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.
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
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
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
$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
Napoleon III Kingwood Freestanding Open Bookcase
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Napoleon III kingwood freestanding open bookcase, of oval form with four angled, fluted pilasters, the top and three shelves covered with tooled green leather, applied with moulded...
Kingwood
$348,015
H 29.93 in W 51.97 in D 17.33 in
Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930s, the Flora chest of drawers, model 1050, is one of the most poetic expressions of Scandinavian design. This vintage chest of drawers is crafted in warm mahogany with three spacious drawers, each fronted by hand printed botanical plates from Nordens flora by C. A. Lindman. The prints are framed by Frank’s characteristically slender mouldings and the piece stands on delicately turned ball feet that lend it a light, elevated character. The Josef Frank Flora...
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
$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 Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$21,021
H 28.55 in W 39.57 in D 17.72 in
Josef Frank Sideboard 'Model 1148', Walnut & Alder, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sideboard model 1148 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Walnut and alder root veneer. This sideboard model 1148 with two clever extension flaps was designed b...
Walnut
Grand Scale Mahogany Custom Bookcase with Leaded Glass Sliding Doors
Located in Milford, NH
A fine large two-door bookcase with sliding leaded glass doors and adjustable shelves, originally a built-in floor to ceiling piece, with a cut-in on the left side, built around heat...
Glass, Mahogany
Sligh Furniture Regency Carved Mahogany Bookcase, Circa 1940s
By Sligh-Lowry Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Regency style bookcase By Sligh-Lowry Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany, with original brass hardware. Shelves are removable and adjustable. Measu...
Brass
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
Mahogany Waterfall Bookcase
Located in Cheshire, GB
A well-proportioned early 20th-century mahogany waterfall bookcase, combining practical storage with refined decorative detail. The upper section is formed of three graduated open sh...
Wood
1940s Intarsa Inlay Bookcase in Elm
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Sweden Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1940s Materials: Elm Measurements: 70.75″ wide x 12.25″ deep x 45″ tall
Elm
English mid-century modern revolving wooden bookcase, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
English mid-century modern revolving wooden bookcase, 1940s Revolving bookcase made entirely of wood. It features three square shelves with slats along the edges. The turned central ...
Wood
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
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H 27.96 in W 12.6 in D 6.7 in
Suspended bookcase designed by Josef Frank manufactured by Svenskt Tenn 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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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 Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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H 27.96 in W 12.6 in L 27.96 in
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