Industrial style living room: tips and tricks

Would you like your living room to be more chic, inviting, and trendy? Then you absolutely must opt ​​for the industrial style. Combining both functionality and aesthetics, it's the perfect look for your living room!

Note that it's not at all difficult to adopt. Simply add a few accessories to create a successful decor, in the style of New York lofts. As specialists, we can offer you some useful and essential advice on this subject. You will see:

• What are the properties that distinguish the industrial showroom?
• What type of flooring should you choose for your industrial-style living room?
• What types of materials should you prioritize for your industrial-style living room?
• What kinds of furniture should you add to your industrial living room?
• What decorative accessories should you put in your industrial living room?
• What wall and furniture colors should you choose for your industrial living room?

By the end of this book, you'll have mastered the rules and techniques for creating a stylish industrial living room . So, let's get started...

I) The different characteristics of an industrial trade fair

Before learning how to decorate an industrial-style living room, it's important to understand the different characteristics of this style, that is, the properties that distinguish it from others. As a reminder, the industrial style emerged in the United States during the 18th century. Initially, it was primarily used by the aristocracy, but it later became more widespread and adopted by all social classes. In its original form, the industrial style favored cast iron and wrought iron. However, it evolved over the years and incorporated other raw and functional materials. In the 19th century, industrial decor underwent a transformation. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, numerous factories were built, then abandoned as soon as business declined. Rather than leaving these dilapidated factories in their current state, architects had the ingenious idea of ​​renovating them. They redesigned the spaces, preserving certain objects to save money. In the end, the decor was more than satisfactory, which quickly attracted a crowd. Today, industrial decor continues to adorn the apartments and houses of interior design enthusiasts, and it is constantly evolving. Current characteristics that define an industrial-style living room include: simplicity and neutrality, open-plan spaces, functional furniture, and the use of repurposed objects.

1) The industrial living room: a simple and neutral decor

Simplicity is one of the key characteristics of an industrial living room. Since it largely imitates the "factory," "workshop," and "industrial" style, it should be created in a fairly neutral setting. So, no frills or bling! Instead, opt for simple and practical decorative accessories. This principle applies to both colors and furniture choices. For example, when it comes to colors, choose darker tones rather than lighter ones. Similarly, for furniture, favor classic and simple shapes, but above all, functional ones.

2) The industrial living room: a decor that promotes open-plan living

If you want a successful industrial-style living room, you need to open up the space as much as possible. As you know, factories are large, spacious buildings with few partitions. And since the industrial style is inspired by this, you should do the same in your home. You can, for example, remove the wall separating your kitchen from your living room and create a single open space. This not only gives you more room but also makes it easier to move around. In addition, you'll benefit from better ventilation and greater comfort.

3) The industrial living room: a decor that is both chic and functional

Industrial decor isn't just known for its elegance and sophistication. It's also prized for its practicality. In fact, this style of decor prioritizes the functionality of its accessories and furniture. Everything must therefore serve a purpose, not just aesthetics. Furniture, for example, must offer superior comfort and durability to ensure its longevity. As for decorative objects, they aren't just for dressing up the living room; they also have their own specific uses.

4) The industrial living room: a decor based on upcycling

Like the retro style, industrial decor heavily emphasizes recycling. When adopting this style, you should incorporate as many salvaged items as you can find. Therefore, it's not necessary to buy new furniture or equipment. Take old tables and chairs that you haven't used for years and give them a new lease on life by varnishing and restoring them. You can also visit flea markets and antique shops to find unique vintage pieces.

II) The perfect floor coverings for the industrial living room

Designing an industrial living room begins with the flooring. It's a step many people overlook, yet it has a significant impact on the entire decor. If you want to create a "factory" style living room, then you should choose one of these flooring options: hardwood flooring, linoleum, concrete, or stoneware tiles.

