Industrial and Work Tables
Industrial and Work Tables For Sale
Color: Brown
Antique Wash Stand In Brass And Marble, Circa 1880
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique brass and marble washbasin from circa 1880. High quality brass and marble washbasin with compact proportions. Just right for a smaller bathroom or sink. Solid and strong. Has...
Category
1880s French French Provincial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Vintage industrial 1920s Stanley London drafting table Made in England
Located in Leicester, GB
An impressive 1920's cast iron drafting table by Stanley London. Made in England. An iconic true vintage 'architect's table'; this drafting table is sold as a tall standing desk. Id...
Category
1920s British Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Wagner writing desk from the Postal Saving Bank in Vienna. Made by Thonet, Vienna.
Otto Wagner Writing Desk, Postal Saving Bank, Vienna - Lit.: Asenbaum/Haiko, Otto Wagner, Möbe...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood
Distressed Antique Workbench with Drawer & 2 Vises
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Industrial Wooden Carpenter's Workbench with Functional Drawer, 1 Leg Vise & 1 End Vise
Overall Dimensions: 22 1/2" x 72 1/2" x 30" high
Top Dimensions: 16" x 66"
Drawer D...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Chestnut
Magnus Olesen Work /Dining Table Made in Denmark, 1977
By Magnus Olesen, Durup
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful dining /desk table of Danish origin in beech wood designed by Thygesen and Sorensen for Magnus Olesen, 1970s. Danish dining table model DK 7870, rectangular in shape, with ...
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Laminate, Beech
$1,895 Sale Price
20% Off
French 19th Century Carpenter’s Workbench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French 19th century workbench is a fascinating relic of technology from before the assembly line, a hybrid of artisanal rusticity and industrial innovations. The top planks are ...
Category
19th Century French Brutalist Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Iron
French 19th Century Oak Kitchen Island
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique drapery table from Burgundy, France, dating to the late 1800s. The tall and large surface area is ideal for any creative pursuit, artistic to culinary, which makes this exam...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage French Artisan Workbench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French artisan’s work table from the 19th century made from oak and pine could easily be used as a small kitchen island or sturdy console. This utilitarian antique has a thick top ...
Category
19th Century French Rustic Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak, Pine
19th Century Antique Carpenter's Workbench Crafted in Estonia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning antique carpenter's workbench with lovely patina by Viljandi RTK. This 19th Century piece was made in Estonia and used by carpenters of the period, with built in organizatio...
Category
19th Century Estonian Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Swedish Butcher Block Table by Aktiebolaget Wexiö
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Understood. My apologies for that misinterpretation – I'll correct the description to reflect that the metal accents are decorative or stylistic, not for reinforcement.
Here are the revised listings for the Swedish Butcher Block...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique Wooden Collapsible Ironing Board
Located in San Carlos, CA
For sale: A fantastic antique wooden ironing board, perfect for adding a touch of vintage and antique charm to any space. This industrial style ironing board is in great structural condition considering its age, with some age-related cosmetic flaws that add to its character. Beyond its original use as an ironing board, this piece can be repurposed as a unique display table, entry hall table, or console table—the possibilities with this antique piece are endless!
Dimensions: 47.5" long, 11.5" wide, and an adjustable height of approximately 50". This versatile and charming antique ironing...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood
$599 Sale Price
20% Off
Custom American Antique Industrial Farm Clipper Now Work Table Kitchen Island
Located in Forney, TX
A custom one-of-a-kind A.T Ferrell & Co. Clipper Grain Cleaner now table or kitchen island.
Featuring an antique American "Clipper" grain and seed cleaner by A.T. Ferrell and Company (Saginaw, Michigan, United States), dating to the turn of the late 19th / early 20th century, repurposed and now fashioned as a work table / kitchen island, with later wooden slab tabletop, beside tole grain chute, pulley turn wheels, tiered open shelf storage and a lower drawer, in the original red paint finish, with painted maker's mark to lower drawer. circa 1900
Beautifully aged warm rustic worn weathered distressed patina from age and industrial use adds to the overall authenticity, antique character, charm, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over long periods of time
- Dimensions: (approx)
Overall: 44.5" High, 60.5" Wide, 35.5" Deep
- Versatile:
Having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a farmhouse kitchen island or chopping block cutting board stand, workbench, large console, dining room sideboard server buffet serving table, bar height cocktail drinks or wine tasting table, Victorian era center table, placed in the foyer as a striking statement piece, general store counter, retail display, or in a old fashioned restaurant as a hostess counter or decoration that's sure to garner a lot of attention!
