For over a century, industrial style has generated enthusiasm for its raw formwork style. It is the result of the surprising meeting between interior decoration and the history of industry.
Industrial style comes from the “factory,” those large American factories born during the boom of the industrial revolution (in the 19th century). With Fordism, factories are often composed of:
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- Spacious areas with high ceilings;
- Exposed piping;
- Sets
- of gears and mechanical parts belonging to machines;
- Raw concrete walls;
- Sturdy storage furniture: lockers, metal cabinets, or mirrors among which we have selected the trendiest models here…
- Stackable and easy-to-move furniture, like the Tolix chair.
The codes of architecture and design of facilities were revived in the 1970s for the development of large urban lofts as housing. All the elements mentioned above become the basic elements of industrial style, as we will present to you in this article.
CONTENT:
- What does industrial style look like today?
- The key colors of industrial style
- The main materials of industrial style
- The flagship brands of industrial style
- How to adopt industrial style at home?
- How to evolve industrial style?
- What mistakes to avoid when adopting industrial style at home?
- The little extra that makes a difference
- Our shopping selection for an industrial style interior
- The upcoming trends of industrial style
What does industrial style look like today?
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Despite its industrial furniture and dark decor, this kitchen is very bright thanks to its large windows SOURCE: Deavita
Today, industrial style translates into a mix of its origins and some much more modern pieces.
Room for more clarity! We forget the dark and cold side of factories. The walls and floors remain rough, most often in concrete.
We also find the presence of a large glass roof in living areas (kitchen, living room, dining room…) Yes! Because light is essential in the new industrial style. Inspired by the large windows of factories, we bring light into our interiors through glazed windows.
Regardless of the destination room, the canopy is perfect throughout the house! Discover interior canopy ideas that prove it’s a must.
The new industrial style blends with the “workshop” style featuring black iron, very natural and fairly neutral colors.
We opt for large work tables, which generally combine raw wood and metal. The furniture is simple, both aesthetic and functional.
SOURCE: Curated Interior
The numerous storage lockers remind us of workshop drawers or cabinets BUY: Clayton Rolling Shelf: €299
Leather is mainly found on armchairs or chairs for furniture.
Leather enhances the whole. No way to have a style without warmth in your interior! SOURCE: Tout Elze
It can also be applied with a small touch, on furniture handles for example, or on decorative objects.
Around the table, the seats also take on small Scandinavian sides with their thin angled legs SOURCE: Pinterest
Rugs are also making their appearance in industrial interiors. No need for animal skin, you can settle for a fabric rug.
Ethnic-inspired rugs (Berber or Scandinavian) are perfectly suited to industrial style SOURCE: Délicieuse
Compared to previous years, red is less present in industrial decoration, especially in brick walls that we prefer to be more neutral. If your home has red brick walls, you can paint them white or cover them with lime, to bring more clarity and brightness to your home.
The key colors of industrial style
Often, the dark colors used in industrial decoration do not lend themselves well to small spaces, risking making you feel even more like living in a somewhat cramped place SOURCE: Our loft
Industrial style is neutral, quite masculine and sometimes “cold.” Thus, you can easily personalize it and adapt it to your tastes by adding other colors to this type of interior.
The gray
Architectural elements of industrial style are often in shades of gray (floor, walls, plumbing…). Instead of hiding them, we highlight them and make them real assets SOURCE: HabitatPresto
It is mainly present on the floor through concrete, on rough walls or in plumbing/piping elements. For furniture, we opt for different shades of gray, ranging from steel to anthracite gray, almost leaning towards black.
The
black
To avoid a total black look that darkens the room, we mix industrial-inspired elements with lighter elements (such as painted walls, hardwood floors…) SOURCE: Côté maison
Black metal, often matte, is very present in industrial decor. It is used to create screens as partitions, to separate a kitchen from a living room, or to create a bedroom in a corner without blocking the light.
The color black is also found on furniture, often mixed with wood or printed with industrial patterns (names, numbers, etc.). Door or window frames can be painted black to add the finishing touch to your industrial decor.
The brown
Very masculine, brown leather adds color to an industrial interior that can sometimes be very dark SOURCE: Rhinov
It is mainly found on the leather of armchairs and seats. The shades range from brown to cognac, ideally with patinated leather for an impression of vintage flea market furniture.
