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 '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
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
Josef Frank 'Model 2194' Sideboard, Walnut & Brass, Scandinavian, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 2194 is a sideboard that illustrates the quieter, more architectural side of Josef Frank’s work for Svenskt Tenn. While Frank is widely celebrated for his vivid and expressive ...
Brass
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
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
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
$4,181
H 26.38 in W 25.6 in D 12.6 in
1950s Scandinavian Modern Commode with Josef Frank Clover Motif Wallpaper, Teak
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
A distinctive 1950s Scandinavian Modern three-drawer commode, professionally wallpapered with Josef Frank’s iconic clover leaf motif. The decorative surface adds a vibrant yet refine...
Teak
Sideboard by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Budapest, HU
Sideboard by Umberto Mascagni. Four doors and four-drawer and the mirror. We have the complete dining suite: Table and six chairs and bar cabinet.
Aluminum
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
$356,047
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 Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Swedish 3 Door Cabinet - Nordens Flora Illustrations
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Sideboard “Calmare Nyckel”, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sideboard in oak designed by Carl Malmsten as part of the “Calmare Nyckel” series. The piece features four framed cabinet doors and a decorative drawers with carved circular motifs...
Oak
$1,672Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.6 in W 31.5 in D 16.54 in
Sideboard By Karl Erik Ekselius For JOC Design Vetlanda Sweden. 1960s
By JOC Mobler Vetlanda, Karl-Erik Ekselius
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Very beautiful and high quality sideboard / credenzas in teak and designed by Karl Erik Ekselius for JOC Design Vetlanda Sweden. This cabinet is in absolutely beautiful condition and...
Beech, Teak
$6,690
H 53.94 in W 64.97 in D 17.33 in
Italian Mid-Century Sideboard Three-Door in Birch Briar Root by Dassi, 1950s
By Dassi Mobili Moderni, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Rare sideboard three-doors designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s. It's a very fine item made using precious materials as well as the three-doors made of birch briar root, finished ...
Brass
Cabinet 'Model 522' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
1950s Sideboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, solid oak, lacquered oak, the Netherlands, 1950s This 1950s Dutch sideboard is a beautiful example of post-war modernism, combining functional clarity with subtle decorat...
Oak
Brazilian Designer, Sideboard, Wood, Cane, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood, cane and brass sideboard or cabinet designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.25"H x 86.25"W x 20.0"D All items ship from High Poin...
Brass
Sold
H 28.35 in W 39.38 in D 17.72 in
Sideboard Model 1148 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Walnut and alder root veneer. Measures: H 72 cm/ 28 1/4” D 45 cm/ 17 3/4” L 100 cm/ 39 1/2” Total length when open 150 cm/ 4' 11”.
Walnut
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
Estrid Ericson & Josef Frank, Chest by Svenskt Tenn
By Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Storage unit designed by Estrid Ericson (chest) and Josef Frank (stand). Designed for and manufactured by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Hand-painted parchment, teak base and brass f...
Mid-Century Josef Frank Sideboard
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Josef Frank sideboard. Figured mahogany and inlay with brass handles.
Brass
Sold
H 51.19 in W 79.14 in D 19.3 in
1950s, Mahogany Wall Cabinet by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful mahogany wall cabinet. This cabinet is designed by Josef Frank and produced by the company Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Period 1950-1959. Dimensions: H 130 cm, W 201 cm, D ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 29.53 in W 17.72 in D 12.6 in
Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn, Pair of Magazine Racks in Stained Beech 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Copenhagen, DK
JOSEF FRANK & SVENSKT TENN - SCANDINAVIAN MODERN. This is an early edition of magazine racks designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn (Estrid Erics...
Beech
Sold
H 48.43 in W 39.38 in D 13.19 in
Mid-20th Century Teak Cabinet Decorated with Wallpaper by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Madrid, ES
Gorgeous teak sideboard decorated with Josef Frank's "Paradiset" wallpaper. Frank designed the "Paradiset" pattern in the 1940s for Swedish manufacturer Svenskt Tenn. The cabinet's i...
Teak, Wood
Elm, Oak and Walnut Sideboard by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking elm, oak and walnut sideboard by Josef Frank, where Frank’s characteristic luxurious modernism includes streaks of Swedish traditionalism, creating an interesting blend of s...
Brass
Mahogany Sideboard by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant airy mahogany sideboard by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, with different nuances of wood adding to the refinement. Beautiful wood g...
Mahogany
Sold
H 31.5 in W 86.62 in D 21.66 in
Sideboard Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sideboard in mahogany and brass designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Very rare model.
Brass
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden 1940s Chest of Drawers
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
A small and delicious chest of drawers in mahogany designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1940s. Worldwide shipping.
Brass