11 Edgy Ideas for an Industrial Chic Bathroom
Include these essential ingredients when planning a raw and edgy industrial-look bathroom
You don’t have to live in a converted factory or warehouse to steal some industrial style, and what better place to experiment with this on-trend look than in the smallest room in the house? Whether you want to go the whole hog with industrial style, cherry-pick your favourite design elements or blend it with a mid-century look, take some tips from these creative bathing spaces.
Incorporate exposed brick
Exposing the fabric of the building is a key element of industrial design, so leave one brick wall bare and treat with a waterproof masonry sealant. If you’d rather go industrial lite, opt for painted brickwork instead.
See the beauty of exposed brick
Exposing the fabric of the building is a key element of industrial design, so leave one brick wall bare and treat with a waterproof masonry sealant. If you’d rather go industrial lite, opt for painted brickwork instead.
See the beauty of exposed brick
Echo the underground
Classic metro tiles are an excellent starting point for creating your industrial vibe, and have the versatility to work equally well as a feature wall or on every surface. Team them with grey grout to make them stand out even more.
Classic metro tiles are an excellent starting point for creating your industrial vibe, and have the versatility to work equally well as a feature wall or on every surface. Team them with grey grout to make them stand out even more.
Don’t box in pipework
Ugly pipework must be hidden, right? Well, not if you want your industrial bathroom to have an air of authenticity. Pipework can be an integral part of the design – such as in this 1930s factory conversion in London.
Copy this homeowner’s lead and create a rough-and-ready basin unit with scaffolding boards and exposed metal leg supports, but soften the look with patterned splashback tiles.
Ugly pipework must be hidden, right? Well, not if you want your industrial bathroom to have an air of authenticity. Pipework can be an integral part of the design – such as in this 1930s factory conversion in London.
Copy this homeowner’s lead and create a rough-and-ready basin unit with scaffolding boards and exposed metal leg supports, but soften the look with patterned splashback tiles.
Let there be light
Lighting should be heavy-duty and have an instantly recognisable industrial heritage. The factory pendant is a timeless classic for overhead lighting, but if you’re after wall lighting, particularly beside a mirror, why not consider maritime-style bulkhead lights, articulating scissor lamps or caged sconces?
Lighting should be heavy-duty and have an instantly recognisable industrial heritage. The factory pendant is a timeless classic for overhead lighting, but if you’re after wall lighting, particularly beside a mirror, why not consider maritime-style bulkhead lights, articulating scissor lamps or caged sconces?
Go for a concrete basin
Simplicity is key when it comes to choosing a basin. A long trough would look amazing, but take this one step further and opt for a sizeable cast concrete or natural soapstone basin instead.
Simplicity is key when it comes to choosing a basin. A long trough would look amazing, but take this one step further and opt for a sizeable cast concrete or natural soapstone basin instead.
Be picky with fittings
A sea of polished chrome will greet you in many bathroom showrooms, but there are plenty of alternatives if you seek them out. Search online for antique-effect brass or copper taps and complementary showerheads.
A sea of polished chrome will greet you in many bathroom showrooms, but there are plenty of alternatives if you seek them out. Search online for antique-effect brass or copper taps and complementary showerheads.
Hang mirrors with chains
Carriage mirrors are a great choice for an industrial vibe. Inspired by the originals that used to adorn train compartments in the 1920s, these miniature versions include built-in shelving, making them perfect for the bathroom. If you can find the family’s initials in vintage metal letters, all the better!
Carriage mirrors are a great choice for an industrial vibe. Inspired by the originals that used to adorn train compartments in the 1920s, these miniature versions include built-in shelving, making them perfect for the bathroom. If you can find the family’s initials in vintage metal letters, all the better!
Pick the right shelving
Sleek, hidden storage is not the industrial way! Opt for raw wire shelving instead, preferably reclaimed and rusty.
If you hanker after an industrial/mid-century mash-up (and these two styles make excellent bedfellows), opt for a Swedish string shelf with wire sides and wooden shelves. This classic 1949 design by Nisse Strinning has the simplicity and utilitarian feel to perfectly complement the industrial look.
Sleek, hidden storage is not the industrial way! Opt for raw wire shelving instead, preferably reclaimed and rusty.
If you hanker after an industrial/mid-century mash-up (and these two styles make excellent bedfellows), opt for a Swedish string shelf with wire sides and wooden shelves. This classic 1949 design by Nisse Strinning has the simplicity and utilitarian feel to perfectly complement the industrial look.
Create some storage
A good rummage around a vintage market or salvage yard is sure to throw up several storage options. An old tea chest, vegetable crate or vintage metal medicine cabinet revamped with chicken wire could all provide essential storage for things including towels, toiletries or toilet paper rolls. And while you’re rummaging, keep an eye out for vintage posters of old toothpaste or soap ads as finishing touches.
Find out how to create more storage in your bathroom
A good rummage around a vintage market or salvage yard is sure to throw up several storage options. An old tea chest, vegetable crate or vintage metal medicine cabinet revamped with chicken wire could all provide essential storage for things including towels, toiletries or toilet paper rolls. And while you’re rummaging, keep an eye out for vintage posters of old toothpaste or soap ads as finishing touches.
Find out how to create more storage in your bathroom
Radiate the right style
Don’t let a standard radiator spoil the look. Instead, opt for a cast-iron school radiator or traditional-style towel rail in a lacquered iron, antique powder-coated or crackle finish for an aged feel.
TELL US
Do you favour the industrial look in the bathroom? Let us know in the Comments.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Industrial
10 Bathroom Design Elements to Help You Master Industrial Style
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Don’t let a standard radiator spoil the look. Instead, opt for a cast-iron school radiator or traditional-style towel rail in a lacquered iron, antique powder-coated or crackle finish for an aged feel.
TELL US
Do you favour the industrial look in the bathroom? Let us know in the Comments.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Industrial
10 Bathroom Design Elements to Help You Master Industrial Style
12 Essential Ingredients for an Industrial Kitchen
For that chunky, sturdy industrial feel, it has to be steel or copper. Rather than the elegance of a claw-foot design, opt for a skirted freestanding bath instead, with a floor or wall-mounted tap. Look out for designs with riveting along the bottom or up the side, which brings even more of an industrial edge.