It can also be found in the form of rusty metal, on light fixtures and pendants.
The red
Add a touch of bright color to your decor with a bright red element, like a metal stool for example SOURCE: Bien C-Home
This is a color mainly used for decorative elements, in small touches: wall decoration, cushions, fabrics, lamps, etc. Red is bright and reminiscent of Coca-Cola red ©!
White or cream
In a bedroom, we break the raw side of industry with sheets in light, white or cream tones SOURCE: Blanc
In addition to brick walls that can be repainted white or covered with lime in an interior, we find these two light colors with a touch of touch. They are mainly used for fabrics (rugs, cushions…) and linens, in the bedroom, kitchen, or living room.
But nothing prevents you from waking up the industrial style with bright colors like yellow or blue, either by painting an entire wall in these shades, or with decorative elements (canvases, vintage posters, industrial signs…) or appliances (pastel Smeg fridge).
The main materials of industrial decor style
The mix of materials is at the heart of industrial decoration as long as they recall those used in factories at the beginning of the century SOURCE: Mya
All materials used for industrial style are raw. They were often used in factory manufacturing. In the space, there are three main subjects:
- Concrete on the floor
- Brick on the walls
- Glass in the openings
If you live in a loft, then these materials are already present at home. You don’t have to do major renovations (unless in case of renovation). If you want to give an industrial spirit to an older or contemporary interior, you will need to get your hands dirty and replace the existing materials with these!
On the side of industrial furniture, we mainly find 3 materials:
- Leather
- Wood
- Iron
Wood and iron are often used together, on buffets, coffee tables, or even dining tables. The wood is raw. It can sometimes be covered with some inscriptions like factory workshop.
The 3 materials mix perfectly to create a very masculine but comfortable decor SOURCE: Maisons du monde
Very masculine, leathers are often in shades of brown, from cognac to glazed brown. One of the emblematic pieces of the industry is the famous Chesterfield sofa. Its padded leather with a vintage effect makes it a piece of furniture that immediately brings character to your living room.
The decoration uses steel, iron, or fabric. Enamel plates representing vintage signs, steel clocks reminiscent of industrial machine gears, steel or metal light fixtures… The more raw and vintage the decoration, the better!
Don’t hesitate to play the harmony card in your industrial decor by choosing furniture and decorative objects in the same material, especially if you have small spaces SOURCE: Pour l’intérieur
If you are not a fan of flea markets, don’t panic. Decorative panels offer many industrial-inspired decorative objects that will be perfect for adding a finishing touch to your decor.
On the side of fabrics and bedding, we opt for solid colors, in timeless colors such as white, cream, gray, or black.
Don’t hesitate to play with the color shades to bring relief and warmth to your bedroom SOURCE: Le journal de la maison
The flagship brands of industrial decor
As with all trends, there are iconic brands or brands specializing in industrial decoration. Here is a small non-exhaustive list of must-have brands of industrial style!
Tolix
In chair or stool version, in raw or colored metal, Tolix offers seats typically in the industrial style. For use in any room of the house BUY: Tolix Chair: €69
Jielde
Originally created for industrial use, the Jieldé lamp is now available as a wall lamp in a kitchen or as a bedside lamp BUY: Jieldé Lamp: €298
Chesterfield
Timeless, Chesterfield leather sofas and armchairs are iconic. They immediately bring character to your living room SOURCE: Chesterfield
Maisons du monde
You will find everything you need to redecorate your industrial interior at Maisons du Monde. From furniture to decorative objects, everything is there for a successful style SOURCE: Maisons du monde
Produit intérieur brut
Also known as PIB, the gross domestic product is a brand that designs industrial-style furniture at attractive prices SOURCE: Produit intérieur brut
Vertige
With its famous Vertigo suspension, Constance Guisset has created a design object, appreciated by enthusiasts. To be installed above your industrial dining table or in a large bedroom SOURCE: Petite friture
IKEA
With its Fjällbo range, the Swedish giant steps out of Scandinavian style to offer low-cost industrial furniture, especially for designing your living room SOURCE: IKEA
Decoclico Factory
The Decoclico panel launches its range of industrial furniture and decorative objects to create a living room, bedroom, or kitchen without breaking the bank SOURCE: Décolico
Metal & Wood
Specializing in industrial decor, we find exceptional furniture for an original and downright trendy interior SOURCE: Metal & Wood
How to adopt industrial style at home?
