Industrial Style: Rough and urban furnished

The Industrial Style is a popular interior design style characterized by its rough and urban aesthetic. Inspired by old factories and warehouses, this style combines raw materials like metal, wood, and concrete with a minimalist design approach. The Industrial Style is perfect for anyone looking to create an unconventional and modern look in their home. In this article, you'll learn more about the various aspects of the Industrial Style, from suitable furniture to the right decoration, along with tips on how to implement this look in your own home.
Furniture in Industrial Style: Functionality meets Design

Furniture in the industrial style is characterized by its robust construction and the use of materials such as metal, wood, and leather. These pieces are not only functional but also a real eye-catcher in any room. A typical feature of industrial style furniture is its simple and straightforward design, often reminiscent of old factory equipment.
A popular piece of furniture in the industrial style is the dining table made of solid wood with a black metal frame. This combination of natural and industrial materials gives the room a warm yet modern atmosphere. Shelves and cabinets made of metal with open compartments are also typical of this style and offer plenty of storage space without overwhelming the room.
Seating furniture like sofas and armchairs in the industrial style are often covered with leather and have a clear, angular shape. They are not only comfortable but also extremely durable. Another characteristic piece of furniture is the coffee table made of wood and metal, which impresses with its simple elegance and fits perfectly into the overall picture of an industrial style living room.
In addition to the large pieces of furniture, smaller details also play an important role. For example, stools made of metal or wood can be used as additional seating or as side tables. Lamps in the industrial style, often made of metal and reminiscent of old factory lights, also contribute to the authentic atmosphere.
Another advantage of industrial style furniture is its versatility. They can be easily combined with other interior styles and fit both large loft apartments and smaller spaces. By using neutral colors like black, gray, and brown, the furniture appears timeless and elegant.
Overall, furniture in the industrial style offers a perfect blend of functionality and design. They are robust, durable, and give any room a unique character. If you are looking for an interior style that is both modern and timeless, then industrial style furniture is just right for you.
Decoration in Industrial Style: Less is more

Decoration in the Industrial Style follows the principle of "less is more." The focus is on emphasizing materials and creating an authentic, urban atmosphere. Raw and unprocessed materials like metal, wood, and concrete play a central role.
A key element of decoration in the Industrial Style is walls, which often remain unplastered or are clad with brick. These walls give the room a rough and authentic look, typical of the Industrial Style. Concrete walls or floors are also a popular choice to emphasize the industrial look.
When selecting decorative items, make sure they support the industrial character of the room. Metallic accessories like lamps, candle holders, or picture frames are ideal for completing the look. Vintage elements like old signs, clocks, or machine parts can also be used as decoration, giving the room a special touch.
Plants are another important decorative element in the Industrial Style. They bring color and life into the room and create a nice contrast to the rather cool materials. Plants with large, green leaves, presented in simple metal or concrete pots, are particularly suitable.
Textiles play a subordinate role in the Industrial Style but should not be neglected. Cushions and blankets in neutral colors like gray, black, or brown can add coziness without disturbing the minimalist character of the room. Rugs made from natural materials like jute or sisal also fit well in an Industrial Style setting.
Another tip for decorating in the Industrial Style is the use of light. Large, open windows let a lot of daylight into the room and emphasize the materials and structures. Artificial light should be used in the form of simple, metallic lamps reminiscent of old factory lights.
Overall, decorating in the Industrial Style is about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The decoration should not overload the room but emphasize the existing materials and structures. With the right accessories and a skillful use of light and plants, an authentic, urban atmosphere can be created that perfectly showcases the Industrial Style.
Combining Living Styles: Industrial Style Meets Coziness

