Today, the name Svenskt Tenn is associated around the world with the vibrant, modernist textiles and furniture of Josef Frank, who was the Swedish company’s chief designer in the mid-20th century. But the term “svenskt tenn” actually means “Swedish pewter,” and the very first goods the company sold were stylish pewter objects, such as an elegant 1927 candelabra found in the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum, or a sleek, understated mirror in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts. These pieces were designed to appeal to discerning but price-conscious shoppers in 1920s-era Stockholm.
Art teacher and interior designer Estrid Ericson (1894–1981) partnered with pewter artisan Nils Fougstedt (1881–1954) to establish Svenskt Tenn in 1924, and their creations quickly gained a reputation for high quality and affordability, winning a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925 — the design fair that brought global attention to the Art Deco style.
The experience of renovating her own apartment in the 1920s exposed Ericson to Swedish functionalism — or funkis, as it was known in Sweden — a branch of modernism that advocated uncomplicated forms, subdued colors and utility. She was inspired to open an interior design department at Svenskt Tenn, and in 1930 the firm introduced its first line of furniture.
Selections included items produced by the companies Gemla and Bodafors, as well as original designs by Ericson and the architects Uno Åhrén and Björn Trägårdh, who had worked together on the redesign and expansion of the showroom. The trio’s furniture was displayed at Stockholm’s Galleri Modern in 1931, where it was met with praise from critic Gotthard Johansson, a leading proponent of Swedish functionalism. Johansson admired the “pure lines” and “modern austerity” of the furniture, establishing Svenskt Tenn as an important voice in Swedish design.
But the signature partnership that would come to define the look of Svenskt Tenn was in part the result of political turmoil and the emergence of Nazism in Europe. When Josef Frank fled Vienna for Stockholm in 1933, he was already an accomplished architect who questioned modernist orthodoxy in design. He disliked tubular steel furniture and believed that monochromatic surfaces were distressing to viewers, while pattern and ornament gave interiors a sense of warmth and calm. Ericson was an admirer of Frank’s work, and offered him the chance to design products for Svenskt Tenn. Their professional partnership, particularly in textile design, would eventually become one of the hallmarks of Swedish modernism.
Frank and Ericson collaborated from 1934 until Frank’s death in 1967, with Frank creating unmistakable, bold designs and Ericson employing her flair for interiors, merchandising and display. The pair called their shared approach “Accidentism” or “The Happy Chances Philosophy,” mixing and matching the new and antique, the serious with the playful and pattern with solid colors to find eclectic new combinations in their showroom.
Frank’s textiles are like a visual catalogue of exotic plants and flowers, geological formations and maps, inspired in part by Ericson’s world travels and by Frank’s love of folk art. Svenskt Tenn continues to sell fabric, wallpaper and household goods, many of which sport variations of Frank's signature botanical motifs. Antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn pewter, lighting, furniture, textiles and decorative objects are generally priced anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on scale and condition.
The tenets of Scandinavian modernism are as fresh and relevant now as they were in the 1950s — light-filled and airy rooms with white walls are perfect settings for comfortable furniture upholstered in one of Josef Frank’s indelible patterns, and nearly a century since its founding, the signature aesthetic of Svenskt Tenn remains as distinctive and timeless as ever.
Find antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn mirrors, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Josef Frank Silk Pendant Lamp for Svenskt Tenn, Brass & Silk, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Portland, OR
An early example of model 2560 Josef Frank pendant for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden 1940s. Executed in solid nicely patinated brass and with newer silk shade, made in Austria. Original mount...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and green-lacquered parchment paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 10.5” H x 17.75” W x 11.5...
Brass
Heigh Adjustable Silk Pendant Light by Josef Frank Model 1844
By Frank Josef, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare large height adjustable brass/fabric pendant. Designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank manufactured by Svenskt Tenn. Fitted with one E27 socket. The lamp is restored with new electr...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 18.5” H x 7.25” W x 16.5“ D Back Plate Dimen...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and off-white fabric pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage lampshade in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Brass
Early 1819 Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Table lamp model 1819 designed by Josef Frank. Early version made from 1934-1940s. Nickel plated brass and rare socket with porcelain fitting and turn switch. New lamp shade with whi...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful brass floor lamps by Josef Frank, made from brass with wide pleated shades. Decorative screws used for adjusting the height. Married couple, small design variation ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and blown glass table lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.125“ H x 4.25“ diameterDimensions of Shad...