- Company History:
The history of AT Ferrell dates to 1869, when John E. Smith, a steam ship captain in the civil war, built the first air / screen grain cleaner. Having returned to Ohio after the war, Smith became interested in a small water powered flour mill and needed a wheat cleaner. Lacking the funds and credit, Smith built his own cleaner, and in 1869 the first fanning mill using a vertical air blast principle was put into operation. From his naval background Smith named his new machine “Clipper” after the very fast and advanced sailing ships of the time. Smith moved on from the flour mill business and turned his interest with the help of his new cleaner to becoming a grain buyer and trader. His success in that business stimulated the idea of further developments to the cleaner. And in 1879, ten years after the first, Smith had built 20 hand operated Clippers and sold them in the surrounding counties in Northern Ohio. By 1891 having built some 200 Clipper cleaners Smith thought he had hit his peak. He also thought he had saturated the market. Not able to foresee the future and wanting to retire, he sold his little cleaner business to Albert T. Ferrell who had been an employee for eight years. By the time just prior to World War Two more than twenty thousand various models of Clipper cleaners had been produced by the A.T. Ferrell company. Today it's estimated that sixety thousand Clipper cleaners have been produced and placed into operation worldwide over the last 150 years. Many of those have long been forgotten and lost to time, especially the older models, but surviving examples are still recognizable in barns, museums, feed mills and seed plants around the world.
Keywords:
Late Victorian era craftsman old fashion original general store counter country fair farm tool machine machinist agriculture machinery agricultural industry heavy-duty coffee bean grinder grinding mill vice carpenter shop carpentry bench Americana advertising commercial business fixture merchant mercantile display...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Steel Top Kitchen Island / Display Table
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Printer's Imposing Table by Hamilton Manufacturing Co.
*Note that the front and back are identical and that the drawer is accessible from both sides*
Overall Dimensions: 30...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel
French Walnut Bistro Table or Cafe Table with Marble Top and Brass, C. 1900
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French walnut bistro table or cafe table from the turn of the twentieth century features a rose colored marble top with grey and white veining. The top is surrounded by wooden t...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Mid Century Industrial Boulangerie Trolley Basket Cart C1950
Located in Trensacq, FR
Large French baker's bread cart, provenance from a boulangerie in the southwest of France. Wonderfully distressed and full of character, this basket was...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal
$838 Sale Price
29% Off
Cast Iron Pub Table Circa. 1900
Located in Fulton, CA
Uncommon rectangular form cast iron pub table. Circa. early 1900's. Highly detailed casting with original painted wood top. Rustic, industrial finish. Could be enjoyed as a console, ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Iron
$1,850 / item
Large 19th Century Oak Drapers Table
Located in Ongar, GB
An exceptional large silk merchants drapers table from France. In beautiful washd oak with 4 good size drawers on one side. In very good solid condition ready to use. A very beautifu...
Category
19th Century French Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Industrial Viseless Workbench / Table
Located in Oakville, CT
Viseless Carpenter's Workbench / Worktable
Overall Dimensions: 20" x 42 1/2" x 29" high
Materials: Maple
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Maple
Antique Carpenter's Workbench with Leg Vise
Located in Oakville, CT
Primitive Industrial Wooden Workbench with Vise
Overall Dimensions: 33" x 72" x 31" high
Top Dimensions: 26" x 72"
Materials: Pine
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine
Vintage Carpentry Woodworking Pine Workbench Table
Located in Forney, TX
A vintage carpentry woodworking - craftsman's pine workbench.
