Josef Frank floor lamp

This rare height-adjustable floor lamp, model G2326, was designed by Austrian-born architect and designer Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. Frank, a central figure in Swedish modern design, is celebrated for his humanist approach to modernism—favoring comfort, flexibility, and decorative richness over strict functionalism. His designs for Svenskt Tenn became icons of Scandinavian modernism with an enduring appeal.

The lamp features a telescopic brass stem that allows for adjustable height, ranging from 125 cm to 180 cm (approximately 49.2 inches to 70.9 inches). The construction is anchored by a distinctive tripod base composed of three curved legs that terminate in ball feet. This base design is both ornamental and practical, providing stability while maintaining an airy, open silhouette. The vertical stem includes a subtle mechanism for smooth height regulation.

At the top, the lamp is fitted with a large conical pleated shade, crafted from off-white textile. The pleats are sharply articulated, providing texture and diffusing the light in a soft, ambient glow. The shade is proportioned generously in relation to the stem and has a pronounced decorative impact, a trait common in Frank’s lighting designs. When illuminated, the pleats create layered light effects and pronounced shadow edges, enhancing the lamp’s sculptural presence.

The brass surface exhibits a warm, naturally aged patina consistent with its vintage character. Condition is good, with minor signs of wear and use that do not detract from its appearance or functionality. The socket housing bears the engraved production mark “SVENSKT TENN TYP 2326” confirming authenticity and original manufacture.

This piece exemplifies Josef Frank’s philosophy of modern design enriched with elegance, adaptability, and a strong decorative identity. It is representative of the Swedish interpretation of mid-century modernism that allowed for softness, personality, and craftsmanship.

The lamp has a diameter of 51 cm and an adjustable height from 125 cm to 180 cm, equivalent to approximately 20.1 inches in diameter and 49.2 to 70.9 inches in height.