1) Wooden parquet flooring

Wooden parquet flooring is the perfect choice for an industrial-style living room. It combines both elegance and practicality. On the one hand, it adds charm to the room. Wood is a chic and robust material. It enhances the overall look of the interior. By choosing it, you'll benefit from a sophisticated and on-trend decor. Moreover, wood blends well with the characteristics of the industrial style: a raw and robust aesthetic. On the other hand, it's easy to maintain. You simply need to vacuum it to clean it. And yet, it doesn't get dirty easily since it doesn't accumulate much dust. This is a significant advantage when you frequently entertain guests. Furthermore, it's durable and strong. Because it's made of wood, it won't wear out quickly. You're therefore guaranteed greater longevity.

It's worth noting that there are two types of parquet flooring: engineered and solid wood. Engineered parquet is approximately 2 mm thick. It's very easy to install and therefore very popular with homeowners. Solid wood parquet, on the other hand, is characterized by its greater thickness, which can vary from 9 to 32 mm. To create an industrial-style living room, solid wood planks are ideal, as they are more robust.

When it comes to the color of the parquet flooring, nothing beats gray. This color adds warmth and charm to the room. It perfectly complements the principles of industrial decor. However, you can also choose other colors, such as natural wood tones, for a more rustic feel.

2) Linoleum-type flooring

Linoleum flooring is an alternative to hardwood flooring. It's especially ideal if you don't want the hassle of installation and maintenance. In fact, installing this type of flooring is as simple as unrolling it and securing it with a special adhesive. One of its biggest advantages is its price. It's incredibly affordable. You can buy a roll for just a few dozen or a few hundred euros, depending on the quality. And yet, it provides a perfect finish, mimicking real hardwood flooring.

3) Concrete

Concrete is another material to consider for industrial decor. You can use it as flooring. Simply smooth it well and paint it with a special floor paint for a more modern look. For the color, opt for natural tones like gray, or something a bit darker like brick red.

Why choose concrete? Aside from its robust and durable texture, concrete also has insulating properties. It maintains a comfortable room temperature despite the outside temperature. Finally, just like wood flooring, it is easy to maintain.

4) Stoneware tiles

Looking to install a more modern and trendy floor covering in your industrial-style living room? Then consider porcelain stoneware tiles. While less durable than concrete, they remain a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing material. Furthermore, they are affordable and offer excellent value for money. For the pattern, opt for a wood or polished concrete effect.

III) The different materials to prioritize for an industrial trade show

People tend to overlook it, yet materials have a significant impact on the overall look of the decor. Therefore, there are certain materials you should prioritize if you want an industrial-style living room, namely: wood, concrete, brick, iron and cast iron, steel, porcelain, glass, leather, and velvet.

1) Wood

The industrial style is known for its raw and somewhat wild feel. That's why wood blends perfectly with this style. In fact, it's one of the most commonly used materials in factories.

As we saw earlier, wood is a strong and robust material. It also has a long lifespan. However, it does require some occasional maintenance if you don't want it to wear out over time. Don't hesitate to polish, wax, and varnish your wooden furniture regularly to prevent mold. You can also repaint it to give it a new lease on life.

Wood is used everywhere, whether in furniture, decorative objects, photo frames, pots, etc. You can even replace your windows with wooden frames to create a more vintage look.

2) Concrete

You can't talk about industrial decor without mentioning concrete. It's found mainly on shelves, ceilings and floors, as well as in bar areas.

Sometimes people replace it with Placoplatre, which is a more affordable material. However, in terms of quality, it will never compare to concrete. You just need to know how to adapt it to the environment, and you'll get a magnificent industrial-style living room.

3) The bricks

You've probably seen New York lofts in movies or TV shows. Do you know what they all have in common? Part of their walls is always exposed, meaning the building's brickwork is visible. This was done intentionally and is even the essence of industrial design.

In other words, to achieve the perfect industrial living room, it's essential to have at least one brick wall. This will reinforce the "factory" feel of the room. However, you also need to properly maintain your brick wall so your living room doesn't look neglected. Don't hesitate to repaint your bricks (choose brick red for a more natural effect). Also, repair any cracks in the walls and remove any minor imperfections. If you're not a fan of natural brick walls, you can opt for an alternative: brick-patterned wallpaper.

It's worth noting that using bricks shouldn't become an obsession. Don't overdo it, or the room will lack atmosphere and dynamism.

