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, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and brass pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' Coffee Table in Walnut and Marble
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'B 965' coffee table, walnut, marble, Sweden, design 1938 An iconic 'B 965' coffee table, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in 1938. This e...
Marble
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and floral-printed fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced canop...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Some imperfections on shade. Wear consistent with a...
Brass
Early Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' Sofa
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 'Liljevalchs' sofa, model '345', fabric, beech, Sweden, design 1934, made 1930s An early example of the Liljevalchs sofa, designed by Josef Frank, and...
Fabric, Beech
Tulip Fabric Pendant Lamp Desiged By Josef Frank For, Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a tulip fabric shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. Used but in a very good condition.
Brass
A Rare Josef Frank Cream Silk Pendant Lamp from 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pendant lamp with a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s-1940s. new silk shade
Brass
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 Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Josef Frank, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
1920 designed Josef Hoffmann chased brass lamp base, different finishes available. Hand sewn Lamp Shade with a Josef Frank fabric, different patterns available. Sample book of the Wi...
Brass
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' Sofa
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 'Liljevalchs' sofa, model '345', fabric, beech, Sweden, design 1934 First exhibited in 1934 at the home furnishings exhibition at Liljevalchs Konsthall...
Fabric, Beech
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1970s. Minor small stains on fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Brass
Josef Frank, mirror for Svenskt Tenn, 1960
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Very large mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, made of brass. High-quality craftsmanship.
Brass
Swedish Midcentury Walnut Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking round coffee table by Josef Frank, model 2139, designed in 1952. Early 1950s edition, made from walnut with an exceptional and beautiful table top with root veneer in an org...
Walnut
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann, J.T. Kalmar, Svenskt Tenn, Haus & Garten
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and fantastic height adjustable brass counter balance pendant lamp with a wicker lampshade model 'Kugel-Dreierzug' no. 2514 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s....
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Resin, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A beige resin and brass pendant light designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina to brass and some staining to resin. Wear consistent w...
Brass
Six Arm Chandelier in Brass with Silk Shades from Oswald Haerdtl from the 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautiful six arm chandilier in brass from Oswald Haerdtl from the 1930's. The metal a has been restored: polished and lacquered by hand. Lamp shades have been recovered with silk...
Brass
Vintage Swedish Sofa Table by Josef Frank, Beechwood, Mid-Century
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
Set of Six Josef Hoffmann-designed “Prague” Bentwood & Cane Chairs
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a mix of the classic seating styled after the iconic 1925 Model No. 811 "Prague" chair. Armless side chairs in the front row and armchairs with fluid, looping bentwood ar...
Cane, Bentwood
$1,538 / item
Black 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 (painted black). An absolute design classic from the 1950s. This brass mirror was designed by Austrian designer Josef Frank for the ren...
Brass
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish " Vänskapsknuten " candle holder made of handcrafted silvered metal, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good conditi...
Metal
Midcentury Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful desk by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with a smooth look. Clean lines and subtly rounded forms, a timeless piece. There are some dents in the table top that have been pr...
Mahogany
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
Brass
Josef Frank for Haus & Garten: small chest of drawers on wheels, 1920s
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Josef Frank designed this delicate chest of drawers in the late 1920s. It was manufactured by Haus & Garten. The original design drawing is housed in the Museum of Applied Arts (MA...
Brass
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Forserum, SE
Scandinavian mid-century table lamp, model 726, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Ateljé Lyktan in the 1940s. Crafted in brass with a circular base ...
Brass
Art Deco Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Cuban Mahogany, Sweden, 1920s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Art Deco Swedish coffee, sofa table made of hand crafted polished cuban mahogany wood, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svensk Tenn in good condition. Th...
Mahogany
Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Brass Nails, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank & SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful bench by Josef Frank, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1960s. The frame is made of mahogany, upholstered seat with brass nails. The feet are elegantly sculpted and the bench can also be used as a table, end of bed stool...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (in...
Brass
Midcentury Mahogany Side Table by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Side table by Josef Frank, model called “The Tea Table”, made from mahogany with an elegant ledge around the rounded corner tabletop. Inlayed pewter sphere in the middle of the table...
Pewter
Exceptional Josef Frank Chest of Drawers, Cabinet, Svenskt Tenn, Mahogany, Brass
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful chest of drawers by Josef Frank, Mahogany and Brass pulls, six drawers. Cabinet has age-related wear. We will have it refinished for the buyer. Great piece of Swedish Moder...
