Josef Frank pair of wall lamps 2389 for Svenskt Tenn Sweden, 1950s.

These sconces are a beautiful example of Josef Frank’s softer approach to modernism for Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s. Made in polished brass, they combine simplicity with warmth in a way that feels both elegant and inviting. The cup-shaped shades resemble small chalices or flowers, reflecting the light gently and creating a rich golden glow against the wall rather than a harsh direct light.

What makes them especially characteristic of Frank is the balance between refinement and informality. The curved lower arm adds a subtle sense of movement, preventing the design from feeling too strict or geometric. Even though the forms are minimal, the lamps still feel deeply decorative and atmospheric — timeless pieces that bring warmth and character to a room rather than simply illumination.

Dimensions : 25 cm wide / 32cm height / 25 cm depth

About the designer : Josef Frank (1885–1967) was an Austrian-born architect and designer who became one of the defining figures of Swedish modern design through his long collaboration with Svenskt Tenn. Born near Vienna, he studied architecture at the Vienna University of Technology and helped shape what became known as the Vienna School of Architecture.

He fled Austria in the 1930s because of rising antisemitism and settled in Sweden with his Swedish wife Anna. Soon after arriving in Stockholm, he began working with Estrid Ericson at Svenskt Tenn — a collaboration that transformed Scandinavian interiors.

What made Frank unique was that he rejected the colder, stricter side of modernism. While many designers of the period believed interiors should be minimal and highly rational, Frank believed homes should feel layered, comfortable, personal, and alive. He mixed colors, patterns, antiques, modern furniture, textiles, and organic forms in ways that felt effortless and deeply human.

He designed almost everything: furniture, lighting, textiles, wallpapers, carpets, and entire interiors. His botanical prints — full of flowers, birds, fruits, and imaginary landscapes — became especially famous and are still produced today.

One of his most influential ideas was something he called “Accidentism”: the belief that interiors should look as though they evolved naturally over time rather than being perfectly controlled. He thought beauty came from comfort, freedom, and individuality rather than strict design rules.

Today, Josef Frank is considered one of the great figures of 20th-century design because he created a warmer and more emotional version of modernism — one that still feels remarkably contemporary.