skip to main content
RUG & DECOR EVENT
0
Your shopping cart is empty.
Sign In
Join as a Pro
History of Houzz
GET IDEAS
PHOTOS
Kitchen & DiningKitchenDining RoomPantryGreat RoomBreakfast Nook
Bed & BathBathroomPowder RoomBedroomStorage & ClosetBaby & Kids
LivingLiving RoomFamily RoomSunroom
OutdoorLandscapePatioDeckPoolBackyardPorchExteriorOutdoor KitchenFront YardDrivewayPoolhouse
WalkwaysStaircaseEntryHall
Bar & WineHome BarWine Cellar
UtilityLaundryGarageMudroom
More RoomsGame RoomHome OfficeBasementCraftLibraryGym
Popular Design IdeasKitchen BacksplashFirepit
FireplaceDeck RailingPergolaPrivacy FenceSmall Closet
MAGAZINE
Stories and GuidesPopular StoriesRenovation Cost Guides
DISCUSSIONS
Get AdviceDesign DilemmasBefore & After
HOUZZ TV
HOUZZ RESEARCH
FIND PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONALS
DesignArchitects & Building DesignersKitchen & Bathroom DesignersInterior Designers & DecoratorsDesign-Build FirmsLighting Designers & Suppliers
RemodelingKitchen & Bathroom RemodelersGeneral ContractorsHome BuildersTile & Countertop ContractorsMasonry & Concrete ContractorsExterior & Siding ContractorsStair & Railing ContractorsFireplace Contractors
RenovationCarpentersCabinetry & Cabinet MakersFlooring ContractorsWindow ContractorsDoor ContractorsGlass & Shower Door ContractorsCarpet Contractors
OutdoorLandscape Architects & DesignersLandscape ContractorsDeck & Patio BuildersFence ContractorsDriveway & Paving ContractorsSwimming Pool BuildersHot Tub & Spa Dealers
ServicesPaintersRoofing & Gutter ContractorsOrganizers & Closet DesignersHome StagersGarage Door ServicesWindow Treatment ServicesPaint & Wall Covering Dealers
Appliances & SystemsAppliance Sales & ServicesHVAC ContractorsHome Theater & AutomationOutdoor Lighting & AV SpecialistsSolar Energy Contractors
All ProfessionalsAll ServicesFor Professionals
SHOP BY DEPARTMENT
KITCHEN & DINING
Kitchen & Dining FurnitureSinks & FaucetsKitchen AppliancesTabletopCabinets & StorageKnobs & PullsKitchen LightingTileCookware & BakewareTools & GadgetsView All
FURNITURE
Living RoomKitchen & DiningHome OfficeOutdoorBedroomStorageBathroomView All
BATH
Bathroom VanitiesShowersBathtubsBathroom LightingFaucetsBathroom SinksTileBath AccessoriesBath LinensMedicine CabinetsView All
DECOR
RugsMirrorsWall DecorDecorative AccentsArtworkPillows & ThrowsHoliday DecorView All
BEDROOM
Beds & HeadboardsBeddingDressersNightstandsBenchesBedroom DecorLampsCloset StorageFutonsChaisesView All
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HardwareTileBathroom FixturesKitchen FixturesHeating & CoolingBuilding MaterialsTools & EquipmentView All
LIVING
Coffee & Accent TablesRugsSofas & SectionalsArmchairs & Accent ChairsTV Stand & Media StorageHome DecorLampsArtworkBookcasesFireplaces & AccessoriesView All
OUTDOOR
Patio FurnitureOutdoor DecorOutdoor LightingPool & SpaLawn & GardenOutdoor StructuresOutdoor CookingView All
LIGHTING
ChandeliersPendant LightsFlush-MountsBathroom & VanityWall SconcesCeiling FansTable LampsFloor LampsKitchen & CabinetOutdoor LightingView All
MORE
Storage & OrganizationHome OfficeBaby & KidsHome BarCleaning & LaundryPet SuppliesHoliday DecorView All
Looking for the perfect gift? Send a Houzz Gift Card!
SALE
ON SALE - UP TO 75% OFF
Bathroom VanitiesChandeliersBar StoolsPendant LightsRugsLiving Room ChairsDining Room FurnitureWall LightingCoffee TablesSide & End TablesHome Office FurnitureSofasBedroom FurnitureLampsMirrors
RUG & DECOR EVENT
Up to 75% Off
Rugs in Neutral Colors 
Under $99
High-Traffic Runner Rugs 
Up to 65% Off
Bestselling Rugs and Decor 
Up to 70% Off
Round Rugs 
Decorating Styles
Decorating Styles
Your Guide to 12 Popular Decorating Styles
Top Ideabooks
Your Guide to 12 Popular Decorating StylesYour Guide to Transitional StyleYour Guide to Contemporary StyleYour Guide to Modern Style
Appears in
Decorating Guides
See also
Coastal StyleModern StyleRustic StyleMediterranean StyleEclectic StyleTransitional StyleTraditional StyleVintage StyleGlobal StyleGlam StyleIndustrial StyleTropical StyleCottage StyleMidcentury StyleContemporary Style
Industrial Style
Industrial Style
So Your Style Is: Industrial
Top Ideabooks
So Your Style Is: IndustrialSwanky Penthouse Features Vibrant Works by Famed Street ArtistsYour Guide to an Industrial-Style KitchenYour Guide to Industrial Style
Appears in
Decorating Styles

