You might be surprised to learn that Industrial Interior design first began making waves as far back as the 1970s. Still, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it became popular in large cities like New York because of housing issues that meant that unfinished, exposed brick was the “it” thing. In this latest EZ Living Furniture blog, we're delving into the history of Industrial Design, how it came to be, and how it has evolved from a necessity during times of redevelopment to a sought-after style that blends history and modernism. If you’ve been following us for some time, you’ll know EZ Living Furniture draws inspiration from interior design legacies, including this one. A carefully curated selection of our furniture draws on the spirit of industrial chic by honouring its roots and adapting to today’s modern spaces – but before we delve in and show you our industrial-inspired pieces, let’s take a look at where it all began.....
From Factory Floors To Our Living Rooms
The industrial design movement first came about in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Factories and warehouses sprang up across Europe and North America, and their architecture focused on prioritising efficiency as well as durability. High ceilings, large windows, exposed beams, and raw materials were something that proved to combine both priorities. When it came time for these spaces to be repurposed in the mid-20th century or if they later became abandoned, designers and artists alike saw the potential of the design’s unpolished charm. Instead of concealing any rough edges, they embraced them, turning practical structures into creative and liveable environments. It was through this that industrial interior design was born – not in a showroom, but in the buildings themselves.
How To Identify Industrial Interior Design
A truly identifiable element of industrial design is its focus on structure and materials. This interior design style celebrates what other designs try to hide – exposed pipes, worn-in finishes, distressed wood, and aged materials. When we look at the colour palette typically associated with this design, they’re quite muted with the focus lying mainly with shades of grey, black, brown, and rust – all the shades you are likely to find in a construction project. When it comes to furniture and those that mirror an industrial appearance, focus on minimalistic forms. Furnishings should be substantial in build and echo the machinery and workbenches that were once found in factories. There should be a sense of lived-in practicality, with every object having a purpose and every imperfection telling a story. The blend of newness with distressed elements is what really defines industrial design and gives it its unique soul.
Grace 3.5-Seater Sofa
The highly skilled purchasing team at EZ Living Furniture are the ones who oversee the craftsmanship, quality, and style of our furniture and accessory collections. They have carefully taken these foundational elements of industrial design and reimagined them for today’s interiors. One of the newest pieces to reflect the recognisable design is our Grace Sofa. This 3.5-seater sofa shows a real appreciation of industrial design and its priorities – timeless design and construction. Leather finishes get better with age, which is why it’s loved by industrial design experts. Our Grace is upholstered in stunning, genuine, tan-coloured leather and features brown feet with bronze caps – yet another ode to this design aesthetic.
Renvyle Dining Table
While many of our furniture collections are crafted with an appreciation for raw materials, none showcase it better than our dining room tables. We’re not going to lie; it was hard to choose just one that reflected the design aesthetic, as we have many available, but ultimately, we decided to showcase the Renvyle because of the mixture of materials used in its creation. The Renvyle features a strong hardwood top. Hardwood is known for its durability, one of the key elements of industrial design. The beautiful oak wood top is then complemented by two black interconnected metal legs. The metal legs are a striking feature, one that not only represents a typical element found in warehouse-style design but also complements its natural tabletop counterpart. This dining table is just one of many that have been crafted with an appreciation for raw materials and timeless construction in mind.
Nolan Dining Chair
If we’re to follow along carefully with a factory-inspired interior, then our next choice must also be about functionality, and you can’t have a dining table without dining chairs, so next up are the increasingly popular Nolan Dining Chairs. Upholstered in an easy-to-clean faux leather, this grey-shaded dining chair is nothing if not industrial. Just like the Renvyle, the mixture of materials is representative of warehouse design, and its practicality is a cut above the rest. Faux leather, while perhaps not as favoured as genuine leather, does still have its advantages, including affordability, easier maintenance, and it comes in a wider variety of colours and styles. So for this, its practicality, and its design, we think this is a great choice for anyone looking to bring industrial chic into their dining room. The Nolan is also available in tan leather and a navy and olive velvet material.
It’s clear to see that industrial design continues to resonate with many, and perhaps this is because it honours authenticity, craftsmanship and history. But while we might not ever be sure of the exact reason as to why it is so popular, what we do know is that our few highlighted pieces here are just some examples of how you can bring this timeless aesthetic into your space.
Want to switch up this design for something else? Maybe Scandinavian Decor is more your thing – Read our blog below to find out more!
Interesting Read: This Is What Your Home Is Missing: Shop These Top Scandi Furniture Picks For 2025
We hope you enjoyed this content and found it useful and informative. We aim to share our expertise and knowledge with our customers and to do this we have a team of content creators working tirelessly behind the scenes. We do not use AI to create our content. Click this link to find out more about our team and content guidelines.
Share this post
