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.
$2,950 / item
Antique Brass Block Side Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modular stool and storage system created to accessorize a living space. Can be used facedown to act as stools or a small coffee table or turned upright...
Steel
$1,400 / item
Modular Metal Block Table with Internal Shelf
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modular stool and storage system created to accessorize a living space. Can be used facedown to act as stools or a small coffee table or turned upright...
Steel
$3,181
H 30.12 in W 17.13 in D 14.77 in
Fine French Antique Hardwood & Brass Etagere Three Tiered Side End Lamp Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, highly collectable circa 1880 French Mahogany and cast brass Etagere table. A truly stunning p...
Brass
Contemporary Italian Side Table in Glass and Brass
Located in New York, NY
Side, occasional or drinks table in thick beveled glass with small brass handle detail on patinated brass tripod base, Italy, 2023. This chic modern side table is beautifully constru...
Brass
$1,145
H 20 in W 28 in D 21 in
Lane Acclaim Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table or End Table with Bottom Shelf
Located in Miami, FL
Lane Acclaim Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table or Wooden End Table A very stylish Scandinavian style coffee table or end table made of solid walnut. Clean lines and natural groves of...
Wood, Walnut
$2,995
H 34 in W 27.5 in D 27.5 in
Vintage Swedish Butcher Block Side Table with Geometric Skirt and Angular Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Swedish butcher block table. This square shaped butcher block table features a thick butcher block top over a single, large drawer. The...
Metal
$1,495 / set
H 20.5 in W 30 in D 20 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut End Tables with a Caned Shelf
By John Stuart
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of mid century modern walnut end tables with a caned shelf below. Table top centers were stained badly and have been painted brown. Otherwise in excellent vintage con...
Cane, Walnut
Cast Glass Blocks Side / End Table
By Imperial Imagineering
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Cast glass blocks side / end table by Imperial Imagineering. Glass top shown is 33" by 33" and not included.
Glass
New Rectangullar Gilted Iron Console Table with Metal Top
Located in Miami, FL
New gilded iron console table with metal top. Galvanized metal rod shelving with epoxy powder coating.
Metal
$5,300 / item
H 22.5 in Dm 29.38 in
Otto Round Side Table in Medium Walnut with Antique Brass Fittings
By Herringbone Designed
Located in Pasadena, CA
The Otto side table is a generously proportioned table with a simple, well-articulated form. Available in walnut or oak, it features a round coupe top, substantial antique brass fittings...
Brass
Jacques Adnet 1930s Side Table with Glass Shelf
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Jacques Adnet (1901-1984). Side table in satinwood with original clear glass shelf, gilt bronze mounts. France, 1930s. Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 25 H.
Bronze
Otto Round Side Table in Bleached Oak with Antique Brass Fittings
By Herringbone Designed
Located in Pasadena, CA
The Otto side table is a generously proportioned table with a simple, well-articulated form. Available in oak or walnut, it features a round coupe top, substantial antique brass fittings...
Brass
Unavailable|$8,500
H 28 in W 50 in D 29 in
Corner Table with Magazine Shelfs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique oak corner end table with built in magazine / book racks.
Oak
Vintage Lane End Table, Smoked Glass Top with Cane Lower Shelf
By Lane Furniture
Located in Trenton, NJ
This vintage Lane end table blends the best elements of mid-century design—glass, wood, metal, and woven cane—into one strikingly cohesive piece. Its smoked glass top creates a sleek...
Metal