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, Serving Cart, Bamboo, Rattan, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan, raffia and metal serving cart or bar cart, model 892, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Larsson Korgmakare for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor staining...
Bamboo, Rattan
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.
Mahogany
Svenskt Tenn Serving Trolley in White Lacquered Metal by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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,...
Metal, 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.
Formica
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...
Brass
Swedish Tea or Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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...
Brass, Sheet Metal
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn – Rare Brass & Mirrored Glass Drinks Trolley
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
An exceptionally rare and early Josef Frank drinks trolley, designed around 1938 for Svenskt Tenn. This sought-after model features Frank’s characteristic perforated brass edging, el...
Brass
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"
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...
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...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Bamboo and Rattan Serving Bar Cart or Trolley, 1970
By Franco Albini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Mid-Century Bamboo and Rattan Serving Bar Cart or Trolley, 1970 Gorgeous bar cart or trolley made of curved bamboo and rattan during the Italian mid-century in the 1960s. Th...
Bamboo, Rattan
$15,098
H 28.35 in W 57.09 in D 57.09 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.
Mahogany, Amboyna
Midcentury Chrome Glass and Marble Bar Cart
Located in Houston, TX
A midcentury two-tiered chrome, glass, and marble bar cart on casters.
Marble, Chrome
Swedish Designer, Bar Cart, Brass, Oak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, oak and rubber bar cart or serving cart designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to metal Minor water spots present to wood Wear consistent with age a...
Brass
$1,872
H 30.71 in W 33.86 in D 3.15 in
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...
Metal
Vintage M-B Italia Brass & Glass Bar Cart
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A charming petite bar cart/trolley crafted in Italy, mid-20th century. The sleek metal frame retains a great luster in the brass-tone that complements the modern design. Two tinted g...
Metal, Brass
$7,800
H 19 in W 41.5 in D 41.5 in
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...
Beech
Art Deco Bar Cart
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco bar cart, hardwood frame with plywood with black glass button and mirror top on glass (plexiglass?) wheels. Made in Austria in the late 1...
Hardwood, Plywood
Unavailable|$6,900
H 23.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
20th Century Swedish Vintage Svenskt Tenn Mahogany Coffee Table by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A square, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish coffee table made of hand crafted polished Mahogany, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The Scandina...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Italian Bamboo & Rattan Bar Cart Serving Trolley
Located in Forney, TX
A charming mid-century Italian modern bamboo and rattan bar cart / rolling server / petite cocktail drinks service trolley. Made in Italy, circa 1960s/1970, oval cart with two tie...
Bamboo, Rattan
$2,778
H 31.5 in W 24.81 in D 20.87 in
1950s by Cesare Lacca Italian Design Midcentury Bar Cart Trolley
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Brescia, IT
Mahogany and brass details, crystal tops. Excellent condition, glass perfect.
Crystal, Brass
Woodard Chantilly Rose White Wrought Iron Tea or Bar Cart, 1950s USA
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
This is a Classic Woodard Chantilly Rose wrought iron tea cart or bar cart, well made and fine quality. Wood, a great American company, furnished th...
Wrought Iron
Swedish Brass Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1950s bar cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. The frame, crafted entirely from solid brass, bends and curls in rhythmic lines, with two oversized wheels echoing the ...
Brass
Sold
H 23.04 in W 41.34 in D 18.9 in
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.
Brass
Sold
H 17.72 in W 32.68 in D 22.25 in
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.
Mahogany
Vintage Swedish Brass Drinks Trolley by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 17.72 in W 32.68 in D 22.25 in
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. Original Formica table top with patina.
Mahogany, Formica
Sold
H 29.73 in W 34.26 in D 20.48 in
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
Brass
Bar cart by Josef Frank, Svenskt tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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...
Brass
Brass Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, c. 1950's
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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 ...
Brass
Brass Bar Cart by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, c. 1950's
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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 ...
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...
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
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...
Mahogany
Sold
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 Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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....
Brass