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.
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
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
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, 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
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, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and beige white fabric pendant light, model 2560, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Several small stains on fabric; wear consistent wit...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Frank
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, 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
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
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' Sofa
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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 Model 2560 "Carl Larsson" Silk Pendant for Svenskt Tenn, 1940s/50s
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
A model 2560 pendant by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden circa 1940s. This is an early example, with its original silk shade. Later productions switched to cotton, so the silk ma...
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
Table Lamp 2388 by Josef Frank, Brass Frame with Green Leather, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare brass frame wrapped with green leather and base fitted with 2 E27 sockets up to 100W each and oval shade. Designed in Sweden by Josef Frank in the 1936 for Svenskt Tenn.
Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt
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
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Hoffmann
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
$1,516 / 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
Vintage Swedish Sofa Table by Josef Frank, Beechwood, Mid-Century
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Mid Century Austrian Vintage Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful mirror with brass frame and a decorative brass ring. Austria, 1950s.
Brass
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and brass pendant light, model 2562, designed by Josef Frank and produced Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Minor small stains to fabric. Wear consistent with age and u...
Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
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
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 Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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 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
Nazmiyal Collection Vintage Josef Frank Curtains 3 ft 10 in x 8 ft 10 in
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Vintage Pair of Primavera Curtains Cotton Textile by Josef Frank, Country of origin: Scandinavia, Circa date: Vintage
Cotton
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights designed by Josef Frank c. 1930s, produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 11.0"H x 8.3"W x 21.5"D ...
Brass
Pir of alabaster marble table lamp 2575 by Josef Frank, Svenskt tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pair of table lamps designed by Josef Frank model 2575 produced by Svenskt Tenn. Made from alabaster marble with brass mounts and new linnen lamp shades in light grey. new electric c...
Alabaster, Brass
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
Josef Frank, Bench, Mahogany, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany bench designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Mahogany
'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 'Gustav V' Cabinet in Rosewood, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Set of 4 Prague Model 811 Chairs by Josef Frank for Stendig, Poland, c. 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful set of four (4) Bentwood Prague Model 811 Dining Chairs by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s,...
Walnut
Mahogany and Brass Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool mahogany chest of drawers by Josef Frank, with an amazing, playful silhouette. Elegant brass handles.
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
$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 Mahogany and Horsehair Dining Chairs, Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of ten dining chairs by Josef Frank, model #815, made from mahogany. Elegant, ribbed backs. Decor of brass nails around the corners of the seats. Original seats made from woven ...
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Gueridon Table by Josef Frank, Maplewood, 1950
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish gueridon table with a round top. Designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Modell 560. Shellac polished, beautiful bird'...
Maple
Modernist Table Lamp #2468 by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank Two Light Brass Table Lamp, Viennese Modern Age, Austria
By Haus & Garten, Josef Frank
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Very rare and elegant Viennese Modern Age adjustable brass and forged iron table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten in late 1920s, Vienna. ...
Brass, Iron
Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare desk model 590 Produced by Svenskt Tenn ...
Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, 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. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
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
Josef Frank round Side Table made for Haus & Garten, 1928, Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Side table by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten circa 1928. This sleek table from Frank has a walnut veneered round table top, the legs are slightly curved and are made from beech wood t...
Beech, Walnut
Floor Lamp in Brass, Black Metal and Original Shades by Josef Frank, 1938
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Floor Lamp in Brass, Black Lacquered Metal and Original Shades by Josef Frank, 1938 Additional Information: Material: Brass, black lacquered metal and original shades Style: Mid cen...
Brass
Two Original J.Hoffmann & Oswald Haerdtl Chairs Art Deco New Fabric Josef Frank
By Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Vienna, AT
Created by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl for the Otto Beyer fashion style pattern store in Vienna, Singerstrasse 14 which is shown on one of the images. Fabric "Notturno," design...
Fabric, Beech
Midcentury Modern Leather Ottoman, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Ottoman by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with elegantly sculpted legs. Original black leather upholstery with patina, decorative brass nails around the edge of the seat.
Leather, Mahogany
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
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
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
$5,833 / 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
$4,323Sale 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
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
Pair of White Markslöjd Table Lamps with Josef Frank Shades, Sweden, 1970s
By Svenskt Tenn, Markslöjd, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
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
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Beech Prague Model 811 Chairs in Black and Pigskin Weave
By Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann, Stendig Co.
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