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.
Dark Olive Heavy Canvas and Blackened Steel Extra Large 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...
Steel
$3,000 / item
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...
Steel
$4,600 / item
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 ...
Steel
$4,500 / item
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...
Metal, Steel
$4,600 / item
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 ...
Steel
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 ...
Steel
$3,000 / item
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...
Steel
$3,000 / item
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...
Steel
$3,500 / item
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...
Metal, Steel
$4,600 / item
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 ...
Steel
$3,600 / item
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...
Steel
Brentwood Navy Leather and Blackened Steel Extra Large 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...
Steel
$2,600 / item
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...
Steel
$4,600 / item
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 ...
Steel
$2,200 / item
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...
Steel
$2,600 / item
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...
Steel
Providence 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...
Steel
$2,200 / item
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...
Steel
$3,000 / item
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...
Steel
$2,000 / item
H 17 in W 36 in D 12 in
Walnut Knife Beam Bench 3' Long Solid Wood + Blackened Steel by Alabama Sawyer
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our knife beam bench in walnut utilizes salvaged walnut wood logs for a rustic bench. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural texture of the end grain of each species. The 12" x 12" beam is milled and finished to sit raised by a mild steel base with a black patina. The beam bench brings rustic beauty at a variety of lengths. Cracks, knots, saw marks and variation is part of the beauty of these pieces. The wood will continue to move and the finish to patina over time. The knife walnut beam bench makes a cozy coffee table in a den or living room or low table in a mud room or entry hall for flexible use as a place to place packages and bags or to remove shoes. With the oiled finish used on the knife walnut beam bench, we do not recommend putting this bench outside...
Steel
$2,400
H 36.23 in W 59.06 in D 20.48 in
Danish Modern, Sculptural Three Seater Sofa / Bench, Made by Hans Dau, 1950s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Odense, DK
A lovely romantic Baroque style three seater sofa with cushions covered in vintage fabric. Made in solid oak. Handcrafted by Danish cabinetmaker Hans Dau in the 1950s. The overall im...
Fabric, Oak
$7,307Sale Price|30% Off
H 35.83 in W 59.65 in D 22.25 in
Restored Antique Victorian 1870 Coalbrookdale Nasturtium Pattern Garden Bench
By Coalbrookdale Foundry
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this beautiful Coalbrookdale Nasturtium pattern cast iron garden seat or bench dating to circa 1870. The ...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$8,650 / item
H 18 in W 46 in D 16 in
Bench Sculptural Dynamic Contemporary Modern Woven Hand Carved Blackened Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
BENCH NO. 1 J.M. Szymanski d. 2020 Beautifully designed textiles and blackened steel are combined to bring elegance to the simplicity in this d...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Antique Cast Stone Bench on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast stone garden bench. Slight curve seat sits on two pedestals with carvings. Beautiful aged patina adding elegance to any garden space or e...
Cast Stone
$3,280
H 41.15 in W 102.37 in D 16.34 in
Art Nouveau Extra Large Hall Bench, Elm and Beech, Dutch Design, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant extra large Art Nouveau hall bench. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Original elm and beech base with six original wooden legs and six original wooden seats...
Beech, Elm
Contemporary Bench with Handwoven B&W Upholstery
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Cloud collection was created around the concept of tress. These contemporary styled benches and stools are made with cotton fabric and foam stripe...
Fabric
French Directoire Style Painted Bench with Light Blue Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
Fabric, Wood
$2,743 / set
H 18.31 in W 112.41 in D 10.83 in
Two Extra Large French Provincial Country Farmhouse Benches, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant pair of French Provincial Country Farmhouse extra large benches. Striking French design from the 1900s. Solid antique oak frames with original solid antique oak ...
Oak
Pair Of Brass And Wrought Iron Benches
Located in Essex, MA
Possibly Jansen. With brass duck head hand terminals and strap iron seats and arched classical style legs. Newly painted black and brass polished.
Brass, Wrought Iron
$6,200 / item
H 18 in W 102 in D 16 in
Contemporary Bench "Underpass" in White Oak and Blackened Steel by Casey Lurie
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Underpass is a contemporary bench inspired by the simple forms and robust construction of freeway interchanges. Foregrounding the natural beauty of solid wood, a blackened steel chas...
Steel
$2,624 / item
H 16.15 in W 44.89 in D 14.97 in
German Handmade Bench Made of Blackened Oak, Coated Steel and Black Jute Belts
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The bench is made of a filigree construction of powder-coated steel. On this construction rests a frame of solid, lacquered oak tree, which is covered with handwoven stripes of fabri...
Brass, Steel