How to furnish a cozy industrial-style living room?

Have you always dreamed of a living room that is both comfortable and trendy? Do you want it to become an attractive and stylish living space?

We have been specialists in interior design for many years now. In this article, we will help you create a living room decor that is both industrial and cozy.

Emerging towards the end of the 19th century, the industrial style is making a strong comeback this year and is even becoming one of the most sought-after decorating trends. Inspired by working-class life, it is based primarily on four criteria: functionality, simplicity, rusticity, and aesthetics. If you want to achieve this style, you will need to focus on these fundamentals. In this article, we will help you to:

• Prepare your living room to create the industrial style
• Choosing the right furniture for your industrial-style living room
• Personalize your industrial-style living room with accessories and objects of all kinds

By the end of this article, industrial-style interior design will hold no secrets for you. That said, let's get started!

I) How to prepare the living room for a cozy industrial style?

Before tackling the transformation of your living room into a more industrial style , it's important to prepare it properly. To do this, you should follow a few steps. First, you'll remove any unnecessary partitions in the room to create more space. Next, you'll cover the floor with a material that matches the industrial style. Finally, you'll decorate your walls with a new color or covering.

1) First step: opening up the space

If you've noticed, old factories are built on large, open-plan spaces with few, if any, partitions. And since the industrial style draws inspiration from this, you'll want to do the same with your living room. So, you'll demolish any small, unnecessary partitions and make the room as large as possible. To create even more space, you could even combine the kitchen and living room into a single open-plan space.

2) Second step: floor covering with materials suitable for the industrial style

Industrial style is a style that heavily favors raw materials . If you want to bring out this look, you should therefore favor the following floor coverings: solid wood parquet, vinyl flooring, porcelain stoneware tiles, polished concrete.

A) Solid wood parquet flooring

Wood is one of the key materials in industrial style , making it impossible not to incorporate it into the room's decor. When it comes to flooring, it often takes the form of parquet. This type of parquet is primarily made of solid wood and is available in various styles and thicknesses. The thicker the wood, the higher its quality.

Solid wood flooring has the advantage of being robust and durable. By choosing it, you're guaranteed a solid floor for around fifty years. Furthermore, it's resistant. It can withstand numerous impacts and can even resist moisture, unlike some other types of flooring.

To achieve a successful industrial effect, the best option is to choose solid wood flooring in grey or brown.

B) Vinyl flooring

Solid wood flooring is a luxurious and attractive floor covering. However, it can be expensive. If you don't have the budget for it, you can opt for an alternative: vinyl flooring. Also called PVC flooring, it's a covering made of plastic and other materials, bonded together in a sandwich construction. It's easy to install, thanks to a process of unrolling and gluing. As for its appearance, it closely mimics that of hardwood flooring with vertical planks. However, you can also find vinyl flooring with a tile-like effect.

Why choose vinyl flooring? Quite simply, because it's an easy and practical solution, essential criteria for a successful industrial decor.

C) Porcelain stoneware tiles

Tile flooring is a luxurious and cozy option, making it perfect for a living room. However, for an industrial look, you should opt for porcelain stoneware tiles. What exactly are they?

Porcelain stoneware tiles are a material composed of clay and various minerals. They are manufactured by mixing, heating, and molding these materials. This process gives them a hard, solid, and durable structure.

Porcelain stoneware tiles are among the most sought-after flooring options in industrial decor. This is because they are clean and inviting. They are also available in a variety of styles, making them even more appealing. Indeed, you can choose from tiles that mimic marble, natural stone, parquet, metal, or cement.

D) Polished concrete

Looking for a chic and cozy industrial-style floor without a lot of work? Then opt for polished concrete. To create it, simply mix the components (sand, pebbles, cement, water, etc.) and then lay it out in tiles on the floor. Be sure to smooth the tiles for a more polished look. You also don't need to paint it after it dries. The natural effect of the concrete is what makes it so appealing.

3) Step 3: Wall covering

Wall coverings are also a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Indeed, they can have a significant impact on the entire decor. To create a cozy, industrial-style living room, you can choose one of these wall coverings:

A) Painting

What better way to revitalize a room and create a welcoming atmosphere than with a fresh coat of paint? In an industrial yet cozy style, neutral and dark colors are key. The most popular choices include gray, black, dark blue, khaki green, and brick red. In interior design, gray adds dynamism to a room. Black, on the other hand, evokes simplicity, neutrality, and elegance, thus enhancing the cozy feel. Blue is synonymous with calm, making it ideal for a relaxation space like the living room. Khaki green, however, can lend a rustic touch to the room. Finally, brick red recalls the natural color of the bricks used in the construction of old American factories.

Although it's rare, it's also possible to incorporate white on your wall, provided you pair it with a darker shade. Similarly, don't limit yourself to just one color for your walls or even your furniture. Try a whole palette.

B) Exposed bricks

It is highly recommended to leave the bricks exposed, at least on one section of the wall. This will enhance the "workshop" feel of the room. However, it's also essential to maintain them properly by polishing them, removing minor imperfections, and repairing any cracks. Don't overuse the bricks either.

C) Wallpaper

A popular wall covering in the 1950s, wallpaper is making a strong comeback this year, especially in industrial-style living rooms. You can use it to cover your walls. In this case, choose designs with brick, small tile, or faux stone patterns—in short, patterns that evoke natural elements and will give your living room a cozy feel.

