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.
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Style: Industrial
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
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 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
Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter C , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial blue plastic illuminated letter C was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It is equipped with a LED strip.The weight of t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Plastic
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
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
$956 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$649 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Mounted Asafo Flag of Ghana c.1820-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Contact us for more shipping quotes: S16 Home San Francisco.
An original Asafo flag depicting the Fante people of Ghana, Africa and the Union Jack of the United Kingdom. Mou...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Fabric
$2,595 Sale Price
20% Off
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 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
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
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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 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 English Rolls Razor Safety Blade Sharpener
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this English rolls razor blade sharpener, circa 1930. Made by Rolls Razor, Ltd., of Cricklewood, London. The Rolls Safety Razor product was a sophisticated safety-razor whic...
Category
1930s English Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
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
Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter N, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter “ n “ was made in Germany during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal body and a grey plastic cove...
Category
1970s German Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
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
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
Vintage Illuminated Letter A , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated facade letter A 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 Dark Red Illuminated Letter E , 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial plastic dark red facade illuminated letter E was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It is equipped with a LED strip. .T...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Plastic
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
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
$1,395 Sale Price / set
38% Off
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
$712 Sale Price
28% Off
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
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
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
'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
Midcentury Friction Tin Litho Soft Top Toy Car Fiat 600 by Bandai Japan
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and in near mint condition Fiat 600 with a rollback cloth convertible top. From a lot of seventeen that were probably stored from day one, and never played with. Made by Ban...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Large Channel Letter A Circus Lettering Advertising Sign from the the 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative large vintage tin channel letter “A” made of sheet metal, painted in a vibrant yellow with red sides. It is dated around the 1960s, though it may be older....
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Sheet Metal, Tin
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
$200 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Antiques Money / Bank, Elephants
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Pair of Antiques money box / bank, elephants.
One of them circa 1920, made in iron, the other circa 1960 made in aluminium.
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
$400 / set
Vintage Illuminated Letter D, 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage Industrial illuminated letter D was made in Italy during the 1980s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Vintage Pink Illuminated Letter T , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial plastic illuminated facade letter T was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It is equipped with a LED strip. The letter c...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Plastic
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
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 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
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
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
Antique Atlantic City Souvenir Penny Game from Boardwalk Empire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Historical artifact once used in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Maple cabinet with brass plaques and painted iron mechanism. Costing two quarters and a penny to play. Not tested ...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Industrial Metal Milk Crate, Powder Coated Navy Blue, circa 1960's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1960s Industrial Metal milk crate. Freshly powder coated, the milk crate is sturdy and sleek in classic navy blue. A perfect addition to any room that needs...
Category
1960s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
$275 Sale Price
26% Off
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
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
Vintage Industrial Factory Cart with Bold Red and Black Paint
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Functional Industrial factory cart on wheels. Original red and black paint surface. Great workspace or small desk.
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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.