10 Keys To Decorate In The Industrial Style

As the name suggests, the industrial style is inspired by factories. It is a style with simple architecture and the use of materials with few details and ornaments.

Yet it gives your home a youthful, fresh and characterful touch. In this article, we will tell you about 10 keys to decorate in the industrial style so that you will not fail if you want to use this style in your home.

A publication called El estilo industrial adaptado al estilo contemporáneoen el diseño de interiores (the industrial style adapted to the contemporary style in interior design – Spanish link) explains that during the 1950s several factories in New York were closed and eventually became houses. As a result, the well-known industrial style, also known as urban or loft style, was born.

It is a favorite way to furnish restaurants, cafes and apartments in cities. This style is associated with masculinity through the use of raw materials such as:

• cement
• brick
• steel
• dark, metallic and cold colors

Features of the industrial style

The industrial style is characterized by being timeless. After more than 50 years since it first came into fashion, it is still current and fresh. Open spaces with brick and concrete walls and floors, large windows, furniture combining wood and metal give an urban feel, inspired by factories but adapted to homes and trends.

It is also an eclectic style, or in other words, it allows combinations of different types of styles and elements. Thus, elements of rustic, vintage, Scandinavian and minimalist styles can be incorporated.

One of its main features is that since it was originally used in factories, it is mostly used in loft-style spaces, in houses and apartments with few walls.

10 keys to apply the industrial style well

The industrial style is ideal for use in open spaces with large windows and high ceilings, with a simple architecture and a tendency towards minimalism. However, if your house isn’t a loft, don’t worry! You can still apply this style in your home. Here are some tips on how to do this.

Use natural wood

If you want an industrial style, it’s best to leave your wooden furniture in its natural state. Do not apply varnish, gloss or paint. Shows the wood grain in its natural state. You can even show nails or other finishes. So there is no need to hide them.

Leave the materials uncovered

While many decorative styles try to hide things like faucets, nails and rocks to get a highly polished finish, the industrial style does just the opposite.

• It is therefore no problem to leave pipes and structures open and exposed.
• Also, your concrete, wood, cement, leather, and bricks should be left in their most natural state.

Iron, brass and steel are your best allies

These kinds of materials are indispensable if you are looking for an industrial interior. Forget plastic and ceramics and replace them with stainless steel, brass or iron.

• You can replace plastic trash cans and storage boxes with metal baskets.
• The same goes for chairs and tables. Add a few that have metal legs or that are all metal.
• Decorative elements such as figurines and kitchen utensils should also be made of these materials.

Choose furniture that combines wood and metal

When decorating in the industrial style, you have to play with elements that look new and old. One of the best ways to achieve this effect in a balanced way is to use furniture that combines wood and metal.

The metal, with its shine, will give that modern look. On the other hand, wood gives a more rustic look, especially if no varnish is used.

Reuse and create your own decorative objects

This style is inspired by factories, so you can reuse industrial elements to make usable objects. Pallet tables or chairs work very well with this style.

• Similarly, you can search for lamps or decorations made with recycled metal objects.
• You can also use tin boxes or amber glass bottles to make vases or containers.
• If you are a music lover, for example, you can display your electric guitars or instruments with metal pedestals.

Use furniture and objects with a worn look

Because the industrial style is inspired by factories and the urban environment, items with a worn look are ideal. But beware, worn is not the same as damaged. It’s more about finding fabrics and textures that reflect the passage of time.

• You can even use items like clocks, lamps or metal signs that have a little bit of peeling paint on purpose.
• You can also apply a paint style that achieves the worn effect where some stones remain in view and there are some streaks of paint that are not uniform.

You should find a painter who specializes in these types of finishes or seek inspiration with images that you can imitate. So it’s not about randomly splashing paint.

Use retro elements for a unique industrial style

Since the industrial style originated in the 1950s, you can place vintage or retro elements, such as old Coca-Cola plates, photos of rock and roll bands, decorative tin plates or pop art such as works by Andy Warhol. You can even dust antiques and family heirlooms like clocks or metal objects.

Choose a color palette that matches the industrial style

When decorating in the industrial style, it is important to use a color palette that matches this style. Bright colors are usually not used. Neutral colors, on the other hand, dominate with different shades of gray, beige, bronze, gray-blue and accents in white and black tones.

Most of the warmth is provided by the hue of the wood you choose, the stones that remain in view, and some leather accessories.

Choose textiles and prints that match

The industrial style was very popular in British gentlemen’s clubs. That’s why checkered fabrics are a classic in this style. But also fabrics made of natural fibers and in light colors such as linen or cotton combine very well and provide warmth.

At the same time, leather is a perfect material for your furniture. For example, the Chester sofa in brown tones is an iconic piece for the industrial style.

Use large lamps and spots

Lighting is essential for industrial style decorating. Use bulbs with metal caps or leave the bulbs uncovered. Lamps in a style similar to movie or photography lamps or chandeliers work very well.

Match the industrial style to your space

The industrial style has special features in its origins that have been adapted to spaces with few rooms and large layouts. However, it is possible to adapt it to other types of spaces.

Even in interior design, the term neo-industrial or industrial chic is used to refer to the industrial style that includes other elements that soften it, add more color and allow it to fit in smaller spaces.

For example, you can add some plants or pillows in bright colors to bring life and color to the spaces. You can also adapt industrial decor to a small space or area of ​​your home, such as a recreation room, study, or teen’s room.