Styled Spaces Co
Industrial interior design
Design Style

Industrial Interior Design

Raw, urban, and edgy

What is Industrial Design?

Industrial design draws inspiration from old factories, warehouses, and urban lofts, celebrating raw, unfinished materials and functional utility. Born from the conversion of industrial buildings into residential spaces, this style embraces exposed brick, metal, concrete, and reclaimed wood with an urban, edgy aesthetic.

Core Characteristics

The defining features of this style

Raw, Unfinished Materials: Exposed brick, concrete, metal, and ductwork

Open Spaces: High ceilings, open floor plans, large windows

Utilitarian Furniture: Functional, sturdy, often repurposed industrial pieces

Metal Accents: Steel, iron, and metal fixtures dominate

Reclaimed Wood: Rough, weathered wood with visible history

Neutral, Urban Palette: Greys, blacks, browns, with raw material tones

Vintage Industrial Items: Factory carts, metal lockers, warehouse lighting

Personally selected

My Industrial Picks

Four pieces chosen to capture this look. Prices may change at the retailer.

Shop all 9 picks

Affiliate links: I may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Colour Palette

The colours that define this aesthetic

Primary Colours

  • Greys: Charcoal, slate, concrete grey, silver
  • Blacks: Matte black, iron black
  • Browns: Rust, deep brown, aged wood tones
  • Neutrals: Beige, cream (minimal use)
  • Raw Material Colours: Red brick, copper, rust, concrete

Accent Colours

  • Metallic: Brushed steel, copper, brass, iron
  • Rust Orange: From aged metal
  • Deep Blues: Navy or denim (occasional accent)
  • Olive Green: Vintage military influence (minimal)

Colour Application

walls:Exposed brick, concrete, grey paint, or white (to contrast dark elements)
floors:Concrete, dark stained wood, or reclaimed wood
furniture:Dark woods, black metal, leather in brown or black
accents:Copper pipes, rust-coloured metal, steel shelving

Materials & Textures

The building blocks of this style

Primary Materials

  • Exposed Brick: Red brick or painted brick walls
  • Concrete: Floors, worktops, walls
  • Metal: Steel, iron, copper, aluminium (exposed and structural)
  • Reclaimed Wood: Rough, weathered, with visible knots and grain
  • Leather: Aged, distressed leather in brown or black
  • Glass: Industrial-style windows, partitions
  • Corrugated Metal: Accent walls or decorative elements

Texture Strategy

  • Rough and Raw: Embrace unfinished, textured surfaces
  • Combine smooth concrete with rough brick
  • Pair cold metal with warm reclaimed wood
  • Include aged leather for warmth
  • Expose structural elements (beams, pipes, ducts)

Flooring Options

  • Polished or stained concrete
  • Dark stained wood or reclaimed wood
  • Exposed wooden beams (if on upper level)
  • Large-format tiles in grey or black

Furniture Selection

Choosing the right pieces for this style

Key Furniture Pieces

seating

Leather sofas (distressed brown or black); metal-framed chairs; vintage industrial stools

tables

Reclaimed wood tables with metal legs; metal and wood coffee tables; industrial workbenches

storage

Metal lockers, open metal shelving units, vintage factory carts, wire baskets

beds

Metal bed frames (iron or steel); reclaimed wood headboards

Furniture Characteristics

  • Utilitarian Design: Function over form; sturdy construction
  • Mixed Materials: Metal + wood combinations dominant
  • Vintage Industrial Pieces: Factory carts, metal lockers, workbenches repurposed
  • Rugged Aesthetic: Distressed, aged, with visible wear
  • Exposed Hardware: Visible bolts, rivets, and metal framework

Iconic Pieces to Consider

Tolix metal chairs (cafe chairs)Metal lockers as storageFactory carts as coffee tablesWire mesh storage basketsEames moulded chairs (industrial crossover)

Recommended Brands & Retailers

Restoration Hardware (industrial collections)West Elm (industrial modern)CB2 (urban industrial)Vintage factory salvage shopsEtsy (reclaimed wood and metal)

Lighting Design

Illuminate your space the right way

Lighting Approach

  • Exposed Bulbs: Edison bulbs, cage lights, bare bulbs
  • Factory-Style Fixtures: Warehouse pendants, gooseneck lamps
  • Metal Finishes: Black iron, aged brass, copper, galvanised steel
  • Oversized Fixtures: Large pendants or chandeliers from industrial spaces

Recommended Fixtures

pendants

Warehouse shades, metal cage lights, Edison bulb fixtures

floor

Tripod lamps with metal finish, adjustable task lamps

table

Desk lamps with metal arms, vintage industrial task lights

chandeliers

Wrought iron or metal with Edison bulbs

track

Metal track with adjustable spotlights

Room by Room Application

How to apply this style throughout your home

Living Room

  • Distressed leather sofa in brown or black
  • Reclaimed wood coffee table with metal legs
  • Metal and wood bookshelf (open shelving)
  • Exposed brick accent wall
  • Large metal-framed mirror or industrial art
  • Edison bulb chandelier or pendant
  • Concrete or dark wood floors
  • Minimal textiles (one leather or wool throw)