Dating to the first half of the 20th century, having a thick rectangular solid pine top with desirable overhang and recessed chanel trough, single hand crank vice clamp with heavy iron and steel elements (easy to remove to free up tabletop space if needed), all rising on four strong straight block legs, joined by a sturdy lower tier stretcher shelf. circa 1940s
Similar to the centuries old original Roubo workbench, circa 1769, designed by French carpenter and master cabinetmaker André Jacob Roubo (1739–1791).
Simple, reliable, and effective, retaining original antique character marks and beautifully aged patina over the whole. As warm and attractive as it is useful, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as originally intended as a functional work bench, repurposed as a kitchen island in an old farmhouse, industrial butcher block cutting board stand, Provincial vineyard wine tasting counter, rustic dining table or sideboard server, wooden writing desk, oversized hall console, or potting bench...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel, Iron
Pine shop counter, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A beautiful counter with four drawers with porcelain knobs. Made of pine wood. The blue paint gives the counter an exceptional color and character.
Category
1930s French Rustic Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine
$2,706
Custom Large Center Island or Store Table Display
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Bloom Home inc has over 2000 items in stock ready for immediate shipping, scroll down to view all of our items!
Size: 79”w x 38”d x 35.5”h
23”h shelf clearance
Custom made for bloo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Elm, Reclaimed Wood
$3,120 Sale Price / item
20% Off
English 19th Century Painted Shop Counter
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Fantastic painted counter from a 19th Century English shop, this rare and outstanding fixture would transform your kitchen or retail establishment. Darkened oak planks on the surface...
Category
19th Century English Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
English 19th Century Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This stunning work table has a thick 1 ¾” thick pine top and would make a gorgeous kitchen island. Crafted from solid pine and oak, it remains incredibly sturdy and level. The brilli...
Category
19th Century English French Provincial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
19th Century Antique Carpenter's Workbench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning antique carpenter's workbench with tons of charm, lovely patina and paint splatter. This 19th Century piece was used by carpenters of the p...
Category
Late 19th Century Estonian Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel
French 19th Century Painted Shop Counter
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A substantial 19th century French shop counter with original painted finish over beech and walnut construction. Much of the paint has been lost on the top surface, revealing the warm...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Beech, Walnut, Paint
Adjustable Oak Drafting Table With Cast Iron Base.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Adjustable Oak Drafting Table With Cast Iron Base. Drafting table is fully adjustable, at its lowest level it measures about 34” in height with another 11” of additional height. Top ...
Category
Early 1900s American Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Iron
Antique French Butcher's Block Cupboard Kitchen Unit Table – High-Quality
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique French Butcher's Block Cupboard Kitchen Unit Table – Solid Beech Worksurface Circa 1900.
This rare antique French butcher's block features a refinished 3-inch (7.5cm) thick ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Beech, Pine
$3,400 Sale Price
30% Off
1954 Coen de Vries Desk in Birch with Ebony Base, Red Drawer and Formica Top
By Coen de Vries, Devo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great little writing desk in birch wood with ebony x-base, red drawer and Formica top. Coen de Vries is one of the Dutch pioneers of industrial des...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Formica, Birch, Ebony
Vintage French Leather Workshop Table Kitchen Island
Located in Mckinney, TX
This rustic workbench, once utilized in a leather workshop in France, embodies strength and durability. Its substantial 3-board top sits atop squared legs, accompanied by a lower pla...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood
Wired Table 200, minimal dining table, industrial, bauhaus
Located in beirut, LB
The Wired table features a minimal double wire bent steel frame that support a shaped solid wood top.
The design simplicity is highlighted by angular steel lines and its un-obstructi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Minimalist Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel
French 19th Century Solid Oak Drapery Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century solid oak shop counter or work table, likely a drapery table for assembling long window treatments, it has timeless, Beaux Arts styling to make an impressive s...
Category
19th Century French Beaux Arts Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Zinc Topped Wooden Work Table, Mid 20th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
MID-CENTURY INDUSTRIAL WORKBENCH
A simple silhouette with a chunky wooden top clad in a sheet of zinc sitting on an equally chunky wooden frame.
Reclaimed from an industrial sett...
