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.
Antique Beechwood Ladder – Decorative Accent Piece
Located in North York, ON
Antique Beechwood Ladder, unique decorative accent piece, circa 1950’s, unknown maker or origin. Vintage, Rustic, Decorative Purposes. Price includes complimentary scheduled curb-sid...
Wood, Beech
Nautical Ship's Bunk Ladder use as Fabric or Towel Rack
Located in Nantucket, MA
Steel and teak bunk ladder from a decommissioned ship. The teak steps are grooved and flip up for storage. Refinished. Great to use for organizing towels or showcasing fabrics. C...
Steel
American Industrial Rolling work platform / steps/ ladder by Cotterman co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
American Industrial Rolling work platform / steps/ ladder by Cotterman co... Classic design,, Wonderful patina.. fully functional.. Art / sculpture.Hand delivery avail to New yORK cI...
Steel
Pair 19thc Tall Haberdashery Tall Rolling Industrial Solid Oak Ladders
Located in Savannah, GA
Milbradt Manufacturing Company was a St. Louis, Missouri, company known for making "rolling step ladders" that were used in libraries, stores, and warehouses in the late 19th and ear...
Metal
6ft Very Tall 19th Century Decorators Ladder This is a pretty big piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
6ft Very Tall 19th Century Decorators Ladder This is a pretty big piece, it would make a superb decorative piece and has the original manufacturer’s label on the back The Ladder...
Pine
Antique Industrial Professional Painters Ladder, Modernist Design
Located in Buffalo, NY
1940s Industrial Metal Professional Folding Ladder, Great design, Paint can holder can be for left or right handed.
Metal
Paint Splattered Simplex Safety Step Ladder
By Simplex
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Paint splattered simplex safety step ladder This is a very useful and marvelous looking piece, the step ladder has 2 good long upright grab handles, it has a the Simplex snap acti...
Pine
Industrial Era Wood Ladder with Tall Iron Pipe Handles
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A two- sided four rung ladder with a top mounted with tall open square shaped handles. The front and back connected by flat stretchers. Raised on wheels. Oval Metal number plate...
Iron
Late 19th Century French Decorators Ladder This is a beautifully designed piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Late 19th Century French Decorators Ladder This is a beautifully designed piece, it would make a superb decorative display piece. The Ladder is made in Beech which has darkened with...
Beech
19th Century Pine Step Ladder This is a very useful and not unattractive piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Pine Step Ladder This is a very useful and not unattractive piece, the step ladder has 7 treads, it has a very attractive waved edge The ladder would work well in a kit...
Pine
20th Century French Industrial Ladder
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
French industrial iron library ladder, originally used in a bank. Circa 1900. This ladder has a practical design, with wheels for ease of movement, a hand rail and five steps. The...
Iron
6ft Tall Shabby Painted Pair of Builder’s Trestles
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
6ft Tall Shabby Painted Pair of Builder’s Trestles The Trestles come with long heavy boards, ideal for adjustable shop or any other display The Trestles have been roughly painted...
Pine
Antique Original Painted and Patina Ladder
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We are delighted to offer this lovely painted original pine ladder A good looking and decorative piece.
Pine
Small Antique Steps
Located in London, England
Set of French Arras style steps in steel with aged paint finish. Circa 1900.
Steel
$1,000Sale Price|60% Off
Agwam Hangar Aircraft Service and Repair Fuselage Access Ladder Prop Treehouse
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A vintage relic sold as a prop. An antique collapsible Early-century wooden and steel ladder. Each Rung Segment is 14 inches and space between rungs is about 12 inches. Seems strong...
Steel
Vintage Iron Ladder with Chain Support, Industrial Style, 20th Century
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage iron Ladder with chain support Decoration - Vintage - Ladder Measures : 57cm H:153cm Wear consistent with age and use.
Iron
$331Sale Price|19% Off
H 85.44 in W 16.54 in D 1.58 in
A Rustic Ebonised 8 rung Bamboo Style Ladder, Towel Rale or Display Rack
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
A Rustic Ebonised 8 rung Bamboo Style Ladder, Towel Rale or Display Rack. Organize your bathroom towels or bedroom blankets with this leaning ladder rack that would complement your m...
Bamboo
Antique Rustic Primitive Wood Ladder
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique rustic primitive wood ladder, c. 1910-1920. Charming, weathered ladder with original paint in shades of white and gray with hints of pale blue, green and yellow.. It retains...
Metal
Gold Ladder
Located in Paris, FR
Ladder gold made in polished stainless steel in gold finish, using bending properties of steel sheets.
Stainless Steel
19th Century Carved Screen
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a finely carved late 19th century Indian Anglo-Raj Hardwood Screen that was fabricated for the export market. The four-panel screen features four distinctly carved floral panels to the front and four matching panels...
