it the silhouette of the letter "K". On the back is an engraved brass plate which reads "Made by Vittorio Lombardi...
Parchment Paper
$10,599
H 29.93 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Mahogany and Brass Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool mahogany chest of drawers by Josef Frank, with an amazing, playful silhouette. Elegant brass handles.
Brass
American Crotch Mahogany Glass Front Bookcase. Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
American book matched crotch mahogany two door glass front bookcase with gadrooned molded edges, adjustable interior shelving, lower fitted compartmentalized cabinets over intricate...
$27,415
H 51.19 in W 48.82 in D 22.45 in
Josef Frank 'Gustav V' Cabinet in Rosewood, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant rosewood cabinet was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930's. In the Svensk Tenn archive's furniture book, Estrid Ericson (the founder of Svenskt Tenn) has made a pencil sketch of the cabinet and written "designed for the King", Gustaf V, likely for his 80th birthday in 1938. So this particular model 792 also became known as the Gustav V model. The rare cabinet on offer here was produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in the early 1950s. The model was usually produced in pyramid mahogany, only a few pieces were made in rosewood. The cabinet has double doors, veneered in mirorred rosewood, with a solid oak interior with a total of 10 pull-out drawers. Brass key and round brass door hinges...
Wood, Oak, Rosewood
$8,000
H 39.5 in W 55 in D 10.5 in
Swedish Modern, Nordens Flora Bookcase, Birch, Floral Lithographs, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stamford, CT
Swedish Modern, Nordens Flora Bookcase, Birch, Floral Lithographs, Sweden, 1940s A wonderful Scandinavian open bookcase cabinet in the manner of Josef Frank and produced in the earl...
Birch
Wall bookcase by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Brescia, IT
Small solid wood wall bookcase, 1950s Scandinavian production, attributed to Josef Frank. Solid wood wall bookcase, Scandinavian production 1950s, attributed to Josef Frank. The com...
Teak
Sold
H 27.96 in W 12.6 in D 6.7 in
Suspended bookcase designed by Josef Frank manufactured by Svenskt Tenn 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare hanging bookcase designed by Josef Frank in the 1950s in mahogany wood. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in the 1950s. Good conditions. A conservative restoration was done w...
Mahogany
Sold
H 27.96 in W 12.6 in D 6.7 in
Suspended Bookcase Designed by Josef Frank Produced by Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare hanging bookcase designed by Josef Frank in the 1950s in mahogany wood. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in the 1950s. Good condition. Conservative restoration has been ...
Mahogany
Josef Frank Wallhanged Bookshelves in Mahogany by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of wallhanged bookshelves designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Mahogany
Sold
H 35.44 in W 55.12 in D 11.42 in
Josef Frank Freestanding Bookcase in Mahogany by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding bookshelf designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Mahogany
Josef Frank Bookshelf by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding bookshelf designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Mahogany
Exceptional Mid-Century Wall Unit by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rarely seen three section wall unit by Josef Frank. Featuring two toned wood pulls with keyed cabinets. White lacquered on a green base and fittings in walnut. The bookcase comes ...
Brass
Exceptional Mid-Century Wall Unit by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rarely seen three section wall unit by Josef Frank. Featuring two-toned wood pulls with keyed cabinets. White lacquered on a green base and fittings in walnut. The bookcase comes...
Brass
Exceptional Mid-Century Wall Unit by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Exceptional Mid-Century wall unit by Josef Frank. Rarely seen three section wall unit by Josef Frank. Featuring two-toned wood pulls with keyed c...
Brass
Exceptional Mid-Century Wall Unit by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Exceptional Mid-Century wall unit by Josef Frank Rarely seen three section wall unit by Josef Frank. Featuring two toned wood pulls with keyed cab...
Brass
Josef Frank - Bookcases
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of Mahogany bookcases with adjustable shelves. Back-stops for each of the shelves.
Mahogany