Industrial-style dining room: our secrets to success

Looking to refresh your dining room décor? Why not consider the industrial style? Inspired by New York lofts, it can bring a unique and original charm to your home. As specialists in this area, we can share some tips and ideas for creating a beautiful industrial-style dining room.

As a reminder, industrial style combines aesthetics and practicality. It's defined by three main characteristics: raw, neutral, and functional . To achieve this type of decor, it's therefore necessary to incorporate fairly rustic materials and accessories into the room. In this article, we'll teach you how to:

• Covering the floor and ceiling of your industrial-style dining room
• Dress up your walls for a perfect industrial dining room
• Choose an industrial-style table and chairs for your dining room
• Find the perfect furniture to integrate into your industrial dining room
• Accessorize your dining room with an industrial style

By reading this article, you'll delve deeper into the world of industrial decor and learn exactly how to renovate your dining room. That said, let's get started without further ado:

I) What floor coverings should I choose for my industrial dining room?

Choosing the right flooring for your dining room is the first thing you'll do during the renovation process. It's worth noting that the industrial style favors raw and primitive materials . If you want to bring out this look, you should choose from the following flooring options: solid or laminate wood flooring, vinyl or PVC flooring, polished concrete, and stoneware tiles.

1) Solid wood or laminate flooring

You can't talk about industrial decor without mentioning wood. This material perfectly embodies the raw, rustic feel of the style . It would therefore be a mistake not to incorporate it into your industrial dining room. While it's commonly used for furniture construction, it can also be used as flooring. In fact, it's considered very reliable in terms of both quality and aesthetics.

When it comes to flooring, wood is generally available in planks, or more precisely, parquet flooring. There are two main types of parquet: laminate and solid wood. The difference lies in their thickness. Laminate flooring typically ranges from 8 to 12 mm, while solid wood parquet can be up to 32 mm thick.

Based on this comparison, we can say that solid wood flooring is of higher quality, although laminate flooring isn't as bad in terms of practicality. Both are particularly resistant to impacts and are durable. They can last for decades without wearing out and are easy to maintain. However, hardwood flooring is also quite expensive. If you can't afford it, you can opt for its alternative: vinyl or PVC flooring.

2) Vinyl or PVC flooring

Vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for saving money without compromising on style. As a reminder, it's a PVC floor covering fixed to the floor with a special adhesive. It offers effective insulation and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions. But its biggest advantage remains its aesthetic appeal. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors. For patterns, you can choose from a wide range, such as concrete-effect vinyl or tile-effect vinyl . As for colors, vinyl is available in gray and brown (two popular colors in industrial decor).

3) Polished concrete

Polished concrete is another flooring option to consider for an industrial-style bathroom. It's a mortar made of cement, sand, pebbles, water, and a few additives. It's then smoothed to create a uniform gray surface.

Polished concrete offers numerous advantages. Not only is it strong and durable, but it's also very attractive. You can easily accessorize it with any elements you like to create an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Finally, it perfectly fulfills the rustic charm sought after in industrial decor .

4) Stoneware tiles

What better way to create a chic and elegant atmosphere in a room than with tiled flooring? But you can't just choose any old tile! If you want to achieve an industrial look reminiscent of New York lofts , you absolutely must opt ​​for porcelain tiles. With their matte texture and dark color, they perfectly complement the characteristics of industrial decor. You can even choose from a wide variety of patterns, such as natural stone, marble, metal, wood, fabric, and more.

Another advantage of stoneware tiles is their low porosity. This property allows them to resist water stains and all kinds of liquids. However, it is also a material that feels cold to the touch. If you decide to use it, you should place a rug underneath for added warmth.

II) How to cover the ceiling of an industrial dining room?

To achieve a successful industrial-style dining room, you can choose from the following ceiling coverings: nailed or screwed wooden ceilings, metal ceiling panels, and ceilings with exposed beams.

