Top 10 Industrial Design Must-Haves

If you’ve followed my other blogs, you know I have a soft spot for Boho and a love affair with all things macrame. Today, I’m switching gears to spill the beans on another passion of mine—Industrial interior design.

I just adore the raw charm of apocalyptic vibes, rustic aesthetics, and exposed bricks. Whether you’re a seasoned industrial design pro or, like me, just infatuated with the style, let’s uncover these gems that add a touch of gritty charm to any space.

I know we kind of touched on it in ‘7 Types of Interior Design Styles’ but I wanted to go into more detail and shed light on the common question ‘How do you make an industrial interior look?”

From macrame to industrial charm, my blog’s evolving. Join me as share my Top 10 Industrial Design Must-Haves, sprinkled with upcycling tips for an eclectic touch!

1. Exposed Brickwork

To kick off my top ten list, let’s talk about the timeless charm of exposed brickwork. Nothing says industrial quite like the rugged allure of exposed bricks, instantly imparting a raw, warehouse, loft feel to any space. If peeling back layers of plaster isn’t your vibe, consider alternatives like brick tiles or brick wallpaper for a stylish industrial touch without the mess.

Explore brick wallpaper options at your local hardware store. Grab a few samples to experiment and find the perfect fit for your space. Remember, the trick to incorporating exposed brickwork is to keep it subtle and don’t go overboard. Opt for one or two feature walls for a tasteful industrial touch in your space

2. Exposed Beams and Metalwork

Living in a converted factory or warehouse? Lucky you! If not, you can still introduce these features, and here’s a tip: consider adding ‘fake’ beams for a stylish touch. Just a heads up, if you’re dealing with heavy timber, it’s always a good idea to seek professional assistance during installation

3. Metal Lamps and Lighting Fixtures

Industrial design is all about embracing the beauty of metalwork, and there’s no better way to shout it out than with a stylish metal lamp. Personally, I’m smitten with my desk lamp made from pipes, rocking those cool Edison bulbs. It’s a perfect match for the metal pendant lights in my kitchen. Trust me, once you start playing with these industrial elements at home, it’s like discovering a new, addictive hobby. At least, that’s how it feels for me! If pipe-work lamps aren’t your vibe, consider lamps with metal cage-style lampshades—they also exude that unmistakable industrial charm. 

Speaking of metal lamps, living with a drummer like me has its perks—I upcycled a cymbal boom stand into a floor-standing lamp. I grabbed retro twine electrical cable, a plug, a lightbulb fitting, and an Edison lightbulb from my local hardware shop, then wrapped the cable around the cymbal stand. Finished it off with a cool metal lampshade!

4. Lockers and Chest of Drawers

Next on the list, let’s explore metal lockers. I snagged a great deal on eBay for a metal locker-style chest of drawers— a bit pricey, but the pivotal piece to build upon. Consider incorporating metal lockers or industrial drawers to your space, embracing those cool Factory vibes that define industrial design. Imagine the story behind an old locker, once a staple for hardworking factory workers—it’s like giving a nod to the Industrial Revolution in your own home!

5. Flight Cases and Metal Trunks 

Moving along to the next item on my list—and a cool addition to my home—I snagged two musicians’ flight cases on eBay, repurposing them as a coffee table and TV stand. While new ones can be a tad pricey, you can often find second-hand ones for around £50, depending on the size. If flight cases aren’t your style, how about revamping an old trunk into a charming coffee table? Personally, I’m a fan of those vintage trunks with wooden straps. Let your imagination run wild and embrace the art of upcycling!

6. Metal Bookcase and Shelving

Next on our list of top 10 industrial design must-haves: metal bookcases and shelves. If, like me, you have a collection of books and quirky ornaments, a bookcase or shelf is essential. For that iconic industrial look, go for thick timber shelves suspended on metal pipes.

7. Metal Chairs

Let’s talk seating! Here’s a tip from my brother—okay, not yet in my home, but it’s on my list. Classic metal chairs are the secret sauce for giving any space that cool industrial vibe. Plus, they come in a bunch of colours to match your room’s personality. Feeling bold? Go for bright red! Or keep it timeless with sleek silver metal. Oh, and did I mention you can snag chairs made from old tractor seats? Talk about a conversation starter!

8. Scaffolding Furniture

Next on my list – scaffolding furniture. Just like that trusty locker-style chest of drawers we talked about earlier, it’s a game-changer to build your entire theme around.

Scaffolding furniture brings such a cool vibe to any home, and the choices these days are endless—beds, dining tables, benches, sofas, you name it!

Sure, they might be a bit pricey, but trust me, totally worth it. Plus, many places offer custom creations, so you can get pieces that fit your space like a glove!

9. Tube-Style Radiators 

If you’re all in on giving your home that ultimate industrial vibe, how about throwing in some classic tube-style radiators? Just like those cool metal chairs, you can find them in all sorts of colours nowadays. Go for something classic like a deep blue or green, or stick to the industrial chic with metallic tones. It’s all about making your space uniquely you!

10. Upcycling 

So, it’s probably no surprise by now that I’m a bit of a creative soul who’s all about upcycling. My home is filled with unique pieces, from the cymbal boom stand lamp to coffee tables made out of flight cases and even Morris Minor chairs. Yep, you heard it right—thanks to my boyfriend’s dad, a car collector extraordinaire, we got our hands on some reclaimed Morris Minor chairs. They’re a fantastic way to infuse that instant industrial design vibe. In fact, old car bits, in general, add a super cool touch to the mix!

And here’s a little tip: keep your eyes peeled on eBay, thrift shops—treasures like these are all about staying vigilant. The best finds usually come when you’re least expecting them!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – my top 10 industrial design must-haves.

Now, while Chesterfield sofas, palms, cement elements and a loft-style window mirrors didn’t quite make the official list, they are fantastic add-ons that also scream industrial vibes. You can even brighten things up with Edison bulbs, and for an edgy urban touch, consider road signs – just a tip, don’t go stealing them; you can buy them online. Artwork matters too – think big metal letters with bulbs or large retro film posters framed in thick black frames.

I hope there’s a little something for everyone, from affordable options to higher-end choices. Interior design doesn’t have to break the bank; in fact, I picked up most of these pieces during my flat-living days in Hull when I worked in retail and had limited funds.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment if you have any more ideas that I might have missed. Happy designing, everyone!

Industrial Design FAQs

What is industrial interior design?

Industrial interior design is a style inspired by the rugged aesthetics of warehouses, factories, and industrial spaces. This decor embraces stripped-down architectural details, featuring elements like bare bricks, metals, and wood, along with the creative use of recycled materials. Additionally, industrial-style furniture is typically designed to withstand wear and tear, adding both durability and character to the overall design