Exposed raw materials, minimal color, subway tile and utilitarian fixtures are among the elements in these rooms
What You Won’t Find in Industrial Bathrooms
Industrial style favors an economy of design, with beauty found in the way things work rather than in surface ornamentation. Here’s what you won’t see:
- Delicate fixtures or fussy details
- Luxurious comforts
- Light or pastel hues
- Pristine surfaces without any wear and tear
- Elaborate molding, millwork or wainscoting
Minimalist Color Palette
The raw materials used form the foundation of the color palette in an industrial-style bathroom, with an occasional pop of saturated color.
Colors for industrial bathrooms:
- Shades of gray. Cement gray, dove gray, slate, charcoal
- Black and white. Architectural white, matte black
- Saturated colors. Rust orange, brick red, royal blue, navy
Freestanding Bathtub
A sturdy freestanding tub in black with visible rivets, as seen in this space by Haven Builders, makes a striking focal point for an industrial bathroom. Modern freestanding tubs in silver or white also work well. If you like the look of a freestanding bathtub but want to increase accessibility or make cleaning easier, consider choosing a partially freestanding tub instead.
Glass-and-Steel Shower Enclosure
Black-framed shower doors made of aluminum or steel look stunning in industrial spaces. Repeat the black frame color with matte black shower fittings and cabinet hardware for a cohesive look. Enclosures can be complete, with hinged or sliding doors; or they can be made up of glass panels and have a doorless opening.
Hardworking Raw Materials
Rather than being hidden under layers of drywall and paint, raw materials take a starring role in industrial bathrooms. Look for industrial-strength materials like concrete, corrugated metal, stainless steel, brick, cinderblock and heavy timber beams to add authentic character.
Design Detail: Trough Sink
Trough and basin sinks like the ones used in art studios, workshops and old farmhouses look right at home in industrial-style bathrooms. Look for trough sinks made of concrete, white fireclay, porcelain or enameled cast iron. Stainless steel is another good sink option for industrial bathrooms and powder rooms.
Design Detail: White Subway Tile
Hard-wearing, inexpensive subway tile has historically been a popular choice for warehouses, factories and commercial spaces. Its crisp, clean look and versatility mean it’s still going strong today — try pairing it with dark grout for more contrast. In this industrial space by Murdock Solon Architects, white subway tile is paired with dark, large-format floor tiles for a foolproof black-and-white color scheme that plays with scale.
Design Detail: Hefty Sliding Doors
A factory-inspired take on the barn door trend, bigger, heavier-duty sliding doors are just right for industrial bathrooms. Plus, heftier sliding doors, like the ones shown here, provide more privacy than standard wooden barn doors.
Finishing Touches
Industrial bathrooms are not the place for an abundance of decorative flourishes — a few carefully chosen details are all that’s needed to finish the space. Exposed pipes (or accessories made from repurposed pipes), gear-like hardware and faucets, filament-bulb light fixtures, reclaimed-wood shelving, metal stools and potted plants are all good options.
Industrial-Style Bathrooms at a Glance
Industrial-style bathrooms are simple, utilitarian spaces where raw materials and tough fixtures and finishes take center stage. Here are some elements to look for: