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.
Cabinet 'Model 522' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
This cabinet, model 522, designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, stands among the most expressive examples of Swedish modern design. The rectilinear mahogany case is entirely clad ...
Mahogany
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
Cabinet model 2135 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 2135 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn is a cabinet that exemplifies the refined balance between material richness and architectural lightness that defines Frank’s work. Raised o...
Cherry
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
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
Display Cabinet / Table Vitrine in Mahogany and Glass by Josef Frank, 1960's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Display Cabinet / Table Vitrine in Mahogany, Glass and Mirrored Glass by Josef Frank, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, glass and mirrored glass Style: Mid century,...
Mahogany, Glass
Josef Frank Cabinet for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautiful, elegant and large sideboard designed by Josef Frank. Manufactured by Svenskt Tenn, circa 1940s. Cabinet features four doors concealing one adjustable shelf per compartment...
Brass
Vintage Josef Frank Style Swedish Cabinet, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Round Rock, TX
Vintage Swedish cabinet, after Josef Frank. Wildflower front with a grounded frame. The loose botanical motif echoes the Svenskt Tenn aesthetic with a nice balance of movement. Solid...
Textile, Beech
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
IVY Cabinet, Cherry, Brass, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
IVY Cabinet by Dosbananos. Two-door cabinet covered in original Josef Frank 'Paradiset' wallpaper. Cherry wood with brass hinges and brass stretchers. Cabinet has four adjustable she...
Brass
Art Dèco Italian Walnut Vitrines or Bar Display Cabinet, 1925
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Art Dèco vitrines or display cabinet, Italian production of the 1920s, in walnut and walnut briar, screen-printed glass with grinding around. The showcase has been restored and polis...
Crystal
Large French Empire Mahogany & Marble Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1900 Large French Empire mahogany & marble bookcase cabinet W128 x D42 x H234 cm Base W124 x D42 x H88 cm Top W128 x D23 x H146 cm.
Marble
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 96 in W 114.25 in D 19 in
Display Cabinet-Glass, Brass & Mahogany by The Joslin Showcase Company of Boston
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large mahogany display cabinet made by the Joslin Showcase Company of Boston, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 1893. The cabinet is made it two pieces. The upper part has three glass shelves plus the bottom wooden shelf. The base has six working drawers and four sliding doors with fielded panels. The two end drawers are false and don't open. The original nickel shelf...
Brass, Nickel
1950's Swedish Cabinet with Nordens Flora Illustrations
By Josef Frank
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950’s Swedish Cabinet later papered with illustrations by C.A. Lindman book Nordens Flora. Unique sized cabinet consists of 2 doors concealing interior fixed shelves Two drawers. ...
Mahogany, Paper
Swedish 3 Door Cabinet - Nordens Flora Illustrations
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Swedish three-door sideboard or cabinet, circa 1950s. The cabinet features clean lines and a balanced interior layout behind two doors, opening to separate compartments. One compar...
Birch, Paper
$25,660
H 27.76 in W 28.75 in D 18.12 in
Rare Freestanding Chest in Brass, Parchment and Walnut by Josef Frank, 1940s
By Estrid Ericson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This exceptionally rare freestanding chest, designed by Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1940s, exemplifies a distinctive fusion of decorative art...
Brass
$12,621
H 39.77 in W 31.89 in D 19.89 in
Serving trolley model 2777 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1950
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 2777 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Mahogany with a black arborite top. Brass handles. H: 105 cm / 41 3/8" L: 81 cm / 31 7/8" D: 50...
Brass
$356,499
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
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
Tallboy Cabinet by Josef Frank 'Model 955'
By Josef Frank
Located in Long Island City, NY
Tallboy Cabinet by Josef Frank ( Model 955 ) in mahogany with a brass key and joinery. About Josef Frank: Josef Frank was one of early Vienna mo...
Brass
Sold
H 48.04 in W 37.8 in D 16.54 in
Swedish Modern Cabinet in Oak, Upholstered with Svenskt Tenn Fabric, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Odense, DK
Such a sculptural curvy cabinet made in oak, later upholstered with fabric from Svenskt Tenn. Made by a Swedish Cabinetmaker in the 1940s. Exclusively de...
Oak
Sold
H 55.12 in W 41.34 in D 17.33 in
Cabinet on Stand Model 2135 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cabinet on stand model 2135 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Cherry wood and alder root veneer. Signed. Dimensions: H: 140 cm / 4' 7" W: 105 cm / 3' 5 1/2"...
Cherry
Sold
H 17.33 in W 18.12 in D 13 in
Danish Art Deco Stools, Reupholstered in Josef Frank Fabric from Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Odense, DK
A wonderful pair of Danish Art Deco stools, upholstered in fine vintage fabric from Svenskt Tenn, model "Hawaii" from 2015. Designed in 1943 by Swedish Designer Josef Frank. An exclu...
Fabric, Wood
Showcase Cabinet Josef Frank Swedish Design circa 1946 Mahogany
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Showcase Cabinet designed by Josef Frank executed by Svenskt Tenn Swedish Design circa 1946 Mahogany The architect, designer and theorist Josef Frank was born in Austria in 1885. Li...
Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 59.06 in W 46.26 in D 16.74 in
"Flora" Mahogany Cabinet Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1951
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing “Flora” cabinet by Josef Frank, made from mahogany and decorated with antique prints cataloging flowers and plants. Beautiful patina. The design is originally from 1937, this...
Mahogany, Paper
Mahogany Vitrine Cabinet by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful, rare vitrine cabinet by Josef Frank, made in mahogany and glass. Mirrored glass reflects objects placed on the clear glass shelves. Sculpted feet, elegant smooth lines.
Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 58.67 in W 47.25 in D 16.93 in
Josef Frank Cabinet Flora / Model 852 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and early 1st edition of Flora / model 852 cabinet designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Mahogany, Oak, Paper
Sold
H 58.67 in W 47.25 in D 16.93 in
Josef Frank Early Flora Cabinet Model 852 by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and early 1st edition of Flora / model 852 cabinet designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Mahogany, Oak, Paper
Vintage Flora Cabinet by Josef Frank, 1950s, Number 852
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Fantastic vintage icon cabinet "Flora" by Josef Frank in rectangular wooden frame with illustrations from the book "Nordens Flora" by C. A. M. Lindman. Produced by Svensk Tenn. Two f...
Brass
Mahogany Cabinet by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking mahogany cabinet by Josef Frank. Boxy yet light design with a dramatic veneer pattern on the doors. Shelves can be pulled out at the bottom of the cabinet.
Mahogany
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