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
$2,575Sale Price|20% Off
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
$3,600 / item
H 18.5 in W 9 in D 9 in
Glass Block' Side Table in Patinated Bronze with Faceted Legs, Made to Order
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A WYETH Original, framed glass block cocktail / side table on faceted legs with forged feet in patinated bronze.
Bronze
$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
$350Sale Price|41% Off
H 21.5 in W 26 in D 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Side Table with Drawer and Cane Shelf
By Paul McCobb
Located in Trenton, NJ
This mid-century modern side table showcases the quiet confidence of American design from the 1950s–1960s, where proportion, material, and function worked in harmony. Its clean lines...
Wood
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
H 16 in Dm 24 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
John Widdicomb Patinated Brass Inlay Side Table
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Unique & Rare John Widdicomb Faux Bronzed with Brass Patinated side table. A Side Table Faux Bronzed frame with Brass Patinaed top. Simple elegant parsons style table with simulated...
Brass
Otto Round Side Table in Light 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 fitt...
Brass
Modernist End Table with Shelf
By Brendan Bass
Located in Dallas, TX
Minimalist end table made from solid black steel with ebonized black oak top. Designed by Brendan Bass for the Vision and Design Collection, by using high quality materials and text...
Steel
$5,400
H 22.5 in Dm 29.38 in
Otto Round Side Table in Bleached Oak with Antique Brass Fittings and Stem
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 fitt...
Brass
$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 East Point, 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
Round Brass Side Table with Hammered Detailing
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Hammered by hand this side table has a versatile aesthetic allowing it to mix easily with a wide range of spaces. The table is crafted from brass and features this wonderful detailin...
Brass
$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
$4,250
H 22.5 in W 24 in D 28 in
Oslo Rectangular Side Table in Bleached Oak with Antique Brass Fittings
By Herringbone Designed
Located in Pasadena, CA
Oslo side table possesses a simple, enduring purity. With rectangular scooped tops, eased edges, and pops of brass, all are smooth to the touch and pleasing to the eye. At home in fo...
Brass
COVET Side Table in Brass by Soraya Osorio
By Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Solid arched brass legs outline the delicate aged brass top of the Covet end table, creating a balance of precision and elegance. Also, available in Black Steel. Please inquire for ...
Brass