14 Ways to Fit Industrial Lights in All Types of Decor
You don't have to live in a loft to enjoy the urbanness of industrial lights
No more does industrial lighting require a setting of exposed brick walls, beams and ducts. Born out of warehouses, factories and commercial spaces, industrial lighting has now made its way into our homes. Despite its raw and mechanical look, industrial lighting can be beautifully integrated into homes ranging from New York-style loft apartments (where they first made a mark) to classic and contemporary homes. Here, we explore ways to employ utilitarian-looking industrial lights in every room of a home, across various styles of interiors.
2. Juxtapose the raw with the refined
It’s not often that the adjectives ‘rough’ and ‘imperfect’ are sought-after qualities. However, light fixtures with an industrial edge certainly make a good case for it, even in a cosy, all-wood kitchen. Here, old-fashioned warehouse pendants were plucked straight from an actual warehouse and dropped directly above a kitchen island and look none the worse for it.
It’s not often that the adjectives ‘rough’ and ‘imperfect’ are sought-after qualities. However, light fixtures with an industrial edge certainly make a good case for it, even in a cosy, all-wood kitchen. Here, old-fashioned warehouse pendants were plucked straight from an actual warehouse and dropped directly above a kitchen island and look none the worse for it.
3. Dare to go bare
Everything about this dining room says industrial. The exposed brick wall adds a raw and rugged backdrop to the untreated wooden refectory table and bare bulb installation. And while these pieces might not have actually started life in a factory or warehouse, the whole look exudes a beautiful rough and readiness that is tactile and earthy at the same time.
Everything about this dining room says industrial. The exposed brick wall adds a raw and rugged backdrop to the untreated wooden refectory table and bare bulb installation. And while these pieces might not have actually started life in a factory or warehouse, the whole look exudes a beautiful rough and readiness that is tactile and earthy at the same time.
4. Cluster Edison bulbs
This cluster of Edison-inspired exposed bulbs is a stand-out feature in this large living area. With its all-enveloping warm glow, it is perfect for this chalet-like home. In addition to being a source of light, it could pass off as an art installation.
This cluster of Edison-inspired exposed bulbs is a stand-out feature in this large living area. With its all-enveloping warm glow, it is perfect for this chalet-like home. In addition to being a source of light, it could pass off as an art installation.
5. Pay attention to detailing
In this minimalistic space, the red cords holding the exposed bulbs draw the eye to the dining area. A plain old white or black cord would look just that – plain old. The way the wires have been casually knotted to adjust the lengths is a cool trick that is simultaneously aesthetic and practical.
In this minimalistic space, the red cords holding the exposed bulbs draw the eye to the dining area. A plain old white or black cord would look just that – plain old. The way the wires have been casually knotted to adjust the lengths is a cool trick that is simultaneously aesthetic and practical.
6. Mix up shapes
The polished black shades tie in with the colour scheme of this bedroom, with the inner bronze coating giving the room just the tinge of colour it needs. The form of the shades are different but the fact that they are all about the same size and rise to pointed peaks maintains a kind of symmetry.
The polished black shades tie in with the colour scheme of this bedroom, with the inner bronze coating giving the room just the tinge of colour it needs. The form of the shades are different but the fact that they are all about the same size and rise to pointed peaks maintains a kind of symmetry.
7. Bring soothing uniformity
OCD or not, there is something to be said for a row of identical lights lined up like soldiers. The rule of three applies here, too: most pendant lights, when hung in straight lines, look best in threes. Imagine the same in twos. Doesn’t conjure up the same impact, right?
OCD or not, there is something to be said for a row of identical lights lined up like soldiers. The rule of three applies here, too: most pendant lights, when hung in straight lines, look best in threes. Imagine the same in twos. Doesn’t conjure up the same impact, right?
8. Follow the straight and narrow
It can enhance a fun kitchen. Track lighting with several light bulbs is a great solution if you are averse to visible wires. It is also a practical solution (along with looking neat and urban) to cover a sizeable surface area, like a large dining table.
