Top 10 industrial chic decorating ideas

Do you want to adopt the industrial style in your home? But don't know where to start? Do you want to master this decorating style? Then this article is for you!

In recent years, interior design trends have evolved considerably. While the industrial style was once neglected in favor of other trends, it's now making a strong comeback. And to adopt it successfully, it's important to understand its key elements.

To help you, we have selected 10 chic and modern industrial style decorating ideas , namely:

• Velvet or leather armchairs
• Brass light fixtures
• Large tables made of raw wood
• Antique furniture
• Industrial-type panels
• A cozy and elegant tapestry
• A brick wall
• Walls in neutral or dark colors
• Houseplants
• A large library

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to adopt the industrial style for your interior. So, let's get started without further ado:

1) Velvet or leather armchairs for a chic decor

What would a home be without an armchair or sofa? More than just a piece of furniture, it reflects conviviality, warmth, and hospitality. That's why choosing it is so important.

If you want to create an industrial-style interior , then you should choose a large sofa with at least three seats. You can also opt for a corner sofa for more comfort and seating. Indeed, industrial decor prioritizes ease and functionality above all else.

For the material, you can choose between wood and steel . You can also opt for upholstered sofas, which are more modern and stylish.

Finally, for textiles, opt for a velvet or leather armchair. Velvet brings a cozy, cocooning, and chic feel to the room . It also softens a space that might otherwise seem a bit rustic. As for leather, it's a very luxurious, chic, and sophisticated material. Being somewhat traditional, it gives the living room a unique touch. In addition, it's very easy to care for, making it ideal if you'll be using the sofa frequently.

2) Brass light fixtures for an industrial touch

Just like contemporary or modern interior design, industrial decor also prioritizes lighting. But unlike these styles, this lighting isn't necessarily defined by windows or bay windows. In fact, you can see that industrial-style homes are generally dark. To bring in more light, you need to add numerous light fixtures.

Fill your apartment or house with ceiling lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, bedside lamps… In short, make your home as bright and well-lit as possible. For an "industrial" feel , opt for soft, ambient lighting—neither too bright nor too dark. Also, consider pendant lights, especially if you have high ceilings. This will give the house a more authentic look.

When it comes to lamp materials, brass is a great choice. This material, an alloy of copper and zinc, will add a touch of elegance and chic to any home thanks to its naturally silvery-gold color. Furthermore, it's easily malleable. You can therefore shape it as you wish, creating beautiful and original lamps. You can even change its color to match your room's decor. However, it's important to know how to care for it, as this material can oxidize over time. Don't hesitate to treat it with a rust inhibitor or anti-oxidant product.

3) Large tables made of raw wood

Industrial decor has a raw, primitive, and quite robust feel . Therefore, it favors thick, hard materials. And to achieve this look, nothing beats wood.

This material is both strong, solid, and durable. It can withstand all kinds of impacts, even the most severe. It's therefore a very practical solution. But its greatest advantage is undoubtedly its aesthetic appeal. Wood is perfectly suited to the industrial style because it's authentic, chic, functional, and elegant. However, to modernize your table as much as possible, don't hesitate to treat it properly, for example, by sanding, staining, or waxing it.

Furthermore, having a large table will provide you with greater comfort. You will have more space for food preparation and for entertaining guests.

4) Antique furniture is ideal for an industrial decor

As you probably know, industrial decor emerged in the 19th century. At that time, some architects had the ingenious idea of ​​transforming an old factory into a small loft . They renovated and modernized it to create a comfortable and stylish home. However, due to budget constraints, they were forced to preserve some of the equipment they found in the building. They gave it a new lease on life, and the result was quite satisfactory. Since then, this has become the main principle of industrial decor.

If you want to achieve this style, you must do the same. Specifically, avoid cluttering your home with exclusively new furnishings. You should also incorporate some antique furniture , pieces that are several years, or even centuries, old. This will add charm to your interior.

However, you should know that retro doesn't mean neglecting the look. It means you still need to update the furniture to make it more modern and on-trend . Try repainting it, repairing any wear and tear, and updating it, without losing its original charm.

5) Paintings in the industrial style

Furniture alone isn't enough to decorate a room. You also need to add some wall decor . Among the essentials are paintings. They adorn the walls, decorate the room, and bring more elegance to the interior.

Paintings are particularly valued in homes with an industrial style, given the strong contrast created by the brick walls . However, to maximize their charm, certain guidelines must be followed:

A) Choosing the right frame size for your painting

First, regarding the format, you can choose any type of configuration you like. You can opt for rounded, diamond-shaped, trigonometric, or even uniquely shaped frames that you've created yourself. However, square or rectangular frames are the most suitable.

B) Finding the right patterns to perfect your industrial decor

Next, for the patterns, favor designs that reflect Romanticism. Indeed, this was the trend during the 19th century. You can also opt for abstract patterns inspired by Impressionism. And above all, to emphasize the "factory" and "workshop" feel of the room , don't forget to include framed pictures of buildings, bridges, and so on.

C) Choosing the correct frame size

As for the size, it depends on the size of your home. If you have a large apartment or house, then you can go for a large painting, 2 or 3 meters long . On the other hand, if your house is quite small, then it's better to stick to a few frames that you can place in the corners of your walls.