Brass
Pair of floor lamps, model '2564' by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
This elegant pair of floor lamps, model '2564', was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s. The lamps combine a brass structure with deep green lacquered metal shades,...
Metal, Brass
Brass Floor Lamp Model #2148 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass floor lamp by Josef Frank with adjustable height. Simple, clean lines, crisp plissé lamp shade. About Josef Frank: Josef Frank was ...
Brass
Table lamp 'Model 2468' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table Lamp model 2468, designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, is one of the most recognisable and spirited lighting designs of Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Dis...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red-lacquered paper wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 25.25” H x 9.5” W x 19“ D Back Plate Di...
Brass
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. Original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Sven Wejsfelt Ceramic Table Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Gustavsberg, 1960s
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Sven Wejsfelt and produced by Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden in the 1960s. The lamp is marked with the maker's initials "SW" on the bottom of the b...
Ceramic, Fabric
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 47.5“ H x 15” W x 27.25” D ...
Brass
Model "1842" Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Utrecht, NL
Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank has had an enormous impact on the history of Swedish design. Despite being nearly 50 years old when emigrating to Sweden, he is now widely...
Brass
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Örsjö Industri AB, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking floor lamp was produced by the Örsjö Armatur company in Sweden in the 1950s. The design consists of a circular base in solid teak wood and a central cylindrical teak wo...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Light scratching and oxidation to brass. Replaced vintage lampshade. Overall D...
Brass
$5,973 / item
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank, model 2148, produced by Svenskt Tenn. With 4 lights each, controlled with two discreet push switches, allowing two different lighting moods. With a bespoke ...
Brass
Carrara marble table lamp 2575 by Josef Frank, Svenskt tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Table lamp model 2575 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1950-60s. Made from carrara marble with brass lamp socket and new lamp shade in deep green ch...
Carrara Marble
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and fabric wall lights designed and produced by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8” H x 4” W x 5.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 2.9” ...
Brass
Josef Frank, early example model 2148 floor lamp for Svenskt Tenn, 1934
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Uppsala, SE
Early example of the 2148 model floor lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the 1934. This example is most likely from the 1950s or 1960s and is height adjustable between ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23” H x 14” W x 17” D Back Plate Dimensi...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and paper floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Socket takes standard E-26 medium base bulb. There is no maximum wattage state...
Brass
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Table Lamp Tisch-Überall, Brass & Leather, Austria, 1930
By Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar, Oskar Wlach
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Viennese Modernism table or desk lamp form the 1930s, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten (Josef Frank und Oskar Wlach) in 1934. The...
Brass, Iron, Wire
Modernist Table Lamp #2468 by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Early edition brass table lamp with three colorful shades by Josef Frank, model #2468. Slender forms that give a voluminous expression and a great general, soft spreading of light.
Brass
Floor Lamp in red and Brass by Josef Frank. Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1960s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Floor lamp model 1842 designed by Josef Frank. Produced in Sweden by Firma Svenskt tenn during the 1960-70s. Made from brass and red lacquered brass. New lamp shade in pleated chintz...
Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass, mahogany and white fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn,, Sweden, 1940s. Cord feeds from bottom of brass stem. Overall Dimens...
Brass
Model "1842" Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden First half of the 20th Century
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Utrecht, NL
Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank has had an enormous impact on the history of Swedish design. Despite being nearly 50 years old when emigrating to Sweden, he is now widely...
Brass
Rare Pair of Table Lamps Model 2552/2 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Designed in 1938 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, this rare pair of table lamps, model 2552/2, showcases the refined ingenuity and lyrical elegance of Frank’s vision for modern light...
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass and brass table lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 10.625“ H x 4.5” diameter Dimensions of Sh...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish reading floor lamp with a new withe round shade made of hand crafted polished brass, composed with its original light switches, designed by Josef...
Metal, Brass
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Boet, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Otto Schulz
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare floor lamp was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by his company Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1928. The elegant design is exemplary for the Swedish Grace style with...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Birch
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.25” H x 7” W x 16“ D Back Plate Di...
Brass
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp “Model 2564” by Josef Frank was designed for Svenskt Tenn and exemplifies his measured approach to materials, proportion and function. Each lamp is executed in brass with ...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 61” H x 17” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb N...