Category
1950s British Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Zinc
Oak Worktable, circa 1930
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Oak work table from around 1930 produced in France. The top is 8 cm thick and made from one piece of wood. The table is demountable.
Category
1930s French Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak
$962 Sale Price
60% Off
French Oak Two Tier Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century work table in two tiers, formerly used in a winery. The tall and large surface area is ideal for any creative pursuit, from the artist's studio to home baker–p...
Category
19th Century French Other Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak, Paint
French 19th Century Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A heavy-duty work table or drapery table from 19th century France offering two levels for working and display, supported by massive painted legs. The thick, beech wood planks are an ...
Category
19th Century French Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Beech
1980 Italy Solid Oak Carpenter Workbench in Rustic Style
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an original vintage carpenter’s workbench from the 1980s. Made entirely of solid wood, it retains the marks of time and craftsmanship, enhancing its authentic, rustic charm. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Rustic Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Oak
Craftsman Industrial Table / Side Table, Iron and Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish power saw and milling machine craftsman Industrial work table or Stand. Spain, 1940s.
The saw has been removed to use the top surface as a side table and the engine has been ...
Category
20th Century Spanish Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
Contemporary Sitting Standing "Work" Desk in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie, USA
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Work desk is the smaller sibling of our WORK table, a contemporary take on the traditional working tables used by artists and designers for centuries. The choice of materials combine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Industrial French Steel Postal Sorting Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
French steel postal sorting desk in two parts. The desk in two parts with upper having 25 open compartments with a grid back. The desk with an oak ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel
Vintage Folding Wall Paper Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Great vintage folding wall paper table, made in the USA circa 1930's. The table is constructed of wood, with metal hardware, the top folds open through the center, and the legs fold ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal
A 19th Century Shop Counter
Located in Conwy, GB
A 19th century pitch pine shop counter.
Original well patinated surface decoration, later rudimentary shelf to the interior.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine
Fantastic Kitchen Island Repurposed from a Wisconsin Butcher's Table Restored.
Located in Chicago, IL
Fantastic Kitchen Island Repurposed from a Wisconsin Butcher's Table Restored. One of our favorite pickers found this extremely rare American made early 1900's Butcher's Table in the...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Steel
Late 19th c. Scrubbed Carpenter's Workbench c.1880-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original scrubbed carpenter's workbench with two wooden screw vises and large inlay tray on the back used to house larger tools. There are 10 "dogs" spaced along the width ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Steel
$3,595 Sale Price
31% Off
Late 19th c. American Carpenter's Workbench, c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A beautifully worn solid Maple carpenter's workbench with large inlay tray used to house larger tools and dovetail joints. The bench features two wooden screw vises that work...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Maple, Wood
$3,595 Sale Price
31% Off
Antique Industrial Cast Iron Drafting Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Relieve all the splendor and charm of 19th century industrialism with this quaint antique drafting table. Featuring an elegant cast iron pedestal base and an adjustable solid wood de...
Category
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
19th Century French Antique Walnut Draper’s, Drapier Table, Antique Tailor Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An important antique 19th Century French Draper’s Table or Table de Drapier made of and crafted Walnut with a rich warm patina, in good condition. The huge top planks of the large ta...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique French or Belgian Butcher Block Meat Market Work Island
Located in Forney, TX
A French or Belgian boucherie meat market workbench from the early 20th century.
Finished on all sides this piece was meant to be used as a butcher's chopping block / delicatessen w...
Category
Early 20th Century European Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table #2
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1930. We offer a most unique antique Mexican Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table with outstanding patina.
The stool and the typewriter is not included.
Category
1930s Mexican Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood
Pine Table Top on Industrial Cast Iron Base
Located in Baltimore, MD
This lovely late nineteenth century three board pine table top is about 1.25” thick and has two cleats attached to its underside to keep the top nice and flat. They are notched in o...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Iron
Large 18th Century Swedish Rustic and Primitive Pine Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Large Swedish pine table from the late 1700s. The table is rustic and primitive with clean and lightly patinated surfaces on both the table top and X-base. The table top consists of ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Industrial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine
Antique Industrial Table ideal as End Table, Small Kitchen Island or Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Industrial Small Work Table, Side Table, Craft Table or Occasional Table. You could even roll this small Industrial Table around the Kitchen to serve from. Somehow, when a it...
