Josef Frank bar cabinet

This rare freestanding bar cabinet was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. Crafted in richly toned mahogany, the piece showcases a vertical grain with natural variation and warmth throughout its surfaces. The rectangular form of the cabinet is softened by rounded front feet and clean-edged construction, balancing functionalist principles with an expressive character that is characteristic of Frank’s design language.

The front of the cabinet features a fall-front door that opens to reveal a mirrored interior, equipped with a single glass shelf and an integrated light fixture positioned under the top panel. The mirror and lighting are designed to enhance the reflective qualities of bottles and glassware, combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. The drop-down door is supported by leather or leather-look straps, forming a convenient serving surface when open. Below the cabinet, two adjustable open shelves offer additional storage and display options.

The cabinet exemplifies key traits of the mid-century Scandinavian modern movement, with an emphasis on form, utility, and the use of natural materials. Josef Frank, an Austrian-born architect and designer, is widely recognized for his influential work with Svenskt Tenn, where he developed a distinctive style that combined Viennese elegance with Swedish modernism. Frank’s designs balanced simplicity with rich materiality and humanistic values, offering a warm alternative to the more austere ideals of early modernism.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, became a key platform for Frank’s designs after he joined the company in the 1930s. Their collaboration produced a range of iconic interior furnishings known for their exceptional quality, artisanal craftsmanship, and timeless character.

This cabinet is in good vintage condition, showing signs of age and use consistent with its era. There is minor wear and patina throughout, including some small damage along the ledge of the fall-front, which does not affect the overall structure or function of the piece.

The dimensions of the cabinet are 100 cm wide, 27 cm deep, and 118 cm high, which translates to approximately 39.4 inches in width, 10.6 inches in depth, and 46.5 inches in height.