Bedroom

  • Metal bed frame (iron or steel)
  • Reclaimed wood nightstands
  • Industrial metal lighting (gooseneck or cage lamp)
  • Exposed brick or concrete walls
  • Minimal bedding in grey, black, or white
  • Metal lockers as storage
  • Concrete floors with vintage rug

Kitchen

  • Open shelving with metal brackets
  • Concrete or butcher block worktops
  • Metal stools or Tolix chairs
  • Reclaimed wood dining table
  • Pendant lights with Edison bulbs
  • Exposed brick splashback
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Open pipes and ductwork visible

How to Implement

A step-by-step guide to achieving this look

1

Expose Structural Elements

  • If possible, expose brick walls (remove plasterboard)
  • Reveal concrete floors or ceilings
  • Leave pipes, ducts, and beams visible
  • Remove drop ceilings if applicable
2

Choose Neutral, Raw Colour Palette

  • Paint walls in grey, white, or leave raw
  • Embrace natural colours of brick, concrete, metal
  • Add black metal accents
  • Introduce rust or copper tones through decor
3

Mix Metal and Wood Furniture

  • Select reclaimed wood table with metal legs
  • Choose metal shelving or bookcases
  • Add leather or metal seating
  • Include vintage industrial pieces (carts, lockers)
4

Add Industrial Lighting

  • Install Edison bulb pendants or chandeliers
  • Add metal cage lights or warehouse shades
  • Use track lighting or exposed bulbs
  • Choose fixtures with black, iron, or copper finish
5

Layer Minimal Textiles

  • Add leather or wool throw to sofa
  • Include vintage or faded rugs (not plush)
  • Use industrial-style canvas or leather cushions
  • Keep textiles minimal and rugged
6

Incorporate Metal Accents

  • Metal-framed mirrors and art
  • Wire baskets for storage
  • Metal stools or chairs
  • Copper pipes as shelving brackets or towel rails

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pitfalls that can derail your design

Too Cold/Harsh: Must add warmth with wood, leather, and minimal textiles; pure metal/concrete feels sterile

Over-Themed: Avoid looking like a literal factory; balance raw elements with livability

Ignoring Comfort: Industrial can be stark; add comfortable seating and warm lighting

Wrong Lighting: Harsh fluorescent breaks aesthetic; use warm Edison bulbs

Too Cluttered: Industrial is open and minimal; keep spaces uncluttered

Fake Finishes: Authentic materials matter; faux brick or plastic "metal" looks cheap

Budget Considerations

Achieve this look at any price point

High-End Approach

  • Custom reclaimed wood furniture from salvage yards
  • Authentic vintage industrial pieces
  • Professional exposed brick or concrete work
  • Designer industrial lighting (Restoration Hardware)
  • Real leather furniture (distressed brown)

Mid-Range Approach

  • West Elm or CB2 industrial furniture
  • DIY reclaimed wood projects
  • Affordable Edison bulb fixtures (Amazon, Wayfair)
  • Faux brick wallpaper (if exposing brick not possible)
  • Vintage finds from flea markets

Budget-Friendly

  • DIY concrete or faux concrete finishes
  • IKEA metal shelving units (HYLLIS)
  • Thrifted metal lockers or carts
  • Affordable Edison bulb string lights
  • DIY pipe shelving (plumbing pipes + reclaimed wood)
  • Painted brick (if exposing not possible)

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Is this style right for you?

Daily Habits

  • Clean exposed surfaces (brick, concrete accumulate dust)
  • Maintain metal finishes (polish or allow patina)
  • Wipe down leather furniture regularly
  • Keep open spaces uncluttered

Potential Challenges

  • Concrete and brick are cold; requires heating solutions
  • Hard surfaces create echo; add textiles to absorb sound
  • Metal and concrete are less comfortable; needs softening elements
  • Can feel stark without proper balance of warmth

Best For

  • Urban dwellers in lofts or converted spaces
  • Those who love raw, edgy aesthetics
  • People who appreciate exposed architecture
  • Minimalists who want character and texture
  • Creative professionals (artists, designers)

Styles That Pair Well with Industrial

Modern Farmhouse

Add rustic wood and softer textiles

Scandinavian

Lighten palette, add hygge warmth

Mid-Century Modern

Introduce iconic furniture and geometric patterns

Eclectic

Mix with vintage finds and colourful accents

Discover Your Perfect Style

Not sure if Industrial is right for you? Take our style quiz to find your perfect match.

Take the Style QuizExplore All Styles
Free weekly design inspiration

Not Sure Where to Start?

Get our weekly newsletter with design tips, trend reports, and curated product picks—perfect for beginners and design enthusiasts alike.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Prefer to discover your personal style first?Take the Quiz