Originating in 1950s New York, the industrial design aesthetic swept through homes throughout the ensuing decades, finding its base for inspiration in the bathroom. Industrial bathroom design emphasises strong, tough components – that’s less sleek chrome and more durable materials like brass, copper, and concrete. 

 

This industrial design guide collates some of our top tips to turn your tired old scheme into an industrial masterpiece.

Exposed brickwork

Epitomising the New York loft look, exposed brickwork is an industrial interior staple. These traditional red brick matt wall panels work a treat for those who don't have this option.

Soft industrial

As industrial design can appear harsh, many DIYers employ a soft industrial style, toning down the hardened characteristics. While exposed redbrick may be a bridge too far for some, darker wall shades and brushed metallic taps can achieve a similar, albeit less authentic, look.

Grey

Currently enjoying a popularity resurgence, grey is a cool, versatile shade ideal for your industrial bathroom. When incorporating grey, go for darker tones or a rougher texture to capture the industrial aesthetic. For a standout feature, consider these natural stone wall panels.

 

Black frame shower screens

Like grey, black bathroom fixtures have undergone a popularity resurgence recently. Luckily, black is perfect for industrial bathrooms, so you’ll have plenty of options. Black frame shower screens are ideal as they resemble the old windows of chic New York apartments, giving your shower area a stylish, rustic look.

Open shelving

Industrial bathrooms overhaul sleek, built-in design elements with rustic, practical features. One cost-effective way to achieve this look is fitting open shelving to store your bathroom essentials. If you’re crafty or handy with tools, consider refurbishing an old piece of wood from the shed and installing your shelves with steel tubing.

Subway tiles

Crafted to resemble the classic tiling in underground stations, subway tiles have become a style staple in homes due to their incredible versatility and timeless style. These tile effect wall panels are ideal for industrial style bathrooms seeking to express the elegant aesthetics of the early 1900s, and equally, the muted minimalism of many modern bathrooms.

Copper & brass

Metals are an industrial-style staple, but choosing the right type is crucial. Sleek, shiny metals like chrome don’t evoke the raw industrial character, paving the way for metals like copper and brushed brass taps and fixtures. Each of these rustic finishes will add a different tone, elevating the aesthetic.

Copper pipework

Previously confined to heating systems, copper is fast emerging as the go-to metal accent for industrial bathrooms. For a complete industrial overhaul, choose copper showerheads, taps and exposed pipes. Or if you’d rather something more subdued, consider rustic copper robe hooks, towel holders, or pendant lights.

Pendant lights

Replace those tired built-in lights with ceiling-hung pendant lights. If your budget’s tight, consider a metal lampshade from a charity shop – it’ll illuminate the industrial design and save the pennies.

Concrete

Aside from metal, there are few materials more synonymous with the industrial look than concrete. And with this concrete-like bathroom waterproof flooring, cement-mixing wizardry isn’t required. Concrete style bathroom wall panels are also available, if you want to match your floors with your walls, which will ramp up the industrial feel.

Dark & aged woods

Despite industrial design’s undoubted style, it can sometimes feel a touch cold and clinical. Use dark or aged woods with tarnish to bring warmth to the space and soften its edges. Dark and aged woods are crucial, as lighter woods like pine and bamboo may negate the rustic industrial aesthetic.