Affordable ways to bring a trendy vibe to your home
Kate Wilson is a writer and fact checker for home decor and furnishings at Chosen Furniture. She enjoys splitting her findings with others.
What Is Industrial Style Furniture?
The raw and unfinished look of factories, warehouses, and industrial spaces inspires industrial-style furniture. In the early 20th century, when many warehouses and industries were transformed into apartments, this design began to develop.
It was a practical solution to the need for functional furniture that could withstand the harsh conditions of these spaces. Industrial furniture has become popular for homes, restaurants, and offices. It is characterized by its rough, unfinished, and realistic look, which makes it a perfect fit for contemporary and modern homes.
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Key Takeaways
- Focuses on the piece’s functionality rather than decorative flourishes.
- Materials like metal, wood, and concrete are often left in their raw, unfinished forms.
- Grays, blacks, and browns make up the majority of the color palette in this style.
- Works particularly well in open-plan living spaces, loft apartments, and other industrial-inspired interiors.
Characteristics of Industrial Furniture
The first instances of furniture designed in an industrial style may be traced back to the early 20th century when repurposed warehouses and factories were popular places to call home. These spaces needed furniture that was functional, durable, and easy to maintain. The furniture had to withstand the harsh conditions of these spaces, such as dust, dirt, and moisture. As a result, industrial furniture was born.
The first industrial-style furniture was made from cast iron, steel, and wood. These materials were readily available in the factories and warehouses, making them a practical choice. The pieces were intended to be plain and basic rather than ornate and decorative. Over time, the style evolved to include more polished and refined designs while retaining its raw and practical look.
The furniture often has exposed hardware, such as bolts, screws, and rivets, which adds to its raw and unfinished look. Another characteristic of industrial-style furniture is its durability. High-traffic spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and even home offices may all benefit from this furniture’s durability. The furniture can be quickly and easily cleaned, making it an excellent option for active households.
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- Unique and distinctive design that can add character and personality to a space.
- They are built to withstand abuse since they are constructed with strong materials like metal and wood.
- It can be versatile and blend well with various decor styles, from minimalist to eclectic.
- Features open shelving and ample storage, making it functional and practical for everyday use.
- Its rough, unfinished look can add texture and depth to a room.
- Come often at different prices, from high-end designer pieces to more affordable options.
Cons of Industrial Furniture
- The rough, unfinished look may not be to everyone’s taste.
- It can be heavy and difficult to move around, making it less flexible for rearranging a space.
- Some pieces may require more upkeep and regular maintenance.
- Balancing it with other elements is crucial to create a cozy and welcoming space.
- It may not be as cozy or practical as other options, such as plush upholstered couches or ergonomic desk chairs.
What Materials Are Used to Create Industrial Furniture?
The materials used in industrial furniture are raw, natural, and durable. Wood, metal, and concrete are the primary building materials for projects in this style. These materials are often left raw, showcasing their natural beauty and texture. The furniture may also include other materials, such as leather, glass, and stone, which add to its practical and industrial look.
Wood is often utilized for table tops, chairs, and storage in pieces with an industrial aesthetic. The use of reused or salvaged wood is characteristic of this design style and contributes to its earthy aesthetic.
Metal is another popular material in industrial furniture, and it is often used for legs, frames, and hardware. The metal used in this style is often unfinished or painted matte, adding to its raw and practical look. It often features metal elements like steel, iron, aluminum, or copper.
Concrete is also used in industrial furniture, particularly for table tops and accent pieces. The concrete used in this style is often left natural or painted matte, adding to its industrial and practical look.
Glass may be used for tabletops or shelves in industrial furniture. Tempered or frosted glass can add a sleek, modern touch to an industrial piece, while clear glass can help showcase the raw materials used in the furniture.
Leather is sometimes used to add a touch of luxury to industrial furniture. Leather upholstery or accents can soften the harsh lines and textures of metal and wood while maintaining the overall industrial look.
Though less common, brick is sometimes used in industrial furniture to create a distinctive, urban look. Bricks may create a tabletop or decorative accent or be left exposed to make an industrial-chic wall feature.
Where to Buy Industrial Style Furniture
Industrial-style furniture is available in various stores and online retailers. Some popular stores that sell industrial furniture include Arhaus, 1stdibs, Froy, Industry West, World Market, Ashley Furniture, Etsy, Homary, and Restoration Hardware. You can also find industrial furniture online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair.
When buying industrial furniture, choosing high-quality, durable, and easy to maintain is essential. Look for furniture made from natural and raw materials, such as wood, glass, and metal, with no unnecessary decoration or ornamentation.