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
19th Century French Art Nouveau Shop Display Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Superb 19th Century French Art Nouveau Shop display table or drapers table.
Curving Art Nouveau lines and original untouched worn painted finish. With a small centre drawer including...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine
Vintage Industrial Carpenter's Workbench / Storage Cabinet
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Carpenter's Workbench with 2 Vises by Hammacher Schlemmer & Co. New York
Overall Dimensions: 33 3/4" x 57" x 34" high
Top Dimensions (excluding vises): 25 1/2" x 48 1/2"
D...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Maple, Pine
French Wooden Pétrin Table with Original Dough Bin and Baluster Legs, circa 1750
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French wooden pétrin table with removable top, original dough bin and single side drawer from the mid-18th century. Born during the reign of King Louis XV, this French kneading table...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood
Rustic Antique Farmhouse Harvest Spanish Table with drawer
Located in Miami, FL
A rustic antique farmhouse harvest table from the turn of the late 19th / early 20th century. Restored, retaining original character, d...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish French Provincial Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Walnut
Marble Bakery Store Table
Located in Oakville, CT
Marble Top Confectioners / Bakery Table
Overall Dimensions: 24" x 121" x 31 1/2" high
Materials: Maple, Oak & Marble
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Marble
Mid Century Drafting Table by Anco C1940 Oak & Maple
By Anco Bilt
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Great size and construction using oak for the base and maple for the top. Iron adjustment hardware all in very good condition with age related wear. No abuse. Height reaches 44inches and is fully adjustable to all angles. Has the original vinyl cover.
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Iron
19thC English Country House Pine Farmhouse/Prep Table
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1870.
19thC English Country House pine farmhouse/prep table with 3 wide plank top, H stretcher and large drawer to one end.
Sourced from Somerset
Measures: W 272.5 x D 87....
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Pine
$8,618 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1930. We offer a most unique antique Mexican Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table with outstanding patina.
The stool is not included.
Category
1930s Mexican Industrial Vintage Industrial and Work Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique and Vintage Industrial Tables and Work Tables
From drafting tables to preparation tables to kitchen islands and more, the collection of antique and vintage industrial tables and work tables on 1stDibs features a wide range of robust furnishings that fit seamlessly into modern interiors.
Work tables, just like most tables, have evolved considerably over the years.
More than 1,000 years before iconic American furniture brand Herman Miller would help shape the way we work — and later, how we live at home — monks who lived and worked in medieval-era monasteries stood at what you might call crude writing desks, translating religious texts and copying them by hand.
While those who practiced the art of handwritten letters definitely needed a suitable writing desk, the world wouldn’t see proper roll-top desks and the like until the 19th century. Owing to the work of architects such as Antoni Gaudí, these monastery “desks” were essentially work tables. (Chairs, much less actual desk chairs, weren’t a part of the workspace until the Renaissance.) It was a far cry from the cozy home office that affords many of us the opportunity to work remotely today.
Near the end of the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution brought with it the founding of mills and factories, and hand production methods gave way to machinery and mass production. Factory workers needed sturdy industrial tables to perform tasks that required precision and to support the manufacturing industry. Spare work tables — durable and easy to clean — were constructed of metal and wood and became essential on assembly lines and in packing facilities. Today, industrial-style furniture celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn.
Aside from how well antique and vintage industrial tables and work tables will fit in your industrial-style interior — think raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors — these furnishings have practical uses. They’re a must-have item for a number of creative endeavors: They’re an ideal food-prep surface in your kitchen or an efficient work surface for any kind of hands-on workshop or painting and drawing studio. With some creativity, you can turn a vintage wood industrial table or work table into a desk, dining room table or coffee table.
At 1stDibs, we love the industrial-style furniture trend, and here you can find a wide range of antique and vintage industrial tables and work tables as well as other furnishings that will look wonderful in your heavenly loft space.