Do you love the look of old spaces converted into modern living? If so, modern industrial design could be just your style! Modern industrial interior design is inspired partly by all of the old factories and mills from the industrial revolution. The exposed brickwork, the steel on show, and even old wooden beams showing their age and history.
Table Of Contents
- How To Get The Modern Industrial Look
- Consider A Loft Conversion?
- Get A Metal Bed Frame
- Experiment With Muted Paint Colours
- Install Warm Lighting
- Favour Metal Features
- Create A Brick/Stone/Concrete Feature Wall
- Pair The Smooth With The Rough
- Embrace Tan Leather
- Choose Vintage Fabrics
- Use Raw, Reclaimed Materials Wherever Possible
- Use More Storage
- Overall
This style generally consists of big open plan living areas that flow seamlessly together, creating spaces that feel airy and spacious.
Stripped-back architecture, exposed building materials, weathered surfaces, and raw elements are hallmarks of the style. This creates a light and airy feeling that’s comfortable, modern, and trendy.
Industrial elements in homes often include…
- Exposed pipes and beams
- Vintage electric panels
- Industrial-inspired appliances
- Metal furniture
- Pairing different textures
How To Get The Modern Industrial Look
You don’t need to live in a converted mill to design your home, or your bedroom into the modern industrial style. Just a few small changes can make a big difference. Perhaps just a few side tables, a piece of wall art, or even a dressing table might just do it.
You also don’t need a huge budget to do some home decorating. Some of the best things you’ll be able to find to fit this style will be at car boot sales, or second-hand shops. Anything that looks worn, or aged will be perfect!
Consider A Loft Conversion?
One of the most popular modern industrial spaces is the loft conversion. As the name suggests, these are loft spaces that are often converted from beautiful old factories and mills. Modern industrial lofts are often smaller than traditional loft spaces and are perfect for small families.
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However, it’s not just loft conversions that are getting the modern industrial overhaul – it’s happening in houses, too. Modern industrial homes can be found in trendy areas such as Hackney Wick in London. If you live in the right area, you’ll have access to great facilities and a high quality of life.
Here are a few bedroom decorating ideas to help you create an industrial-style bedroom.
The Flooring
One very simple way to create an industrial look and feel to a home is to go with either a concrete, real wood flooring or even an epoxy floor coating in your home.
What’s great about having an epoxy resin floor is that it’s non slip, so easy to keep clean, and there’s no need for a hoover. A quick going over with a floor steamer and you’re good to go.
Normally used in warehouses, epoxy resin flooring is becoming more popular in modern homes, especially for those who love the industrial look. You could even pair it with an antique rug here and there to combine the textures.
Get A Metal Bed Frame
A great place to start is to find yourself the perfect metal frame for your bed to centre your room. After all, your bed is the most important piece of furniture in your room. The modern industrial design definitely calls for a metal bed frame of some kind. You could play it safe with a classic black frame like the one pictured below.
Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, perhaps one with a brass frame instead. Sometimes brass can look slightly warmer than that of a black frame. It can also look more worn and aged, depending on the style you go for.

Experiment With Muted Paint Colours
Modern industrial design is synonymous with greys and beiges, but only using these can make your bedroom moody. If these colours aren’t for you, you could try playing with colours such as – slate blue, copper red, and light cyan to inject some colour and warmth.
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Install Warm Lighting
Industrial lighting is always on the warm side, so you should aim for 2,000K light bulbs for an amber effect. Or 3,000K light bulbs for a more yellow look and feel. However, you should try to avoid cool, white lights as they aren’t authentic to the era and will make the space feel cold and uninviting.
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Your modern industrial bedroom isn’t complete without statement light fixtures, ideally finished in antique brass. Brass or gold pendant lighting is an excellent option for a standard bulb, while a light bar with tilt-able spotlights can provide flexible illumination. To balance the boldness of industrial design with a touch of elegance, consider pairing your lighting with Hollywood Mirrors which not only enhance the ambiance but also add depth and sophistication to the space.

This room is a perfect example of an industrial space. The exposed brickwork and white painted walls give this space a warm, industrial feel. And the exposed brick and steel create an industrial look that has a modern twist.
Favour Metal Features
Old metal features like metal piping will elevate your industrial-style bedroom to another level. Copper, pewter, and brass are all great options for hardware on doors, handles and light fittings. Antique brass is perhaps the most iconic industrial finish.
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Create A Brick/Stone/Concrete Feature Wall
Most of us don’t have exposed brick walls or stone, however, you can use printed wallpaper instead to create the desired look. Brick, stone, or concrete wallpaper will give your bedroom an industrial vibe. Look for highly realistic wallpapers and get lots of samples before purchasing.
If you adore exposed timber, cladding the wall behind your bed with old pallet wood is a great way to finish the industrial vibe. The older the pallet wood, the better. Exposed timber is a hallmark of old factories, and is a great sustainable way to transform your bedroom.
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Pair The Smooth With The Rough
The modern industrial design combines different textures to bring intrigue and depth in to the space. Think smooth concrete walls and rough brick, for example. Something as simple as a chunky rug on a wooden floor, or textured wallpaper next to flat colours on your bedroom walls can really elevate your space.

Embrace Tan Leather
Tan leather is quintessentially industrial, contrasting beautifully with greys, beiges, and muted colours. Perhaps something like an old tan leather buffet or chair will help to connect your space to a time when tan leather was all the rage.
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Choose Vintage Fabrics
Your rug and carpet can be any fabric and texture you like, but your bed should have comfortable materials that make you feel at home. Soft microfibres and knitted throws are a good option alongside 100% cotton bedding.
With your bed frame being metal, the rest of your furniture can be rustic or stripped-back wood. Avoid ultra-modern furniture styles favouring antique-effect pieces in hardwood and keep the design consistent across all components.
Use Raw, Reclaimed Materials Wherever Possible
Not only will choosing reclaimed materials help you get the industrial look, you’ll also be helping the planet. Unvarnished timber, pitted metals, aged pewter, iron, brick, stone, chunky fabrics, Baltic granite, and slate are all decent options for your bedroom’s décor and features.
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Most of which look better when bought second-hand, than new as they come with the history. If there’s a raw version of any product you love, go for it.
Use More Storage
In an industrial-style bedroom, storage such as a bedside table is extremely important. It’s not just about maximising space but also about having everything easily accessible.
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This doesn’t mean you need to go crazy with storage, just a few simple items can make all the difference. A few shelves on a wall can make a huge difference. Not only does this look great, but you can also make your room feel more spacious and organised.
Overall
Modern industrial is an exciting interior style because it pairs everyday living with raw, antiquated elements. No other style so perfectly combines old and new. Modern industrial style is renowned for being a mix of industrial and traditional styles mixed together.
Why not give the modern industrial style a go yourself and see what you think. You don’t just have to stick to your bedroom either, why not expand out in to your living room or kitchen as well.
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