4) Iron and cast iron

Iron and cast iron were the original materials of the industrial style. It would therefore be unthinkable not to mention them. These materials have the advantage of being both strong and aesthetically pleasing, provided they are properly maintained. If you decide to use them, you absolutely must apply rust inhibitors and protective products.

Regarding their use, they are perfect as coffee tables or TV stands, statues, floor lamps, and shelves. As for colors, the ideal would be to opt for a dark tone such as black and, of course, gray.

5) Steel

You can also use steel for your furniture and decorative objects. This material has the advantage of being more modern than iron. In addition, it is more durable, especially if you choose a stainless steel. And above all, it is easy to work with. Because it is very flexible, you can shape it as you wish.

6) Porcelain

While porcelain isn't necessarily a must-have for an industrial-style living room, it can still add a touch of charm. In fact, it blends perfectly with the retro aesthetic of industrial decor. You could add vintage porcelain plates you found at a flea market and display them on the wall as decorative accents. You could also place small porcelain trinkets on your shelves or coffee table to further embellish them.

7) The glasses

Add elegance to your living room with glassware. These are very refined and sophisticated materials. You can use them as vases, placing them on your coffee table or bar area. Another idea is to display a few stemmed glasses on your shelf to decorate your living room. However, don't overdo it, or the industrial style will be completely lost.

8) Leather

If you want your living room to resemble a New York loft, then you absolutely must incorporate leather. Moreover, this material offers numerous advantages: it's thick, comfortable, easy to care for, and very chic.

9) Velvet

Velvet is a light and soft material. It will give your living room a more welcoming and cozy feel. It guarantees greater comfort and relaxation, encouraging you to share more moments with your loved ones.

IV) Types of furniture to add to your industrial living room

You can't talk about renovation without mentioning furniture. These are important elements that you absolutely must consider. To achieve a successful industrial living room decor, you should incorporate some of the following furniture:

1) The leather or velvet sofa

The sofa is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about a living room. Indeed, the living room is first and foremost a place to spend time. It's intended for entertaining guests or relaxing during your free time. To have the best possible experience, it's important to choose your sofa carefully. So, which one should you choose?

You don't need a huge, extra-large sofa for an industrial-style living room. A two- or three-seater will suffice. However, if you have a large space and enjoy entertaining, you can opt for a larger version, or even a corner sofa. You could also choose a chaise lounge, which will provide better relaxation. Don't forget to add one or two armchairs for a decorative touch.

Regarding the material of the sofa or armchair, you can choose either a robust material like leather or a lighter option like velvet. Leather will lend an air of elegance, while velvet will bring more warmth to the room. Leather will primarily enhance the visual appeal, whereas velvet will significantly impact comfort. Ultimately, the choice is yours: select the fabric that best suits your tastes and needs.

As for color, opt for brown. It's elegant and versatile, adapting to all types of tones, whether light or dark, bright or pastel. If you prefer simplicity, then gray is also a good choice. Finally, to be on-trend, don't hesitate to break the mold a bit with more sophisticated colors like teal: it's the must-have color of 2021.

2) The coffee table in wood or steel

What would a sofa be without a coffee table? These are two pieces of furniture that are never separated, so it's absolutely essential to include one.

When it comes to choosing a coffee table, you have a wide range to choose from. For the material, you can choose between wood or steel. As for the shape, you have several options: a square, rectangular, oval, or round table. However, nothing beats the simple and classic shape: the rectangular table.

Regarding size, it depends on the dimensions of your sofa. But generally, your table should never be too large, or it will overwhelm the room. Finally, for color, a natural wood effect, black, or gray are perfect.

Some people also prefer to innovate by choosing rather unusual tables. If you appreciate originality, you can certainly follow their lead, for example, by transforming an old wooden storage compartment into a table, or an old wine barrel into a table. After all, the industrial style is all about creativity and imagination.

3) Old bar stools

Do you have a small bar area at home? Then don't forget to add a few chairs to complete the look. For this, opt for vintage chairs, some dating back several decades, or even centuries (if you can find them). It doesn't matter if your chairs don't all look alike, as long as they coordinate well. In fact, the more unusual they are, the more original they'll be.

However, one thing needs to be clarified: old doesn't mean neglected. It simply means you should properly maintain your chairs before using them. Give them a fresh look with paint or new, more stylish upholstery.

