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
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
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
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
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
Mid Century Tin Litho Mechanical Clockwork Windup Toy Skier Girl by Chein C1945
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous working tin Litho toy skier by the Chein toy co. C1945. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Tin
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
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
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 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
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
Circa 1900 French Wallpaper Printing Roll
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 wallpaper printing roll from France made from pine.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
1950s American Garage Craftmans Bits Plywood Cabinet Tabletop Chest WW2 Era
Located in Hyattsville, MD
As-found. Petite painted plywood bits and bobs cabinet, factory or garage custom in house job. No makers markings. Chips, dents to wood, splat and paint patina from normal uses.
Category
1950s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Plywood
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
Tin Litho Penny Toys Stake & Tanker Truck and a Sedan by Meier
Located in Port Jervis, NY
3 fabulous tin Litho Penny Toys vehicles. A stake truck, a tanker truck and a sedan car. All in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
20th C. Vintage Large Double Wooden Pulley Block Industrial Maritime Nautical
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Exceptionally large industrial nautical wooden pulley block with double wood sheaves made from oak, steel.
Very rustic and stylish item with a romantic wear of hard labour.
Pulle...
Category
20th Century Belgian Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
French Wallpaper Printing Roll, Circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 pine wallpaper printing roll from France.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Pine
1920's Light Up Directional Service Glass Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
1920's light up Directional Service glass sign. It does work.
Category
1920s North American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Cast Iron Stylized Art Deco Door Stop in Original Paint
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Stylized Art Deco flowers in urn with original paint. Attributed to Hubley, circa 1925. From a large collection.
Category
1920s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Very Early X-Ray Building Sign
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of the best signs I've ever had. It's 10 feet 8 inches long by 19 inches by 5 inches thick. The letters are painted in the negative, just like an X-ray. The letters are "...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Tin
Early 20th c. Monumental Belgian Flag c.1940-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original monumental Belgian flag.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wool, Metal.
CONDI...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Vintage Nautical Spot Light by General Electric
Located in New York, NY
Vintage small nautical searchlight by General Electric, USA, circa 1950. For decorative display purposes only, not operational.
Category
1950s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Antique Kingston Conley Electric Motor Industrial Vintage Sewing Machine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Kingston Conley electric motor industrial vintage sewing machine. Item features a wooden top work table surface, green metal base, elect...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
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 enamel fire sign, 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Charming vintage enamel 'FIRE' sign mlounted on a wooden and metal base.
Its unclear if this was used by the fire brigade during interventions or if th...
Category
1950s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Large Princeton University Banner C.1914
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original large Princeton University banner class of 1914. Hand sewn letters and numbers.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1914....
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Felt
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
Original Condition Industrial Era Beer Cooler from Bern-Wabern Switzerland
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An early 20th century beer cooler in original mustard paint from Switzerland. Large and very solid construction with Three doors all having the original Ir...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Tin
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
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
Frazer Nash Huge Illuminated Advertising Painted Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Frazer Nash huge illuminated advertising painted trade sign
This is an advertisement for the original and famous British racing car company Fraz...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Heavy Iron Industrial Work Boots Factory Molds
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These are super cool and sculptural. Really heavy iron Industrial work boot molds. These things are solid! Stamped with factory numbers and mold info. Vintag...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Pair of Industrial Bench Made "Westport" Style Factory Task Chairs, 1930s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual handmade factory task chairs, late 1920s, early 1930s. Retain original gray painted surface. Wonderful patina. Nice design.
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
1940s Coney Island Amusement Park Kiddie Car Fire Engine in Original Condition
By Pinto Brothers Mfg.
Located in Savannah, GA
Produced by Pinto Bros Mfg of Coney Island, New York, this all-original 1940s firetruck was part of a circular ride at the famed Coney Island Amusement Park. Featuring lucky Number 4...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Industrial Galvanised Water Tank Made into a Coffee Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Industrial galvanised water tank made into a coffee table.
This quirky industrial table was originally made as a roof water tank, but it has never been used as such, it has been p...
Category
20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Hand Painted Studebaker Wagons Sign c.1930
By Studebaker
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original Studebaker hand-painted wooden sign, originally from a 1930s wagon shop. Emblazoned with "Studebaker Wagons" at the center and "New" and "Used" on either side, thi...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Breitling Retail Store Display Advertising Sign
By Breitling
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce vintage Breitling watch three-dimensional retail store advertising display stand window sign.
