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
$1,600
H 17.5 in Dm 12 in
Midcentury Postmodern Clear Glass Block End Table or Side Table after Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very cool architectural design from the 1980s. It features heavy solid glass block construction with thick clear glass top.
Glass
$3,211
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
$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
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
$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
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
Patinated Brass Side Table, Italy, 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant tubular feet brass table with a great patina. Smoked glass top. Italy 1970's. This piece wlll ship from France and can be returned to either France or to a LIC NY location...
Brass
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
Brass Smoked Glass Side Tables
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of bright brass base side tables with smoked glass. Attractive arched supports on a square base. Please confirm location.
Brass
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
Solid Brass Pedestal Side Table by John Vesey
By John Vesey
Located in Atlanta, GA
A minimalistic side or end table by John Vesey (1924-1999), who pioneered into using industrial material to re-interpret classic furniture forms. The table is made of brass with glas...
Brass