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.
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
'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
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
'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
Height Adjustable Floor Lamp in Brass, Mahogany and New Lamp Shade, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Height Adjustable Floor Lamp in Brass, Mahogany and New Lamp Shade by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Brass, mahogany and new lamp shade Style: Mid century, Sc...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1940s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish floor lamp made of handcrafted polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The height of the Scandinavian light is adjustable, composed with a new white small round shade...
Metal, Brass
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank, Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Alf Svensson G34 Floor Lamp in Teak, Josef Frank Shade, Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Bergboms, Alf Svensson, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
$5,802 / 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
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, 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
Rare Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar Around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Floor lamp by josef Frank for J.T.Kalmar around 1950s Brass polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ) Rewired ( new ).
Brass
Pair of 'Large Camel' Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939, this pair produced circa 1960s. New leather and new original Svenskt tenn lampshades.
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamps Model 1842 Produced by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of height adjustable floor lamps model 1842 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Height: 98.5-145 cm.
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
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Josef Frank Brass, Silk Floor Lamp by Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This floor lamp, model 2148, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, exemplifies Frank’s distinctive vision of modernism—one that marries functionality with w...
Brass
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
Pair of Floor Lamps in Cherrywood, Brass and Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Floor Lamps in Cherrywood, Brass and Original Lamp Shades by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Cherrywood, brass and original lamp shades Style: Mid cent...
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
Pair of Height Adjustable Floor Lamps in Brass and Original Lamp Shade, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Height Adjustable Floor Lamps in Brass and Original Lamp Shade by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and original lamp shade Style: Mid century, Sca...
Brass
Josef Frank table lamp model 2332, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank. New original Svenskt tenn lampshade.
Brass
Early Edition Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn '1842' Floor Lamp in Brass
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, floor lamp model 1842, Sweden, design 1932 An early edition of Josef Frank’s celebrated floor lamp model 1842, designed for Svenskt Tenn in 1932. Elega...
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Firma Svenskt Tenn 1838 floor lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Floor lamp model 2599 'China hat' Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp model 2599 — affectionately known as the “China Hat” — is among the most distinctive lighting designs by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Three elegantly arched arms rise f...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp Model G2424 Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare height adjustable floor lamp model G2424 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. Measures: Height 139-193 cm.
Brass
Brass "1842" Floor Lamp by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden Mid-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...
Metal, Brass
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Floor lamp 'Model 2564' designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Rare Otto Schulz Floor Lamp in Birch Wood, Josef Frank Shade, Boet, Sweden, 1928
By Boet, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 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
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, Floor lamp model 2564, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Nice patina
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning floor lamp model 2564 by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. The polished and black lacquered brass stem and base sits on four turned walnut legs. The piece also f...
Metal, Brass
Örsjö Armatur Teak and Brass Floor Lamp with Josef Frank Shade, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Örsjö Industri AB
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 Two-Arms Mid-Century Adjustable Brass Floor Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
A very beautiful and unusual Viennese brass floor lamp, attr. Josef Frank in the early 1950s. A charming lamp with two rotatable and height-adjustable arms and lovely details. In excellent condition. Has been carefully restored and rewired and comes with its original refurbished red lampshades.
Brass
$5,802 / 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
Josef Frank, Floor Lamp, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
Mid-Century Floor Lamp by Josef Frank, Brass & Iron, Sweden, 1940-1960
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish floor lamp made of hand crafted iron and polished brass, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
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): 60.75" H x 16.75" Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26...
Brass
Pair of 'Large Camel' Floor Lamps by Josef Frank, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Josef Frank in 1939, this pair produced circa 1960s. New leather and new original Svenskt tenn lampshades.
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
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.
Brass
$11,604 / set
Pair of Josef Frank Floor Lamps, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair available. 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. ...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
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.
Brass
Height Adjustable Floor Lamp in Brass and Lamp Shade by Josef Frank, 1950's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Height Adjustable Floor Lamp in Brass and Original Lamp Shade by Josef Frank, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and original lamp shade Style: Mid century, Scandinavian...
Brass
Josef Frank Floor Lamp Model 2564 by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare floor lamp model 2564 designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Brass
Floor Lamp Model 2564 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp model 2564 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. White lacquered brass and Lacquered Paper. Stamped. This elegant brass floor lamp is adjustable in h...
Brass