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 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
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
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
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
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
Rare 1930s Antique Industrial Steel & Brass Roll Top Desk by the 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
$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
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
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
Antique Folding Railroad Teller’s Desk with Security Window
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1900s-1920s; Unknown Maker - United States Antique portable folding railroad teller’s desk believed to have been designed for use aboard a train. The highly portable desk unfolds...
Metal
$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
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
Large 20th Century Work Table, Kitchen Island
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large vintage workbench or work table on castors. Early to mid-20th century. Crafted from solid pine. Good refurbished condition, ready for everyday use. Ideal as a freestanding kitc...
Beech, Pine
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Walnut Writing Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Handsome late 19th-century French walnut writing table or side table in the Louis XIII style, sourced in Provence, France. The table features a rectangular paneled top above two spac...
Walnut
$13,136
H 31.5 in W 90.56 in D 86.62 in
Guido Faleschini Mariani L-Shaped Executive Desk-Black Leather, Italy 1970s
Located in Den Haag, NL
An Italian midcentury L-shaped executive desk by Guido Faleschini by Mariani with a black leather top and very dark blue faux velvet sides and chrome accents. This desk also features a file sorter that slide within a unique recessed channel. A three drawer filing cabinet...
Stainless Steel
Large French Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk
Located in Troy, NY
French Mahogany Empire Desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of total six drawers under an open shelf, as well as a sliding writing surface with inset ...
Mahogany, Pearwood
$4,600
H 29 in W 39.25 in D 22.25 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Table or Side Table, Late 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
An antique French Louis XIII style oak table sourced in Provence, dating to the late 19th century. Structurally revised in our workshop and finished with a fresh wax, the table prese...
Oak
Vintage Regency Drexel Writing Desk
By Drexel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A masterpiece of classic design, this vintage writing desk by renowned maker Drexel embodies the grace and sophistication of the French Provincial style. The desk's exquisite silhoue...
Brass
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
Desk in oak, 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large desk in oak, rectangular in shape. Black tray standing on two boxes with two drawers, opening with circular and semi-circular shaped handles. Keys. French work realized in the...
Oak
19th Century Antique Industrial Kitchen Island with Teak Wood Top
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique industrial farmhouse kitchen work table or kitchen Island. The large iron base is shown with a plank teak wood top. Top and base c...
Iron
Custom Industrial Kitchen Island or Work Table Base
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a top of your own choice — Marble, Quartz, Granite, Wood or a Butcher Block. The heavy duty industrial base will add character and style to your kitchen or work shop. Length ca...
Iron
French Large Art Deco Table Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a marquetry of diamonds. It rests on tall and Brutal...
Oak
Antique Industrial Desk With Drawers
Located in Dekalb, IL
This beautiful wooden desk has been cleaned and restored to its original condition with specific care to the original stencil numbering on the front. Each of the drawers provides sto...
Oak
1930s Art Deco Walnut Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautiful example of 1930s design, this Art Deco walnut desk features a rounded rectangular top with extendable leaves supported by bold, sculptural pedestal bases. Crafted in rich...
Metal
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
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
Sold
H 38 in W 93 in D 103 in
Mid-Century Modern L-Shaped Executive Desk by Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful 1980's vintage "Burdick Group" executive desk by Herman Miller. Bruce Burdick developed this design for Herman Miller as "a workbench for executives... one that is responsive to the way an individual works". The modular design is comprised of a unique assemblage of work surfaces, paper handling and storage elements, and electronic equipment supports, located along a structural armature in whatever configuration best suits the way people work. This piece is arranged in a convenient L shape, but can be rearranged or combined with other units to create the most functional work space for the user. In 1980, the Burdick Group received design awards from the Institute of Business Designers and the Industrial Designers Society of America. The following year, Time magazine named the Burdick Group system one of the Best of 1981 for Industrial Design. The magazine described it as one of the first flexible office furniture systems to come to terms with computer terminals and other electronic office machines. These design features allow this desk to have all of the vintage charm and yet still highly useful in the modern, tech-laden office! Set includes: - Two-piece glass desktop (Dimensions: 84" L x 36" W x 29.5" H) - Dual-beam L-shaped configuration - Lower return/work surface (front-mounted) - Upper return/bookshelf (reare-mounted) - Three 3-legged base posts - Black Fiberglass Shell Desk Chair (w/ new black seat cushion) This iconic desk looks spectacular paired with the black fiberglass desk...
Aluminum
Modern Industrial Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern industrial desk with cast 'Vintage' metal bound top and tapered pegs with a rustic oak parquetry inlaid top with a leather inset writing surfa...
Metal