Let’s see the 6 keys to industrial vintage decoration. A style that little by little has been gaining ground.
The industrial style was born when abandoned industrial spaces such as warehouses or offices began converted into homes in the 50s. First by a simple need and by its low costs, later becoming a fashion and a new style of its own that we know today as lofts. These are diaphanous spaces where divisions are reduced to the maximum and decoration to a minimum giving prominence to the basic materials and structures of the building. The industrial vintage recovers elements of the industrial era to give them a new life. Let’s see what are the keys that characterize this style, do you come to review them?
The industrial vintage bets on natural walls … even scruffy
One of the characteristics of the industrial vintage style is brick walls, cement or concrete, rough and unpolished that give off personality and character. In essence, the structures are maintained more or less in their natural state with the walls unfinished or that was the idea … now we h decorate them that way directly. Absurd? probably … but it certainly has its charm.
Their influence has created a trend and now we can see this type of walls in all types of homes, especially in restaurants, shops, workshops, … Without a doubt, exposed brick walls have become common but in the vintage style it goes further and let them look worn by the passage of time. For workshops and businesses they give personality and character.
And in this context, the walls with uneven finishes that seem to be unfinished or that have been left half-finished. One of the most used techniques to give this effect is to decorate them with watercolors to give that uneven effect. Or you can find wallpapers to make it much easier to get this old-fashioned wall effect. What do you think, would you put it at home? Probably not, but for a
Concrete walls are another typical element of industrial style since many factories were made with this material. Now walls are created that imitate its texture or are covered with cement plates directly referring to the factories where they are inspired. The gray color is undoubtedly one of those that dominate this type of spaces although we can soften it with a warmer tone like brown or more luminous like white.
The structures always in sight
The vintage industrial decoration leaves the structures in sight: beams, pipes, cables … everything is exposed to our eyes. If you have metal or wood beams now is the time to show them in all their glory. Or leave the pipes in the air and give a simple coat of paint. But to be able to look at its full splendor we need to have high ceilings in which the beams take all the prominence.
The cables are also visible. Recently we talked about wires in sight, a trend that comes from the North but that goes hand-in-hand with vintage industrial decoration. The cables will also be part of the decoration and will help us give an industrial look to any corner or space. If they have bulbs even better.
Windows and iron doors inspired by classic offices
Another characteristic feature of the offices are the large iron windows that are now also used to separate spaces such as the bedroom or the bathroom. Iron is one of the necessary elements in this style and its combination with glass gives us a way to separate environments without creating barriers. And it does not surprise me! Because the result is really nice, don’t you think?
They are also ideal for bathrooms, used instead of screens. I certainly love the idea of putting these types of doors in the bathroom, I think it gives a very original industrial touch and full of charm.
Bet on metals in industrial vintage decoration
If something certain in an industrial vintage decoration, it is the use of metals: iron, steel, bronze, copper
Another metallic touch that can’t miss are the shelves, filing cabinets, lockers or metal cabinets … A classic of the industrial era that now comes back to prominence. Recover these elements in the decoration and you will also find them very useful. If you can’t find an old one, you can find pieces that imitate the originals.
The chairs, stools, and desks also join this passion for metal. These are elements designed to last and stand the test of time and continued use in offices and workshops. Surely you can find scavenging in rakes, thrift stores … Don’t let them escape!
Another element is the metal lamps that have returned with force to become fashionable in recent times. Let them hang from your high ceilings or place them next to a work table or sofa to get that key functionality of industrial vintage.
Wood without ornaments
The wood provides a warm touch to the industrial style which is full of gray, metal and walls without artifacts … The range of colors that dominates in this style are white, gray, black, metallic and some blue. In this context, wood will bring warmth. But we also look for wood in its purest form, without ornaments or disguises.
Tables, desks, chairs … even the kitchens are dressed in wood in contrast to the hostile and cold environment of the industrial age, bringing a bit of heat to the environment. Difficult to resist that beauty, so natural and without artifice!
And if your budget doesn’t reach to buy this type of furniture you can also take advantage of recycling pieces of wood in coffee tables or study tables. The effect will be spectacular. You just have to add other elements such as metal wheels or a flexo to look like authentic vintage pieces.
Also Check This: Cladding walls with pallets – a project that you will love –
Industrial vintage decoration brings back the passion for the past
The passion for the industrial past brings us back many objects that had already lost use or were stored in any corner. How we counted on the decoration of naturalist style, the past shines again and all the objects that remind us of that industrial age are very topical.
Old pulleys, metal wall clocks, old fan blades, old telephones, old tool boxes .. everything comes back to find its place. So go for flea markets and antique shops, check your basements and attics. Well, because you will surely find pieces that deserve a second chance.
And here are our six keys to achieve an irresistible industrial vintage decoration. It is certainly a style that has gradually been imposed although it can be somewhat cold and perhaps more of the masculine taste. I do not see myself decorating the whole house like that, except if I were the privileged inhabitant of a New York loft or similar. But it can be used to decorate a specific area of the house, especially for study areas or a youth room?
Every time I see more cafes decorated with this style, which I love, but I put a but .. if we are going to recycle chairs, I think it’s great, but please make sure before the chairs are comfortable. How many times do you love a place because of its design and then you run out because the chairs are hellish? It is a reality that you have surely lived.
Did you like these ideas?? Then stay tuned for more posts like this. You can subscribe to get every idea to your mail. And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. If you want us to write about a topic, we always welcome comments and ideas, feel free to write them below.