The industrial style is known for its cool, minimalist aesthetic, but that doesn't mean it can't also be cozy. Combining industrial style with cozy elements can create a space that feels both modern and inviting.
A key aspect of combining these two styles is choosing the right materials. While industrial style relies on metal, wood, and concrete, cozy elements can be added through the use of soft textiles and warm colors. A sofa with soft cushions and blankets in warm tones, for example, can provide a nice contrast to the cooler materials of the industrial style.
Lighting also plays a crucial role in bringing coziness to an industrial-style room. Warm light sources like floor lamps or table lamps with soft, yellowish bulbs can create a pleasant atmosphere. Dimmable lights are also a good option to adjust the brightness according to the mood.
Plants are another element that can bring coziness to a room. They not only add color but also create a lively atmosphere. Large houseplants or hanging plants in simple metal or concrete pots fit well with the industrial style and give the room a natural touch.
Another tip for bringing coziness to an industrial-style room is the use of rugs. A large rug made of natural materials like wool or jute can visually warm up the space and provide a pleasant walking experience. Curtains made of light fabrics can also help make the room cozier without losing the industrial character.
Combining industrial style with cozy elements requires a certain level of finesse to find the right balance. It's important that the cozy elements don't overwhelm the space but rather support and complement the industrial character. With the right selection of materials, colors, and accessories, a space can be created that is both modern and inviting.
Overall, the combination of industrial style and coziness offers the opportunity to create a unique living style that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It's a style that is perfect for anyone looking for a modern look with a touch of warmth and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial Style
The Industrial Style is an interior design style characterized by its rough, urban aesthetic. It is inspired by old factories and warehouses and combines raw materials like metal, wood, and concrete with a minimalist design approach. Typical features of the Industrial Style include unplastered walls, exposed pipes and conduits, as well as furniture made of metal and wood. The style focuses on simple, functional design and avoids unnecessary decoration.
Another characteristic feature of the Industrial Style is the color palette, which is usually limited to neutral tones like black, gray, and brown. These colors emphasize the industrial look and pair well with the materials used. Lighting also plays an important role in the Industrial Style. Large, open windows allow plenty of daylight into the room, while artificial light is often used in the form of simple, metallic lamps reminiscent of old factory lights.
Overall, the Industrial Style offers a perfect blend of functionality and design. It is ideal for anyone looking to create a modern, unconventional look in their home.
To implement the industrial style in your home, you should first pay attention to the selection of the right materials. Metal, wood, and concrete are the main materials used in this style. Furniture made from these materials, such as a solid wood dining table with a metal frame or metal shelves, are ideal for creating the industrial look.
Another important aspect is the design of the walls. Unplastered walls or those with brick cladding are typical of the industrial style and give the room an authentic, rugged appearance. Concrete walls or floors are also a good choice to emphasize the industrial character.
When it comes to decoration, you should opt for simple, functional accessories. Metallic lamps, candle holders, or picture frames fit well with the industrial style. Vintage elements like old signs or machine parts can also be used as decoration. Plants are also an important decorative element as they bring color and life into the room.
Overall, the industrial style is about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics. With the right selection of materials, furniture, and decoration, you can create a space that is both modern and inviting.
The color palette of the Industrial Style is usually limited to neutral tones that emphasize the rough, urban character of the style. Black, gray, and brown are the dominant colors that pair well with the materials used, such as metal, wood, and concrete. These colors give the space a simple, elegant look and highlight the industrial aesthetic.
In addition to the neutral tones, accent colors can also be used to give the space more depth and personality. Dark shades of blue or green fit well with the Industrial Style and can be used in the form of pillows, blankets, or rugs. Warm tones like rust red or mustard yellow can also be used as accent colors to give the space a warm, inviting atmosphere.
It is important that the colors are harmoniously coordinated and support the industrial character of the room. Too many bright colors can disrupt the minimalist look of the Industrial Style and make the space appear cluttered. Therefore, the color palette should generally be kept subtle and restrained.
Overall, the Industrial Style offers plenty of room for creative color designs, as long as the basic principles of the style are observed. With the right choice of colors, a space can be created that is both modern and inviting.
Typical materials for the industrial style are metal, wood, and concrete. These materials are characteristic of the rough, urban look that defines the industrial style. Metal is often used for furniture and accessories, such as shelves, tables, or lamps. It gives the room a cool, industrial look and is both robust and durable.
Wood is another important material in the industrial style. It is often used in combination with metal to create a warm contrast to the cool metal elements. A dining table made of solid wood with a metal frame is a typical example of the use of wood in the industrial style. Wooden floors or walls can also emphasize the industrial character of a room.
Concrete is also a frequently used material in the industrial style. It can be used for walls, floors, or even furniture, giving the room a rough, authentic look. Concrete is also a very versatile material that can be easily combined with other materials.
In addition to these main materials, leather and glass can also be used in the industrial style. Leather is often used for seating furniture like sofas or armchairs, adding an elegant touch to the room. Glass can be used in the form of large windows or glass doors to make the room appear open and flooded with light.
Overall, the typical materials of the industrial style offer a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. They are robust, durable, and give any room a unique character.
