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.
Beautiful mid-century brass wall mirror by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Early 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, made 1930s An early example of the Liljevalchs sofa, designed by Josef Frank, and...
Fabric, Beech
Hans Bergström, table lamp 726, brass & textile, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
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, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red fabric floor lamp designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1950s. Lampshade shows signs of moderate wear consistent with age and use. Dimens...
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, 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
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 Silk Pendant Lamp for Svenskt Tenn, Brass & Silk, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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 for Svenskt Tenn 'Diplomat' Square Coffee Table in Mahogany
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 'Diplomat coffee table, model '2073', mahogany, Sweden, 1949 Josef Frank’s 1949 Diplomat coffee table presents itself as a restrained piece: square in ...
Mahogany
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 Wall Light from the 1950's, made in Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
An elegant wall light made with patinated brass and a silk shade, designed by Josef Frank in the 1950's. This beautifully constructed lamp uses two light bulbs to illuminate the sil...
Brass
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann, 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 '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
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
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
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, 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
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 for Svenskt Tenn, Brass and Glass Serving Tray, 1940s Swedish Modern
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined serving tray designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, in the 1940s. This round tray is framed in solid brass with elegantly looped handles on each side, lending bo...
Brass
Early Cylinder Table Lamp 1819 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early edition cylindrical 1819 table lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. The lamp has been produced in four different shapes: the globe, the cylinder, the cube and the ...
Glass
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
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
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 Dining Chairs Cherry Leather Model 2238, Svenskt Tenn, 1957, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 4 original production Josef Frank dining chairs model 2238 made in the late 1950s. Model designed in 1957, frame in cherry, lyre-shaped back tray in rattan and bamboo, seats u...
Leather, Cherry
Cabinet 'Model 522' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
This cabinet, model 522, designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, stands among the most expressive examples of Swedish modern design. The rectilinear mahogany case is entirely clad ...
Mahogany
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
Josef Frank, Candelabra, Brass, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds nine 0.5” candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.5"H x 11.25"W x 11.0"D All item...
Brass
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare cabinet by Josef Frank, made in elm with beautiful woodgrain. Signature design with an array of drawers on an elevated, airy base.
Elm
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
Pair of Armchairs No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Praha, CZ
A pair of legendary bentwood armchairs Model No. 752, designed by Josef Frank in 1933 for Thonet, Very good condition relative to age. Carefully cleaned and gently restored while pre...
Bentwood
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
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 5 Josef Frank Prague Chairs Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1970s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
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
Josef Frank, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1980s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights by Josef Frank c. 1930s, produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1980s. Replaced lampshades. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 16.0"H x 7....
Brass
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937 Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare freestanding desk model 770 P...
Brass
$1,561 / 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
Mid-century Brass Wall Lamp with Silk Shades, 1950's , Josef Frank, Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautifully made wall lamp designed by Josef Frank and made in Austria in the 1950's. The lyrically shaped brass tubing supports lamp shades with a feminine form tailored to emph...
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 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
Nazmiyal Collection Vintage Josef Frank Curtains 3 ft 10 in x 7 ft 8 in
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
Playful Vintage Pair of Aralia Curtains by Josef Frank, Origin: Scandinavia, Circa Date: Vintage
Cotton
$1,489Sale Price|20% Off
Table Lamp by Josef Frank for Kalmar, 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Large brass table lamp. Designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1930s. Two E27 sockets. Original silk shade.
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
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
Josef Frank 'Model 2106' Sideboard, Mahogany & Birch, 1950s, Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed in the 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Model 2106 is a sideboard that reflects Frank’s distinctive vision of modern living. Crafted in richly figured pyramid mahogany...
Brass
Josef Frank, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stamford, CT
Josef Frank, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Model 1842 Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Brass, Sweden, 1950s Rare example of a model "1842" floor lamp designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in ...
Brass
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
'Large Camel' Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939. Original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
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
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
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
$5,668Sale Price|20% Off
Large Chandelier with Six Shades in Brass from Josef Frank , Austria
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
Large chandelier in brass with six arms, designed by Josef Frank in the 1950's, Austria. The silk shades in a yellow colour use the original metal construction. The electric has bee...
Brass
Rare Set of Two Bauhaus Armchairs B 246 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare Bauhaus armchairs B 246 designed by Josef Frank and manufactured by Thonet in 1930s. Historically, this model was among those installed in the iconic Villa Rezek in Vienna, buil...
Bentwood
Antique Armchair No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1920s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Praha, CZ
This antique armchair, model no. 752, was designed in the 1920s by Josef Frank for Thonet and originates from Austria. It is made from beech and features an upholstery seat. This pie...
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
$4,467Sale 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 811 Side Chair, Josef Frank, Stendig w/ Original Cane, Poland, c. 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and beautiful single bentwood Prague Model 811 side chair by the renowned designers Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Designed in the 1960s, this chair i...
Cane
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
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
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
Floor Lamp in Brass and Lacquer by Josef Frank, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare floor lamp, model 2426, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s, is a masterful embodiment of Frank’s distinctive design langua...
Brass