What Is Industrial Edge Interior Design (And How To Get The Look)

Industrial style takes inspiration from the factories of the 19th and 20th centuries, with swathes of concrete, metal, wood, and bare brick. But what if you want an industrial space that evokes a sense of comfort and cosiness?

That’s where the industrial ‘edge’ comes in.

Industrial edge takes raw industrialism and softens it with homely textures, curves, and warm colours. The idea is to create a unique space that makes you feel happy and warm, much like beautifully furnished converted mills.

This article covers everything you need to know about industrial edge interior design with tips on how to get the look.

Let’s jump in!

What is industrial edge interior design?

Like the industrial design, interior edge design is heavily influenced by the factories of the 19th and 20th centuries, but it incorporates elements of mid-century modern and chic. This merging of styles creates an industrial space with a homely vibe.

For example, an exposed brick feature wall balanced by a chunky, knitted sofa is perfectly industrial-edge. You don’t need massively contrasting elements – just a mixture of colours, textures, and personality to create an ‘edge.’

Industrial’ edge’ is open to stylistic interpretation

The ‘edge’ in industrial edge is also open to interpretation, meaning you can incorporate any other interior style into your industrial design.

Popular combinations include industrial + mid-century, industrial + Scandinavian, and industrial + cottage chic. Heavily contrasting styles like cottage and industrial can work well, providing you balance elements correctly.

How to get the industrial edge look

Our favourite interpretation for industrial edge is 80% industrial and 20% homely, and the best style for that 20% is mid-century (in our opinion).

Mid-century goes well with industrial because it almost directly follows on from it, keeping the era correct which helps with flow and harmony.

Create an industrial feature wall

You can make an industrial feature wall with stone, red brick, or concrete-effect wallpaper, which provides an authentic colour and texture.

The factories of the 19th and 20th centuries were built from red brick and concrete, so these are the best options. Concrete is associated more with later-era factories, but brick is synonymous with factories from both eras.

Get an industrial bed frame

Industrial edge interior design calls for a metal bed. You can try a simple structure like the Birlea Emily. Still, your bedroom will demonstrate a more significant industrial edge with a brass bed frame like the Flintshire Oakenholt (pictured above). You can neutralize the elements with fine-looking quilts you can buy online.

Pictured: Birlea Emily 4FT 6 Double Metal Bed Frame – Black. Available from Bedstar. The Online Bed Superstore.

The Birlea Montana is another exciting choice if you like geometry and clean lines with its square headboard and footboard.

Pictured: Birlea Montana 4FT 6 Double Metal Bed Frame

Black metal elements are best

For the metallic elements in your space – such as light switches, plug sockets, light fittings, storage racks, and your bed frame – black metal is best.

Matte black metal is our preferred option for an industrial vibe, but satin black or black chrome also works well. If you can’t find the perfect black metal elements, brass or stainless steel is another option that blends in well.

Introduce curves

Curves are critical to creating the ‘edge’ in industrial edge style because industrial style is heavy on straight lines and uniformity.

This is where mid-century modern comes in – a curved mirror or Sputnik chandelier (those with orbs) will bring femininity to your space, creating a sense of homeliness.

Organic shapes are also helpful in creating focal points – for example, a lamp that scatters curved light across the wall can lead to an art sculpture.

Create a balanced colour palette

Industrial colours include white, black, grey, grey-blue, browns, and red-browns. In muted shades, these evoke a sense of class and modernism, but they lack personality and can make a space feel sterile and devoid of character.

Try splashing a bright colour like lime green, baby blue, or bright violet into your furnishings to create little pops of colour that stand out.

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