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.
Beautiful mid-century brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in München, DE
Beautiful heavy mid-century modern brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Made in Sweden. Minimalist 1950s design with a decorative brass loop frame and a brass ring at t...
Brass
Large 35" Golden Loops Mid-Century Wall Mirror Josef Frank for Svenkst Tenn 1950
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant large mid-century wall mirror with original mirror glass, framed with golden brass bows on a solid wood back panel with the original golden cord. Designed by Josef Frank for ...
Brass
Josef Frank Wall Mirror with Loop Frame and Wall Hook in Brass, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Wall Mirror with Loop Frame and Wall Hook in Brass, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror with its proper leaf wall hook designed by Josef Frank in the midcentury. This mirror is m...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Frank Mid-Century Brass Loop Wall Mirror with Hook for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Frank Josef
Located in Aachen, NRW
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Brass Wall Mirror for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in ...
Brass
$1,530 / item
Black Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame (painted black). An absolute design classic from the 1950s. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Set of Swedish Grace Pewter Wall Mirror and Candle Sconces, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror with Wall Candle Sconces made by Svensk Tenn circa 1930s. * Oval pewter mirror with rose decorations with set of matching mirror-candlestick holders * Ma...
Pewter
Set of Swedish Grace Pewter Wall Mirror and Candle Sconces, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Swedish Pewter Mirror with Wall Candle Sconces made in 1932. A fine installment for a beautiful place. * Pewter mirror with pair of matc...
Pewter
Nils Fougstedt 1926 for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror.
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Skanninge, SE
Amazing pewter mirror by Nils Fougstedt 1926. Model "No 137". A great example of "Swedish Grace". Made for famous Swedish firm "Firma Svenskt Tenn". This model was first introduced ...
Brass, Pewter
$1,480Sale Price / set|47% Off
Svenskt Tenn Wall Mirror and Shelf Rattan Wicker Bamboo, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set of a wall mirror and a wall shelf retailed by Svenskt Tenn, the iconic Swedish firm founded by Estrid Ericson and creatively led by Josef Frank. Both mirror and shelf in finely...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror, Glass
A Swedish Grace masterpiece, Uno Åhren mirror, pewter, brass, Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare mirror attributed to Uno Åhren (Swe, 1897-1977), manufactured by Firma Svenskt Tenn. Model A 1154 in ebonized pear wood with inlay of pewter and brass. Documented in the archi...
Brass, Pewter
Swedish designer wall or table mirror, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Wall or table mirror by unknown Swedish designer during the 1940s. Made in mahogany and brass. Can rest on support or be mounted on wall.
Brass
Estrid Ericson Mirror with Ivy and Gilded Detail for Svenskt Tenn 1950s
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Copenhagen, DK
ESTRID ERICSON AND SVENSKT TENN - SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful linen covered mirror by the Swedish pioneer in design, Estrid Ericson. The linen covered frame is decorated wi...
Fabric
Pewter Wall Mirror by Thorwald Alef, Svenskt Tenn
By Thorwald Alef, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning wall mirror by Thorwald Alef, made in pewter. The design is called “Amors spratt” (“Cupid’s Trick”). The top is adorned with a reclining woman with a naughty-looking Cupid o...
Pewter
Swedish Modern Pewter Hand Mirror by Estrid Ericson, Firma Svenskt Tenn in 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish modern hand mirror by Estrid Ericson from Firma Svenskt Tenn. Made in pewter with brass handle. Model number A 1497. According to the Firma Svensk Tenns production papers: "Hand mirror with...
Pewter, Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A large mirror with a brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. Very rare in this form. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
$880Sale Price / set|41% Off
Pair Of White Metal Art Deco / Classical Mirrors From Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Doraville, GA
A pair of diminutive mirrors probably made in the 1920's - 1930's for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. The mirrors appear to made of a matte finish white / p...
Pewter
Rare Estrid Ericson Table Mirror, Svenskt Tenn, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror 2492, also called "Lagerbladsspegeln", designed by Estrid Ericson in 1941.
Metal
Midcentury Pewter Wall Mirror, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare midcentury mirror by Estrid Ericson, made from pewter with a round frame in Ericson’s signature Panama hat inspired design. Can be hung on the wall or used as a table mirror.
Pewter
Svenskt Tenn, Wall Mirror, Wicker, Bamboo, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A wicker and bamboo wall mirror designed and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Does not include mounting hardware. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Bamboo, Wicker
Swedish, Wall Mirror With Shelf, Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror Glass, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and rattan wall mirror with shelf, designed and produced in Sweden, 1960s.
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
Table Mirror in Pewter and Wood by Nils Fougstedt, 1931
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Table Mirror in Pewter and Wood by Nils Fougstedt, 1931 Additional Information: Material: Pewter, wood and metal Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Table Mirror Produced by Svenskt T...
Metal, Pewter
Rare Estrid Ericson Table Mirror, Svenskt Tenn, 1940s
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror 2492, also called "Lagerbladsspegeln", designed by Estrid Ericson in 1941.
Metal
Mirror designed by Svenskt Tenn with fabric designed by Viola Gråsten for NK
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Svenskt Tenn, Viola Grasten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror designed by Svenskt Tenn with fabric designed by Viola Gråsten for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1960s. Signed. Mirrored glass, brass and textile. Provenance: Bought in the S...
Brass
Wall mirror, cast iron Swedish Grace 1930/40s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cast iron wall mirror with beautiful, decorative ornaments. A timeless piece that works in most rooms and interiors. Swedish Grace, 1930/40s. Signs of age and wear, mirror glass wit...