D) Positioning your industrial control panel

Finally, you also need to know how to position them properly. If it's a large painting, then place it above your furniture (bed or sofa). You can also put it in the entryway, near your front door, to impress guests. For smaller frames, make sure to arrange them harmoniously, that is, at a well-balanced distance. You can also opt for a gallery wall or multiple frames for a more striking effect.

6) An elegant and cozy rug

Aside from the painting, the rug is also a key decorative accessory. Indeed, it enhances your furniture and your interior in general.

In an industrial style, the choice of rug will depend primarily on the furniture placed above it. Therefore, some rugs will complement certain materials better than others.

Also, be sure to choose rugs in muted colors that aren't too conspicuous. Industrial furniture is already quite eye-catching, being very large and thick. Therefore, avoid cluttering it with large, brightly colored rugs. Opt instead for gray, black, or brown. Also, consider recycled and slightly vintage rugs , even if they have small scratches or imperfections. This will only enhance the charm of the home.

Rugs in an industrial-style interior should also be simple and unfussy. Avoid overly busy patterns. Instead, opt for more abstract designs. Oriental rugs aren't off-limits either; they can bring a bohemian and original touch to a living room or kitchen . Finally, choose rounded rugs rather than triangular ones for a more authentic feel.

7) A brick wall

Have you ever seen New York lofts, either in real life or in movies? And do you know what they have in common? Part of their walls is exposed , meaning it's neither painted nor covered with concrete. You can therefore see the bricks on the wall, and they are usually naturally red.

A brick wall is therefore an essential feature of industrial decor . You should have at least one in your home, preferably in the living room or dining room. For a more modern look, don't hesitate to customize it. Give it a coat of paint to really bring out the red color of the brick. You can also leave it in its original state, provided you smooth it well, remove any small patches of mold, and repair any cracks that may be present on the surface.

If you don't like the raw brick look, you can also opt for wallpaper. This will give you an "industrial" effect without ruining your walls.

However, it's important to clarify one thing: while a brick wall is essential in an industrial style , it shouldn't be overused. You should only apply it to a portion of the walls to avoid a sloppy look.

8) What color for an industrial chic decor?

Industrial chic decor tends to favor neutral or dark color palettes . Among the most popular are: grey, black and, of course, brick red.

A) Grey

Although gray is often associated with sadness in everyday life, in interior design, this color primarily serves to warm up a room. It can also make a space feel larger and more spacious. It is therefore ideal for small apartments or studios.

B) The Black

Black isn't usually a popular choice for interior design. It's often considered a monotonous and unflattering color. However, when used effectively, it can be a very elegant shade. But don't overdo it, as it can make your home feel too dark and gloomy. The best approach is to paint only one section of the wall black, and the rest in a lighter shade.

C) Brick Red

It would be inconceivable not to mention brick red in our selection, given that it's the very essence of industrial decor. You can even use it on your concrete or cement wall .

While dark colors are generally favored in a particular decorating style, many designers also prefer to reinterpret it by bringing in more light and brightness. Most of them therefore readily use pastel or even white color palettes on the walls, provided they incorporate essential elements of industrial decor to complete the look: antique furniture, brick walls, accessories made of steel, wood, or zinc, etc.

9) Houseplants for a chic touch to your decor

Don't forget to add some houseplants to your home to bring a touch of freshness. You have a wide variety to choose from.

You can opt for houseplants. Place them in pots and position them in the corners of your home, such as in the entryway, living room, or dining room. If they are small, place them on your kitchen cupboards or bedside tables. You can also choose trailing plants like Pittsburgh ivy, Isabella, or Dischidia. These are very trendy right now. Place them on your walls to decorate them or around your windowsill.

Flowering plants like orchids or guzmania are also a good choice. Not only do they decorate the room, but they also purify and perfume the air. Place them in vases on your coffee table or shelf.

Furthermore, you can combine aesthetics and cleanliness by choosing air-purifying plants such as the Kentia palm or the Boston fern. Finally, add a touch of the exotic to your home by selecting succulents, such as Crassula ovata, or even cacti.

But whatever you choose, it's very important to take good care of your plants. Water them regularly, remove dead leaves as soon as they appear, and also prune plants when they get too long, otherwise your home risks becoming a jungle.

10) A large library

Finally, don't hesitate to furnish your living room or dining room with a large bookcase, like those from the 19th century. You can then display your books, magazines, and journals of all kinds. As for the material, you have several options:

The classic choice is, of course, wood. It's chic, solid, and durable. It also lends a rather retro and vintage style to your interior. And above all, you can customize it however you like: by painting it, waxing it, etc.

You can also opt for a metal bookcase. But in this case, make sure to reinforce its support so it doesn't fall over. Choose a fairly thick material for a more aesthetically pleasing look and to emphasize the "industrial" style. And if you want a touch of modernism, a bookcase made of concrete or plasterboard is ideal. It will be fixed directly to the wall, and you can paint it the same color as your wall. 

Find the decor you need!

Thanks to this article, you've seen some decorating ideas to apply to your industrial chic interior . Now, you'll have no trouble finding inspiration for your decor. All that's left is to implement them and let your creativity flow. 

To thank you for making it this far, enjoy a 15% discount on your order today with the promo code: BLOG15 .

See you soon.

The Lofty Trend Team.