Mastering The Art Of The Industrial Look – A Few Pointers

As you’ve probably noticed over the past year, industrial furniture has began to sweep the nation. More and more coffee shops, cafe’s and especially restaurants in many of the major Australian cities are buying into the theme.

A true industrial look is one that’s strange to comprehend. It’s been described as old yet modern, contemporary yet chic, smart and sophisticated, yet dark and interesting. All that said, exposed brick and steel coupled with the right industrial furniture makes for a great look. However get it wrong and the whole thing can look a bit dingy. So how do you master the art of the industrial look. Here are a few pointers:

Thoughtful lighting

We’ve already mentioned that some industrial settings look all too dark and dingy, so the lighting you choose, and indeed where you place it, plays a large part in the end result. Many industrial settings have high or exposed ceilings. As such it pays to light these areas up brightly. Carefully placed spot lights hung from steel rafters work particularly well. That said, in the seating and dining areas it’s far better to tone it down a little. The use of dimmer lights and gentle down-lighting creates a more personalised, loft-apartment-style, homely space. It also gives off a feeling of warmth in an otherwise harsh environment.

Furnishing in darker tones

You’d be forgiven for thinking that because it’s an industrial look, it has to be bright, shiny stainless steel furniture. However in this setting, richer darker tones tend to give a warming ‘less sterile’ feel that works extremely well. With this in mind, how about some gorgeous copper coloured tables which blend in perfectly with exposed brickwork? When it comes to seating, a combination of dark wood and aluminium tends to blend seamlessly with most industrial surroundings. Finally try choosing some matching foam pad seating to add a touch of comfort, without losing the industrialised look.

The industrial look offers an edgy, modern style that’s perfect for any contemporary eating or drinking establishment. By creating an area that’s intriguing (possibly by adding some real industrial relics) and offering some of the best coffee and food in town, you really will be onto a win-win situation.

If you’re in dire need of furniture inspiration then you’ve come to the right place! At Cafe Furniture Melbourne we have a wide range of commercial furniture much of which is perfect for this look, and all at great value-for-money prices. Why not contact us on 03 9357 9688, visit our website at www.cafefurnituremelbourne.com.au or if you’re in the Preston area of Melbourne, then why not pay us a personal visit and drop in to our showroom.