The industrial-style bathroom
Modern with clean lines
Materials, shapes and colors for an industrial-style bathroom
In its beginnings, the industrial style turned necessity into a virtue: Old industrial buildings were especially cheap to rent, and, starting in the 1960s, they were increasingly converted into apartments. Since tenants renting these spaces often couldn’t afford lavish furnishings or expensive renovations, the look evolved with its bare walls, exposed pipes, and soaring ceilings. Industrial design in the bathroom is defined by the following:
Materials
The materials used in an industrial-style bathroom set a rough tone right from the start. Exposed stone or concrete defines the walls, though natural stone and marble can also be used—as long as the overall look is kept restrained rather than opulent. Industrial-style bathroom furniture often features metal and glass elements, which work especially well in combination with dark wood.
The right colors
The color palette is generally kept deep and understated. Gray and black underscore the understated style and work perfectly together with both modern bathroom design and minimalist concepts. A white bathroom in an industrial style can also work well, though the color accents in this case should otherwise focus on dark wood, exposed brick, and bathroom plants, if desired. Earthy or rusty tones work well in subtle accents.
Design language
Functionality and clarity take center stage when it comes to the shapes used. You won’t find any ornate curves or playful elements in an industrial-style bathroom. Focus on clean lines and sharp edges instead.
Designing an industrial-style bathroom
Thanks to its emphasis on clean lines, the industrial-style bathroom works perfectly in combination with many modern bathroom elements.
Sink area
The perfect sink area in industrial style combines the previously mentioned elements perfectly. Metal base cabinets and consoles bring just the right material quality into play. Sink faucets in bronze or brushed brass can also add small highlights, and black faucets can also achieve the same exceptional effect. Our tip: The washbasin console from the DuraSquare series combines glass and metal elements.
Freestanding bathtubs
A freestanding bathtub exudes charm while emphasizing the deliberately unfinished character. Especially with matching faucets and a metal frame, a freestanding tub is a real eye-catcher and adds a subtle yet stylish accent to the room.
Lighting
Even though these interiors are generally on the darker side, an Industrial-style bathroom should still get as much natural light as possible. This keeps the overall impression vibrant, and large windows will only enhance the look even more. Even with artificial lighting, the room shouldn’t be too bright – mirror cabinets with dimmable lighting are especially useful here since they also blend well into the glass look.
Implementation tips
The unfinished character makes a lot of things easier in industrial-style bathrooms. When combined with minimalist furnishings, you can create an extremely stylish bathroom with relatively little effort and expense.
Make use of existing elements
The industrial look invites you to integrate what is already there into the design. If the walls aren’t plastered yet or if there are exposed pipes somewhere, you shouldn’t let it bother you. On the contrary: In the industrial-style bathroom, raw elements like these serve as a trendy design feature.
Minimalist, yet inviting
Minimalism defines the industrial charm, but make sure to strike a healthy balance. In the end, your bathroom should above all exude a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The right amount of lighting in the right places and lively accents such as wood or plants create the perfect balance here.
