The Essentials
- A New York loft-style decor is based on two materials: raw wood and metal.
- Functional furniture takes priority: a wheeled coffee table, a wood and metal bookcase, a matching shelf, and a large table inspired by old workbenches.
- A black or gray metal pendant light is the essential lighting feature of loft style, either alone or arranged in odd numbers.
- Practicality, comfort and vintage style are the 3 key principles of successful industrial decor.
- Color is still an option: a few colorful pieces of furniture and accessories, such as industrial metal chairs, brighten up the whole space.
Dreaming of an industrial loft-style interior? From layout and raw materials to decor, we’re sharing a few tips to transform your living room into a New York loft that looks more authentic than ever. Our selection of industrial furniture fits into all spaces and will allow you to create a decor inspired by workshops and factories, with a strong emphasis on raw wood and metal. A style that never goes out of fashion!
How do you create a New York loft-style decor in your kitchen, dining room, living room or bedroom?
New York loft-style decor favors functional furniture and raw materials, wood and metal. In the living room: a raw wood coffee table on wheels and a wood and metal bookcase. For storage: a matching shelf. In the dining room: a large wood and metal table inspired by old workbenches.
It’s a golden rule: in a loft-style interior, functional furniture and raw materials take priority. In the living room, for example, choose a coffee table on wheels made of raw wood and inspired by old factories. Its design strongly evokes a tool or piece of construction equipment from the early 20th century, reminiscent of Chaplin’s “Modern Times,” complete with a large XXL clock—and that’s exactly what you need. It will be perfect in front of a 2- or 3-seater club sofa. Because loft style also means comfort. And a beautiful raw wood and metal bookcase will be right at home completing your industrial-style decor!
For storage, choose a matching shelf—also made of raw wood and metal—and, while you’re at it, one with plenty of storage space.
Finally, in the dining room and/or kitchen, or even an industrial living room, a large, family-style wood and metal table inspired by old workbenches will naturally take center stage. Practicality, comfort and vintage style are the 3 key principles of successful industrial decor!
What lighting should you choose for an industrial New York loft-style decor?
A black or gray metal pendant light is the signature lighting choice for a New York loft. Installed alone or arranged in odd numbers, in the living room or above the kitchen worktop, it enhances the factory and workshop effect while creating a soft, subdued light.
It’s another must-have in loft decor: the metal pendant light. And just because you don’t have large wooden beams or metal framework at home doesn’t mean you should go without one! In the living room or above the kitchen worktop, a black or gray industrial pendant light, installed alone or in an odd-numbered arrangement, will enhance the factory/workshop effect while shaping the light with a beautiful soft and subdued effect. You may want a very raw decor, but we also know that light plays an important role in our daily lives and that it’s essential to pay close attention to lighting.
Can you add color to a modern loft-style workshop decor?
Yes. Industrial style is not particularly fond of color, but a few colorful pieces of furniture and accessories can brighten up the whole space without disrupting its harmony. Colored industrial metal chairs are the simplest way to introduce this touch of whimsy into a decor featuring raw wood, metal, black, brown and gray.
Who said that loft decor had to be limited to shades of black, brown and gray and raw materials only? While it’s true that industrial style is not particularly fond of color, that doesn’t stop you from adding a few colorful pieces of furniture and accessories to brighten things up. You can indulge in a little whimsy... How about some colored metal chairs? They won’t detract from the harmony of your decor.
Would you like to transform an existing interior by giving it a loft-style feel? Discover our tips for designing a loft-style interior.
FAQ: New York loft decor questions
What materials define New York loft-style decor?
Raw wood and metal. These two materials shape decor inspired by workshops and factories. They can be found on the coffee table, bookcase, shelf and large dining table, as well as on the pendant lights.
Which coffee table should you choose for a New York loft-style living room?
A raw wood coffee table on wheels, inspired by old factories. Its design evokes a tool or piece of construction equipment from the early 20th century. Placed in front of a 2- or 3-seater club sofa, it combines workshop style with the comfort expected in a living room.
How many industrial pendant lights should you install?
One metal pendant light, or several arranged in odd numbers. This odd-number rule is the preferred choice for an arrangement above a kitchen worktop. A black or gray finish reinforces the factory and workshop effect.
Does industrial loft style go out of fashion?
No. Industrial decor inspired by workshops and factories never goes out of fashion, and industrial furniture fits into all spaces. Its three key principles remain practicality, comfort and vintage style.