Hardwood
19th Century Alligator Suitcase
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
American made suitcase manufactured by Hulbert Bros. They were in business from 1870-1909 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Free shipping within the United Stat...
Animal Skin
$1,295
H 37.5 in W 16.5 in D 12 in
Antique French Provincial Country Oak Wood Folding Library Step Ladder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Provincial country oak wood folding library step ladder. Item features remarkable patina, fold out steps, exposed joinery, solid wo...
Wood, Oak
Authentic Antique Brass Ship’s Ladder from the Late 19th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Step into the past with our authentic antique brass ship’s ladder dating back to the late 19th century. Originally crafted for ship cabins, this meticulous...
Brass
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Painted Pine Blanket Chest Trunk 6 Ft
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming 19th century Scandinavian Country Swedish Folk Art painted blanket chest, marriage chest, dowry chest, coffer, or trunk. The large chest is crafted from pine and retaining...
Iron
19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French folding ladder, crafted in walnut and dating from the late 19th century, is a rare piece that combines practicality with refined craftsmanship. Featuring six step...
Walnut
Spanish Library Ladder
Located in Houston, TX
Industrial stairs made of wood with great painted patina. Can be used as a library stair or would be a great display piece for a succulent collection or in a. bathroom with towels an...
Wood, Paint
Mahogany Library Steps -
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
Mahogany library ladder with 3, 4, 5 or 6 steps with brass lipped treads (the model shown is the 5 step model). Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time and tha...
Mahogany
Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports A Great set of Library Steps
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports A Great set of Library Steps, the 4 steps are in a spiral formation, they have tooled leather treads and are in good condition, very sturdy...
Beech
Industrial Rolling Ladder
Located in Doylestown, PA
A vintage industrial rolling ladder in oak, circa 1930, likely from a retail store or warehouse. A second one is also available.
Oak
Victorian ALHATHLAT Shop Step Ladder The Ladder is made in Pine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian ALHATHLAT Shop Step Ladder The Ladder is made in Pine it has been waxed but still retains an authentic aged look, the patented iron work on the side is good quality, this ...
Pine
Sold
H 24.02 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Industrial small stepladder in wood with old layers of paint, Belgium ca. 1920
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1920 / small stepladder / wood / industrial / mid-century / rustic A small wooden stepladder made in Belgium around 1920. This sturdy industrial piece has 2 steps and nic...
Wood
Sold
H 23 in W 11 in D 9 in
1920s -30s Industrial Pressed steel step stool, wonderful patina , great design
Located in Buffalo, NY
1920s -30s Industrial Pressed steel step stool, wonderful patina , old factory green paint Amazing design. Piece of art , sculpture,,23" deep when open,(steps)
Steel
Vintage Metal Ladder Prototype
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage metal ladder, this one of a kind prototype was constructed from vintage materials in our atelier. Created from steel plates, delicately ...
Metal
Tall Oak Rolling Putnam Industrial Library Ladder
By Putnam
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th century oak library ladder in a light stain. Original Putnam Rolling Ladder Co, Inc. sticker, Features brass plated steel hardware and side rolling bottom wheels. No top whe...
Steel
Industrial Stairs, 1920s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Industrial stairs made of wood with great patina in 1920s. Can be used as a library stair. Measure: Highest stair is 123 cm.
Wood
Sold
H 67 in W 19 in D 35 in
Antique Wooden Industrial Ladder with Iron Handles by Putnam & Co., New York No
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A five rung Industrial Era Ladder with a pair of tall arch shaped iron handles on top. The base with black painted iron mounts and wheels. Original Label and Oval Number Plate...
Iron
American Industrial Work Ladder, Circa 1940
Located in Rochester, NY
American Industrial painter's / utility work ladder with beautifully designed architectonic form and great old color to wood and metal construction. In fully open working position as...
Metal
American Architectural Design Industrial Work Ladder, Circa 1940
Located in Rochester, NY
American industrial work ladder with great architectonic form and beautifully aged color to wood and metal fittings. Measures fully extended open as shown in pictures - 90" H to top x 26" W at bottom below steps and 52" across bottom sides / folded measures 96" H x 26" W x 7" D. Fully safe functional for utilitarian usage / prop for photo shoot / display design / interior or garden decoration. Look at all pictures and read condition report in comment section. Delivery can be arranged from Door Number...
Metal
Sold
H 74 in W 20 in D 3 in
Antique Cheseboro Whitman Green Distressed Painted Primitive Wooden Ladder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Cheseboro Whitman Army Green Distressed Painted Primitive Wooden 74" Ladder. *Price is for one ladder. Currently 2 ladders available*. Item features 5 rungs, original army gr...
Metal
Industrial Rolling Oak Library Ladder by Putnam
By Putnam
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial, work-worn, rolling, oak library ladder by Putnam features decorative steel hardware, hooks at the top and lateral wheels at the bottom t...
Steel