Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Austrian, 1885-1967
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.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
1
9
4
2
1
9
8
1
1
1
5
1
6
6
3
2
2
9
9
9
9
9
9
232
78
59
38
23
Creator: Josef Frank
Midcentury Serving Cart by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant serving cart by Josef Frank, made from mahogany in a versatile design. Drop leaves, a drawer that slides both ways and a removable tray under the table top.
Width 89 cm with...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Bar Trolley by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mahogany serving trolley by Josef Frank. Simplistic to the core with a clean silhouette and great proportions. Steel handle.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany
Art Deco Josef Frank Vintage Brass Glass Bar Cart Svenskt Tenn circa 1938 Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art deco vintage bar cart model number 889 from brass and mirror glass designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn circa 1938, Sweden.
An amazing authentic bar cart from brass, perforat...
Category
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Svenskt Tenn Serving Trolley in White Lacquered Metal by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Aachen, NRW
Svenskt Tenn, bar cart or serving trolley, brass, lacquered metal, Sweden, 1950s
This sophisticated bar cart, crafted by the renowned Swedish manufacturer Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s,...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Metal, Brass
Walnut and Brass Serving Trolley Model 756 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 756 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn,
Sweden, 1940s.
Veneered walnut and brass.
H: 65 cm
W: 53 cm
Width when fully extended: 89 cm
D: 80 cm
Josef Fr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Josef Frank Folding Bar Cart or Side Table by Svensk Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Munich, DE
Light and easy to store foldable table with a nice print by Josef Frank.
Category
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Formica
Swedish Tea or Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Matosinhos, 13
A beautiful design piece, imagined by Josef Frank for the Swedish brand Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s.
This piece can be used as a bar or tea cart, infusing any space with glamour and character from the Nordic mid-century style.
It is a very versatile and iconic piece, with elegant proportions and delicate metal-work details.
About Josef Frank & Svenskt Tenn:
Svenskt Tenn was founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, who recruited Josef Frank to...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass, Sheet Metal
Serving trolley model 889 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 889 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s.
Brass & glass.
H: 60 cm / 2'
L: 98 cm / 3' 3 1/2"
D: 48 cm / 1' 6 7/8"
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Brass Acrylic Bar Cart Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Miami, FL
Chic 1950s Scandinavian modern brass bar cart designed by Josef Frank and manufactured for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Made out of tubular and perforated brass. Wire mesh brass tray on t...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Related Items
20th Century Swedish Svenskt Tenn Vintage Sofa Table - Diplomat by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish sofa table "diplomat" made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Beech
$7,800
H 19 in W 41.5 in D 41.5 in
Midcentury Modern Sideboard by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing sideboard by Josef Frank, in a rare design with multiple drawers and decorative details. Made from mahogany with brass handles and hinges. Inlayed line of lighter wood around...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany
$52,411
H 35.04 in W 22.45 in D 86.62 in
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare cabinet by Josef Frank, made in elm with beautiful woodgrain. Signature design with an array of drawers on an elevated, airy base.
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Elm
$52,411
H 52.37 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Josef Frank Dining Table Model 1020 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare dining table model 1020 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Boxwood, Walnut
$40,764
H 28.15 in W 56.3 in D 56.3 in
Josef Frank Brass and Mirror Tray for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant and rare rectangular serving tray designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1940s. The tray features a polished brass frame with soft, rounded corners and an in...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
$1,164
H 1.19 in W 14.18 in D 9.06 in
Midcentury Cesare Lacca Italian Serving Trolley Bar Cart in Wood and Glass, 1950
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous midcentury serving bar cart in wood and glass with brass handles. This charming and unique bar cart was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy during the 1950s.
In...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
$1,921
H 29.93 in W 30.32 in D 16.54 in
Occasional Table Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn,
Sweden. 1950s.
Mahogany.
H: 45 cm
L: 80 cm
D: 40 cm
Josef Frank was a true European, he was also a pioneer of what would become classic 20th century Swedish design and the “Scandinavian Design Style”.
Austrian- born Frank started his design career as an architect after having trained at the Technische Hochschule in Vienna between 1903 and 1910. After his training he went on to teach at Kunstgewerbeschule (The Viennese School of Arts and crafts) where he developed and espoused the new school of modernist thinking towards Architecture and Design that was coming to fruition in Vienna at the time. He also went on to lead the Vienna Werkbund throughout the 1920s. This was a truly progressive group of Architects and Designers who set about improving the daily lives of Austrian people through modernist design and architecture in partnership with Arts and Crafts ideals and construction. Frank’s leadership of the Werkbund had already cemented his place at the forefront of European design.
Frank’s time in Vienna was typified by his design for the “Die Wohnung” exhibition of the Deutscher Werkbund in Stuttgart, 1927 where he exhibited along side his contemporaries at the forefront of design, such as the likes of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Here he showed a specially designed pair of flat-roofed reinforced concrete houses in what is now seen as a typical modernist style.
What separated Frank’s house from the other 32 houses of the exhibition was the interior and furniture inside the building. It was described as “Neo-Classical” and filled with an eclectic mix of period pieces, modern design and pieces designed by Frank himself that seemed to cross the two worlds. This was a complete opposite direction to that which his fellow Architects were travelling in with their pared back and angular aesthetics. Frank said of his own work: “The house is not a work of art, simply a place where one lives,” and by this reasoning Frank rejected the regimental mechanisation of the living space that his contemporaries believed in, instead he set about creating congenial and spontaneous interiors. Frank’s practice saw him placing the bright colours and the soft forms of nature back into the furnishings and interiors that he thought modernism sorely mist.
