Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.
It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.
The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.
Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings.
On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.
$1,200 / item
Rustic Industrial Rolling Lumber Cart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rustic, industrial, rolling lumber cart featuring a slat pine surface in it's original, work-worn patina with tall side risers, can be repurposed for a multitude of uses.
Pine
Collection of Industrial Late 19th Century Maple Dumb Waiter Pulleys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Collection of two, large and small, maple, dumb waiter pulleys circa late 19th century are unique, Industrial objects. Large pulley is 38" x 22". Small pulley is 22" ...
Maple
Large 19th Century Industrial Steel Coal Drag Shovel Bucket
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large, late 19th century, early industrial age, coal, drag shovel bucket features a newly re-surfaced and sealed, steel body with rivets and wrought iron hardware. This is highly uni...
Steel, Wrought Iron
19th Century Cast Iron Door Stop by the Baldwin Foundry
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century cast iron door stop by the Baldwin Foundry Needless to say a heavy piece which though worn with age still retains some of its original gilded finish At the top there...
Iron
$4,800 / item
Metal Screen / Room Divider
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A perforated 1/2" steel screen / room divider with a graphic circular / round pattern in a blackened finish. Shown here suspended from an I-beam and trolly.
Steel
1950's Hospital Wash Basin, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage medical up-stand hospital operating room sink for storing surgical instruments.
Metal, Chrome
Large Scale 19th Century French Clock Hands Wall Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large scale clock tower hands, French, 19th century. According to the seller, these clock hands came from a large clock tower in Paris. They measure an impressive 107 inch height by ...
Metal
Early 20th Century 1900's Tower Light Up White Clock
Located in Chicago, IL
Original American 1900's over sized tower light up clock with milk etched glass face and copper frame.
Copper
Early Antique Collection of Eight Bone Glove Stretchers Made in France
Located in Stamford, CT
Collection of eight antique spring action bone glove stretchers made in France. The large ones measure 8 inches, the smaller at 6 inches.
Six Assorted Metal and One Bakelite Antique Glove Stretchers Some Engraved
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine group six custom designed collectible assorted metal and one Bakelite antique glove stretchers all having spring action. Some Engraved, ...
Machinist's Straight Edge from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A precision crafted machinist's straight edge made of patinated and perforated cast steel.
Steel
Early 20th Century American Gray Cast Iron Eagle
Located in Chicago, IL
Early 20th century American cast iron eagle. It came from Pittsburgh.
Iron