Examples of Industrial Furniture Pieces
Industrial tables are often made from raw materials like metal and wood and may have a rustic, unfinished look. Typical industrial tables include dining tables, coffee tables, and console tables. Industrial seating often features metal frames or accents with distressed leather or fabric upholstery. Common types of industrial seating include chairs, bar stools, and benches.
Industrial-style storage units often have open shelving, metal accents, and a distressed, rustic look. Common types of industrial storage include bookshelves, media consoles, and kitchen carts. Industrial lighting often features metal or concrete shades, exposed bulbs, and a vintage-inspired design. Common types of industrial lighting include pendant lights, table lamps, and floor lamps.
Industrial desks often have metal frames and raw wood or concrete surfaces. They may feature additional storage or shelving and adjustable height to accommodate different tasks. Industrial-style decor accents can add a touch of industrial charm to a space. These may include metal wall art, vintage-style clocks, or decorative gears or machinery.
Overall, industrial-style furniture emphasizes functionality, durability, and a distinctive aesthetic highlighting the raw materials and structures of the industrial era.
How to Incorporate Industrial Furniture in Your Home
Industrial furniture can be incorporated into various home interiors, creating a unique and eclectic look. The furniture works well with contemporary, modern, and minimalist home interiors, adding a raw and practical look.
Using a single piece of industrial furniture as a showpiece is another option for decorating with this style. An industrial coffee table might be the showpiece of your living room, while a set of industrial shelves can be the backbone of your home office.
Mixing industrial furniture with other styles, such as bohemian or rustic, can create a unique and eclectic look. To achieve this look, you must balance industrial-style furniture’s raw and practical look with other styles’ soft and bohemian look.
One way to mix industrial furniture with other styles is to use accent pieces such as rugs, cushions, and wall art. For example, you can use a bohemian-style rug under an industrial-style dining table or hang rustic-style wall art on an industrial accent wall.
Mixing industrial furniture with other styles uses soft, airy fabrics such as linen or cotton. For example, you can use bohemian-style linen cushions on an industrial-style sofa or rustic-style cotton curtains on an industrial-style window.
What are the Alternatives to Industrial Furniture Style?
- Mid-Century Modern: a popular alternative with clean lines, organic shapes, and a sleek, modern look that can add a touch of sophistication to a space.
- Scandinavian: known for its minimalist design, light colors, and natural materials like wood and leather. This style can create a warm and inviting feel in any space.
- Rustic: a good option if you’re looking for a more traditional, cozy feel in your home. Rustic furniture often features distressed or reclaimed wood, natural materials like leather and wool, and a warm color palette.
- Bohemian: an eclectic and colorful style, often featuring a mix of patterns, textures, and materials. This style is an excellent option to add a sense of playfulness and personality to your space.
- Contemporary: it comes in clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on functionality. This sleek and sophisticated style works well in modern and traditional homes.
In the end, the style of furniture you select ought to reflect your taste and match each of the other elements of the decor in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is industrial furniture?
Aesthetically, industrial furniture is reminiscent of the early to mid-century modern movement. It often features raw, unfinished materials like metal, wood, and concrete, emphasizing functionality, durability, and a distinct, edgy look.
What are the benefits of industrial furniture?
Industrial furniture can add a unique and distinctive look to a space, often made from durable materials lasting years. Industrial furniture may also feature ample storage and a practical design that can be useful in various rooms.
How do I incorporate industrial furniture into my home decor?
Industrial furniture may be incorporated into your home design in several ways. You might mix and match industrial pieces with other types to create an eclectic look or create a cohesive industrial theme throughout a room. Adding industrial decor accents, like metal wall art or vintage machinery, can also help create an industrial feel.
Where can I buy industrial furniture?
Industrial furniture can be found at various retailers, both online and in-store. Many furniture stores and online marketplaces like Amazon and Wayfair offer industrial-inspired pieces. Some small businesses and independent makers also specialize in creating unique industrial furniture pieces.
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Industrial-style furniture is a trendy and timeless addition to any home interior. It is characterized by its raw, helpful, and functional look, showcasing the beauty of natural materials such as wood and metal. This versatile style can be incorporated into various home interiors, creating a unique and eclectic look.
When buying industrial furniture, choosing high-quality pieces that are durable and easy to maintain is essential. Industrial furniture, when combined with other types like bohemian or rustic, may create a one-of-a-kind and personalized aesthetic.
Kate Wilson is a writer and editor at Chosen Furniture. She has deeply loved home decor and furniture for as long as she can remember (and a newfound love for cappuccino) and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When not working, she loves listening to music, hanging out with his family, and exercising her creative side through oil painting.