Curating an industrial living room can be a challenge. After all, aren’t living rooms supposed to be cozy? And isn’t industrial design one of the sleekest, most function-focused disciplines around? But the truth is, there are plenty of ways to bridge the gap between the welcoming comfort of a living room and the crisp, clean style that characterizes industrial design. You can strike that balance whether you’ve moved into an industrial space or a completely classic one. 

To jumpstart your design process, we’ve rounded up 10 ridiculously chic industrial-style living rooms—and cited a design idea worth stealing from each of them. Get ready to transform your traditional living room into a sleeker space—or to give your industrial loft the warm, cozy touches every living room needs.

01 Stock Up on Sleek Furniture

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Dimmable Bronze Glow Chandelier - Candelabra-Inspired with Forged Iron and Dimmable Lights - Traditional Design Perfect as a Living Room Chandelier or Modern Hanging Light Fixture

Industrial design is a minimalist discipline, characterized by sturdy materials and low-profile silhouettes. So, one of the easiest ways to craft an industrial living room is to stock up on sleek industrial furniture. Look for pieces made from rugged materials, like metal and wood, and prioritize crisp lines wherever you can.

02 Embrace Rugged Functionality

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A punching bag would be out of place in most living rooms, but in an industrial living room, it should fit right in. Why? Industrial design is all about functionality in its most unapologetic form. You’d leave pipes, wires, and beams exposed, so why not leave your exercise equipment exposed, too?

03 Invest in Metal Shelves

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Pipe shelves are having a moment, and they’d look great in any industrial-style living room. For the uninitiated, pipe shelves are exactly what they sound like: shelves crafted from metal pipes. Even if you don’t want to go that rugged, more polished metal shelves should get the job done. These sleek materials will add texture and durability to any room—making your space more industrial and more efficient.

04 Keep Your Palette Streamlined

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Industrial design isn’t just about streamlined silhouettes—it’s about a streamlined approach to design in general. Keep your palette as sleek and pared-down as the rest of your space. Of course, this doesn’t have to mean forgoing color entirely. Just pick a couple of colors and stick with them.

05 Load Up on Task Lighting

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Elegant Articulating Mid-Century Modern Metal Sconce - Stylish and Functional Wall Lights for Living Room

There are many different lighting options out there, and if you’re designing an industrial interior, task lighting is about to become one of your favorites. Task lighting is lighting dedicated to a specific task (think: a reading light or a desk lamp). And since industrial design is all about functionality, task lighting will make a natural addition to any industrial living room.

06 Leave Room for White Space

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When designing an industrial interior, you’ll want to embrace negative space both at the macro and micro levels. Try to build blank space into your shelves the same way you’d build blank space into your furniture layout. Combined, these choices should leave your space feeling vaster, more open—and of course, more industrial.

07 Embrace Imperfection

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Function is key in industrial design, so resist the urge to keep your place as pristine as possible. That doesn’t mean leaving your space an absolute mess, but it could mean letting a smoke stain accumulate in your fireplace.

08 Highlight Your Windows

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Window-lined walls are a classic feature of many industrial interiors. If you’ve been blessed with enormous windows, draw attention to them by placing large décor nearby. A massive plant is sure to highlight the scale of an even more massive window.

09 Mix and Match Aesthetics

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When designing a space, you don’t have to commit to just one aesthetic. Use industrial design as your starting point, and mix in other pieces as you see fit. Snag a contemporary couch, layer a couple of plush rugs, and throw in a few earthy accents.

10 Invest in a Few Decisive Pieces

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Metal Medium Streamline Glow Sconce - Articulating Brass Wall Lights for Living Room

Crafting an industrial-style living room doesn’t have to be a matter of remodeling your space. Even a couple of striking pieces like a sleek table and a metal task lamp can leave your space feeling more industrial.

Mix a few industrial finds in with the pieces you already own and keep your living room feeling both cozy and sleek. Or, work your way to a fully industrial living room over time—little by little, and purchase by purchase.