Rare large free-standing example, only given to select dealers, featuring a tall rectangular solid wood frame, raised chrome Breitling letters, over a yellow jet plane in sculptural relief form, on a most distinctive artistically distressed background; the reverse finished with a flueele fabric and adorned with the Breitling 1884 logo; rising on metal feet.
Dimensions: (approx)
29.5" High, 24.5" Wide, 5.5" Deep
Condition Report:
Great original unrestored vintage condition. Presents well. Some condition issues/retaining vintage character marks and charm, including scattered nicks, mainly to the front top right frame, minor scuffs to the letters, scratches, slight bend to left foot pad, all typical wear consistent with age and indicative of industrial use.
At the time of writing this, we also have some other luxury watch store signage / merchandising displays, including Rolex, Panerai, Cartier, antique clock...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter O, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “O” was made during the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old facade inscription POŠTA. In czech language Post Office. The weight...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Red Iron Facade Letter C, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “C” was made during the 1970s in France and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 0,5 kg.
Category
1970s French Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Large Vintage Yellow Illuminated Letter T , 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade illuminated letter T was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a metal body and a plexiglass cover. It i...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Chrome, Iron
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 Industrial Red Hand Painted Fire Bucket. c.1950
Located in London, GB
A well-used painted fire bucket. c.1950
Really nice example - the colour, patination and style are perfect with rivetted construction. Brass plaque present, dated 1950. Perfect for ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Large Scale Vintage New York City Bus or Subway Roll, Brooklyn-Queens , 8th ave
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Scale Vintage New York City Bus or Subway Roll, Brooklyn-Queens , 8th ave... Over 11 feet !! Great old sign, double sided.
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Korhogo Cloth, Canvas
19th c. Distressed French Flag Pole
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A 19th century French distressed wooden flag pole tipped with toleware spear.
CREATOR Unknown. Made in France.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1800s.
MATERIALS AND TECHNI...
Category
19th Century French Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Tin
Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter P, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “P” was made during the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old facade inscription POŠTA. In czech language Post Office. The weight...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
20th Century Leather Pommel Horse
Located in Nashville, TN
Leather pommel horse by Wilh. Holbeck Essen-Werden (see label). In excellent vintage condition with age-consistent patina and character. height is adjustable. Pommel can be styled in...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century Trumper Co.Sewing Machine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 19th century Trumper Co., Wilmington Pedal Sewing Machine. It depicts a rectangular wood base with a tall wide piece of wood standing in 90 degree position in the mid late...
Category
19th Century American Antique Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Princeton University Pennant Banner, circa 1920-1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Princeton University pennant banners with sewn letters and tassels.
Creator A & Co. New York, Wright & Ditson Athletic.
Date of manufa...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Felt
Large Vintage Green Iron Facade Letter L , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “L“was made during the 1970s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 4 kg.
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
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
Antique New Old Stock Dixey Spool of Twine c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
New old stock Dixey spool of twine with vivid graphics. Manufactured in Brooklyn, NY circa 1920.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Dixey Twine Co., Bro...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Twine, Paper
Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter C , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “C” was made during the 1970s in Italy and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 1,5 kg.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Italian Vintage Table Soccer With Three Knobs
Located in Milano, IT
This charming foosball table, with its worn and authentic look, exudes an unmistakable vintage appeal that takes us back to a time when playing was a simple and genuine moment of sha...
Category
1920s English Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century American Gray Cast Iron Eagle
Located in Chicago, IL
Early 20th century American cast iron eagle. It came from Pittsburgh.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Mounted Turnstile “To The Fun House” from Coney Island, New York
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and Historical Industrial Era Mounted Turnstile from the Fun House at Coney Island, New York, featuring original painted finishes mounted on wood plinth with label reading, “T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Steel
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
Large Vintage Green Iron Facade Letter I , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “ I “was made during the 1970s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 4 kg.
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Red Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “t” was made during the 1970s in France and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 0,6 kg.
Category
1970s French Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Red Iron Facade Letter R, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “R” was made during the 1970s in France and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 0,7 kg.
Category
1970s French Vintage Industrial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
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.