Industrial Folk Art
INDUSTRIAL STYLE
Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.
It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.
The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.
Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings.
On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.
to
18
97
67
172
4
2
1,990
1,068
987
309
198
178
162
89
82
78
54
42
38
32
23
22
7
14
158
6
56
55
41
7
2
9
11
9
6
6
28
9
1
125
54
50
25
14
74
66
59
24
15
178
176
178
3
1
1
1
1
Style: Industrial
Collection of 8 Antique American Cloth Sad Irons, Rare & Collectibles, Set of 8
Located in Bochum, NRW
A beautiful collection of eight antique clothes irons / sad irons.
They are oval-shaped and feature a cast iron base with a detachable wood handle.
Ma...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Monumental "Valley Forge" American Flag with 48 Stars, c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
This is an original monumental American flag made by Valley Forge Co. with 48 stars and stripes and brass grommets.
Creator Valley Forge Co.
Date of manufacture c.1940-1950.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Massive Antique Garage Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
Carved and painted dimensional lettering adorned to a large painted plank to advertise a service station/car repair garage.
145.5" W x 25" H
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Framed Yellow Cabs Sign c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage Yellow Cabs sign framed with a thick wooden frame.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Mat Board, Wood.
C...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Heavy Duty Cast Iron Gentlemen Wall Sign Plaque, C.1920
Located in London, GB
A large and incredible heavy duty cast iron Gentlemen sign. c.1920
In original condition with an amazing patina. Likely once mounted outside a public...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Industrial Iron Wheel 19th Century Original Painted
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky Industrial wheel is in fine condition and retains the original red painted surface. The condition is very good.
Category
19th Century American Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Illuminated Letter E , 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter E was made in Italy during the 1980s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a vhite metal body and a white plexiglass cover....
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Hand Painted French Patisserie Sign c.1930-1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Vintage French wooden sign for "Boulangerie Pattisserie, Pain cuit au feu de bois." (Wood fire baked bread). Framed in steel.
CR...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Collection of 8 Antique American Cloth Sad Irons, Rare & Collectibles, Set of 8
Located in Bochum, NRW
A beautiful collection of eight antique clothes irons / sad irons.
They are oval-shaped and feature a cast iron base with a detachable wood handle.
Ma...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Antique Wooden Wheelchair
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1900. We offer this rare Wooden Wheelchair. Crafted in wood and Iron, the wheelchair showcases impeccable workmanship that speaks to the heart ...
Category
1890s American Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Antique Articulate Artist's Mannequin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940. We offer this Antique Articulate Artist's Mannequin made in oak wood.
Category
1960s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Oak
Early 20th c. Pair of Second Class Paris Metro Seats c.1908-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A pair of Paris Metro train seats with teak slats seats and a decorative metal scrolled leg. The legs are attached to a metal plate which can be removed. The back rest leans s...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Enamel, Steel
1920s Doctors' Medical Scale Mechanical Stand Up with Weights
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1920. We offer this antique Industrial stand up doctors' scale. Features height indicator and a movable weights made in solid brass.
Category
1920s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Early Danish Double Sided Neon Bakery Sign
Located in Peekskill, NY
When we first found this neon sign our restorer was excited to work on it. He believes that the sign was a handmade and one-off being produced by a skilled metal fabricator. It was most likely used outside a small shop in Denmark. This is a traditional sign used for a Danish Bakery...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Steel
'Donuts Cafe' Neon Sign, 1990s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely vintage neon sign that reads Donuts Cafe, perfect for adding a nostalgic touch to your space. Taken down from a Los Angeles restaurant on Hollywood Blvd. This little sign fe...
Category
1990s North American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Acrylic
Vintage Minneapolis-Moline SSP Neon Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1930s/1940s; Minneapolis Moline Power Implement Co. - Hopkins/Minneapolis, MN
Vintage single-sided porcelain tractor company neon sign.
This piece advertises Minneapolis-Moline,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Framed Yellow Cabs Sign c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage Yellow Cabs sign framed with a thick wooden frame.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Mat Board, Wood.
C...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Harvard Ave. Porcelain Sign c.1900-1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original double sided enameled porcelain Harvard Ave street sign.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1900-1900.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Enamel, Steel
Massive Antique Half Hull Ship Model
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and important massive late 19th century half hull model ship of the
steel screw steamers "CZAR" and CZARITZA" built by
Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. Builders, Newcastl...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Monumental "Valley Forge" American Flag with 48 Stars, c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
This is an original monumental American flag made by Valley Forge Co. with 48 stars and stripes and brass grommets.
Creator Valley Forge Co.
Date of manufacture c.1940-1950.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Vintage Oversize Truck Sign c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original painted oversize truck sign with steel brackets that was mounted to a semi truck.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950.
