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 Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Valcor Engine Corp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Salvage from Valcor Engine Corp (Single Mold), Approx 20 lbs. Great to use as a unique decorative object or convert for use...
Wood
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907 This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Iron
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Large Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Glass
19th Century Boxwood and Iron Paper Guillotine, Industrial Style, UK
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Boxwood
c. 1899 NOS Complete Japanned Copper Dental Drill
Located in Dekalb, IL
This immaculate and incredibly rare piece of dental history originates from the office of Dr. Harry Wood - formerly located at 205 Huron Street in Berlin, WI. This complete dental drill set comes with everything - including the ornate japanned copper swing arm...
Copper
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd The Glass Syringe comes in its original turned Beech case and has the Pharmacy label on the front The box is 9” long and...
Beech
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Brass
Vintage Giant Micrometer Industrial Display Sculpture
Located in Dekalb, IL
Vintage giant micrometer mounted on a substantial faceted sheet-metal base. Constructed entirely from metal, the piece reproduces the recognizable curved frame, anvil, spindle, sleev...
Metal
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustment of balance weight The Steel...
Iron
Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London
Located in London, GB
A set of graduated calipers from the Ross of London optical company, mounted on a later wall hanging backboard. Each caliper with various markings. Ross of London was a maker o...
Steel
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO, Industrial Style, 1930
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO Quirky scales to keep your weight personal, the weight registered by the scales can only be correctly vie...
Iron
Cast Iron Mortar from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cast iron mortar with a bas-relief band in the center.
Iron
Heavy Wall Glass T Junction Tube for Pyrex, 1930s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Palethorpes Butcher’s Balance Scales, Advertising Sausages
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Palethorpes Butcher’s Balance Scales, Advertising Sausages Palethorpes’ Butcher’s Scales with Brass Bell Weights The scale has a brass weight plate on one side and a Painted glass ...
Iron
Vintage Torch Striker Flint Spark Lighter or Gas Igniter Industrial Mid-Century
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage torch striker (also commonly known as a flint spark lighter or gas igniter). It is a manual tool used primarily by welders and metalworkers to saf...
Steel