Josef Frank floor lamp

This rare height-adjustable floor lamp, model 1842, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. The lamp is a refined example of Swedish mid-century lighting, combining functional adjustability with a restrained yet sculptural silhouette, characteristic of Frank’s approach to domestic design.

The lamp is executed in brass, with a slender vertical stem and a gently curved arm supporting the shade. The base is constructed with three outward sweeping legs, each terminating in a rounded brass foot, creating a stable tripod structure while maintaining a light and elegant appearance. The brass surface has developed a warm aged tone, with visible patina and natural variation that emphasizes the material character and period authenticity.

The lamp retains its original conical shade, finished in a muted green fabric with a light interior. The shade is mounted with a brass top cap and fitted with a small switch at the upper section. The angular form of the shade directs the light downward in a concentrated field, making the lamp suitable both for reading and for controlled ambient lighting. The adjustable height mechanism allows the proportions to be altered depending on placement and function, ranging from a lower reading height to a taller standing configuration.

Josef Frank was one of the most significant figures in Swedish design history, originally trained as an architect in Vienna before establishing his career in Sweden. Through his long collaboration with Svenskt Tenn, Frank developed a design philosophy that challenged strict functionalism, instead emphasizing warmth, comfort, and human-scaled modern interiors. While widely known for his textile patterns, his lighting designs reflect the same balance of practicality and refined proportion, often incorporating subtle technical solutions without unnecessary ornamentation.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924, became one of Sweden’s most influential producers of high-quality furniture and interior objects during the 20th century. Under the artistic direction of Estrid Ericson and with Josef Frank as a key collaborator, the company produced a distinctive body of work that merged modernist principles with craftsmanship and enduring material quality. Model 1842 is considered one of the firm’s notable floor lamp designs, valued for its clean lines and functional versatility.

The lamp is in good vintage condition with signs of use and age. The brass shows surface wear, patina, and minor marks consistent with decades of handling. The original shade has visible wear and minor imperfections, which are typical for fabric shades from this period and contribute to the authenticity of the piece.

Dimensions: height adjustable from 96.5 to 140 cm (37.99 to 55.12 in). Shade measures 24 cm in diameter and 16 cm in height (9.45 in Ø, 6.30 in height).