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.
Vintage Olivetti Synthesis Desk by Ettore Sottsass - 1970s Italian Design Icon
Located in London, England
Don't miss the chance to own a true piece of design history. This vintage Olivetti Synthesis office desk was designed by the legendary Ettore Sottsass, an iconic figure of postmodern...
Metal
Vintage Simmons Steel Desk With Original Square Pulls, C 1940s
Located in Winston-Salem, NC
This desk brings clean, architectural lines to industrial design — a streamlined steel case finished in warm ivory, with subtly rounded corners and slender squared legs. Four drawers...
Steel
Vintage Rustic C. Christiansen Workbench Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This authentic vintage table features a robust, utilitarian design, highly reminiscent of early 20th-century industrial drafting or workbench tables. Constructed from solid, enduring...
Metal
Industrial Steel Standing Drafting Desk Table by Parent Metal Products
Located in West Chester, PA
Mid-Century Industrial Steel Standing Desk by Parent Metal Products of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Table height 39.75" at front edge and 44" at back...
Steel
$5,212 / item
Industrial Equestrian Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Industrial Equestrian desk of walnut and reclaimed wood with an iron base. The parquetry inlaid top with five drawers is flanked by two horse heads...
Iron
Industrial Mid-Century Brushed Steel Military Desk With Leather Pop-Up Top
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century, industrial, brushed steel military desk circa 1940s features a newly clad, rust brown textured leather top with functional pop-up that opens to reveal additional st...
Steel
Late 19th Century French Steel Large Industrial Table
Located in Hudson, NY
This very good table has all the elements associated with the finest of industrial furniture. Conceived at a time, circa 1890-1900 when art and industry were combined to create modern wonders of the age and who’s ideals had the intent of recreating for man a new way of life. The heavy metal supports are both industrial and neoclassical in design taking elements from Roman forms and marrying them to the new iron structures and manufacturing processes then being used in such things at the Effiel Tower...
Steel, Iron
Zinc Top Desk, or Kitchen Table Mounted to a Pair of Sawhorses.
Located in Highwood, IL
Industrial looking aged Zinc Top Desk, or small Kitchen Table or possible Craft Table. The Zinc Dining Table was carefully aged and clear-coated for prot...
Zinc
Rare 1930s Antique Industrial Steel & Brass Roll Top Desk by the Art Metal Co.
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is an absolute stunner of a roll top! Rare 1930s Steel and brass Manufactured by the Art Metal Construction Co. of Jamestown, NY around ...
Brass, Steel
1959, Cordemeyer, Gispen, Desk Storage Cabinet 5600 with Folding Desktop
By André R. Cordemeyer, Gispen Culemborg
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This cabinet is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last two pictures of this listing or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Colorful desk...
Metal
French Adjustable Clerks Desk Restaurant Station Greeter
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Adjustable Clerks Desk Restaurant Station Greeter A very neat Front of House Reception Greeter, the Péret table, known as the "hygienic" table, made of moulded natural wood, ...
Walnut
French Industrial Iron Table, Early 20th Century, Painted Finish, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th-century industrial iron table with incredible patina displaying some original paint in a range of hues. The frieze and legs share a simple, straight-lined program, extende...
Iron
Vintage Popular Mechanics Field Drafting Desk
Located in Dekalb, IL
This vintage field drafting desk was originally owned and used by Fred M. Eisenzoph who worked as an illustrator for Popular Mechanics Magazine during the 1940s. Eisenzoph is credite...
Cast Iron
$5,213Sale Price|24% Off
H 33 in W 47 in D 24.5 in
Antique Mahogany Georgian Architect's Drafting Drawing Desk Table Chest 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A rare George II mahogany architect's desk/chest, circa 1750. The desk/ top slides forward, thus allowing the sitter to work, the top having a drafting table that has an easel support to place the top at three different heights, the highest being 47" floor to top. The chest having a plan drawer which is flanked by two pen drawers...
Mahogany
$3,629
H 29.34 in W 39.38 in D 22.05 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Bamboo, Cane and Rattan Console Desk, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer this exceptional Italian Mid-Century Modern console desk, handcrafted in the 1970s from bamboo, rattan, reed, and plywood. Featuring an elegant architectural ...
Brass
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant neoclassical desk, designed for Baker, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a great desk, console table, dressing table, or vanity. It offers a nice amount of s...
Brass
1940s Petite French Art Deco Oak Office Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Petite French oak office desk, circa 1930s–40s. Carefully restored for structural integrity while retaining its authentic aged patina and natural surface movement. The compact form f...
Oak
U.S. Military Folding Aluminum and Stainless Steel Field Desk
By René Herbst
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage U.S. Military medical field desk. Converts to coffee table. This is (NOS) New Old Stock military surplus, never previously used. I contemplated stripping the paint to revea...
Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Vintage 1960's American of Martinsville Desk
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1960's American of Martinsville desk with structural details and original pulls. Nice corner details. Marked inside drawer. Two f...
Wood
$299Sale Price / set|49% Off
H 29 in W 48 in D 18 in
Rare Vintage Rustic Western Oak Desk & Chair Set from Yellowstone National Park
Located in Lafayette, IN
This desert oak desk & chair set was custom ordered by the Yellowstone National Park Services from Westwood of Texas. We procured this particular des...