Iron
$2,181Sale Price|20% Off
H 41.34 in W 13.98 in D 0.99 in
Vintage Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s) - Large
Located in London, GB
Mid-century Italian wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). This sizeable mirror is oval-shaped and distinctive in a Modern style. It is in good overall condition. A beautiful pa...
Brass
$2,295
H 31.89 in W 21.26 in D 1.58 in
Svenskt Tenn Organic Wall mirror Josef Frank Rattan/Wicker , Bamboo 1950s
Located in Boden, SE
A large wall mirror retailed by Josef Frank,Svenskt Tenn In finely braided wicker/ rattan/ cane & Bamboo. Age- related wear may occur. Josef Frank was an Austrian-born architec...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$1,741Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 21.3 in D 0.99 in
Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror with Brass Frame (circa 1960s)
Located in London, GB
Italian vintage wall mirror with brass frame (circa 1960s). The mirror is smart and distinctive in a modern Gio Ponti style with a unique shape. This one is in good overall condition...
Brass
Modern Circular Vintage Wall Mirror Circular Josef Frank Style 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage wall mirror or sunburst mirror circular like framed with brassed metal Josef Frank style 1970s. A stunning wall mirror with sunburst frame from brassed metal, which i...
Metal
$1,250
H 21.26 in W 9.45 in D 0.4 in
Swedish Grace Mirror in pewter with brass star decor, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget/GAB.
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
Iconic Swedish Grace wall mirror in pewter with star decor in brass. Manufactured by GAB/ Guldsmedsaktieboaget, Sweden 1920/30s. H ca 54 cm. Decorative, timeless design. Beautiful, ...
Brass, Pewter
Set of Pewter Swedish Grace Mirrors
Located in Long Island City, NY
Swedish Grace was a brief period in the history of Swedish decorative arts in which rigorous Neo-Classicism and Art Deco formed an exquisite hybrid. Simple lines are complemented by ...
Pewter
$6,944
H 31.5 in W 11.03 in D 0.4 in
1930 Mirror by Björn Trägårdh for Svenskt Tenn – Swedish Modernist Brass-Framed
By Bjorn Tragardh
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror, anonymous, Sweden, 1930s. Pewter and mirrored glass. Measurements: H: 161 cm/ 5' 3 1/2" W: 55 cm/ 21 3/4"
Pewter
Mirror in the style of Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Square mirror featuring a slightly tapered frame, designed in the style of Josef Frank. Gold loops are encircling the mirror.
Iron
Brass Mirror by Joseph Frank for Svenskt Tenn 1950s
By Frank Josef
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This elegant brass mirror was designed in the 1950s by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the renowned Swedish design company Svenskt Tenn The mirror features a refined brass scallope...
Brass
$1,132Sale Price|20% Off
H 22.68 in W 1.19 in D 13.23 in
Swedish grace Art Deco 1930s silver Mirror, in the Vibe of Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Forest, BE
Cute silver painted Swedish grace Art Deco mirror. Showing traces of time and use but with a nice patina. Little hook to hang it to the wall. Perfect to fit in narrow places. Son patronyme officiel, Swedish Grace - " la grâce...
Mirror, Hardwood
Midcentury Sculptural Round Brass Wall Mirror, Sweden 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This beautiful brass loop wall mirror was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. The brass frame with nice warm vintage patina. The mirror flawless. Measures: Diameter a...
Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame. An absolute design classic in a very rare version on a teak board (!) from the 1950s. The brass mirror was designed by the Austrian de...
Brass
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.92 in D 1.58 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in the Mi...
Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 18.12 in D 1.58 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Large Wall Mirror in Brass for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn in the Mi...
Brass
Sold
H 21.26 in W 10.63 in D 0.4 in
Swedish Grace, mirror with pewter frame, Nils Fougstedt for Firma Svenskt Tenn.
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A decorative and collectable Swedish Grace mirror with pewter frame byNils Fougstedt for Firma Svenskt Tenn. This mirror has been confirmed by Firma Svenskt Tenn archive that this mo...
Pewter
Sold
H 29.93 in W 18.12 in D 1.19 in
Josef Frank Mid-Century Wall Mirror in Brass with Hook for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Josef Frank Mid-Century Loop Wall Mirror in Brass with Hook for Svenskt Tenn, 1960s Gorgeous wall mirror designed by Austrian Josef Frank and manufactured in Sweden by Svenskt Tenn ...
Brass
Sold
H 17.72 in W 9.45 in D 0.99 in
Elegant Wall-Mounted Mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous, highly decorative Mid Century Modern wall-mounted mirror with loop brass frame. Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Executed in brass, mirror glass an...
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 18.9 in W 14.57 in D 0.91 in
Rare Black Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn Austria/Sweden Brass, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Andernach, DE
Mid-Century Modern oval shaped wall mirror, sculptural and elegant by Josef Frank Austria/Sweden for Svenskt Tenn, circa 1950s. Made of black finished metal in a beautiful loop-wir...
Metal, Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A large mirror with a brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. Very rare in this form. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A large mirror with a brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. Very rare in this form. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame. An absolute design classic from the 1950s. This round brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the renowned Swed...
Brass
Wall Mirror by Josef Frank Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hannover, DE
A delicate mirror with a thin brass loop frame. An absolute design classic in a very rare version on a teak board (!) from the 1950s. The brass mirror was designed by the Austrian de...
Brass
Josef Frank Mirror in Brass Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
This beautiful golden filigree wall mirror is made of brass in a loop design from the 50s. The back of this mirror is made of wood which makes it extremely stable and beautiful. The ...
Brass