Industrial Style

Industrial style emerged in the 1980s. Artists such as Andy Warhol saw the disused factories in what is now the SoHo district as an ideal canvas for creating new living spaces. The interiors were transformed with care, retaining their rough brickwork, generous use of wood and steel, and exposed pipes beneath high ceilings.

Industrial chic brings together traces of the past and modern minimalism. It remains one of the most popular interior styles today. Find out how to bring factory-inspired character into your home with accessories, furniture, lighting and a little creativity.

• Industrial furniture
• Industrial-style lighting
• Industrial chic accessories
• Mixing materials
• Warm accents
• Upcycling

Industrial furniture: create a factory-inspired look with a few considered pieces

Whether you live in a spacious loft, a small city flat or a detached house in the countryside, a few industrial-style pieces can bring a factory-inspired feel to your home. Industrial furniture is characterised by clean lines and materials such as steel, glass and wood, used in dining tables, shelving, sideboards and other pieces.

For upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs, leather helps create a cohesive look. Add comfort with home textiles such as rugs, hides, blankets and cushions.

String Furniture is one brand offering furniture with an industrial look. Its practical Pocket shelving unit is available in a range of designs and brings an industrial touch to your home.

A must-have: industrial-style lighting

Statement ceiling lights are an essential part of industrial-style interiors. Choose pendant lights in metal or smoked glass, or group several exposed bulbs together. Industrial lights are a good way to ease into the factory look. They combine easily with other styles, such as country or Scandinavian minimalism, while bringing the lively character of old factory buildings into the room.

Tom Dixon's designs are standout examples of distinctive industrial lighting for homes and public spaces. Their large black shades look both rustic and elegant, making them well suited to a contemporary take on industrial style.

Steel floor lamps are another way to bring industrial style into your home. They complete the raw look and add a cosy feel with warm white light.

Industrial chic accessories: how to bring the look together

The clean lines of industrial style make accessories such as vases, posters and stylish plant pots stand out. For a cohesive look, choose decorations that work well together in terms of material and colour.

Metal bowls and glass vases in warm brown shades look particularly at home in this style. Mirrors and posters make walls feel more personal, while concrete plant pots fit naturally into industrial interiors.

Mixing materials: opposites attract

Industrial style is all about contrasts: futuristic yet weathered, elegant yet rustic, extravagant yet grounded, cool yet warm. Create the look by combining different materials such as steel, concrete, brass and wood.

Even a few small pieces of furniture and accessories can create a strong contrast. A rustic wooden chair, a steel shelf, delicate glasses and exposed bulbs, or concrete vases can gradually bring the characteristic industrial look into your home.

Cosy industrial style: add warm accents

Black, white and grey are a good starting point for industrial interiors. Substantial materials such as brass, steel and solid wood are also characteristic. A few touches of colour and soft textiles make the industrial look feel more comfortable.

Large upholstered armchairs soften the rustic factory feel and create an inviting focal point. Bright cushions bring character to old leather sofas, while light cream curtains add an airy, cosy touch.

Upcycling: give old pieces a new purpose

You do not always need new furniture. For an authentic industrial look, combine new designs with vintage finds. A heavy, second-hand wooden table, a mix of bar stools, sturdy shelving or an old leather sofa all contribute to a relaxed, perfectly imperfect interior.

Bring the factory look into your home: wooden pallets and wine crates can quickly be turned into coffee tables or side tables. An old illuminated sign can become a striking feature on the wall in your living room or bedroom. Let your creativity guide you.

Browse flea markets, online listings and vintage furniture shops to find pieces with a story. You may come across treasures from the early 20th century, when factories were flourishing in cities. Small scratches, dents and chipped paint are not flaws; they give each piece character and a story of its own.

The appeal of industrial style is that there are no fixed rules. It is easy to adapt and works well with other interior styles. Add a discarded coat cupboard, a work light or a comfortable leather armchair to bring factory-inspired character into your home.

Have fun experimenting.