Industrial office decor is used widely in spaces of all kinds, from homes to offices to large event facilities. The unexpected combinations of utilitarian fixtures with rich fabrics or “cold” surfaces such as concrete with warm wood finishes struck a chord with designers tasked with recycling once industrial spaces were long abandoned and poised for new use.
Industrial style decor is all the rage in today’s collaborative work space office environments especially within urban localities. There is something raw about utilizing industrial office interior design not only in open office design but in homes as well.
An old factory sees new life once remodeled into loft apartments, and a former school building might transition into office space or a community center.
By working with, and not against, that building’s core materials (be it cinder block or brick walls and steel beams), interior designers can create striking and inviting spaces that are equal parts masculine and feminine, with seemingly opposite elements of style working together harmoniously. Decorating an industrial style office can be fun and challenging at the same time.
It is no surprise then that many people want an “industrial chic” office, and we have tips on how to achieve that look, along with some popular furniture and industrial office accessories for your space. And, more specifically, incorporating industrial desk accessories will make an immediate impact to creating that industrial look in your workspace.
Industrial Office Decor – How to Incorporate it into a Space
Step 1: Make Unexpected Pairings
Rich and luxurious materials paired with raw and industrial styles are the hallmark of industrial décor. Imagine a loft space with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and a stainless steel kitchen, but then you throw on top of that a faux fur throw draped across a sofa and a plush rug under a sleek and modern dining table.
You can also achieve these pairings with rugs, throw pillows, window treatments, and more in an office setting.
Step 2: Use Textiles for Warmth
Nothing creates warmth in décor like textiles, and your industrial office space should incorporate fabrics where possible to provide some balance against the harsher finishes like concrete, brick, steel, and wood.
For example, you might place upholstered chairs alongside a conference table made of reclaimed Barnwood. Rugs used on a polished concrete floor also provide warmth and absorb excess noise, especially if you have high ceilings.
Window treatments are also important in offices; plenty of natural light can be desirable in a workspace, but at certain times during the day, you may want to reduce the full sunlight to view a slide presentation during a meeting, for example.
Step 3: Pay Attention to Scale
Size and scale are also incredibly important elements in industrial design, especially when working in extremely large and open spaces. For example, when moving into a loft apartment, you might find the furnishings from your previous home look completely underwhelming against an imposing 15-foot-tall exposed brick wall.
Industrial often means oversized, and you need to look for furnishings and accessories that are scaled appropriately for the space. If you simply want to turn your small home office into an “industrial-inspired” space, you may not need to scale up.
But suppose your software startup is operating out of an old warehouse recently remodeled into loft-style office spaces. In that case, you might need new desks, conference tables, and other oversized accessories, so they do not disappear in the space.
Industrial Style Decor | Modern Industrial Office Interior Design Options
Industrial Wood Ladder Pipe Wall Shelf
One of our favorite shelving units to make a “normal” office look industrial, this ladder pipe wall shelf from HUITONG has four levels to hold everything from decorative accessories to office files and other supplies.
The use of piping against the wood shelves makes this unit stand out more than ordinary wall shelving; the only drawback is the assembly, which can be tricky for non-DIYers. This wood ladder pipe screams industrial office decor and a great representation of it.
Galvanized Metal Desk Organizer Set
One of the easiest ways to make an industrial splash in your office space is with this no-assembly-required desk organizer set.
The galvanized metal finish lends an industrial flair to your desk, while the individual components provide ample storage space for everything from pens and pencils to paper files and mail. You can even tuck your phone into one of the smaller compartments to keep it accessible as you work, and these storage units also take up minimal space while keeping you organized.
Industrial Table Lamp
Lighting is another important element of industrial office decor and one of the easiest ways to define your office style. Forget the old-fashioned desk lamps in brass or the predictable fluorescent overhead lighting. This sturdy metal lamp with an amber LED bulb creates the right ambiance for an industrial space while also providing useful task lighting at your desk or other work table.
The compact design of this lamp (5.59 x 5.59 x 16.14 inches) also means that it will not take up too much of the surface space on your desk, and it also has USB charging ports and dimmable lighting levels. It is a great example of industrial office interior design.
Metal and Wood Computer Desk with Storage Shelves
We love this unit’s industrial look and its functionality, with shelves hanging above the workspace for extra storage. The desktop itself is 40 inches long by 20 inches wide, making it a great choice for smaller home offices. The rustic pipe and reclaimed wood surfaces lend a modern and industrial style decor to any space, and all of the materials you need for assembly and mounting are included.
Diwhy also offers a larger version of this desk with a 47-inch workspace to add a more bold statement but still utilizing industrial office interior design.
Rustic Industrial Bookcase and Bookshelf
This IRONCK Bookcase and Bookshelf offers a blend of wood and metal to your industrial décor. It allows plenty of space for storage using open shelving and closed drawers. This unit will add a neat rustic look to any workspace.
The rustic wood in conjunction with the metal frame screams industrial style office décor. It would be a great addition to an office or to a home that utilizes industrial design.
Industrial Design Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are one of the most popular design accessories these days, used everywhere from farmhouse kitchens to industrial loft offices. When mounted above an executive desk, these shelves from MANTE BLONG add a great element of style while also providing a storage solution for items you may not use on a daily basis.
A shelving unit is a must in any office, and the combination of industrial piping and warm wood is perfect for industrial interiors. The product is easy to mount and sturdy, with all mounting hardware included.
Industrial Office Decor can Spice up any Workspace
If you’ve ever considered incorporating modern industrial office interior design concepts into your workspace I think the above items can certainly add that industrial feel. Industrial office décor is certainly a popular choice these days and has been for a number of years.
If you do decide to add some industrial style décor to your working environment you just might find you like it so much you’ll expand into your home space.
