Josef Frank floor lamps

These very rare floor lamps, model 2564, were designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden. The design exemplifies Frank’s humanistic approach to modernism, where function is harmonized with decorative and tactile richness. Dating from the mid-20th century, these lamps reflect his sensitivity to proportion, materials, and the atmospheric role of lighting within the domestic space.

The structure of the lamps features a vertical stem in gold-toned brass, delivering both visual warmth and structural clarity. This central shaft is anchored by a circular brass base, resting on small wooden feet that elevate the lamp slightly above the floor surface. This combination of brass and wood reflects Frank’s frequent blending of natural and refined materials, aimed at softening the mechanical character of functionalist design.

Each lamp is equipped with dual lighting functionality: an upward-facing socket that provides ambient, indirect light by casting illumination toward the ceiling, and a downward-facing socket offering more direct light for reading or accent purposes. This dual configuration allows the lamps to serve both practical and atmospheric roles within a space. The original cream-colored lampshades contribute to the overall warmth of the lighting, diffusing illumination softly and evenly.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), an Austrian-born architect and designer, became a defining figure in Swedish design after relocating in the 1930s. His long collaboration with Svenskt Tenn redefined modern interiors through an expressive and human-centered aesthetic. Unlike the strict rationalism of many contemporaries, Frank favored organic forms, warm materials, and complex color schemes that embraced the individuality of interiors.

These floor lamps are in excellent condition, with minor surface traces of age-related use, particularly on the brass elements. The lampshades, original to the pieces, remain structurally intact and visually consistent with the original intent.

Each lamp has a diameter of 43 cm and a height of 153 cm, corresponding to approximately 16.9 inches in diameter and 60.2 inches in height.