The industrial style interior is characterized by a combination of austerity, simplicity and modernity. Walls without plaster, deliberately aged steel elements, raw wood and open spaces that harmoniously blend together. This is what the magic of industrial decor looks like. However, in order to achieve a stylish space, it is important to combine these elements with modern design. In this article, we will present the most important tips and aspects to consider when looking to create an industrial-style living room.
Features of industrial style
Industrial style refers to the conversion of former factory spaces to residential purposes. Huge open spaces, where the first such interiors were created, required an open residential plan with symbolic zoning. High ceilings allowed for the arrangement of characteristic mezzanines, and huge windows illuminated the factory halls, as reflected in today’s glass partitions and steel doors. A characteristic feature of the industrial style is raw, bare building materials, exposed technical elements of the building, such as electrical installations or copper pipes, are also extremely important. Currently, there are many furniture and furnishings available on the market that mimic and create an industrial aesthetic.
Industrial style – for whom?
Industrial style is still very popular and has a timeless appeal. It is an ideal option for those who prefer minimalist, authentic and raw interiors. Lovers of concrete, natural brick, metal and wood, which bear the stamp of time, will certainly appreciate the charm of industrial arrangements. It is worth noting that such interiors do not necessarily have to be located in restored former factories – industrial style can also be successfully applied to smaller apartments, modern blocks of apartments and houses.
Industrial style living room
In the living room you can easily introduce elements characteristic of the industrial style. Very fashionable and desirable in such interiors is sofa upholstered with beige fabric, which will become the focal point of the entire room. Although the living room in the industrial style can be austere, it is worth ensuring that it is also kept in a cozy and pleasant atmosphere, for example, by using a wooden floor. The lounge area can also be enhanced with soft pillows and blankets made of natural materials. A great aesthetic value will be the presence of a large wall made of brick or finished with architectural concrete, on which you can place accessories such as paintings or mirrors. This is a key element that will attract everyone’s attention, adding aesthetic charm to the interior. When arranging a living room in the industrial style, the priority is the high quality of construction of furniture and accessories, and their durability. The style draws inspiration from factory furnishings, which had to be sturdy and durable to survive years of use in harsh industrial conditions. Lighting also plays a key role in a well-designed industrial living room. It is advisable to choose lamps that allude to the raw factory character, such as industrial lampshades or lamps with metal covers. At the same time, it should be remembered that the apartment should, above all, be comfortable.
Raw materials as a basis
The basis of an industrial-style living room is raw materials such as metal, concrete, brick or wood, which give the space a unique character. To create a space reflecting the industrial style, you can use, for example, walls with exposed brick or concrete floor. It is also worth investing in furniture with simple forms, subdued colors, made of metal or wood, which will add character and distinctiveness to the living room. Also characteristic of the industrial style are the materials used for interior design, which refer to austerity, minimalism and muted colors. Natural building materials are often adapted, emphasizing their authenticity. It is also extremely important to expose existing fixtures and fittings, such as wiring, pipes or exposed walls, which add a unique character to the interior. When decorating an industrial-style living room, keep these features in mind and don’t be afraid to leave visible plumbing elements, which will add raw, industrial charm to the space.
Industrial style in the living room – color scheme
In order to create a living room with an industrial character, it is necessary not only to properly select materials, but also the color scheme, which will bring our interior into a raw atmosphere. The industrial style is undoubtedly dominated by subdued shades such as gray, black, white and brown, which give the room a raw feel. To create interesting contrasts, it is advisable to combine dark and light colors and add accents in the form of intense colors, such as red, blue or green, which break the monotony of the space. The color scheme in the industrial style derives from the rawness of materials, such as concrete, brick or steel, which form the basis of the arrangement. Therefore, when choosing colors, care should be taken to harmonize with the natural tones of these materials. Creating a neutral base in the form of whites, beiges and soft grays is a good idea, but it is equally important to introduce colorful elements that will add character and expressiveness to the space.
Simple furniture
A characteristic feature of industrial style furniture is its minimalism – a simple form and a limited number of ornaments. When choosing furniture, pay attention to the materials that give the interior a raw character. Coffee tables made of stainless steel or metal consoles are inseparable elements of this style, indispensable in an industrial arrangement. In addition, it is worth experimenting with other materials, such as glass, concrete or brick, to create original and functional furniture.
Industrial furniture is characterized by minimalist form and functionality. On the one hand, they can refer to the era of factories and workshops, on the other hand, they look modern, using elements of glass and metal. Dominant in industrial furniture are simple shapes, referring to the minimalism and functionality of factory equipment. They are made of durable materials such as steel, wood and concrete, which ensures their strength and solidity.