4) The small upcycled chest of drawers

Do you have a chest of drawers you haven't used in years? Don't throw it away! Recycle it and place it in a corner of your industrial-style living room. Then add magazines, photo frames, and a few flower pots on top to decorate it. You'll end up with a lovely little cabinet where you can store some of the things you use frequently in the living room.

5) The librarian

While not essential, a bookcase is highly recommended if you want to create a living room with an American loft feel. Place it in the corner of your living room and display a selection of books and magazines. You can also add a few decorative items to complete the look. As for the material, nothing beats a thick, raw wood model. However, a concrete one mounted to the wall wouldn't be a bad idea either. In fact, it can even create a more modern and sophisticated effect.

6) The shelf

If you don't have a librarian, then at least add a few shelves. These will be used to house all the salvaged items you've found in flea markets and antique shops (old dishes, figurines, etc.). Don't hesitate to be creative with the layout. Stand out by adopting original configurations.

V) Decorative accessories to put in your industrial living room

To complete the look of your living room, you'll need to add a few decorative accessories . Here are some examples you could use in your home:

1) A rug

This type of rug is necessary to create a warmer atmosphere in the room. However, to maintain the industrial look, opt for solid colors, meaning those without patterns or frills. Also, avoid choosing an excessively large rug. Discretion and simplicity are key.

2) Curtains

Curtains aren't just for covering windows and creating privacy. They're also key decorative elements, so choosing the right ones shouldn't be overlooked. In an industrial style, curtains should be understated. Two types are preferred: sheer white (almost transparent) curtains and heavier curtains hung over them. The color and pattern of the heavier curtains should complement the overall style of the room.

3) An old steel staircase

It looks really original, yet it gives the room a very elegant effect. The concept involves, among other things, mounting an old steel staircase on the wall and turning it into a decorative object. You can then add a few picture frames to each step of the staircase. You can also attach it to a shelf as if you were about to climb it.

4) Industrial paintings

Dress up your walls with industrial-style artwork. There's something for every taste and size. If you have a large room, you can opt for a large piece that covers the entire wall. You can also choose smaller pieces and arrange them in an irregular pattern for a more stylish look.

Regarding motifs, designs reflecting the construction of buildings, bridges, etc., are recommended. However, you can also draw inspiration from the 18th century with more abstract or romantic designs.

5) Light fixtures

Don't forget lighting fixtures to brighten the room. Opt for pendant lights, floor lamps, and wall sconces. Choose lamps with a moderate brightness—neither too dim nor too bright. This will create a more inviting atmosphere.

6) Cushions

Adorn your sofa or armchair with multicolored cushions made of velvet or wool. They will add a touch of whimsy to the room.

7) Green plants

Finally, freshen up your living room by adding a few decorative green plants. Place an extra-large potted plant near the entrance. Display a vase of flowers on the coffee table and let trailing plants cascade down your shelf.

VI) The most suitable colors for an industrial trade show

To conclude this article, it's essential to discuss the ideal colors for an industrial-style living room. Here are a few ideas we've selected for you.

1) The all-grey look

What better way to complete your industrial-style living room than with an all-grey palette? To achieve this, paint your walls alternating between dark and light grey (to prevent the room from feeling too dark). Opt for grey parquet or tile flooring. The furniture should also be painted grey.

2) White combined with dark colors

White is associated with purity. In interior design, it's also used to brighten a room. It's undeniable that white is an unusual color in an industrial-style living room. 

However, it can produce a very impressive effect when combined with other darker colors such as burgundy red, dark grey, etc.

3) Brick red

It is the natural color of the bricks, which makes it impossible not to integrate it into the decor of an industrial-style living room.

4) Duck blue

This is the color trend of 2021. It's everywhere: in luxury hotels, restaurants… And now, it can also be associated with industrial style. But to stay within the context, it should only be used on a small section or corner of the wall.

Furnish your living room now!

Thanks to this article, you've become familiar with the techniques and principles of industrial decor. Now all that's left is for you to get started and transform your living room into a comfortable, functional, and welcoming space, like a true New York loft.

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.