Brass
Modernist Floor Lamp, by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant, rare early edition floor lamp by Josef Frank, made from brass with a light switch on the base. Shade with original fabric with a graphic pattern around the edge. Only the e...
Brass
Green Table Lamp 2563 by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Frank Josef
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood frame green painted fitted with 2 E27 sockets up to 100W each and colorful semi spherical shade with jungle motives. Designed in Sweden by Josef Frank in the 1950 for Svensk...
Silk, Hardwood
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful, rare floor lamp by Josef Frank, made from black lacquered metal and brass. Distinctly sculpted base, pleated satin shade with loose brass top. Josef Frank was an Austri...
Brass
Josef Frank, Table Lamp "2388", Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamp model 2388, designed by Josef Frank in 1936. Manufactured by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, mid-1900s.
Brass
Pair of Josef Frank floor lamps model '2148' for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Floor lamps designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn model '2148'. Made by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the middle of the 20th century. The lamp features a brass base and stem, w...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Wall light by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare, beautiful wall light by Josef Frank, made from brass with a slender stem suspending a voluminous lamp shade. Adjustable height.
Brass
Pair of Wall Lamps 'Model 2565' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
This pair of wall lights, model 2565, was designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Each fixture is centred on a circular polished brass backplate from which two softly ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and black-lacquered metal floor lamp designed and produced by Josef Frank, Sweden, c. 1950s Overall Dimensions: 54" H x 15.25" W x 27" D Bulb Specifications: E-...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and pattern-printed fabric wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Plug in with cord feeding from bottom of stem. Not ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and rattan wall light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Back Plate (inches) : 3.9 x 1.5 x 0.7 (Height x Width x Depth) ...
Brass
Vintage Midcentury Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful floor lamp by Josef Frank, made from brass with a white lacquered stem. Three lights with pleated shades, weighty brass base.
Brass
Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Rare Large Table lamp modell 2563 by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn, Sweden. Carved lamp arm in a white lacquered color with a large flower printed lamp shade...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern floor lamps, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass floor lamps by Josef Frank, stems lacquered white on the bottom half. Metal shades with brass details, sculpted wooden feet.
Brass
Midcentury Modern table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare, elegant brass table or desk lamp by Josef Frank, with original leather upholstery with some patina on the stem and base. Flexible neck and decorative round brass feet.
Brass
Pair of White Markslöjd Table Lamps with Josef Frank Shades, Sweden, 1970s
By Markslöjd, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of table lamp was produced by Markslöjd in Kinna, Sweden, in the 1970s. The lamps are marked with the Markslöjd label on the brass fitting. The design is characte...
Fabric, Beech
Pair of 'Large Camel' Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939, this pair produced circa 1960s. New leather and new original Svenskt tenn lampshades.
Brass
Floor Lamp, Walnut and Brass, Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Floor lamp in walnut and brass, model 2548. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1952.
Brass
Adjustable Wall Fixture Model 2582 by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall lamp in brass, model 2582. Designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, mid-1900s. Adjustable length and height.
Brass
Model "2326" Adjustable Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Utrecht, NL
Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank has had an enormous impact on the history of Swedish design. Despite being nearly 50 years old when emigrating to Sweden, he is now widely...
Brass
Pair of Firma Svenskt Tenn 1838 floor lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two 1838 Floor lamps designed by Josef Frank 1934 for iconic Swedish company Firma Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm. Brass frame with cognac leather. Different heights on lamps. One is 5 c...
Brass
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. New leather and original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Josef Frank, Large Table Lamps, White-Painted Wood, Svenskt Tenn, 1970s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of large table lamps for Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. In painted turned wood. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.0" Height x 7.75" Diameter Bu...
Brass
Swedish Modern Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1940/50s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Extraordinary and very elegant calabash shaped table lamp by Josef Frank in blue glass and details in brass. Model #1257/B Literature: Model is illustrated in the 1954 catalogue.
Brass
Alf Svensson G34 Floor Lamp in Teak, Josef Frank Shade, Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson, Bergboms, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant floor lamp was designed by Alf Svensson and produced by Bergboms in Sweden in the 1960s. This three-legged design is numbered G34. The design is marked by the three legged base leading to the central tube, all in solid teak wood with a beautiful grain. A brass stem and the light fitting are mounted on top of the teak wood base. The cylinder shade is a custom design in a beautiful linen Svenskt Tenn fabric...
Brass