Industrial interior design ideas are a popular style that highlights raw materials, structural elements, and minimalist spaces. It brings the beauty of exposed brick walls, metal finishes, and wood into the home. We will cover everything you need to know to make your space look amazing while keeping the process easy to follow.
Key Features of Industrial Interior Design
What makes industrial design special? There are a few key features that set this style apart. Here’s what you should look for:
- Exposed Materials: One of the main ideas of industrial design is to showcase raw materials. This means showing off brick walls, metal pipes, and wooden beams. Instead of hiding these elements, industrial design turns them into features.
- Raw Finishes: The surfaces in an industrial space often need to be completed or rough. You might see concrete floors, metal tables, and wooden shelves that look straight from a factory.
- Structural Elements: In industrial design, things like exposed pipes, ducts, and beams are not hidden.
These key features are what give industrial design its strong and bold look.
Incorporating Industrial Design in Small Spaces
Industrial design is great for small spaces because it focuses on function and simplicity. Here are some tips:
- Functional Furniture: Choose furniture that works well in small spaces. Look for multi-purpose pieces, like a coffee table with storage or a dining table that can fold up when not in use. This helps keep your space open and uncluttered.
- Open Layout: Industrial design often uses open spaces. Even in a small room, try to create an open layout by keeping furniture minimal and using only what you need.
- Vertical Space: Use your walls for storage. Industrial shelves made from metal or wood can hold books, plants, and decor, freeing up floor space.
By keeping things simple and functional, industrial designs can work in any room, no matter how small.
Best Colors for Industrial Interiors
These colors create a calm and balanced look. Here are some of the best colors to use:
Neutral Tones
Start with neutral colors like gray, white, and black. These shades are the foundation of industrial design, making the space feel sleek and modern.
Earthy Hues
Use earthy colors like brown, olive green, and rust. These tones bring warmth to the space and prevent it from feeling too cold.
Pops of Color
You can also add small pops of color with decor like rugs, cushions, or artwork. A bright orange or deep blue can stand out against the neutral background.
By sticking to these simple colors, you can create a cool and cozy industrial space.
What materials should you use in industrial design?
Here are some common ones:
- Concrete: Concrete is often used for floors and walls. It gives the space a rough, unfinished feel. You can also use concrete for countertops or tabletops.
- Metal: Metal is a big part of industrial design. Think of metal shelves, chairs, or light fixtures. The metal can be shiny or worn, depending on your desired look.
- Reclaimed Wood: Wood has been used before and has a weathered look. It’s perfect for creating a warm, rustic feel in an industrial space. You can use reclaimed wood for tables, shelves, or even walls.
These materials are easy to find and work well together to create a natural and strong industrial space.
How can lighting make your industrial space better?
The right lights can bring out the best features of your space. Here are some ideas:
- Pendant Lights: These are hanging lights that come down from the ceiling. They are often made from metal and have a simple, clean design. Pendant lights work well over a dining table or kitchen island.
- Edison Bulbs are vintage-style light bulbs with a warm, soft glow. They look great in an industrial space because they add a cozy feeling without being too bright.
- Exposed Fixtures: In industrial design, light fixtures don’t have to be hidden. Exposed wiring, metal casings, and simple bulbs all work perfectly in an industrial room.
Good lighting can make your space feel bigger, warmer, and more inviting.
Blending Industrial Design with Other Styles
Industrial design works well with many other styles. Here are some ways to mix it up:
- Modern Industrial: This blend mixes the raw components of industrial design with the sleek look of modern design.
- Rustic Industrial: This mix adds warmth and texture to the industrial look.
- Vintage Industrial: Add some vintage or antique pieces to your industrial space. Old clocks, worn leather chairs, or vintage signs can bring a lot of character to the room.
Budget-Friendly Industrial Design Ideas
Here are some tips to keep costs low:
- DIY Projects: You can create your style. For example, you can use metal pipes and wooden planks to make your own shelves. This adds a personal touch and saves money.
- Thrifted Materials: Look for second-hand items that fit the industrial style. Thrift stores or online marketplaces are great places to find metal furniture, old wood, or vintage decor.
- Repurposing: Use materials you already have. For example, old wooden crates can be turned into storage boxes or shelves.
You can achieve the industrial look without spending a lot with a little creativity.
Creating a Cozy Industrial Space
Industrial spaces can sometimes feel too raw or unfinished. Here’s how to add warmth and comfort:
- Warm Textiles: Soft fabrics like rugs, cushions, and throws can make the space more inviting. Choose warm colors and natural textures to balance the hard surfaces.
- Plants: Add some greenery to your industrial space. Plants bring life and color to the room, making it feel more comfortable.
- Personal Decor: Add personal touches like family photos, artwork, or books to make the space feel more like home.
Mixing raw elements with soft accents allows you to create a space that feels both industrial and cozy.
Furniture Choices for Industrial Interiors
What furniture works best in an industrial space? The right furniture can make or break your industrial design. Here are some options:
- Metal-Framed Furniture: Metal tables, chairs, and shelves are great choices for an industrial space. They are strong, simple, and fit the industrial aesthetic perfectly.
- Vintage Pieces: Look for old, worn furniture that has a story. A vintage leather chair or an old wooden table can add much character to the room.
- Functional Furniture: Industrial design is all about function. Choose furniture that is practical and serves a purpose, such as a coffee table with storage or a dining table that doubles as a workspace.
Industrial Kitchen and Bathroom Ideas
Here are some ideas:
- Exposed Piping: Exposed metal pipes can add an industrial touch to kitchens and bathrooms. Use them for lighting fixtures, shelving, or towel racks.
- Open Shelving: Open shelves made from wood or metal can showcase your dishes and cooking tools in the kitchen.
- Industrial Fixtures: For your bathroom, choose metal sinks, faucets, and light fixtures. This will keep the industrial feel throughout the space.
10 Industrial Interior Design Ideas
If you’re looking to create a stunning industrial interior space, here are ten simple yet powerful design ideas to inspire you:
1. Exposed Brick Walls
One of the hallmarks of industrial design is the exposed brick wall. Leaving the brick exposed adds texture and character to the room.
2. Concrete Flooring
Concrete floors are simple and durable, offering a sleek, industrial look. They can be left unfinished or polished for a smoother surface.
3. Metal Shelving Units
Use open metal shelving for storage and display. These shelves are functional and fit perfectly with the industrial aesthetic.
4. Large Windows with Black Frames
Large, open windows with black metal frames are a popular industrial design feature. These windows allow natural light to flood the space and create a feeling of openness.
5. Vintage Lighting Fixtures
Go for vintage-style lighting, like Edison bulbs or pendant lights. These fixtures add a warm glow to the room while staying true to the industrial feel.
6. Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Reclaimed wood brings warmth and texture to an industrial space. A reclaimed wood dining table or coffee table can soften the roughness of metal and concrete.
7. Open Concept Layouts
Industrial design often features open spaces with fewer walls and barriers. This creates a more airy and functional living area.
8. Exposed Beams and Pipes
Keep the architectural elements of the building exposed. Beams, pipes, and ducts add to the industrial vibe and create visual interest.
9. Minimalist Color Scheme
Stick to a neutral color palette with shades of gray, white, black, and earthy tones.
10. Statement Artwork
Add a touch of personality to the industrial space with large, bold artwork. Whether a vintage poster or a modern painting, the art can be a striking focal point.
Industrial interior design is a bold, timeless style that works well in any space. Using raw materials, neutral colors, and functional furniture, you can create a room that feels stylish and comfortable. Whether working with a large loft or a small apartment, industrial design offers plenty of options to make your space stand out.