Last Updated on April 23, 2023 by April
If you’ve been looking for a new style, look no further. Industrial interior design is the perfect option if you’re tired of outdated styles and want to break from tradition.
What is Industrial Interior Design?
What it looks like
Home with industrial interior design typically features metal as their main material. In fact, this type of design appears similar to that of an abandoned warehouse or factory that has since become defunct. The design incorporates exposed beams, posts, and high ceilings with less attention to adornments.
The History of Industrial Home Design
Industrial design originated in the 18th century when items were designed with function in mind. This way of thinking continued to grow, which is why the style remains so popular today. And although it may not be considered a dedicated architecture or design form, there are several key elements that define this particular type of interior decoration.
Industrial Interior Design Today
Today, you’ll find industrial interior design materials in homes across Canada and the US. The look is often seen in homes with a modern or contemporary theme. However, some homeowners add industrial elements in a more traditional setting.
How to know it’s industrial
For starters, this type of interior design is typically characterized by metal furniture and accessories. If you’re unsure whether you have an industrial style, look for things such as exposed beams, high ceilings, or metal furniture.
Where you’ll find it
This type of design is quickly becoming a preferred choice among homeowners due to its affordability and compatibility with just about any other type of interior design. In addition, the materials used in this design style can be found in a warehouse or a factory.
How to use it
Industrial interior designs work well with contemporary, modern, and rustic styles. You can mix and match elements from these other home decor styles to make them your own. I prefer to mix industrial design with other styles as it helps soften the look a little bit.
If you want to go full-on industrial, by all means, go for it. In this article, you’ll be able to figure out if industrial interior design is for you or if you feel it’s something best left to factories and warehouses.
Industrial Interior Design Examples
Industrial interior design typically features metal as its main material. In fact, this type of design appears similar to that of an abandoned warehouse or factory that has since become defunct. The design incorporates exposed beams, posts, and high ceilings with less attention to adornments.
The style also includes the minimal use of clutter or decorations other than those inherent to the space’s character – such as vintage objects.
Homeowners often choose industrial interior design elements for their kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and entryways.
If you intend to include this theme in your interior design, don’t hesitate to use metal as your main material for furniture pieces such as tables, chairs, cabinets, desks, lighting fixtures, and other home decor accessories.
Edison Bulbs
Industrial design is also known for its use of Edison bulbs. For this style, it’s best to avoid using any type of lighting fixture with a cover or glass dome because these would ruin the desired effect.
You can achieve the industrial look by regularly incorporating metal furniture and accessories into your home decor. Look for things such as exposed beams, high ceilings, metal furniture, vintage objects, and Edison bulbs in sconces or chandeliers.
Cage Lighting Fixtures
Cage lighting fixtures are also a popular choice for this home decor style. These lamps have semi-transparent cloth or metal cages surrounding the bulbs, so it’s best to avoid using them if you want a truly industrial look in your interior design.
Cage lighting fixtures are a popular element of industrial interior design that brings a sense of authenticity to the space while providing a practical function. These fixtures are typically metal and feature a cage-like framework that encases a light bulb.
The exposed bulbs emit a warm, welcoming light that complements industrial interiors’ raw and unfinished elements. Cage lighting fixtures come in various shapes and sizes, from small, single-bulb pendant lights to large chandeliers with multiple bulbs.
These lighting fixtures can define different spaces within the industrial interior, such as hanging above a dining table or illuminating a spacious living room.
These fixtures serve a functional purpose and add a unique industrial aesthetic to the space, creating a sense of warmth and coziness while maintaining the utilitarian focus of industrial design.
Cage lighting fixtures can be a great addition to any industrial interior design due to their versatility in size and form and their charming warmth.
Concrete
Industrial design is also influenced by the use of concrete. You can make your interior more industrial-looking with this sturdy material. Make sure to give it a matte finish instead of using polished concrete, which does not fit well in this type of interior design.
Black Framed Windows With Grids
Industrial design was influenced by the use of old factory windows, which were typically framed with metal grids. You can achieve this look using black-framed windows in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, or home offices.
Exposed Brick
Exposed brick is another characteristic of industrial interior design. Like concrete, it can also make your home look more like it was built in a factory or warehouse that has since become defunct. If you want to achieve this effect but are unsure where to begin, find exposed brick walls in nearby warehouses and other places that might be abandoned.
Industrial Farmhouse Style
As mentioned earlier, industrial interior design is also known for its compatibility with other interior design styles. One popular example is the industrial farmhouse style, which uses metal furniture and accessories with or without any other addition to make it look more rustic. This is a great way to go if you want an industrial touch in your otherwise rustic home decor.
Oversized Metal Lamps
When it comes to lighting for your industrial interior design, you can choose from a wide array of lamps and chandeliers. Oversized metal lamps are perfect for making your space look brighter without looking too cluttered. It’s best to go for powerful light fixtures over ornate ones, as these will make your rooms look more like they’re designed for industry rather than beauty.
High-Ceilings and Open Loft Layout
As mentioned, the industrial interior design contains high ceilings and an open loft layout. This is because large rooms are suitable for warehouses, while open layouts make transporting items around the building easier.
Follow These Industrial Design Instagrams
Looking for more visuals to inspire you? Check out these Instagram accounts that feature or incorporate industrial design elements into homes.
Georgina Rain Interiors
Black Interior Design Ideas
DIE SANDSTEINSCHEUNE
Loft is All You Need
Colors Used in Industrial Interior Design
Color is also an important aspect of industrial interior design, with a color palette typically inspired by the materials used in industrial architecture. Here are some colors commonly used in industrial interior design:
Neutral tones: Industrial spaces typically feature neutral tones such as beige, gray, and brown, which reflect the natural colors of concrete, steel, and brick.
Dark shades: Dark shades such as deep brown and black add depth and sophistication to the space. These colors are often used on walls, furniture, and accessories.
Rustic hues: Rustic colors such as earthy reds, oranges, and yellows are often used in industrial interior design, providing warmth and a sense of natural beauty to the otherwise hard-edged design.
Metallic tones: Metallic colors such as brass, copper, or chrome provide a sense of sheen and sophistication, which reflects the hard surfaces of industrial architecture.
Bold accents: Industrial interiors often incorporate bold, eye-catching accents such as bright red, orange, or yellow. These colors provide a pop of color and add a sense of liveliness to the space.
When choosing colors for industrial interior design, remember that the focus is on building a functional and practical space that showcases the raw beauty of industrial materials. Keep the color palette simple, natural, and sophisticated, and avoid overly bright or neon colors. With a thoughtful color palate, industrial interior design can create a stunning and practical space that reflects the beauty of industrial materials.
Final Thoughts
Industrial interior design is a style that many people love and incorporate into their homes for its versatility. The industrial look can be achieved using metal furniture and accessories, Edison bulbs in sconces or chandeliers, cage lighting fixtures, concrete, black framed windows with grids (or without), exposed brick, oversized lamps, and an open loft layout.
Consider these elements when designing your house so it looks more like an actual factory space than just another home.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Please let us know in the comments if you have any tips for decorating with an industrial home decor style.