1) The wooden ceiling to be nailed or screwed

With its retro and vintage feel, this type of ceiling is the ideal covering for your dining room. It consists of a solid wood plank, which is installed over joists or battens, either by nailing or screwing. This creates an appearance similar to parquet flooring, but with a more rustic and natural look. In this style of decor, the wood planks are left unfinished. Small imperfections in the wood are allowed to show through, creating a natural and authentic feel.

A wooden ceiling offers many advantages, particularly in terms of insulation and durability. However, it is also susceptible to mold growth. Therefore, it will be necessary to apply varnish or another protective product to prevent any deterioration.

2) The metal ceiling paneling

Want to create a dining room with a "factory" style ? Then you should prioritize metal materials. The ceiling, in particular, is the ideal place for them. This will allow you to have a more industrial and functional decor, like in a factory. Simply attach the metal ceiling panels to a suspended ceiling frame.

It's important to properly maintain your ceiling to prevent rust. Don't hesitate to paint it to protect it and also to enhance its appearance.

3) The ceiling with exposed beams

Industrial decor reflects a rustic and primitive feel ; that's why a ceiling with exposed beams is a perfect fit for this style. The principle is simple: you remove the existing ceiling in your dining room, revealing the wooden beams hidden behind it. Apply a coat of paint or varnish to these beams for added style. For color, shades of brown (the color of natural wood), gray, or black are best. However, you can also opt for a lighter look by choosing white.

III) How to decorate the walls of an industrial-style dining room?

Wall coverings are an important step that you shouldn't overlook when renovating your dining room. They can significantly impact the overall look of your décor . For a successful industrial effect, consider one of these wall coverings: paint, exposed brick, wallpaper, polished concrete, or natural stone.

1) Painting

Looking to give your walls a fresh new look? What better way than with a fresh coat of paint? It will not only modernize the room but also energize and create a vibrant atmosphere. In industrial decor, neutral and dark colors like gray or black are generally preferred . However, more and more people are also incorporating lighter colors such as teal (a very trendy color in 2021) or khaki green. Some even prefer to paint their walls white. In any case, make sure that the color of your walls harmonizes with the rest of your decor. Also, avoid straying from the neutral aesthetic of industrial decor by using, for example, pastel shades (pink, sky blue, etc.).

2) Exposed bricks

Looking back at its history, the industrial style was created by a group of architects who wanted to renovate a dilapidated factory . Lacking the resources, they couldn't cover the bricks used in the factory's construction. So, they left them exposed, simply trying to maintain them (to make them more aesthetically pleasing). But the final result was quite successful. Since then, having a wall with exposed brick has become a must-have in the industrial style.

To create a dining room in the style of American lofts, it's essential to feature exposed brick , even if only on part of the walls. Choose red brick for a more natural effect. However, if you prefer a more modern look, you can opt for white.

Also, try to smooth them out by removing any imperfections that might spoil them. Similarly, repair any cracks to avoid a sloppy appearance.

3) Wallpaper

Wallpaper is the easy solution for wall coverings. In fact, installation is simple: just unroll the rolls and apply them to the walls. It's also a low-cost option, as it's very affordable and suitable for all budgets. And yet, it comes in a wide variety of patterns. For an industrial-style dining room, the ideal choice would be wallpaper with a brick or natural stone effect.

4) Polished concrete

Just like on floors, polished concrete can also be used as a wall covering . You can apply it to a single section of the wall or to the entire surface. This will create a rustic and primitive living space. Since polished concrete is quite dark, you'll need to add plenty of openings to let in light.

5) Natural stone

Industrial decor often incorporates natural elements like stone, so you can certainly use it in your dining room. However, if you do, be sure to only use it on one section of the wall, specifically the one opposite your dining table. Natural stone is a very robust and imposing material, and using it too heavily could create an overly busy look, which isn't very aesthetically pleasing for a dining room. It's best to use it as a simple decorative element rather than as a full-fledged wall covering.