The industrial style can be excellently combined with other interior styles to create a unique and individual look. A popular combination is the mix of industrial style and Scandinavian design. Both styles focus on simple, functional furniture and a minimalist aesthetic, making them ideal partners. The Scandinavian style brings bright colors and natural materials like wood and wool into the space, which create a beautiful contrast to the cool metal elements of the industrial style.
The Boho style also combines well with the industrial style. The Boho style emphasizes bright colors, patterns, and a variety of textiles that give the room a warm, inviting atmosphere. Combined with the raw materials of the industrial style, an exciting style mix is created that appears both modern and cozy.
Another interesting approach is the combination of industrial style with vintage elements. Old furniture pieces or accessories from past decades can give the room a special touch and emphasize the industrial character. The use of antique lights or old signs can also enhance the room and give it an individual touch.
When combining industrial style with other interior styles, it is important that the different elements are harmoniously coordinated. A balance between the different styles should be found to create a coherent overall picture. With the right selection of furniture, colors, and accessories, a room can be designed that is both modern and individual.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the Industrial Style and significantly contributes to creating the characteristic urban atmosphere. Typical lights in the Industrial Style are made of metal and often resemble old factory lights. They are characterized by a simple, functional design and come in neutral colors like black, gray, or silver.
Pendant lamps with large, metallic shades are a popular choice for the Industrial Style. They are particularly well-suited for illuminating dining tables or kitchen islands, giving the room an authentic industrial look. Floor lamps with a simple, metallic frame also fit well with the Industrial Style and can be used as additional light sources in living or working areas.
Another way to implement the Industrial Style in lighting is with wall lights in a vintage look. These lights resemble old factory lamps and can be mounted on walls or above work surfaces. They are not only functional but also a real eye-catcher in any room.
In addition to classic metal lights, retro-design light bulbs can also be used to emphasize the industrial character. These bulbs often have a visible filament and produce a warm, pleasant light that makes the room feel cozier.
Overall, lighting in the Industrial Style should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It should not overwhelm the room but rather highlight the existing materials and structures. With the right selection of lights, an authentic urban atmosphere can be created that perfectly showcases the Industrial Style.
Accessories in the industrial style should emphasize the rough, urban character of the style while also being functional. Metallic accessories are a popular choice as they highlight the industrial aesthetic. These include items such as lamps, candle holders, or picture frames made of metal. These accessories are not only decorative but also durable and robust.
Vintage elements are also typical of the industrial style and can give the room a special touch. Old signs, clocks, or machine parts are excellent for decoration and emphasize the industrial character of the room. Old books or records can also be used as accessories, giving the room an individual touch.
Plants are another important decorative element in the industrial style. They bring color and life into the room and create a nice contrast to the rather cool materials. Plants with large, green leaves, presented in simple pots made of metal or concrete, are particularly suitable.
Textiles play a subordinate role in the industrial style but should not be neglected. Cushions and blankets in neutral colors like gray, black, or brown can provide coziness without disturbing the minimalist character of the room. Rugs made of natural materials like jute or sisal also fit well in an industrial style setting.
Overall, accessories in the industrial style should not overload the room but rather emphasize the existing materials and structures. With the right selection of accessories, an authentic, urban atmosphere can be created that perfectly showcases the industrial style.
Implementing the Industrial Style in small spaces requires a certain level of creativity and planning to avoid making the space feel cluttered. An important aspect is choosing the right furniture. Furniture in the Industrial Style is often robust and massive, so it should be used sparingly in small spaces. A wooden dining table with a metal frame or a small metal shelf can emphasize the industrial character without overwhelming the space.
Color design also plays an important role. Light colors like white or light gray can visually enlarge the space and combine well with the typical materials of the Industrial Style. Dark colors should be used sparingly to avoid making the space appear smaller.
When it comes to decoration, simple, functional accessories should be chosen. Metallic lamps or candle holders fit well with the Industrial Style and take up little space. Plants can also be used in small spaces to bring color and life into the room. Hanging plants or small pots on shelves are a good way to integrate plants into the space without taking up valuable space.
Another tip is to use mirrors to visually enlarge the space. A large mirror on the wall can make the room appear brighter and more open and fits well with the Industrial Style.
Overall, it's about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics. With the right selection of furniture, colors, and accessories, the Industrial Style can be implemented in small spaces without making the room feel cluttered.

by James Ellis
James Ellis is a furniture designer, gardener and passionate advocate for sustainable living. His designs combine craftsmanship with a strong environmental awareness – especially in the outdoor space. For James, furniture isn’t disposable – it’s an investment in the future.In his articles, he shows you how to style your favourite pieces outdoors too – from a bench made of reclaimed wood to a modular planter that doubles as a seat. He offers practical tips on how to create a garden, balcony or terrace that’s comfortable, stylish and environmentally friendly. Durability and resource-conscious production matter deeply to him. His favourite items are robust, repairable and timeless.
Off-duty: James lives in an old cottage near Bristol, with a large garden, his own composting system and an outdoor kitchen made from recycled materials. It’s where he tests his ideas and materials before sharing them in his writing. He’s also involved in local initiatives for sustainable building.
Transparency note: James Ellis writes his articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.