How to Succeed with Industrial Decoration

6 min read

The style of industrial decoration has been gaining popularity in recent years. Formerly reserved for former factories converted into houses or loft, it is now present in all types of housing in the countryside as well as in the city. Indeed, this type of decoration in vogue is a return to the ‘50s in New York.


The industrial style combines a utilitarian design with worn, aged textures and the warmth of raw wood. To achieve its industrial look, it is important to respect a number of elements.




What are the important colors for industrial decor?


You must be careful to choose the right colors! We will tell you what are the key colors for industrial decoration. You will have to bet on dark and cool colors. The goal is to remind in our interiors, the characteristics of our old factories. The same goes for the floor. When choosing the type of floor, it should be dark, concrete, or natural cement if possible. 


White: this is the color that is present in almost all decorative styles. When you think of industrial style, you don't think of white as a priority. However, white plays an important role, since it will allow you to give brightness to the room and will also give the impression of a larger room. You can use white as a painting on a wall in a room.

Grey: You can use grey for your walls or floors. Indeed one of the most used materials for industrial style is concrete so gray. If a room is not very bright then dark gray is not necessarily a good idea, opt instead for a light gray. Dark gray is ideal for furniture, decorative objects (wall clock, carpet, painting ...).

Brown: It brings a touch of warmth to the room. Ideal for floors and walls, you can use it for your furniture but especially for leather or synthetic sofa. You can also incorporate this color for your curtains, carpets, beds, cushions ...

The black: Black is present in the world of industrial decoration but in small doses. The abuse of black in a room can make it narrower and less luminous than it seems. you can use it by bringing a small dark touch like for example a lamp, wall clock, table clock, small painting...

Beige (wood color): it brings warmth to the industrial space and gives the impression of a visually wider room.

Red: is an indispensable color for industrial decoration. Red is usually present on a brick wall! You can use it for small details such as cushions, bedding, a lamp, a wall decoration object ...

Dark blue: can be present in your decoration but in very small doses, only for small decorative objects (fruit basket, vase...).

Metallic tones: They are essential to this style! They will be found as well for furniture (table, chair, stool...) as for decorative objects!

 


What are the main characteristics of the industrial style?


To realize an industrial decoration, there are many characteristics to be respected.


Open spaces: This style was born from the transformation of large warehouses or factories into living spaces. The interior walls were, more or less, optional in the first loft conversions, leaving a large open space with no defined structure. 

Large windows: The industrial decorating style relies heavily on dark colors. This requires large openings to allow light to enter the room.

Dull colors: Dark colors are one of the main characteristics of this style of decoration. Bright and striking colors are to be excluded!

Metallic elements: Metal pieces are very important to give the decor the raw touch that is so much sought-after!

Natural: Leave the decorative elements in their natural forms as much as possible.

 


What are the mistakes to avoid for an industrial style?


Colored walls with patterns and shapes.

Furniture with glass, all objects must remain out of sight.

It is important to avoid excess furniture and accessories and keep only the really necessary objects in your space.

 


What are the key elements of industrial decoration?


It is essential to know the key elements used in industrial style. It will help you to imagine the future look of your home.


Metal: Metal represents real power in an industrial style. It is available in a wide range of styles that look rusty, galvanized... You can use it to give a pure and raw look at the aesthetics of your room.

Wood: Metal tends to provide a cool atmosphere, so a warmer element such as wood is needed. Although machined wood is not necessarily suitable for the industrial house, it is recommended to try to keep this element in its raw state rather than refined. The idea is that your wood parts and items should have a reclaimed and reused appearance.

Leather: Leather in all its forms is a charming asset to the foundations of industrial style. Whether new or with an aged look, leather has the ability to make any living space more comfortable. Try using it to enhance furniture and other decorative pieces.

Brick: Exposed red brick is a basic element of an industrial interior but it is possible to cover the wall of an apartment with grey brick, it allows to keep the industrial style while bringing a touch of brightness. The brick can also be brown, white, dark blue, or black.

Pipes: Recycled plumbing pipes are the signature of many industrial designs and are usually black in color. They are easy to integrate into an industrial design.

Pallets: They can be seen in homes, sometimes in their original form as coffee tables, TV cabinets, or as sofa structures... They can also be transformed and cut to create shelves, coat racks, or chests of drawers.

 


What are the essential furniture and accessories for industrial decoration?


Industrial leather armchair: it is a very important element, not to be forgotten to complete the industrial decoration of your living room!

Industrial table: Your choice should go towards a sturdy and rustic table in wood and black metal.

Industrial sofa: The leather sofa is a must for your industrial decoration, you can also decorate your home with a sofa in imitation leather. It will bring warmth and conviviality to your living room! 

Industrial canopy: Emblematic of industrial interior decoration, the canopy will allow you to separate several rooms of your home without having to make a partition and keeping a maximum of open space and clarity. It gives a workshop aspect that perfectly coincides with the industrial style.

Industrial lighting: Lighting should certainly not be neglected when you try to complete the industrial look of your home! Exposed suspensions are particularly appreciated for an "industrial" decor! These will bring a factory chic touch to your room!

Industrial Furniture: Industrial furniture and cabinets should be made of metal or wood. The purpose of industrial furniture is to bring a raw and characterful touch, without frills!

Industrial carpet: In the industrial style, carpets should blend into the environment of the room. You must not take carpets of multiple colors with any type of geometric or abstract shapes. Stay on classic washed and plain carpets. Carpets on dark tones will be perfectly adapted to industrial decoration.

Clock or industrial clock: When it comes to covering those big cold walls in the living room, a quick solution is to add a vintage and retro wall art. Large industrial wall clocks are very suitable! Not only do they add visual interest, but they also prevent a space that is too empty and monotonous.



How to complete an industrial look with small details?


Bring in small details to complete a complete industrial look. Here are some elements to add to decorate your home: 


Mechanical parts: Gears, nuts, bolts, and any other mechanical equipment work in your space. The success of this type of decoration is in the details that add a very appreciated artistic effect!

Rivets: This is a detail that can bring a timeless feeling to any industrial part. They have been an industrial essential for a century, and now they are an elegant and convincing detail in the furniture and decoration of your industrial home.

Cables and pulleys: When it's time to add a few finishing touches, parts that use wires are highly recommended. They are part of the original industrial landscape because they are raw materials and bring an industrial touch of yesteryear.




Here are a few industrial decorating ideas for your home!


Vintage industrial style living room

 


Industrial style room



Modern industrial style kitchen 



Dining room



Bathroom




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in My wall Clock Blog

How to Transform a Wall Clock with 7 Simple Materials
How to Transform a Wall Clock with 7 Simple Materials

4 min read

Read More
People waking up with sunrise before alarm clocks existed
How did people wake up before alarm clocks

7 min read

Discover ancient and medieval methods people used to wake up before alarm clocks, from roosters to knocker-uppers.
Read More
What makes an Interior Designer successful?
What makes an Interior Design successful?

3 min read

The term "modern" is often misunderstood in the realm of interior design. Frequently confused with contemporary style, true modern design has its roots in a movement that began at the turn of the 20th century.
Read More