It can enhance a fun kitchen. Track lighting with several light bulbs is a great solution if you are averse to visible wires. It is also a practical solution (along with looking neat and urban) to cover a sizeable surface area, like a large dining table.
9. Get fashionably functional
Authentic industrial light fixtures are typically more concerned with fulfilling a function rather than making a fashionable statement. The elaborate lights here, apart from doing their job of lighting up a large worktable, infuse a wow factor to the open-plan space.
Authentic industrial light fixtures are typically more concerned with fulfilling a function rather than making a fashionable statement. The elaborate lights here, apart from doing their job of lighting up a large worktable, infuse a wow factor to the open-plan space.
10. Go quirky and whimsical
The seemingly random placement of these spiderweb-like lights adds a different and somewhat softer dimension to the otherwise stark and angular look of this contemporary sitting area. Light fixtures are an easy way to add something extra to a space — in this case, a touch of whimsy.
The seemingly random placement of these spiderweb-like lights adds a different and somewhat softer dimension to the otherwise stark and angular look of this contemporary sitting area. Light fixtures are an easy way to add something extra to a space — in this case, a touch of whimsy.
11. Highlight a Spartan space
In this ultra-minimalist living room, the exposed filament bulbs form a grid. The ceiling and the lights take centre stage, while the furniture and accessories remain minimal. Other light sources are notably absent, implying that the ceiling lights are ample to light up the entire expanse.
Want to embrace industrial decor? Look here
In this ultra-minimalist living room, the exposed filament bulbs form a grid. The ceiling and the lights take centre stage, while the furniture and accessories remain minimal. Other light sources are notably absent, implying that the ceiling lights are ample to light up the entire expanse.
Want to embrace industrial decor? Look here
12. Back up a Bohemian rhapsody
The industrial pendants, far from looking odd in a Bohemian bedroom, look very much like they belong here. The lamp fixtures are all curves, complementing the headboard, while the steel-finished domes remain accentuated against the black wall, lit or unlit. What’s not to like?
The industrial pendants, far from looking odd in a Bohemian bedroom, look very much like they belong here. The lamp fixtures are all curves, complementing the headboard, while the steel-finished domes remain accentuated against the black wall, lit or unlit. What’s not to like?
13. Use geometry for interest
This sculptural accent of a ceiling light is quite a stunner. Set off against a white background of the ceiling and French windows, the straight black lines of the fixture are taken up by the coffee table, pulling together the modern look of this living room.
This sculptural accent of a ceiling light is quite a stunner. Set off against a white background of the ceiling and French windows, the straight black lines of the fixture are taken up by the coffee table, pulling together the modern look of this living room.
14. Accentuate a simple room
Country homes need not exclude industrial lights. Iron-clad and slightly nautical-looking, these lamps look quite at home in a rustic space. Given their large globular shapes and metal masks, they take centre-stage, more so in a space shorn of accessories.
Read more:
Vintage dreaming in this Singaporean industrial home
10 ways to get the lighting right in your home
Tell us:
Is industrial décor your cup of tea? What reflects that in your home? Do share pictures or ideas in the Comments section below.
Country homes need not exclude industrial lights. Iron-clad and slightly nautical-looking, these lamps look quite at home in a rustic space. Given their large globular shapes and metal masks, they take centre-stage, more so in a space shorn of accessories.
Read more:
Vintage dreaming in this Singaporean industrial home
10 ways to get the lighting right in your home
Tell us:
Is industrial décor your cup of tea? What reflects that in your home? Do share pictures or ideas in the Comments section below.
Industrial-traditional need not be an oxymoron. Infuse an element of the industrial into a traditional setting. This group of metallic pendant lamps fit seamlessly into this ethnic space. Each piece is interesting in its own right and adds to the overall design. Suspending them at unequal lengths adds visual richness and volume to the space. The exposed cement ceiling and spotlights increase the industrial vibe of this mixed-décor room.