Industrial tile design is sleek, with a neutral palette, and it's about balancing form and function. Some homeowners and contractors don't like chintz-covered sofas or maximalist tiger-print area rugs. For them, there is industrial style. In the mid-century, many factories were converted into living spaces, and their original brickwork, metal, and concrete remained. The right tilework can give an industrial-themed room more visual impact and character.
Materials That Define Industrial Design
Concrete poles, weathered brick walls, and low-sheen metal are part and parcel of effective industrial design, which is intentionally rough around the edges. So, concrete-look and metal-effect porcelain tiles are ideal choices. With this form of home or commercial decor, materials should be as unfinished as possible.
Room-by-Room Ideas
To create an industrial-themed living room, select metal-look porcelain tiles for your walls, and choose light gray concrete-look tiles (also porcelain) for the floor. To add some warmth, find vintage-style furniture (50s or 60s-themed) with mustard yellow fabric. This touch of warm color will add exciting contrast.
Yes, it's breaking a neutral palette rule, but if your goal is a beautiful and liveable space, you'll find that adding just a touch of color works wonders. Also, a pendant light fixture made from amber glass will look amazing, giving the space a little spice.
The contrast between warmer tones and the cold greys on the walls and ceiling will be visually diverting without getting too far away from a classic industrial theme. However, furniture should be wood-frame and decidedly retro.
To make a kitchen a showplace, leave any pipes, beams, and bricks exposed, and add concrete-look natural stone tiles to the floor. If there isn't a brick wall already, consider adding one (or a faux brick design) to warm up the space without breaking the theme.
Choose stainless steel appliances and a sleek, simple kitchen table made from black and dark brown woods. A backsplash crafted from white subway tile will add the type of functional edge that embodies the industrial vibe.
Which Industrial Tile Sizes Are Best?
For subway tile, go for two-by-nine ceramic tiles. They're small and can be arranged in a flush manner (that's known as a "stacked" arrangement). Another option is a staggered configuration, so the grout lines aren't flush. For walls and ceilings, choose 12 by 24 or 24 by 24 tiles.
Styling With Furniture and Lighting
Some expert living room and kitchen tips have already been shared, but what about the other rooms in your home? You'll find that industrial-inspired style gambits are also good choices for bathrooms.
A bathroom can be dark and intimate, with black glass wall tiles and charcoal vinyl floor tiles. So, consider adding deep shades, as long as they're industrial (black or gray). If you want a touch of color, a white countertop will lighten things up without changing the mood. A stainless steel sink and pendant light fixtures will be right on trend. Near a tub, add a vintage coat hook for towels. Put a plain black stool in front of the vanity mirror.
Visit our showroom to bring industrial character into your home. At Wayne Tile, we offer high-end vinyl, porcelain slabs, and other elegant tiles. Browse our website or visit a retail location today.
Start Your Tile Project With Wayne Tile Company
Our experts at Wayne Tile Company can help you select the right edge profile for the home, purpose, and type of tile you want. Browse our full product catalog or visit your nearest showroom to explore them in person.
