Industrial Lighting for a Stylish and Functional Space
Turning on your new industrial lighting, you shut the bathroom door and wander towards the sink. Warm water rushes from the tap as you peer in the mirror. Hearing the faint whir of the coffee machine from downstairs, you start your morning ritual, eager to follow the enticingly rich scent wafting up the stairs.
Glancing around your ensuite bathroom, you take in the carefully curated details – a large vanity hosts all your essentials, whilst neutral white tiles allow the charcoal-black accents and decorative lighting to stand out, adding drama and intrigue. Blinking in the subtle glow, you ease yourself gently into the day.
There are industrial lighting ideas for any interior style, brightening modern spaces or adding an urban edge to farmhouse-inspired homes.
Below, you’ll discover expert advice on industrial lighting for different rooms, along with a varied selection of fixtures and fittings.
Curate a stylish and functional space with industrial lighting
Drawing inspiration from architectural elements, such as exposed pipe, distressed wood, and metal finishes, the industrial look values functionality and form. Picture a converted New York loft with spacious, open-plan layouts and high ceilings that feature brick walls and lots of natural light.
To create an industrial-inspired space, try starting with a base of clean lines and neutral palettes, then intersperse darker fixtures and fittings in shades of black, grey, and brown to punctuate the room. Accessorising with statement pieces that reflect your personality will add a unique flair – whether that’s artwork or accent chairs.
Lighting plays a big part in industrial-inspired interiors, with a strong focus on oversized features and designs that showcase the beauty of raw materials. A variety of light fixtures at different levels can help to define specific areas in open-plan spaces, and for more intimate rooms, like bedrooms, decorative table lamps will create a cosy ambience.
Get creative with the position of your lighting
Minimalist interiors are free of clutter, so there is more focus on what accessories you do have, and where they’re placed. Consider how you use the space, then think about how you want it to look and feel – that’s when you can really get creative with designing a room that has a purpose while also being intriguing to look at and comfortable to live in.
Tips and tricks from the experts:
- Highlight architectural features with wall-mounted lights
- Create a unique aesthetic by playing with lighting that sits at varying angles
- Try clustering or staggering your pendant lighting features for maximum visual impact
- Use industrial-style lamps to help you switch between task and ambient lighting
Industrial kitchen lighting: Elevate this hard-working space
Industrial-style lighting works well in the kitchen, offering both durability and character. The trick is to keep things simple by choosing one or two key light features that cover your task-basked areas like the kitchen island. You can then build on the industrial theme with smaller accent fixtures.
Try installing pendant lights to draw attention to the main areas, like dining tables and breakfast bars. Exposed bulb designs slot perfectly into an industrial-style space, and they’re practical, casting an even glow across countertops and surfaces.
Style tip: Complete your industrial lighting scheme with new switches and sockets. A matt black finish adds a modern touch, especially when paired with exposed brick, while silver brings a more classic industrial feel to your décor.
Product pick: The Black Baton Cluster Pendant Light is impactful without overwhelming the space, with size options that work in any kitchen.
Industrial bedroom lighting: Wind down with softer style elements
‘Soft industrial’ is a cosier take on the original industrial design principles, blending rough-hewn textures with a warmer colour palette of copper and rose gold. This revamped aesthetic is ideal for the bedroom, creating a peaceful sanctuary that embraces the core elements of the style.
Industrial design has a laid-back quality that’s reminiscent of casual urban living. To replicate this feeling in your bedroom, try mixing and matching different types of lighting. Wall lights and reading lamps create a cosy cocoon around the bed, while overhead lights energise the space during the day.
For a softer take on the industrial aesthetic, choose bedroom lighting features in a warm metallic finish such as gold, and avoid bulbs that have a cool colour temperature (usually above 4000 K).
Style tip: Add interest to lower levels by arranging your lighting fixtures beside framed prints and larger furniture pieces.
Product pick: The Pink Chai Cage Side Lamp is the perfect industrial-inspired accessory. Complete with a long fabric cable, this feature gives you more flexibility with your lighting arrangement – try draping the cord across shelves or place the lamp on the corner of your bedside table.
Industrial bathroom lighting: Illuminate peaceful moments and transform your daily routine
Bulkhead wall lights are suitable for a range of bathrooms – from the downstairs toilet to the master ensuite – and they’re even IP-rated for outdoor use. Manufactured authentically in Greece, these classic designs bring a nostalgic appeal to modern industrial spaces.
Compared to the direct illumination of spotlights, bathroom wall lights infuse the room with a gentle, ambient glow.
Style tip: Metallic finishes are a hallmark of industrial design. Choose sink taps and other hardware components in the same tone as your lighting to create cohesion.
Product pick: When styled with a filament bulb, the Simon Bulkhead light is a captivating addition. Install a fixture on either side of your bathroom mirror for a balanced look.
Show us your industrial-inspired interiors
We’d love to see how you’ve used our lighting to create an industrial look and feel in your home. Tag @dowsingandreynolds on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your ideas!