IV) How to choose an industrial-style table and chairs for your dining room

The dining table and chairs are the main pieces of furniture in a dining room. Therefore, choosing them carefully is essential. To achieve a successful industrial style , you must adhere to certain guidelines, both in terms of materials and design.

1) What materials should be chosen for the table and chairs in an industrial-style dining room?

The ideal materials for an industrial dining table are: wood and wrought iron.

A) The wooden dining table

What better way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the dining room than with a large wooden table? This material is chic, robust, and sturdy. It can withstand all kinds of elements, such as heat and humidity. It also offers an authentic, rustic aesthetic, perfect for a dining room with a workshop-style design . Another advantage of wood is its great diversity. There are so many types of wood you can use to make your dining table. However, the best choices remain hardwoods like oak or acacia, smoked wood, and melamine-faced wood.

- Hardwood: As its name suggests, hardwood is thick and solid. It's perfect for highlighting the raw, industrial look of decor . Among the best choices is oak. It's especially prized for its durability and hardness. This type of wood also has a very elegant texture, which is why it's highly recommended by carpenters. You can further modernize it by oiling or varnishing it.

- Smoked wood: This type of wood results from a fumigation process that darkens its color. It naturally appears dark. Smoked wood provides a unique and original look to a room. Like solid wood, it is also hard and can withstand many impacts.

- Melamine-faced chipboard: This is primarily used in contemporary or modern styles. However, it also works well with industrial styles. This material effectively represents the basic elements of "factory" decor , but with a more urban feel. It also perfectly meets the resistance and durability requirements essential for a dining table. But its biggest advantage remains its cost. It is, in fact, very affordable, yet its quality is undeniable. It therefore offers excellent value for money.

B) The wrought iron dining table

Wrought iron is one of the key materials in industrial style, so it's no surprise that you'd want to use it for your dining table. It's also a flexible, strong, and durable material. You can shape it into any design you like, and most importantly, you can place any utensils you want on it, as it's quite shock-resistant. However, it's also important to treat it properly to prevent it from rusting easily. If possible, choose a painted model, preferably in black or brown.

The same applies to your chairs. Wood and wrought iron are perfect materials to choose for them. But in addition to these, you can also use other materials, such as plastic, for example.

2) Which models should I choose for industrial dining room tables and chairs?

The industrial style emphasizes simplicity. To achieve this look, you should choose fairly classic furniture, without too much decoration or ornamentation. Your dining table should therefore be as traditional as possible, either rectangular, square, or round. For your chairs, choose vintage models. The size of the chairs and table should primarily depend on the dimensions of your dining room. However, there's nothing better than a large table to accommodate all your family and friends. If you have limited space, you can overcome this by choosing a folding table that you can shorten or lengthen depending on the number of guests.

Even though the industrial style is simplistic, that doesn't mean you should completely neglect the design and decor of the room. You can add a few decorative accessories, such as cushions to place under each chair or a small vase and tablecloth on the table.

Furthermore, if you like a slightly quirky style, you can repurpose unwanted items and transform them into tables or chairs. For example, you can customize wine barrels into chairs.

V) What other furniture should be included in an industrial style dining room?

Chairs and a table aren't the only furniture a dining room should contain. You can also include other pieces, the quantity of which will depend on the size of your room. For a successful industrial-style decor, you'll need to install some of these items: a chest of drawers, a shelf, a bookcase, and a glass partition.

1) An old-fashioned chest of drawers

Place a small 1950s-style chest of drawers in your dining room to store your small items. It will add a retro touch to the room. For the material, choose a model in wood or steel. As for the color, black, gray, or natural wood tones would be perfect. You can also cover it with wallpaper to personalize it. And above all, don't forget to decorate it with magazines, flowerpots, or small figurines on top.

2) A shelf

Upcycled items are a key element of industrial style , and to display them, you'll need a large shelf. You don't necessarily need to hire a professional to build your shelf. You can simply attach a few wooden planks to the wall and paint them to create a shelf that's both attractive and functional. Don't hesitate to stand out from the crowd by choosing original shapes. In other words, instead of placing your planks parallel to each other on the wall, opt for other configurations such as azigzag , a rounded shape, and so on.