As with all decor trends, there are essential and specific elements to industrial style. From floor to ceiling, from furniture to decorative objects, a little tour of the unmissable industrial style, as well as our tips for adopting it at home in the blink of an eye.
Industrial style furniture
Workshop-style desks combine wood and iron. There is plenty of storage, in drawers or on shelves. To be combined with a workshop chair for a harmonious set SOURCE: Maison Côté
From the living room to the bedroom, kitchen, industrial style is composed of a few iconic pieces of furniture.
For a lighter industrial decoration, you can create your desk with a wooden top and iron trestles. If possible, it is more pleasant to cherish them at flea markets or online, but you can also find unduly inspired furniture at affordable prices in decor shops.
SOURCE: Décoration de lait
In addition to the Chesterfield sofa, we often find large vintage leather club armchairs in the living rooms or bedrooms of industrial interiors SOURCE: Metal and wood
Often inspired by workshop lockers, industrial-style shelves and libraries are made of iron or matte black metal. Quite imposing, they are reserved for living rooms that benefit from large spaces SOURCE: Pinterest
In the kitchen, we prefer wooden and metal shelves, which allow easy access to objects, kitchen utensils, and other foods SOURCE: Maisons du monde
In the bedroom, the dresser is inspired by storage lockers to accommodate clothes and accessories. Install some decorative elements on top to make it warmer SOURCE: Frenchy Fancy
Decoration for industrial style
Mythical, the Jieldé lamp with its articulated arm is representative of industrial decor. For use as a desk lamp or bedside lamp SOURCE: Meubles et design
Often made of metal, wood, or leather, decorative elements are carefully chosen to bring the finishing touch to your home.
In the kitchen, we draw inspiration from restaurants and install antique-effect metal pendants above the countertop or central island. There are certain elements such as wire metal that are also present in Scandinavian decoration, or leather poufs found in bohemian interiors.
SOURCE: Déco Cool
For chairs, we draw inspiration from legendary seats such as Tolix © chairs, which also exist in high stool version SOURCE: Instagram
On the office side, we adopt the workshop seat with a metal frame often associated with a seat in iron or wood SOURCE: Frenchy Fancy
In cognac leather, the pouf allows you to have an extra seat in a living room without taking up too much space SOURCE: Maisons du monde
Mirrors combine metal and glass. We opt for large models reminiscent of awning or window shapes. Suitable for use in the living room as well as in the bedroom or bathroom. SOURCE: Maisons du monde
Industrial mirrors are the perfect representatives of this style. This decorative object and its multiple variations will undoubtedly bring an industrial aspect to your interior.
Like in factories, clocks are imposing and generally made of metal. The more vintage they look, the better! SOURCE: Archzine
Despite a relatively masculine atmosphere, the urban jungle trend adapts to industrial interiors. To be placed in accumulation, choose pots in raw materials such as concrete SOURCE: Ma maison inachevée
An industrial decor on a small budget
In a very classic Scandinavian-style interior, we install a few light fixtures, small furniture, and other industrial-inspired objects SOURCE: Hubstairs
If you don’t have a large budget but love industrial style, there are a few tips to adopt it without breaking the bank.
In addition to decorating with signs that offer objects at attractive prices, also think of flea market shops and online classifieds to buy furniture or decorative objects at good prices.
With small touches, install unduly inspired decorative objects in your interior. Vintage signs, metal lamps, dressing table mirrors, metal and wood clocks… The more of these kinds of objects you install in your interior, the more you give your interior an industrial style.
It’s hard to imagine an industrial interior without leather. A vintage leather sofa will immediately bring an industrial touch to your home, without needing to do more SOURCE: Brun acier
Leather is becoming more and more affordable, especially thanks to large decorative signs. Also, consider faux leather, even more affordable, as long as you choose good quality. You can also opt for items with leather details: shelves, storage, baskets…
Install brick-effect wallpaper on a wall panel in your living room or bedroom. White or red brick color, it’s up to you to choose! SOURCE: E-Wallpaper
If you are renting or do not want to put up wallpaper, know that there are also brick-effect stickers. They work wonders, coming to cover a splash or a wall.
