The industrial look remains one of the most timeless styles you can achieve; it’s not just a trend, but a lifestyle choice that evokes feelings of individuality, purpose and beauty in every fixture.

The style was born over 40 years ago, as property developers and architects began converting industrial buildings into modern homes. In the last few decades, the theme has increased in popularity tenfold, and this acceleration is showing no signs of slowing anytime soon.

One of the best things about the industrial look is that it is incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost any interior design regardless of budget.

Here at Industville, we specialise in industrial lighting and know a thing or two about pulling off this coveted style! If you’re starting on your interior design journey and want to add a touch of the industrial to your space, here are some simple yet effective ways to make it happen.

Make the Most of Minimalism

Industrial and minimalism is one of interior design’s most famous combinations. In many respects, they are inseparable! Minimalism is all about making the most of your space with impactful and practical features full of character, which plays into the hands of the industrial style.

An excellent first step on the road to minimalism is to clear the clutter in your space, stripping it back to its bare necessities. The walls and floors should be relatively bare, allowing room for your industrial fixtures to provide emotion to the space.

Brooklyn Cone Pendant - 12 Inch - Brass, £69, by Industville (Image supplied by The Paper Partnership)

Practice Practicality

The industrial look is all about practicality over style; this is what gives industrial interiors their unmistakable flavour. When choosing what to decorate your space with, the practicality should always be first on your mind.

When it comes to furnishings, an industrial interior requires features to be practical and uncomplicated. Clean lines, simple forms and stark contrasts are a must, but this simplistic approach does not mean you have to compromise on comfort.

Living areas are for just that, and sofas, chairs and stalls can still be comfortable. Make sure you stick to cool neutral colours without the frills of cushions and accessories.

Brooklyn Dome Pendant - 13 Inch - Pewter & Copper, £99, by Industville (Image Supplied by Claire London)

Embrace Edginess

Clean lines are an essential part of the industrial look, but that doesn’t mean your style needs to be simplified. Industrial interiors look their best when they embrace a quirky finish that highlights individuality. Once you’ve stripped your interior bare, make sure you add touches of your unique style to bring that much-needed character to the room.

Original statement art fits in well with an industrial style – the edgier, the better! Here at Industville, we have a variety of original art, so check out our art gallery for the latest innovations. Anything abstract or vintage will be at home in industrial-style interiors, so use your imagination!

Long Arm Dome Wall Light - 8 Inch - Pewter & Brass, £169, by Industville (Image supplied by Caz Taylor)

Favour Metal Furniture

It should go without saying, but metal fixtures are a vital component of the industrial look. Many people trying an industrial style for the first time are surprised by how versatile metal can be, with various colours and textures available.

Here at Industville, we have a range of industrial lights in multiple shades, including copper, pewter and brass. However, the industrial style doesn’t stop with the smaller fixtures.

Simple, metal furniture is a great way to bring the industrial vibe into any interior space. In the quest for a truly authentic vintage style, you can look in second-hand shops for pre-loved goodies that could fit fantastically in your home or business.

If you are in search of metal-look furniture but don’t want your guests sitting on cold, hard exteriors, we have an extensive range of metal bar stools with comfortable leather seats that can help you to achieve the industrial look.

Brooklyn Glass Dome Pendant - 12 Inch, £109, Swan Neck Round Wall Light - 11 Inch - Pewter, £59, and Cooper Leather & Metal Adjustable Bar Stool - 34 Inch, £139, by Industville (Image supplied by Andy Haslam Photography)

Experiment with Metallic Shades

As mentioned above, there’s sometimes a pre-conception that metal interiors are grey, cold and tough. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many options of shades and textures that an industrial style can evoke a wide range of emotions in a variety of spaces.

If you’re after a lighter industrial style for a bathroom, our brass bathroom wall lights add a wonderful amount of texture to a space while also being softer on the senses. Copper is a favourite for a dark, rugged industrial look, but if you want something a little more subtle, pewter is a beautiful shade that works wonderfully in luxurious interiors.

With a range of colours available, the industrial look can be paired with almost any interior style. Experiment with different shades to find the perfect style for your space.

Sleek Edison Wall Light - Brass, £29, by Industville (Image supplied by @my_fantasy_extension)

Pendants from the Past

A vintage interior design can pair wonderfully with industrial fixtures to create a space bursting with character. Vintage industrial lighting is one of the best ways to incorporate the industrial style in your home or business in a way that is as practical as it is decorative.

Industrial pendant fixtures with ribbed glass shades, cool metallic colours or bulb cages are just three of the popular lighting solutions that illuminated old factories for generations. Big statement pendants that hang above a dining area, island or hallway are another great way you can get the look.

Brooklyn Glass Cone Pendant - 7 Inch, £69, by Industville (Image supplied by @The_Swinglish_House)

Exposed Brickwork

Another go-to style for people seeking the industrial look is exposed brickwork. Evoking images of worn-down factories and warehouses, it’s a style that speaks to the vintage and practical aspects of industrial interior design.

It might be slightly more challenging to bring an element of exposed brickwork into existing homes or businesses, although not entirely out of the question. Those looking for a complete renovation may wish to speak to their builders or architects about the possibility of including exposed brickwork for a modern contemporary approach that takes inspiration from the industrial period. Otherwise, incorporating brick-like patterns, colours and textures where possible will also do the trick.

Sleek Edison Wall Light - Brass, £29, by Industville (Image supplied by Maddy Kimberley)

Go Natural

For some people, the thought of combining rugged, industrial fixtures with the smooth, curved lines of a natural look seems counter-intuitive. It’s easy to forget that metal itself is a natural material, and you’ll be surprised by just how elegantly these elements can combine and contrast.

It’s never been more in style to include nature within your design schemes, and industrial fixtures can make the perfect highlight for a green space. Wood, stone, and earthy colours also complement a more traditional industrial interior.

Brooklyn Cone Wall Light - 7 Inch - Brass, £79, by Industville (Image supplied by @happy_number_38)

Upcycled Accessories

As mentioned previously, creating a space that conveys the industrial style doesn’t have to come with an eye-watering price tag. This style encourages you as the designer to be creative with the materials available to you and make the most of any resource, leaving you with an interior that is truly yours.

Worldwide, there is an increasing focus on sustainable designs that can help to save our planet. In this respect, there’s never been a better time to embrace the industrial look. Find new, functional purposes for once cast-aside objects to create an inspiring space.

Brooklyn Flat Pendant - 8 Inch - Pewter, £69, by Industville (Image supplied by @thehouseinthehollow)

We hope these tips will help you in your quest for the industrial look, and remember, lights are a great place to start! Our fantastic range of industrial lights is available in all the latest on-trend colours, meaning you can have stylish interiors exactly how you want them!

If you’re looking for more industrial interior inspiration, why not follow our social media channels? We post our favourite designs every day on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Join in the conversation using #Industville.