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.
Industrial Design Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Cup or Wine Cooler, 1884
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1884 by Aldwinkle and Slater, this stylish, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Cup, stands on ball feet, and featur...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Galvanised Metal Milk Churn with Iron Strapping
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century galvanised metal milk churn with iron strapping A good large piece, with handle, made in galvanised metal with a removable lid A very goo...
Metal
Victorian industrial movement antique sterling silver tea set made in 1878
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1878 by W. Spurrier & Co., this very stylish 4 piece, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, is elegantly plain in design, with angular silver fi...
Sterling Silver
A Very Good Early 20th Century Silver Plated Oyster Bucket, Circa 1930
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The ribbed circular body fitted with loop handles and a removable pierced mazzarine, the front engraved in script ‘Chez Henri’. The underside bearing impressed makers marks for John Round & Son, Sheffield. The ‘Chez Henri’ was once the most prestigious hotel in the National Capital region, owned and operated by the then internationally renowned chef Henry Burger, who had studied with two of the greatest French chefs...
Silver Plate
Enzo Mari Limited Edition Putrella Centerpiece in Iron by Danese Milano 2009
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Putrella is a table centerpiece made from a semi-finished industrial product. Its archetypal form and expressive force is a prime example of Enzo Mari’s work. The piece is ma...
Iron
Industrialist Design Candelabrum or Centrepiece by Robert Welch London 1973
By Robert Welch
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1973 by Robert Welch, this stylish, Sterling Silver Candelabrum, will hold 6 candles, and is in the Industrialist style Welch became famous for. The cande...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Novelty Decanter for 4 Liquids, 1896, William Comyns
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1896 by William Comyns, this remarkable, Victorian, antique sterling silver decanter, will hold 4 different liquids at the same time, perfect for cocktails or for after dinner drinks...
Sterling Silver
Revolving Industrial Compartmented Tray from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Fine Industrial revolving wall-mounted compartmented catch-all tray crafted of patinated cast iron. Manufactured in the USA, circa 1930s.
Iron
Vintage Boho Branch Corkscrew
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This unique vintage corkscrew is a marvelous example of functional folk art, celebrating the rugged beauty of natural wood. The handle is formed from a gnarled, deeply twisted piece ...
Metal