Industrial decoration with a bigger budget
Very trendy for years, polished concrete flooring is easy to maintain and perfectly suited to an industrial interior SOURCE: Oh mon mag!
If you are a homeowner, you can rebuild your house from A to Z in the purest industrial style. Create awnings, pour concrete floors, change frames or doors… You have plenty of choices!
To partition a large room, create a closed kitchen or conversely, bring more light to a room, drill the walls and install an awning SOURCE: Marie Claire
If you are a handyman, you can install your awning yourself. DIY panels offer different models, sometimes even custom-made to fit perfectly in your home.
For polished concrete, it is recommended to call a professional for optimal results.
If DIY or major work is not possible, you can invest in typical industrial furniture such as a leather sofa or workshop desk.
The layout for an
style
High ceilings, large living spaces… The industrial style certainly does not suit a studio or a two-room apartment! SOURCE: HabitatPresto
Industrial style is particularly suited to spacious interiors. Urban lofts or large country houses will be the perfect spaces to create an industrial atmosphere at home.
Industrial style, composed of rough and often dark furniture and objects, requires a bright place to avoid being in a very dark interior setup, even in daylight.
Large spaces are also necessary as industrial furniture is often bulky. Solid pieces like a shelf, a leather sofa, or a large workshop-style dining table can express their full potential.
Industrial style by room
With the right configuration, industrial style can find its place in any room of the house. From the living room to the bedroom to the bathroom, nothing is impossible.
The industrial living room
Quite a wide leather sofa, wooden and metal storage furniture, workshop lighting… The bigger your living room, the better! SOURCE: Tendance déco
No need to overload your living room: despite a spacious area, imposing industrial furniture quickly takes up space.
On the walls, bricks or concrete will be a very good base to hang some decorative elements like a large clock or vintage wall decoration.
On the floor, polished concrete will be easy to maintain. You can warm it up with one or more rugs if you wish. You can also opt for rough flooring, with a vintage effect. Discover 30 ideas and inspirations for a trendy industrial living room.
Industrial kitchen
Separated by a glass roof, the industrial kitchen mixes wood and matte metal for decoration SOURCE: Mon intérieur de vie
For an industry-inspired kitchen, choose black kitchen furniture, or combining raw wood and matte black metal. Around the kitchen island that transforms into a dining area at lunchtime or dinner, arrange workshop seats or Tolix © seats.
For appliances, prefer stainless steel. The same goes for small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, mixer…): stainless steel, metal coating or black will be perfect to create harmony in the room.
The industrial bedroom
Despite its raw decoration, the industrial bedroom can be comfortable. Emphasize bedding, accumulate cushions and throws, opt for low-light fixtures… SOURCE: Conception de maison
Industrial style is suitable for both a master bedroom and a teenager’s room. However, this style should be avoided for a child’s room.
As a headboard, you can opt for a brick wall or wallpaper in gray tones, with an urban design. A leather headboard or a pallet style with integrated storage is also appropriate.
Install industrial sconces as bedside lamps. A wire metal table or a small metal storage cabinet can be used as a bedside table.
In front of the bed or window, also install an industrial mirror (awning or door style) to increase the brightness of the room.
The industrial bathroom
Large storage units, dressing mirrors… The industrial style is perfect for a bathroom contrary to what one might think! SOURCE: Hunker
Often small, bathrooms can still be decorated in an industrial style as long as the right accessories are used.
Prefer walls of white subway tiles to avoid darkening the room. Transform a large storage cabinet into a bathroom sink unit. And prefer to install an Italian shower or one with a structure made only of glass and metal so as not to lose too much space.
INDUSTRIAL DIY
DIY is a great solution to create your industrial decoration at a lower cost. Just have good materials and elbow grease! A little tour on Pinterest allows you to easily find complete DIYs. But fortunately, at Homelisty, we have selected for you some DIYs for home industrial decor.