3) A librarian

The dining room isn't just a place to eat. Like the living room, it's also a place to unwind and relax. It would therefore be a nice touch to place a bookcase in this room, in the style of a New York loft. You could then display your favorite books and magazines, as well as a few decorative accessories.

For the best results, nothing beats a solid wood bookcase: robust, durable, and sturdy. But you can also choose lighter materials like steel, for example.

4) A glass roof

Place all your dishes and glasses inside a beautiful glass-fronted cabinet, which you can position in the corner of your room. This way, you can easily retrieve them during your meal, saving you from having to walk around. The glass cabinet will also soften the room's otherwise stark feel , adding a touch of refinement and sophistication.

VI) How to accessorize your industrial-style dining room?

Simply adding furniture isn't enough to create an industrial look in your dining room. Accessorizing it well is also essential. Here are a few ideas for decorative items you can add to your dining room:

1) Industrial paintings

What better way to decorate a wall than with an industrial-style painting ! Moreover, you have a wide variety of choices to choose from.

For the design, you can choose between abstract drawings like in the Impressionist era, photos of famous buildings that characterize the "studio" aspect of the style, or photos of flowers, for a slightly more romantic touch.

For the format, a rectangular or rounded frame would be ideal. As for placement, you can hang it on the wall facing your dining table or in the opposite direction. You can also opt for multi-shaped pictures arranged in an irregular pattern on your wall. This will create a more original effect.

2) An XXL clock

An extra-large clock would also be a perfect accessory for your dining room. In addition to decorating the room, it will also serve as a time indicator during meals or family gatherings.

To choose the right one, there are a few criteria to consider:

First, choose models that are suitable for the "workshop" style such as clocks with gears or pocket clocks.

Secondly, the color should harmonize with the rest of the room. Black and gray remain safe choices. They are also elegant and simple. But you can also add a touch of gold or silver for a chic and refined look.

Finally, for your industrial-style clock, prioritize materials like wood, metal, or acrylic. The choice will depend on the effect you're aiming for. If you want to create a retro industrial look in your dining room , then wood is ideal. However, for a more modern effect, opt for metal or acrylic.

3) Some recycled items

You can't talk about industrial style without mentioning repurposed objects. You'll therefore need to own at least three or four items from flea markets. Here are a few ideas for repurposed objects that you can incorporate into your dining room:

- A lighted sign : a sign isn't just for advertising. It can also be a lovely decorative accessory. Hang it on your wall and let its light spread throughout the room. This will create a warmer and more festive atmosphere.

- Antique dishes : Have you inherited your grandmother's dishes and don't know what to do with them? Don't throw them away! Instead, transform them into decorative accessories to hang on the wall. Arrange them harmoniously to create a warm and refined atmosphere. - Vinyl records : Vinyl records were very trendy in the 1950s. Unfortunately, they're not really used anymore. What if you used them as trivets? It's both practical and original.

4) Dim lighting

Create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere in your dining room by installing soft lighting. You can hang them from the ceiling, mount them on the wall, or place them on shelves and dressers. For a stylish look, brass pendant lights , chandeliers, and floor lamps are perfect for an industrial-style dining room.

5) Chair cushions

Ensure your guests' comfort by adding cushions to your chair. This will help them be more comfortable and will also ensure the chair's longevity.

6) A tablecloth

Tablecloths aren't very popular in contemporary or modern styles, unlike in industrial decor. In this type of style, a tablecloth is definitely a must-have that should absolutely be included in your dining room.

For the tablecloth pattern, you have two options. You can either choose a plain tablecloth, in which case white or brown is suitable, or you can opt for a printed one. Popular patterns include checks, stripes, and embroidery.

There you have it! You've now learned all the secrets to creating a successful industrial-style dining room. All that's left is for you to get started and unleash your creativity.

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.