MATERIALS AND TEC...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Vintage English Nautical Binnacle in Tall Copper/ Brass and Mahogany Housing, Ty
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Made by John Lilley & Gillie Ltd., England. A standard binnacle form in copper/brass housing with arms set with red and taupe painted iron Kelvin's balls (the taupe one with open hol...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Copper
20th Century Vintage Hungarian Flag by Bulldog, Cotton Bunting, American Made
Located in Chicago, IL
An original 100% cotton bunting Hungarian flag with metal grommets, made by Bulldog in Verona, New Jersey. Heavy woven fabric with bold color.
Measures exactly 32.25" high x 58" wid...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Handmade Leather Gym Punching Boxing Heavy Bag
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Leather Gym Punching Boxing Heavy Bag. This piece is made of vintage leather and vintage chains following the design of the ancients pun...
Category
2010s Mexican Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Leather
Vintage Iron Milk Can Side Table, Powder Coated Bright Blue
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large antique 20th Century heavy iron milk container with handle and lid. Great Folk Art to use in a farm or country rustic decor. Large, traditional, heavy pot, freshly powder coated bright metallic blue with an original removable lid. Keep your house organized by placing this beautiful, antique milk...
Category
1930s Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Illuminated Letter P , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated facade letter P was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black bakelite body and a white plexigl...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Bakelite, Plexiglass
Vintage Illuminated Letter N, 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage Industrial illuminated letter N was made in Netherlands during the 1980s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a grey m...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Binnacle Compass 100% Original condition
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique 100% Original finish Ships Binnacle Compass house.
Category
1910s Spanish Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Large Vintage Decorative Wooden Ceiling Fan
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large French black-painted wooden ceiling fan.
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage "Cabins" Single Sided Porcelain Neon Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
Vintage neon sign advertising cabins for rent. This piece features a bold Bauhaus-style font in white set against a dark background. The lettering has been traced in a turquoise neon...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Phillips Stick a Soles and Heels Cobblers Shop Advertising Display Model
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Phillips Stick a Soles and Heels cobblers shop advertising display model
This piece dates back to the 1920s and would have been on display in a shoe shop window
The model is of a...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Rare Early Enamel Sign Advertising Eley-Knoch Shot Gun Cartridges
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Rare early enamel sign advertising Eley-Knoch shot gun cartridges
Very Rare old sign, is made in ceramic enamel it is a heavy piece with the usu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Vintage Illuminated Letter N, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter N was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal bod...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Late 19th Century Milk Glass London England Westminister Kemble Street Sign
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous etched milk glass street sign from the City of Westminster, England.
Original Arts & Crafts style frame in excellent vintage condition.
Category
1920s English Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Milk Glass, Oak
Large European 1930's Nautical Map Reader Magnifying Glass
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This European set of two nautical magnifying glass map-readers are quite unusual and rarely found. It is fully encased in it's heavy wooden and metal enforced box. Hailing from betwe...
Category
1930s German Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Japanese Tin Litho Toy Car Ford Falcon Friction C1960
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Ford Falcon Japanese Tin Litho Friction Toy Car C1960. In excellent vintage condition with minimal, if any wear. Came from a large lot of toys th...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Industrial Ceramic Glove Mould Statue. c.1960
Located in London, GB
Vintage industrial ceramic glove factory moulds. c.1960
Wonderfully formed, very tactile and a great decorative item. Price is per item.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Leather Gym Punching Boxing Heavy Bag
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940. We offer this Antique Leather Gym Punching Boxing Heavy Bag.
Beautiful and original chains,
Category
1920s Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Leather
Double Sided Hanging No Smoking Please Gas Station Garage Enamel Sign
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Original 1930s double-sided enamel Stop Your Motor Please No Smoking Gas Station Garage Sign.
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Vintage Illuminated Letter a, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter A was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a brown metal bod...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Antique Industrial Factory Work Table on Iron Castors
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique Industrial factory work table on iron castors, simple design, handmade, heavy duty construction, hand delivery avail to New York City or any...
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Wood Framed Glass Two-Sided Electric Sign, circa 1930
Located in Surrey, BC
This is a very rare one of a kind automotive collector item.
Cantilevered cast iron sign for Brighton Garage. Two-sided, electrified sign with its lettering reverse-painted on glass...
