INDUSTRIAL CHIC FURNITURE:What's Your Style?We get it. So many decor ideas, so many styles, so many choices. It can be quite overwhelming! Where should you start? There's a few questions you should ask yourself when decorating your home. Chief among them is "What style reflects me and my personality?" If you're looking for some help narrowing down the perfect style for your space, you've come to the right place. This article is part of our What's Your Style series, created to help you achieve an aesthetic that's tailored to you. Keep reading to learn more! A fresh, edgy, and unique style, Industrial Chic, also known as Industrial Modern, is a style that's not afraid to bear it all, upholding the ideals of functionality and utilitarianism. Do you love watching things work? Maybe you're an engineer, obsessed with gears, cranks, and levers. If any of these descriptors fits you, Industrial Chic Furniture may truly be a great fit for you! THE ORIGINSIndustrial style began as not a design movement, but simply as a part of the blue collar worker's life. Its roots can be traced back to Victorian-era England, when technological advances such as the steam engine revolutionized the way humans manufactured items. Cottage industries were replaced by factories. Urban populations exploded as thousands flocked from farms to factories to for better-paying work. |
| As time went on, these now old and obselete factories were turned over to artists and architects, who turned them into unique lofts that incorporated the steel beams and exposed brick walls of the building's shell into these new spaces. This marked the beginning of Industrial Style in interior design. Rising in popularity in the early 2000's, the style's prevalence continues through the present day. |
The Industrial Loft 36" Adjustable Round Side Table in Matte Black and Industrial Loft Hammered Iron Dining Chair Antique Nickel |
INDUSTRIAL DEFINING FEATURES: GETTING THE LOOKFLAGSTONE ELEMENTSLooking to make your space exude the Industrial Chic aesthetic? Here's some of the main aspects that defines the style:
Don't feel like you have to incorporate all these features if you don't want to! It's always important to create a space you feel proud to call home. We do, however, recommend including a few of these elements into your space if you want to truly call it Industrial Modern. |
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The Industrial Crank Table |
FORMIndustrial style is all about keeping it simple and no-frills. Furniture is less ornate. Instead, opt for simpler forms. Typically, furniture in this style has a masculine look. Sharp angles and strong, clean lines are some defining features of the form. The complexity comes from the frame... or rather, lack thereof.
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| As stated earlier, modern Industrial pieces are not afraid to show off what makes them tick. Exposed frames showcase the gears, cranks, and springs that allow the pieces to function. Exposed ducting, beams, and partially-exposed brick walls exudes the hardworking, functional qualities that defines this style. The Welles Industrial table (pictured above) is an optimal example of this. |
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FUNCTIONIndustrial modern is a style of furniture that champions functionality within the space. What's the point of exposed internals if those internals don't work? True industrial pieces should serve a purpose (or, even better, multiple purposes!) That's why we design our pieces with functioning cranks. This allows the piece to exude the motif of durability and functionality present in this style.
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| Multi-functional pieces are the name of the game for this aesthetic. A dining table could crank up to gathering or bar-height, turning your dining space into a perfect place for game night or parties. A drafting desk could tilt into a writing or office desk, and adjust in height for a standing or sitting desk! |
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Another great option for modern industrial pieces are salvage pieces. As the age-old saying goes, one man's trash is another's treasure. This couldn't be more true for the industrial home. The beauty in everyday items are highlighted, from old bikes turned console tables to typewriters turned accent pieces. If an object speaks to you, display it with pride!
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The base from our Steel City 90" Dining Table Antique Oak |
MATERIALSIndustrial chic is all about using old materials in new ways. Again, salvaged materials and reclaimed woods are perfect to achieve this aesthetic. For metal pieces, look for welded or forged iron. If iron isn't your style, tin, steel, and aluminum create a clean, cool, and functional feeling. These metals also balance the perfect amount of sleekness without making the space feel too upscale.
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| For woods, reclaimed teak is a great pick. The rough texture combined with the raw finish exudes a hard-working and utilitarian quality that seems fresh off the production line. In addition, the light weight of teak makes it perfect for crank table tops! |
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TEXTUREWith age comes beauty! Materials that have a worn look are ideal for an industrial space. Nicks, cuts, and scratches are welcome with each piece - it just adds character. No metal is complete without a touch of patina, and no wood can fit without a raw, slightly course texture to it. Weathered wood finds its home within an industrial space.
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COLORMuted colors are this style's soulmate.
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| Tha being said, don't be afraid to add touches of bright, bold colors. Adding some bronze or gold accents can serve to add some striking contrast without overpowering the rest of the space. |
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If you want to be bolder with your use of color, opt for an accent piece that prominently features bright, bold colors, like the Hudson Lounge Chair.
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Another great way to both modernize your space while providing contrast that still keeps the cool color palette in tact, adding some stainless steel is a great choice. Modern appliances make for a great fit within an industrial style kitchen, and stainless steel lighting makes for great decor in any room! Add some rustic touches by incorporating wood into your space! Wood adds both warmth and contrast in an otherwise cold room. It looks absolutely amazing when juxtaposed against concrete flooring or metal pieces. You really can't go wrong with wood additions within this style. The Amici Industrial Modern Bistro table is an excellent example of the stark contrast present when juxtaposing wood against metal. .
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Looking to Add some Industrial Chic Style to Your Space? Here's Some Tips:
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