Iron
1968 Executive Desk
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$811
H 25.99 in W 49.61 in D 18.12 in
Italian orange metal sideboard Synthesis 45 Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian orange sideboard Synthesis 45 by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, 1970s Sideboard from the Synthesis 45 series in laminate and metal. The rectangular white laminate top has a ro...
Metal
Vintage Charming Art Deco Metal Desk
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
A timeless example of Art Deco design, this desk showcases the era's iconic green and cream palette, complete with gracefully curved edges and round, polished metal drawer pulls. Wea...
Wood, Paint
1940s French Oak Desk attribute to Rene Drouet
Located in CA, CA
A beautiful French 1940s desk in oak with pull out extendable side leaves and double sided lockable centre drawer, supported on top and tailed U-shaped legs, finished with brushed ni...
Oak
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 40.75 in W 44.5 in D 19.75 in
Antique Walnut & Burl Drop Front Desk With Teardrop Pulls c1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Walnut & Burl Drop Front Desk With Teardrop Pulls C1890 Measures - 40 5/8" x 44 3/8" x 19 3/4" This antique desk, dating to circa 1890, showcases a combination of walnut an...
Walnut
Sold
H 23.63 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Antique Painted Wrought Iron Strapwork Garden Table Glazed Top. c.1940
Located in London, GB
An incredibly attractive metal tripod garden table. c.1940 Blacksmith made from wrought iron with beauitfully patinated painted surface with tempe...
Steel
Antique Solid Oak Slotted Postal Sorting Desk, circa 1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
About An antique solid oak postal desk with several removable shelves, drawer with brass handle, document slot and postal messenger bag hook underneath. Each shelf has slots for let...
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Vintage Industrial Mid-Century Metal Steel Milner's Workshop Factory Desk Table
Located in London, GB
A simply formed industrial work desk, made in England by Milner's. c.1940 Renowned for their incredible and nearly indestructable safes, this desk was made by Milner's - featuring a...
Steel
Antique Solid Oak Wood Roll Top Desk w/ Many Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Antique oak roll top desks are exquisite treasures, showcasing intricate craftsmanship, sturdy construction, and a wealth of storage option...
Oak
Industrial Factory Desk by Invincible Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Imposing midcentury industrial style office desk by Wisconsin's Invincible Furniture Co. Desks of this kind are often extracted from old s...
Metal, Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 74.81 in D 32.68 in
Metal Dining Table with a Massive Oak Top in the style of Jean Prouvé, France
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Brussels, BE
Massive oak top resting on four tapered black lacquer legs each ending by a circular sabot. Attributed to Jean Prouvé, France C. 1950.
Metal
Antique American Country Industrial Distressed Painted Workbench
Located in Forney, TX
An antique American rustic industrial workbench desk. Stamped: USA, AF(eligible) 1059.9. Possibly USA Armed Forces or Air Force. Hand-crafted in the early/mid-20th century, likely originating in the Southern United States, unusual utilitarian form with generous storage options, featuring a one-piece solid wood case, having a raised gallery shelf back with divided compartments, above wooden writing slope - work surface, mounted over a single drawer and a pair of cabinet doors, opening to reveal a large spacious interior compartment affixed with single shelf, rising on simple legs. All in a heavily worn, weathered and distressed light blueish gray paint finish with losses and nicely aged patina. Dimensions: (approx) 54" High, 35" Wide, 30.5" Deep Would look wonderful in a variety of today's contemporary interiors, and having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a functional standing desk, artist work table...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 54 in W 27 in D 18.5 in
Rare WWII Era US Navy Battleship Officer's Quarters Aluminum Desk & Dresser Set
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare WWII Era US Navy Battleship Officer's Quarters aluminum desk & dresser set. Set includes: Desk/Secretary 27" W x 18.5" D x 54" T (29.75" fold-down desk height) Highboy Dresser 26" W x 21.5" D x 59" T Armchair 23.75" W x 26.5" D x 34.5" T (27"arm, 18" seat heights) These two cabinets were discovered a year ago in Wilmington, NC. Cabinets feature aluminum cabinet construction, solid brass hardware and were were likely installed in an officer's stateroom aboard the WWII Battleship USS North Carolina. The USS North Carolina "Showboat" has been moored in Wilmington, NC as a WWII memorial/museum since 1960. The last 3 photos show how the ship appeared before its launch in August 1941. The cabinets have been hand-stripped and semi-polished to showcase the unique materials. Desk cubbies...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in
Industrial Desk, Double-Sided, Top in Beech, Aluminum and Stained Wood, 1970
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb large "minister" desk from the 1970s, two drawers in the front, a niche in the back. Very elegant aerial design. Large storage capacity and work surface.
Stainless Steel
Vintage WWII Folding Military Field Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage WWII Military Field Desk A vintage US Military aluminum celadon green painted metal folding field desk. Transforms from a rectangle to p...
Aluminum
Industrial Desk with Great Distressed Finish
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
1950's metal industial desk with distressed patina. This desk had been stripped many years ago and over the years has gotten this great distressed patina. I had considered having it ...
Steel
Sold
H 54 in W 56.75 in D 25.5 in
Mid 19th C. Postmaster's Desk, c.1850-Contact us for more affordable shipping
Located in San Francisco, CA
Contact for more affordable shipping quotes: S16 Home San Francisco. Mid-19th century American postmaster's desk with dovetails joints, turned legs a...
Pine