Category
1930s Canadian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage "Cabins" Single Sided Porcelain Neon Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
Vintage neon sign advertising cabins for rent. This piece features a bold Bauhaus-style font in white set against a dark background. The lettering has been traced in a turquoise neon...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Bell System Telephone Double Sided Flange Porcelain Sign
Located in San Mateo, CA
Flange mount double sided Bell public telephone porcelain sign. The porcelain has good color. There are some losses around the edges and in the sign.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Vintage Heavy Cast Iron Dog Lawn Sign
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Vintage Heavy Cast Iron Dog Lawn Sign. Made in iron with great patina
Category
1950s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Early 20th C. Monumental American Flag with 48 Stars, c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
This is an original monumental American flag made with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has brass grommets to hang.
Creator unknown.
Date of m...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Vintage Illuminated Letter v, 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter V was made in Italy during the 1980s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a vhite metal ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Metal Optician Shop Trade Sign
Located in Linkebeek, BE
vintage Metal Optician Shop Trade Sign
Shop Industrial decor - Optician sign Antique
Large yellow metal DOUBLE-SIDED eyeglasses sign with a metal wall br...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
1930s Jointed Betty Boop Fleischer Doll
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1930. We offer this Jointed wooden Betty Boop doll by Fleischer in a green dress.
This is one of the first Betty Boop dolls that were created in...
Category
1930s Mexican Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Tin Litho Windup Toy by Louis Marx "Jumpin Jeep" C 1950
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous colorful and full of unpredictable moves when fully wound. Louis Marx toy company was prolific during the mid century era producing a full array of tin windups. In excellent...
Category
1950s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Tin
Early 20th C Cast Iron Toy Sedan by A C Williams Original Red with Nickel Wheels
By A. C. Williams Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and classic cast iron toy from the early thirties. In what looks like to the original Red with Nickel Wheels and the right amount of wear to th...
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron, Nickel
Vintage Illuminated Letter T, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage Industrial illuminated letter T was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Hand Painted Dentist Trade Sign c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Single sided wooden dentist tooth trade sign with gold and black letters. Hand painted, hand carved.
Shown with a life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid Century C1960 Japanese Tin Litho Friction Toy Car Chevrolet Corvair
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic tin litho friction Chevy Corvair c1960 in very good condition, near mint. Ralph Nadar of course made the Corvair infamous in his book, "Unsafe At Any Speed" which led to th...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Massive Antique Garage Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
Carved and painted dimensional lettering adorned to a large painted plank to advertise a service station/car repair garage.
145.5" W x 25" H
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Italian Flag c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original Italian flag with brass grommets to hang it.
CREATOR American Flag and Banner Company, San Francisco.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.19...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Tin & Wood Open Touring Hill Climber Toy Car by Clark, circa 1903
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous early toy example by the Clark co. This hill climber works great, and is almost totally complete. It's missing it's passenger in the back. Cast iron...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron, Tin
Willy Mays San Francisco Stadium Souvenir C.1950-1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
Willy Mays San Francisco stadium souvenir with fabric attached.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter A, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “A” was made during the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old inscription POŠTA. In czech language Post Office. The weight of th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century City of Westminster London Antique Milk Glass Street Sign
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous early milk glass street sign from the City of Westminster London. Original wood frame in excellent vintage condition. A couple of cracks in the glass on right lower corner. ...
Category
1910s English Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Milk Glass, Hardwood
Enameled USSR Soviet Parachute Badges and Knights Templar Cross c.1955-1968
Located in San Francisco, CA
Collection of 5 enameled USSR Soviet parachute badges. Two instructor badges: #500 and #10 with the number of jumper hangers attached and three parachute badges. One is missing the h...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Early 20th C Coca Cola Bottling Company Sign
Located in Charleston, SC
This sign originally hung on a Coca Cola Bottling Company building in Longview, Texas. It was made in the first half of the 20th century, circa 1910. This sign contains seven differe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Antique Articulate Artist's Mannequin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940. We offer this Antique Articulate Artist's Mannequin made in wood and brass tripod.
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
C1945 Cast Aluminum Trade Sign Form of a Key Keil Charlestown N.H. Keys Made
By Keil Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast aluminum trade sign circa 1945 depicting a actual key in red and silver. Perfect casting which retains its true color and material. Keil from Charlestown N.H. cast into...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Double Sided Metal Motor Oil Sign c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original distressed double sided metal sign "Super Motor Oil" on one side and "Sonoco Hottest Brand Going" on the other side.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
French Wallpaper Printing Roll
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 French wallpaper roll made from oak. The rolls have lovely designs which would have been run through ink and then used to print a pattern on wallpaper. These make great ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Illuminated Letter I, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated facade letter I was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black bakelite body and a white plexigl...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Bakelite, Plexiglass
Industrial folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Industrial folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Industrial folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Patrick Fitzgerald, A. C. Williams Company, American Flag & Banner Co., and Coca Cola Bottling Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $15,000 while the average work can sell for $561.