When arranging an industrial living room, it’s worth considering whether you want to keep the raw nature of the style or add a touch of warmth and modern atmosphere. Wanting an interior that is both minimalist and pleasant and comfortable to use, it is worth betting on furniture upholstered in natural leather and choosing cabinets or auxiliary tables for the living room with a gold finish. It is important to match the furniture to your preferences and create a harmonious arrangement that reflects your personal style and taste.
Industrial-style lighting
Proper lighting is key in decorating an industrial style living room. Opt for lamps and chandeliers of austere design, made of metal or glass. In addition, take advantage of effective spot lighting that will highlight selected decorative elements. Despite the abundance of natural light coming through the windows, lighting industrial style interiors can be a challenge. It is necessary to plan lighting thoughtfully, adapted to the functionality of the entire space.
Nowadays, the industrial style is also used in modern construction, where interior lighting is not as problematic as it used to be. The form of the fixtures used should refer to the aesthetics of industrial interiors. More and more popular are pendant lamps with glass fixtures. Fashionable incandescent lamps with visible filament or industrial lamps with modern design are also good choices. Simple forms and minimalist shapes of lamps are perfect for the austere style of the interior.
Although in industrial living rooms quite a lot of light comes through the windows, it is worthwhile to plan the lighting accordingly, especially when choosing the type of light and its color. This is especially important if dark shades of walls and furniture are used.
Want to decorate the living room in an industrial and modern style, use metal pendant lamps with a silver finish or geometric constructions of simple design to create original lighting, emphasizing the character of the interior. Industrial style lighting often consists of multiple points of light, which allows you to highlight various decorative elements and introduce additional industrial accents. Hanging lamps with visible electrical wiring or studio lamps on tripods will perfectly emphasize the industrial character of the interior.
The right accessories
Accessories are an important element in shaping the character of the interior, so it is important to choose them properly when arranging an industrial style. An interesting idea is to reach for accessories characteristic of bygone eras, which perfectly fit the climate of industrial style. Table lamps, round clocks or minimalist candlesticks will perfectly emphasize the austerity of the room. However, it is important to exercise restraint in the number of accessories and to match them with the rest of the interior elements. It is worth betting on a minimalist approach, keeping in mind the principle of “less is more”.
When planning an interior design in the industrial style, it is worthwhile to prepare well for it. Achieving the desired effect requires a serious approach, understanding the most important features of the style and their appropriate use. Metal accessories are an integral part of the industrial style. You can bet on metal photo frames, decorative figurines or ceramic vases, both of minimalist and geometric design. Industrial style will also be well emphasized by modern decorative elements with simple shapes and shiny surfaces.
To emphasize the industrial character of smaller spaces, it is worth investing in mirrors. Skillfully placed in steel frames, with original shapes will enliven the space and optically enlarge it. In addition, the severity of the walls can be broken with graphics and wall decorations. It is not necessary to limit yourself only to black, white and gray, characteristic of the industrial style. Pop-art style graphics or minimalist posters are excellent additions that can add an artistic atmosphere to the interior. Taking inspiration from New York artists of the 20th century, you can experiment with a variety of motifs and colors to give the interior originality and character.
What to combine industrial style with?
Raw wood, concrete, metal – the use of durable materials is practically a requirement in industrial interiors. These versatile materials will also work well in a more modern take on this style.
You can use minimalist furniture – smooth, simple fronts, or soft, modern lighting, breaking the austerity . Pendant lamps or hidden LED strips are ideal, giving the space a more contemporary feel.
But what if not all elements of industrial style convince us? Maybe we like open, spacious lofts, but gray and black seem too overwhelming to us? Combining different design styles is nothing new, so there’s nothing stopping us from including elements of other styles that also inspire us in our industrial living room.
In high, spacious interiors, glamour-style accessories will be perfect – grand, ornate chandeliers, gold decorative accents, soft armchairs in bright colors. In austere living rooms with a hint of glamour style, we can afford to mix styles even in single pieces of furniture – consoles and tables on simple steel structures with a top of impressive granite will be a great combination of durability and austerity with glamour and luxury.
Increasingly, industrial interiors are being spiced up with boho style elements. Although at first glance it may seem that the austere industrial trend does not match the colorful and cheerful boho style, interiors with ethnic, colorful accessories create a unique atmosphere. An oriental rug with tassels or woven wall decorations in boho style will warm up the room, and additional trinkets with exotic shapes will add a summer atmosphere to the industrial interior.