Your Guide to Industrial Style

See how workhorse furniture, open spaces and raw materials create this utilitarian look

Laura Gaskill
Laura GaskillSeptember 12, 2019
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
More
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Whether you’re shopping for furnishings or sharing your ideas with a designer, having a clear understanding of your favorite style can be a big help. If you love gritty, utilitarian spaces, raw materials and decor that evokes factories and warehouses, industrial style might be your best decorating match. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular style, including key elements, color palettes, furniture and accessories.

Also in this series: Your Guide to Traditional Style
Andrew Heiser
What Is Industrial Style?

Industrial style draws inspiration from factories and warehouses, where furnishings are utilitarian and tough and materials are raw. Often seen in urban lofts and converted industrial spaces, this style can also be created through the use of industrial finishes and decor. While there’s no doubt that industrial style is gritty, the ultimate goal is to find beauty and creativity in raw materials and open spaces.
HouseUP
Industrial style is:
  • Utilitarian. Furniture is workhorse-sturdy and made of heavy-duty materials like steel, iron and solid wood.
  • Salvaged. Industrial style is all about making something new out of forgotten or leftover materials, whether that means converting an entire warehouse or getting creative with furnishings like pallet tables and stock tank planters.
  • Raw. Materials and surfaces tend to be weathered or unfinished. Look for exposed brick and cinder block, wooden beams, concrete floors, steel windows and visible ductwork.
Tal Klein Real Estate
Industrial style is not:
  • Delicate. Durability and simplicity are industrial style’s strong suits. Forgo delicate pieces and fussy details in favor of pieces that can stand up to heavy use.
  • Perfect. Look for reclaimed wood, aged leather and imperfect finishes with a bit of patina.
  • Traditional. Unlike traditional style with its formal, luxurious comforts, industrial style emphasizes humble materials and functional furnishings.
Makawe Interiors
Key Element: Workhorse Furniture

Industrial furniture is simple and stripped down, highlighting the structure and raw materials. Look for steel, iron, aluminum, reclaimed wood and chipped or imperfect finishes. Furniture that would look at home in a lab, a warehouse or an old school building is just right — think of rolling chairs, metal stools, lockers, library ladders and large worktables. Upholstered pieces in modern shapes with solid fabrics or leather work best.

Shop for industrial-style furniture on Houzz
Tal Klein Real Estate
Key Element: Open Space

Since industrial style takes its inspiration from spacious warehouses and converted lofts, it makes sense that open space is a key component of this look. Think of clean-lined furnishings atop bare concrete floors or a neutral rug; a single abstract painting or large-format photograph on otherwise bare walls; or large, cleared work surfaces punctuated by just a few carefully chosen objects. The open space between objects (also called negative space) increases visual impact and draws attention to architecture, space, texture and light.

The Power of Negative Space in Interior Design
Depole Design llc
Key Element: Simple Palette

The emphasis in industrial-style spaces is on the architecture of the space and the structure of the furnishings — which means that the color palette tends toward crisp and clean white, subtle neutrals and black. Color, when it does appear, is often in the form of artwork and accessories, or used as a single bold statement hue.

Great shades for industrial spaces:
  • Neutrals. Dove gray, putty, slate, espresso
  • Black and white. Architectural white, matte black
  • Pops of color. Fire engine red, navy blue, royal blue, chartreuse, teal
Hsu McCullough
Design Detail: Salvaged Elements

Found objects and repurposed items — like the antique sewing machine-turned-vanity in the space by Hsu McCullough shown here — add authentic vintage appeal to industrial interiors. Architectural salvage yards (accessed on your own or in collaboration with your designer) can yield all sorts of treasures, including salvaged brick, stone, boards, doors, sinks, tubs and light fixtures.

Salvaged Materials Triumph as All-Stars of Sustainability
ERStudio Pte Ltd
Key Element: Metal

Stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass and powder-coated finishes can all work well, so choose what suits your personal taste. Raw and patinated finishes create a more rustic vibe, while powder-coated steel and stainless steel are sleeker and more modern.
株式会社セポデザイン SEPO DESIGN INC.
Design Detail: Piping

Inspired by the exposed metal ductwork and piping in old factories and warehouses, industrial-style homes often repurpose piping to create new design elements. Look for shelving units, furnishings and light fixtures made from pipes, and fixtures of copper, galvanized steel or cast iron.

