Metropolitan charm and rigorous geometry: how to design an industrial-style bathroom
Discover industrial-style bathroom furniture
If you’ve visited New York, chances are your camera roll is full of shots of those amazing lofts, with exposed brick and huge metal-framed windows. The good news is you don’t need to live in Manhattan or a converted factory to breathe that same air: you can bring that same metropolitan energy straight into your home by designing an industrial-style bathroom. Choosing this look means furnishing an intimate space that’s still full of character, one capable of combining recognisable aesthetics with the practicality you need day to day. Here are a few examples of industrial-style bathroom furniture!
The key elements of the industrial-style bathroom
How do you achieve a bathroom look like this? The secret lies in finding the perfect balance between warm and cold elements, playing with contrasts to avoid the effect of an impersonal warehouse. This style strips away anything superfluous to highlight the authenticity of unrefined materials, drawing on the clean lines typical of Italian design. It’s the perfect choice if you're after maximum modularity and a striking visual impact.
Choosing industrial-style bathroom furniture: modularity and materials
The true protagonist of the project is the industrial-style bathroom cabinet, which is not only beautiful but also meets a range of storage needs. Ever found yourself hunting for your toothbrush or favourite perfume in the morning rush? Scavolini’s bathroom collections answer these everyday challenges with structured geometries and impeccably organised spaces.
The Formalia bathroom, for instance, introduces the Status Wall System, an open-fronted modular structure in aluminium that organises all your bathroom accessories and products with total visual clarity, so they’re always within reach. If you prefer to keep your things tucked away in drawers, the Diesel Open Workshop collection offers spacious wall-mounted cabinets with frame doors in striped or smoked glass, evoking the charm of old-world artisan workshops. The industrial look is also beautifully expressed through the bronze-finish corner plaques, which are inset into the thickness of the top: wonderfully original!
Open-fronted structures and metal profiles
Geometric frames in aluminium or steel, available in black, steel or bronze finishes, are the true hallmark of the industrial-style bathroom. These structures create a game of solids and voids that lightens the room’s volumes, without sacrificing the practical space you need to keep things organised.
You can place folded terry towels on the lower shelves and leave cream bottles or indoor plants on display on the upper ones, turning everyday objects into an integral part of the décor. These compositions work equally well for larger bathrooms and more compact utility bathrooms, where the transparency of the profiles avoids visually weighing down the space and makes it feel instantly airier.
Playing with texture: where wood meets stoneware
We’ve already touched on mixing different finishes for the furniture: let’s look at a few examples. Pairing a must-have like wood effect, stunning on cabinet doors also in the slat effect (wonderfully modern), with the rigorous modernity of porcelain stoneware, chosen for the washbasin vanity top, is a genuinely spot-on decision.
A porcelain stoneware vanity top guarantees excellent performance, standing up effortlessly to scratches and everyday cleaning products, while the wood adds that warm, natural touch that makes the space feel instantly welcoming. This interplay between smooth surfaces and texture creates movement, turning bath time or your skincare routine into a genuine wellness experience.
Lighting and the details that make a difference
When designing your bathroom, it’s often the details that determine the success of the whole project. Ideas? To really make the most of your industrial-style bathroom, we recommend wide, backlit mirrors with built-in storage, perfect for applying make-up while also visually enlarging the bathroom.
The choice of taps and lighting shouldn't be underestimated either: opting for clean geometries helps to enhance every corner, eliminating visual clutter and achieving a wonderfully tidy bathroom with undeniable metropolitan charm.
Frequently Asked Questions about industrial-style bathrooms (FAQs)
What are the ideal colours for this style?
The perfect palette for an industrial-style bathroom revolves around shades of grey, anthracite and deep black. Worried the final effect might feel too cold? Don't worry: to instantly warm up the atmosphere, simply pair the darker colours with wood grain and add a few strategically placed lights.
Can the industrial style also work in a small bathroom?
Yes, definitely! The trick is to focus on open-fronted structures: by alternating open spaces and transparency, the room will instantly feel bigger. That way, you won’t have to give up the character of urban design, even with limited square metres to work with.