D) The slate

Finally, it would also be interesting to add a chalkboard wall to one part of the room. This would allow you to decorate it however you like by drawing all sorts of things or writing phrases or words. You could even change your decor every day since it's easily erasable.

II) What furniture should be placed in a cozy industrial living room?

A cozy industrial living room requires both aesthetics and comfort. Therefore, you need to incorporate the right furniture to guarantee these criteria. The three essential and indispensable pieces of furniture you must include in your cozy industrial living room are: a sofa or armchair, a coffee table, and a shelf or chest of drawers.

1) The sofa or armchair

What would a living room be without a sofa or armchair? It's the main piece of furniture that makes up this room. Choosing it is very important, since its primary purpose is to welcome guests. To create a friendly and warm atmosphere, it must therefore be as comfortable as possible.

Therefore, choose a well-padded model and upholster it in velvet or leather. Velvet has a soft and lightweight texture, ensuring perfect comfort. As for leather, although it is thick, it remains a very comfortable fabric to use.

For the type of sofa, opt for a large, three-seater. You can also choose a modular model if you have a small space. And above all, create a more or less vintage look with a baroque-style sofa.

2) The coffee table

A sofa or armchair absolutely requires a coffee table. But don't worry! A coffee table in an industrial-style living room can be simple and uncluttered. You don't even need to build a new piece of furniture. You can simply recycle that old wooden table you haven't used in years. Just repaint it to give it a fresh look. You can also buy an antique coffee table made of steel or wrought iron at a flea market. And if you want something more original, you can transform objects you no longer use into a coffee table: for example, a wine barrel or an old wooden suitcase from your grandmother's family.

You might not like the overly traditional decor. In that case, you can modernize the room a bit by opting for a glass coffee table. But in this case, the base must be made of steel or metal , and the accessories must perfectly match the "industrial" style (to avoid clashing with it).

3) The shelf or the chest of drawers

It's essential to have either a shelf or a chest of drawers in your industrial-style living room. This serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also a functional one . The furniture will provide storage for all your small belongings and the items you've collected from various places.

Aside from these last three, there are other pieces of furniture you can put in your living room, depending on its size. These include:

4) The librarian

Have you ever noticed that New York lofts in TV shows and movies almost always feature a bookcase? It's a highly sought-after piece of furniture in industrial design. If you have the space, consider adding one to your living room. For the best results, choose a model made of solid wood or metal.

5) A schoolbag

This type of furniture is rarely used by those who favor modern and contemporary styles, as it appears outdated. Yet, it's highly prized in an industrial-style living room. It simply requires proper maintenance to prevent the structure from becoming too worn or neglected.

A major advantage of a sideboard is its storage capacity. You can store your dishes, glasses, and other items inside. Furthermore, it's generally sturdy and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

III) How to personalize your industrial and cozy style living room?

Furniture and wall coverings alone aren't enough to perfect the look of a cozy industrial-style living room. You'll also need to add a few accessories. Here are some examples:

1) Decorative cushions

Ensure your comfort and that of your guests with decorative cushions placed all over the sofa. Don't hesitate to vary their colors for a cozier, more inviting, and warmer feel.

For the patterns, keep it simple, meaning opt for plain designs rather than those with overly flashy prints.

2) A faux fur

A cozy living room is synonymous with softness, lightness, and tranquility. That's why a faux fur rug would be perfect for this room and enhance the cozy feel. Use it as a tablecloth on your sofa or armchair.

For the color, stick to neutral tones like grey or possibly white so as not to stray from the industrial theme.

3) A lightweight rug and textile

You can also add a rug under the coffee table to create a warmer atmosphere. In this case, choose rugs in solid colors and dark shades, or those with simple patterns: checks, stripes, etc.

4) Dim lighting

Even though the industrial style doesn't particularly emphasize lighting, it's still essential to install some light fixtures in the room to better illuminate it and create a cozier atmosphere.

For a perfect result, nothing beats soft lighting—neither too warm nor too cool. Pendant lights are highly recommended. You can choose them in brass or other metals. A grand chandelier, reminiscent of those found in royal palaces, is also an option, provided you have a sufficiently high ceiling and a large enough living space.

Furthermore, enhance the corners of your walls with wall sconces in a more traditional style. Finally, you can place a tall floor lamp near your sofa, allowing you to read comfortably in the evening.

5) An XXL clock

Factories in the 1980s and earlier often had extra-large clocks. These were essential for workers who had to meet deadlines. To keep track of their time, they needed a large clock.

This feature remains a staple of current industrial decor. You can therefore incorporate one into your living room. Moreover, you have several models to choose from: you can opt for a gear clock, a pocket clock, one with Roman numerals, etc.

The same applies to materials. You can choose from wood, steel, acrylic, etc. Finally, for color, nothing beats gray, black, and possibly silver and gold.

6) The right painting for your wall

Adorn your walls with beautiful paintings. Generally, industrial paintings are abstract and less extravagant . They are often inspired by the Impressionist era. But you can also try other motifs such as famous buildings and structures or flowers (for a touch of romance).

7) Recycled items

Have you found some old vinyl records or other items from a bygone era? Don't throw them away! Instead, transform them into stylish and minimalist decorative pieces.

A cozy industrial style thanks to the wall decor

Thanks to this article, you've found new inspiration for your industrial-style, cozy living room. You can now browse our gallery of industrial paintings . All that's left is for you to get started and enjoy the results in your living room.

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.