Frank, along with Oskar Walch set up Haus und Garten in Vienna in 1925. This was Frank’s first commercial foray into furniture and home furnishings and the company went on to become the most influential furnishing house in Vienna with a riotous depth of colour and interesting shapes becoming the trademark of their design. However this success was to come to an end with rise of Nazism in Vienna in the early 1930’s. Frank was Jewish, and he and his wife Anna decided they would leave Vienna for her motherland: Sweden, in 1933. Frank continued to design for Haus and Garten, visiting Vienna occasionally and designing the pieces that would continue to be the company’s best...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany
$6,405
H 17.72 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
Josef Frank Dining Table Model 1020 Produced by Svenskt tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare dining table model 1020 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt tenn in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany, Amboyna
$14,558
H 28.35 in W 57.09 in D 57.09 in
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Expanding Bar or Cocktail Cart by Poul Hundevad
By Hundevad & Co., Poul Hundevad
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Scandinavian Modern teak expanding bar or cocktail cart by Poul Hundevad. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Metal
$2,995
H 23.75 in W 29.5 in D 20 in
Treitel Gratz Art Deco Brass Bar Cart
By Treitel Gratz
Located in North Miami, FL
Original vintage Lucite handles and polished brass bar cart. Two-tiers of glass shelves this cart is on casters for easy rolling.
Category
1940s American Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Rolling Bar Cart
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Art Deco Rolling Bar Cart
This Art Deco Rolling Bar Cart is both practical and beutiful. Able to be moved into place , pushed by its handles and rol...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Art Deco Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Chrome
Space Age Vintage Red Orange Serving Table or Bar Cart 1960s Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage serving cart or bar cart or gueridon in a happy making color tone red orange from laminate and metal.
The bar cart shows a foldable feature. For a good mobility th...
Category
1960s German Space Age Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Metal
$1,805
H 30.71 in W 33.86 in D 3.15 in
Previously Available Items
Bar cart by Josef Frank, Svenskt tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Classic bar cart produced by Svenskt tenn and designed by Josef Frank in the 1950s. Made in brass, glass and wooden handles. Removable tray with handles.
This model is a rare one w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Serving Cart by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant mirrored glass bar trolley on wheels by Josef Frank, made with a brass frame. The frame has a scalloped edge with a perforated pattern. Clean and decorative design.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Vintage Swedish Brass Drinks Trolley by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made vintage Swedish brass drinks trolley by Josef Frank. This was made in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn, it dates from aro...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass, Steel
Midcentury Bar Trolley by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mahogany serving trolley by Josef Frank. Simplistic to the core with a clean silhouette and great proportions. Steel handle. Original Formica table top with patina.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany, Formica
Design Brass Drinks Trolley by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Circa 1950
By Josef Frank
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This design drinks trolley is made of brass with a removable top tray. This is a Sweedish work by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
H 29.73 in W 34.26 in D 20.48 in
Brass Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, c. 1950's
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Norwalk, CT
Channel Old Hollywood glamour with this fantastic and rare serving trolley designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from pierced brass with scrolled wirework decorating its ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Hollywood Regency Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Brass Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, c. 1950's
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Norwalk, CT
Channel Old Hollywood glamour with this fantastic and rare serving trolley designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from pierced brass with scrolled wirework decorating its ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Hollywood Regency Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
20th Century Metal Bar Cart by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
Created with an art deco sensibility by noted designer Joseph Frank, this distinguished bar cart radiates a mystique and beauty all its own. Featuring a perforated brass top and bott...
Category
20th Century Danish Art Deco Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
Serving Trolley Model 470 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Serving trolley model 470 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn,
Sweden, 1950s.
Mahogany.
Stamped.
H: 60 cm
W: 80 cm
D: 45 cm
Josef Frank was a true European, he was also a pi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Mahogany
H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Josef Frank, Mahogany serving cart, model 470, for Svenskt Tenn, ca 1980s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Uppsala, SE
Mahogany serving or bar cart / trolley with brass feet and rubber wheels designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the mid 20th century. This example is from the late 20th century....
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Brass Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, Around 1949
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful mid-century brass bar cart was designed by Josef Frank and was manufactured by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
It is made out of tubular and perforated brass. The trays are r...
Category
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
H 29.53 in W 17.33 in D 31.5 in
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Brass Bar Cart or Tea Trolley by Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful Mid-Century Modern bar cart or tea trolley.
Design by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn.
Striking Swedish design from the 1950s.
Brass frame and wheels with two removable per...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Josef Frank Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Brass
H 29.53 in W 33.47 in L 29.53 in
Josef Frank carts and bar carts for sale on 1stDibs.
Josef Frank carts and bar carts are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Josef Frank carts and bar carts, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original carts and bar carts by Josef Frank were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider carts and bar carts by Svenskt Tenn, Johannes Andersen, and Grete Jalk. Prices for Josef Frank carts and bar carts can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $610 and can go as high as $24,491, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,900.
Creators Similar to Josef Frank
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Josef Frank Furniture
Josef Frank Side Tables
Josef Frank Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Josef Frank Tables
Josef Frank Sofa Tables
Josef Frank Lighting
Josef Frank Seating
Josef Frank Mirrors
Josef Frank Decorative Objects
Josef Frank Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Josef Frank Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Josef Frank Candlesticks
Josef Frank Candelabras