An industrial shelf
Combining wood and metal, this shelf finds its place in the living room, entrance, or bedroom SOURCE: Une hirondelle dans les tiroirs
Brass Himmelis
Create small original light fixtures or hanging lamps to install above your headboard or on top of your dining table, in gilded brass or matte black metal SOURCE: La mariée pieds nus
A metal desk lamp
With its base made of copper plumbing tubes, this lamp adds an industrial touch to your desk or bedside table SOURCE: Initiales GG
A pallet coffee table
From pallets recovered from waste or DIY stores, create a stylish coffee table with a metal base SOURCE: Clem autour du coin
How to evolve industrial style?
A cozy rug to warm the floor, a velvet sofa with an art deco inspiration… Elements from other decor styles that combine wonderfully with industrial style! SOURCE: Planète déco
Industrial style is renewing itself with a chic touch. Chic industrial style means bringing new materials into your home to make it warmer and more comfortable. We forget a bit about the masculine codes and come to warm everything up.
The sofa is adorned with velvet, brass replaces matte black metal, we warm the floors with colorful and graphic rugs… In short, we draw on other decor trends like art deco, ethnic or Scandinavian decor to soften the very masculine style of industry!
Don’t hesitate to read our article on chic industrial style to learn more and get inspired to decorate your home.
What mistakes to avoid when adopting industrial decoration style at home?
As with any decor trend, there are mistakes not to make, lest you end up with a small kitschy decoration or completely off the mark.
Bet everything on red
Although it has long been a dominant color of industrial style, red is increasingly less used in modern industrial style. It can still be used as a small touch, with decorative objects of this color for example. But no more than one or two red elements per room.
Create a space that is too cold
Composed of raw materials, industrial style can quickly prove cold. Nothing prevents you from warming everything up by using cushions, rugs, or cozy bedding.
Think of style, not practicality!
Remember that an interior should not only be pleasant, it should also be easy to clean or maintain.
And if you want a trendy interior, our article on 2020 trends advises you to not stick to just industrial style at home. Play with mixes!
The little extra that makes the difference
On the wall of the living room or above the desk, escape by hanging decorative wall elements that invite you to travel. Stick to industrial materials such as wood or wire metal SOURCE: Maisons du monde
Some school boards or references to the world (map, world map, globe) give an extra touch to your industrial decor! Don’t hesitate to refine them for a more authentic look. They are regularly found in flea markets or online.
Our shopping selection for an industrial style interior
The editorial team of Homelisty has selected for you a few items to create industrial decoration in your very trendy home! Whatever your budget.
For a small budget
Jieldé, this desk lamp with its articulated arm can also be used as a bedside lamp BUY: Metal Desk Lamp: €35.05
In an entrance or in the kitchen, this wire metal shelf with its hooks recalls the storage workshop BUY: Wire Metal Wall Shelf: €34.90
Its simple design makes it easy to install this workshop clock in a kitchen or living room, to bring a touch of industrial to the wall BUY: Workshop Clock: €15.90
For a medium budget
**58 Combining wood and metal, this industrial style coffee table offers storage space for your magazines, baskets, and other small everyday items BUY: Fjällbo Coffee Table: €69.95
Impossible to imagine an industrial living room without a leather armchair. To save money, a faux leather model is also perfectly suitable, as long as the fabric is not cheap BUY: Faux Leather Club Armchair: €215.08
With its integrated storage, this industrial-inspired TV unit takes up little space while offering additional storage in your living room BUY: Industrial TV Unit: €79.99
For a bigger budget
Mythical, the Chesterfield sofa is a beautiful piece to afford. Comfortable and elegant, a vintage leather model brings the vintage touch BUY: 3-Seater Chesterfield Sofa: €1490
With its 15 drawers, this industrial storage unit offers you a large storage space. Perfect to make it a dresser in your bedroom. BUY: Industrial Storage Cabinet: €429
Combining raw wood and a metal base, this dining table has everything to please! Set around industrial chairs or benches to welcome your guests BUY: Alaia Solid Acacia & Metal Dining Table: €616
The upcoming decorative trends of industrial style
Like all decor trends, industrial style tends to evolve over the years. If it has long been raw and masculine, it is becoming increasingly chic.
Velvet, textiles, and plants are noted in these loft spaces. Chic industrial style borrows elements of Scandinavian, bohemian, or art deco decoration to offer an even warmer and more refined atmosphere in our interiors.
Tag: industrial decor