Brass
Josef Frank, Lounge Chairs, Mahogany, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of mahogany and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Reupholster...
Fabric, Mahogany
$4,402Sale Price|20% Off
Counterweight Pendelleuchte „Jo-Jo Zug“ Kalmar, Josef Frank, Messing und Seide
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Diese extrem seltene höhenverstellbare Messing-Pendelleuchte Modell 'Jo-Jo Zug' Nr. 2505 von J.T. Kalmar wurde in den 1950er Jahren hergestellt. Die Leuchte basiert auf einem Entwurf...
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
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. New leather and original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Midcentury Modern Leather Stools, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant stools by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with elegantly sculpted feet. Cognac brown leather with decorative nails around the joinery of the legs.
Leather, Mahogany
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 5 Josef Frank Prague Chairs Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1970s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of five bentwood armchairs design attributed to Josef Frank, marked Made in Czechoslovakia. The chairs are constructed of steam bent wood, probably beech, and nylon, circa 1970's. A Mid 20th C version of the early 20th C Frank...
Beech, Bentwood
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
Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare table lamp by Josef Frank, with a cylindrical base standing on four wooden ball feet. Dressed in beautiful dark green leather imitation nicely combined with the original floral ...
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Fabric, Brass, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, c. 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age...
Brass
$5,917 / item
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Midcentury Modern "Captain's Chair" by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Captain’s Chair”, model #789A, by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with decorative brass nails and leather back and seat.
Leather, Oak
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Early 1819 Glass Table Lamp by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank 'Gustav V' Cabinet in Rosewood, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant rosewood cabinet was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930's. In the Svensk Tenn archive's furniture book, Estrid Ericson (the founder of Svenskt Tenn) has made a pencil sketch of the cabinet and written "designed for the King", Gustaf V, likely for his 80th birthday in 1938. So this particular model 792 also became known as the Gustav V model. The rare cabinet on offer here was produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in the early 1950s. The model was usually produced in pyramid mahogany, only a few pieces were made in rosewood. The cabinet has double doors, veneered in mirorred rosewood, with a solid oak interior with a total of 10 pull-out drawers. Brass key and round brass door hinges...
Wood, Oak, Rosewood
Midcentury Bar Trolley by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Mahogany serving trolley by Josef Frank. Simplistic to the core with a clean silhouette and great proportions.
Mahogany
Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Josef Frank "The Knot of Friendship" candelabra, Sweden 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) brass candle holder designed by Josef Frank Candlestick for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden, 1930’s.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Sunburst Loop Mirror by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Mid-Century Modern Sunburst loop Mirror in brass made by Josef Frank. Made by Svensk Tenn in the 1960. In a ferry good condition whit clear glass mirror. Josef frank was an Austr...
Brass
Austrian Chandelier with six Arms in Brass and Silk Shades from Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Elegant chandelier from Josef Frank produced in the 1950 ´s in Austria, probably by the company J.T. Kalmar. The lamp has been completely restored, which includes rewiring, hand pol...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror by Josef Frank, West Germany 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find beautiful and rare Mid Century Modern Oval Sunburst Mirror designed by Josef Frank. It comes with a black metal frame and the rope that allow you to mou...
Metal
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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
Pair of bedside tables 'Model 914' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 914 is a refined bedside table designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Executed in mahogany, the piece is defined by clear proportions and a practical, well-bala...
Brass
$17,702 / set
Pair of Side Table in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1939
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Side Table in Mahogany by Josef Frank, 1939 Additional Information: Material: Mahogany Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Rare pair of side table model 961 / San Francisco Prod...
Mahogany
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Beech Prague Model 811 Chairs in Black and Pigskin Weave
By Josef Frank, Stendig Co., Josef Hoffmann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the 1920s, Michael Thonet's company crafted the iconic No. 811 Bentwood Chair. Josef Hoffmann is commonly credited with creating the "Prague chair". This design is also attribut...
Bentwood, Leather
Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano
By Josef Frank, Frangi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano Italy 1957 Model presented at the ‘Colore e forme nella casa d’oggi’ Exhibition 1957 at Villa Olmo, Como Bea...
Brass
Art Deco Two Vintage Ash Viennese Mesh Armchairs Josef Frank Vienna, circa 1928
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco two armchairs from ash wood and Viennese mesh by Josef Frank, Vienna circa 1928. The armchairs show a Viennese mesh structure at the back. Furth...
Ash