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Stephen Kenn Benches

Canadian

Favoring used materials that wear well and tell a story, Canadian artist and furniture designer Stephen Kenn aims “to create products worthy of repair.” For instance, making comfortable pillows out of vintage, military-issued shelter halves is one way in which Kenn’s pieces facilitate a conversation as rich as the history that inspires them.

Kenn is a passionate designer and entrepreneur. In his early 20s, Kenn set up shop in Los Angeles and co-created two denim companies before selling them to investors. Kenn then focused on constructing men’s travel luggage through his third company. Once again, he went on to sell the company to investors. He shifted to making industrial-style furniture to match his loft apartment. Kenn took apart a vintage sofa and armchair to discover their inner workings and repurposed them into his designs. Through this experimentation, his fourth business, Stephen Kenn Furniture, was born. His wife, Beks Opperman, handled the business end while Kenn advanced his creative process.

Kenn had access to a large array of military fabrics, which became central to his Inheritance Collection. Along with repurposing the fabrics, Kenn welded rusted steel frames covered in a protective coating. Replica “mule belts,” originally used for pack mules in World War II, complemented the tarnished metal and supported the backs of his sofas.

In 2019, Kenn partially opened his downtown Los Angeles loft to the public as an experiential showroom that holds a collection of his work and favorite items from the past. It is open for community events and overnight stays and houses a popular neighborhood coffee shop.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Stephen Kenn’s seating, tables and more.

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Creator: Stephen Kenn
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Blackened Aluminum Compression Bench
Blackened Aluminum Compression Bench

Blackened Aluminum Compression Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Compression bench by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Bench can be paired with the matching Compression Table or used as a standalone piece. Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. With this customizable bench...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel

Military Canvas and Antique Brass Two-Seat Sofa and Bench
Military Canvas and Antique Brass Two-Seat Sofa and Bench

Military Canvas and Antique Brass Two-Seat Sofa and Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Slightly smaller in size, the two-seat sofa is ideal for apartments or smaller spaces requiring a smaller footprint. The inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Antique Nickel Aluminum Compression Bench
Antique Nickel Aluminum Compression Bench

Antique Nickel Aluminum Compression Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Compression Bench by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Bench can be paired with the matching Compression Table or used as a standalone piece. Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. With this customizable bench...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel

Desert Tan Heavy Canvas & Blackened Steel Bench
Desert Tan Heavy Canvas & Blackened Steel Bench

Desert Tan Heavy Canvas & Blackened Steel Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench
Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench

Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage US Mailbag and Antique Brass Bench
Vintage US Mailbag and Antique Brass Bench

Vintage US Mailbag and Antique Brass Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with a patchwork of vintage US mailbag canvas material. Since first designing Inheritance Coll...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench

Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance Bench can be used as a chaise extension on the sofa or two-seat sofa, as an independent seating option, or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench

Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The ...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench

Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Olive Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench
Olive Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench

Olive Canvas and Blackened Steel Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Faribault Grey Wool and Blackened Steel Bench
Faribault Grey Wool and Blackened Steel Bench

Faribault Grey Wool and Blackened Steel Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench

Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Bench

By Stephen Kenn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table. Since first...

Category

2010s American Modern Stephen Kenn Benches

Materials

Steel

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Stephen Kenn benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Stephen Kenn benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of steel and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Stephen Kenn benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Stephen Kenn were created in the modern style in united states during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by The Tailored Home, Jasper Morrison, and Jhon Ortiz. Prices for Stephen Kenn benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,200 and can go as high as $13,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,250.