Browse industrial furnishings made from piping
Muratore Construction + Design
Finishing Touches: Texture and Glow

With so much metal and open space, industrial-style homes can run the risk of feeling cold. Ensure that your industrial space feels welcoming with carefully curated accent pieces that add textural interest and warmth.

Accessories for industrial spaces:
  • Filament-bulb light fixtures
  • Reclaimed-wood tables
  • Metal and wood stools
  • Potted plants
  • Decor, such as found objects, inspired by machine parts
See more of this kitchen
Home-Staging Experts
Industrial Kitchen Design

With durable surfaces and restaurant-caliber appliances, industrial-style kitchens are ready to work hard. Opt for all sleek metal surfaces, or warm things up with wood — there’s more than one way to translate this look.

Follow This Recipe for an Industrial-Style Kitchen
REHAU Cabinet Doors
Features of industrial kitchens:
  • Simple hardware. Look for simple bar pulls made from sturdy metal in a dark finish, or C-channel hardware that’s integrated into the cabinet.
  • Raw materials. Reclaimed wood, plywood, concrete and steel can be used for counters, backsplashes and floors. Exposed pipes, electrical conduits, bolts and brackets can also become design features.
  • Steel. Stainless steel appliances, steel-clad cabinets, and stainless steel islands and carts on wheels are just a few items to look for.
  • Chef-grade appliances. Opt for big and sturdy appliances that are built to last, in a durable finish.
  • Open shelving. Think like a professional chef and place go-to tools and dishes within reach of the work surface.
Schmauder Group
Industrial Bathroom Design

Many of the features that give industrial kitchens their tough, hardworking appeal work well in the bathroom too. Consider a glass-and-steel shower enclosure, a reclaimed-wood-and-iron vanity, classic white subway tile updated with dark grout, gear-like hardware and minimal accessories.

See more of this industrial-style bathroom

Your turn: Are you a fan of industrial style? Describe or show us your favorite industrial-style space in the Comments!

More on Houzz
Read more stories about industrial style
Browse photos of industrial-style spaces for inspiration
Find a designer to get your project started
Shop for products
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
See 10 comments
Explore Related Topics
Decorating StylesIndustrial Style
Read Related Stories
Your Guide to 12 Popular Decorating StylesYour Guide to 12 Popular Decorating Styles
By Laura Gaskill·58
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Transitional StyleYour Guide to Transitional Style
By Laura Gaskill·48
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Contemporary StyleYour Guide to Contemporary Style
By Laura Gaskill·28
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Modern StyleYour Guide to Modern Style
By Laura Gaskill·17
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Midcentury StyleYour Guide to Midcentury Style
By Laura Gaskill·22
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Traditional StyleYour Guide to Traditional Style
By Laura Gaskill·28
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Farmhouse StyleYour Guide to Farmhouse Style
By Laura Gaskill·55
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Rustic StyleYour Guide to Rustic Style
By Laura Gaskill·26
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Industrial StyleYour Guide to Industrial Style
By Laura Gaskill·10
Industrial Style
Your Guide to Mediterranean StyleYour Guide to Mediterranean Style
By Laura Gaskill·23
Mediterranean Style
Your Guide to Scandinavian StyleYour Guide to Scandinavian Style
By Laura Gaskill·17
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Coastal StyleYour Guide to Coastal Style
By Laura Gaskill·15
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to Eclectic StyleYour Guide to Eclectic Style
By Laura Gaskill·51
Decorating Guides
Your Guide to a Contemporary-Style KitchenYour Guide to a Contemporary-Style Kitchen
By Laura Gaskill·11
Kitchen Styles
Maison & Objet: Art Deco and a Return to EleganceMaison & Objet: Art Deco and a Return to Elegance
By Agnès Carpentier·25
Events
Sponsored
Old Dominion Design
21 Reviews
Loudoun County's Kitchen & Bath Design Experts | Best of Houzz 2x
People who liked this story also liked
Your Guide to 12 Popular Decorating Styles
Your Guide to 12 Popular Decorating StylesFull Story
Your Guide to Transitional Style
Your Guide to Transitional StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Contemporary Style
Your Guide to Contemporary StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Modern Style
Your Guide to Modern StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Midcentury Style
Your Guide to Midcentury StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Traditional Style
Your Guide to Traditional StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Farmhouse Style
Your Guide to Farmhouse StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Rustic Style
Your Guide to Rustic StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Industrial Style
Your Guide to Industrial StyleFull Story
Your Guide to Mediterranean Style
Your Guide to Mediterranean StyleFull Story
Sponsored
Ark Woodworking
34 Reviews
NOVA's Local Supplier of Fine Cabinetry | Best of Houzz 2016-2018
  • United States
  • ABOUT
  • CAREERS
  • MOBILE APPS
  • PROFESSIONALS
  • BUTTONS
  • FOR BRANDS
  • SELL
  • Privacy & Notice
  • Terms
  • © 2021 Houzz Inc.