What Is Industrial Design? Your Ultimate Guide to Industrial Style
Discover how to decorate with this popular, factory-inspired look.
Classic industrial style strives to achieve the look of an industrial building with high ceilings, exposed brick, and metal accents for a streamlined design. Perfectly suited to spaces like converted factories and rustic lofts, this style is all about creating a streamlined design with mixed materials. Keep reading for a complete overview of industrial design so you can accomplish this aesthetic in your own home.
What Is Industrial Design & Key Elements of This Style
• Metal, leather, and wood furniture with hard, clean lines
• Cream, gray, brown, tan, and black color palettes
• Vintage-inspired accents, including retro appliances, antique-looking wall clocks, marquees, and factory-inspired light fixtures
• Soft textiles with few or no patterns
• Open-concept spaces with high ceilings, exposed architecture, and brick
How to Achieve Industrial Style
Don't have high ceilings or exposed brick in your home? Channel an industrial look with stainless steel accents, brick wallpaper, or an industrial chandelier. These elements have an old-fashioned, work-in-progress vibe that can transform any space into an industrial retreat.
Most industrial styles feature neutral color palettes that let their bold architectural features and dynamic textures take the stage. Browns, blacks, and dark grays are industrial design’s primary colors because they match varnished wood, leather, and metal accents. Avoid vivid colors – when it comes to the larger elements, like a coffee table or sofa, it's all about natural wood finishes and neutral upholstery.
Metal furniture and decor are often the focal points of industrial spaces. To achieve this aesthetic, consider implementing metal pendant lights, furniture with metal legs, metal storage shelves, or wall art showcased in a metal picture frame. Pair this material with distressed wood and leather accents for the ultimate industrial look.
Leather upholstery has a prominent place in industrial style interior design – it's equal parts rugged and refined. Whether you go for a leather-upholstered sofa for the living room or a leather stool for your desk space, even the simplest touches of this material transform your home into an industrial abode.
Without soft accents, an industrial space can feel cold and uninviting. This is where faux fur and thick wool textiles come into play. Soften the hard lines and cold metal of industrial furniture by draping a wool throw blanket over your bed or office chair. Then, consider adding a faux sheepskin or hide rug for cozy touches that keep you warm underfoot.
Plants are important in ensuring that an industrial space doesn't look too dreary – they breathe life into any room. If you struggle to care for live plants, artificial selections accomplish the same goal without requiring maintenance. Opt for metal planters to maintain a classic industrial look.
Vintage-inspired accessories like antique-looking globes, hourglasses, and statue decorative objects give your industrial space a flair of personality. Maintain a neutral or brown color scheme to stay consistent with the rest of your industrial home decor.
When it comes to wall art, industrial style favors vintage-inspired prints over modern selections. Look for muted tones, distressed finishes, and the typography featured above. To add more texture, pair your wall art with hanging marquee novelty lights, like this dining space’s old-fashioned cafe sign.
