How to Create an Industrial-Style Bathroom
Love the look of exposed pipes, black metal, concrete, brick, and reclaimed wood? An industrial-style bathroom could be exactly what you are looking for.
Quick summary:
Create an industrial-style bathroom with dark metal fixtures, wood, brick, concrete, subway tiles, and vintage-inspired lighting. Focus on a few strong materials, keep the color palette simple, and let practical details such as pipes, shower frames, and hardware become part of the design.
In this article:
The Industrial Bathroom Style
Industrial design takes inspiration from old factories, workshops, and warehouses that have been converted into homes and lofts.
The style is known for open layouts, exposed construction details, practical fixtures, and materials such as brick, concrete, metal, and wood. It feels relaxed and unpretentious, with an emphasis on function rather than decoration.
You do not need to live in a converted warehouse to create an industrial bathroom. A few carefully chosen materials and finishes can introduce the look into almost any space.
Our top tips are to:
- Choose a vanity with exposed pipes or metal accents
- Install a statement shower or tub
- Add vintage materials and colors
- Go for exposed lighting
- Complete the style with industrial accessories
Let’s take a closer look at each idea.
Choose a Vanity With Exposed Pipes or Metal Accents
Exposed pipes are one of the clearest features of industrial design.
For a bold, authentic look, choose a wall-mounted sink or open vanity that leaves the plumbing visible. Dark or copper-toned pipes can become part of the design rather than something to hide.
Not a fan of exposed plumbing? You can create a similar effect with black metal legs, cabinet frames, handles, or faucets.
Wood and metal work particularly well together. Try a wooden countertop or vanity cabinet with a vessel sink and black metal frame. The wood brings warmth, while the metal adds structure and contrast.
Another easy option is to update an existing vanity with black drawer pulls and a dark faucet. It is a relatively simple change that can give the bathroom a stronger industrial feel.
Another easy option is to update an existing vanity with black drawer pulls and a dark faucet. It is a relatively simple change that can give the bathroom a stronger industrial feel.
Popular industrial-style faucet details include:
- Wall-mounted faucets
- Cross handles
- Wheel-style handles
- Pipe-inspired fixtures
- Matte black or aged metal finishes
Whichever vanity you choose, try to repeat the same metal finish elsewhere in the bathroom so the design feels connected.
Install a Statement Shower or Tub
The shower or bathtub can become the main focal point in an industrial bathroom.
For a shower, black-framed glass is a popular choice. Grid or windowpane-style enclosures echo the look of old factory windows and create strong contrast against light tiles.
You do not need to replace the entire shower to get the effect. In some bathrooms, replacing the existing door with a grid-style design may be enough.
If the bathroom already contains a lot of detail, choose a simpler framed or frameless glass enclosure. This allows the shower fixtures, wall tiles, and other materials to stand out without making the room feel too busy.
In a larger bathroom, consider a freestanding bathtub. A traditional claw-foot tub adds a vintage feel, while a simple round or rectangular tub can create a more modern industrial look. The tub does not need to look antique. What matters is that it feels like a separate feature rather than disappearing into a built-in surround.
Add Vintage Materials and Colors
An industrial bathroom often uses materials that look aged, practical, and full of character, even when they are brand new.
The overall palette tends to be darker and more restrained, with black fixtures, muted colors, rough textures, and simple finishes. However, industrial design does not have to make the bathroom feel gloomy. Light walls, glass, and warm wood can keep the space balanced.
Walls
Brick is a natural choice for an industrial bathroom.
If your home already has exposed brick, you are in luck. If not, consider brick veneer or brick-effect tiles. These can create a similar look and may be easier to maintain in a bathroom.
Subway tiles are another strong option. They work inside the shower, behind the vanity, or across a larger wall.
Use dark gray or black grout for a bolder, more graphic effect. White or light gray grout creates a softer and more traditional finish.
Paint colors
Industrial bathroom color schemes often include black, white, gray, brown, and other muted tones.
Deep green, dark blue, burnt orange, and rich purple can also work well as accent colors. Use them in smaller areas so they do not compete with the brick, concrete, metal, or wood.
If the bathroom already contains several strong materials, simple white, cream, or warm gray walls may provide the best background.
Floor
Concrete or concrete-effect flooring is one of the most recognizable industrial choices.
Other suitable options include:
- Large-format gray tiles
- Black-and-white patterned tiles
- Hexagonal tiles
- Herringbone tiles
- Wood-look porcelain tiles
Choose a floor that is suitable for wet areas and has enough grip to reduce slipping.
Windows
Black-framed windows or windows with muntins work particularly well with industrial interiors.
If replacing the windows is not practical, repeat the same grid effect through the shower enclosure, mirror, room divider, or wall decor.
Go For Exposed Lighting
Industrial style lighting and vintage-looking light bulbs are very popular right now so there are many options for your bathroom design. Some of our favorites:
Vintage-look filament bulbs. These are a great option when the bulb itself will be visible. They use LEDs that look like the “filaments” of old incandescent lights. Since these are made to look at, they are often a little less bright, so they won’t blind you. Keep this in mind as you plan your bathroom lighting.
Pendant lights. You’ll find classic dome-shaped options that remind you of old schoolhouse or library lights from long ago. The dome shape may be constructed of metal, or it could be ripple or seeded glass, which includes slight bubbles and imperfections. Another pendant choice is to use one or more simple wire electrical cords with a vintage light bulb.
Wire cages. Available in both wall and ceiling lights, wire cages add a vintage vibe and show off the detail in the bulb.
Milk Glass. Milk glass is an opaque white glass that was first made in Venice in the 16th century. Today, you can find original and reproduction milk glass lights in old school look that will fit right into your industrial bathroom.
Complete the Style with “Industrial” Accessories
How do you style an industrial bathroom? As you shop for accessories, think black and white, as well as metal.
- Bins. Look for solid or basket style trash cans. Wire storage bins can hold toilet paper, extra towels, or bath supplies
- Mirrors. Be sure to pick metal framed mirrors or medicine cabinets, in either round or rectangle shapes
- Accessories. Find interesting dark glass, or vintage looking soap and lotion bottles
- Pictures. For your walls, cool black and white vintage pictures and old fashioned signs add that industrial touch
- Towels. Choose black, white or grey. If you want to add color, think dark and rich. Deeper shades of purple, green, or orange work well
How to Visualize Your Industrial Bathroom
Industrial bathrooms combine several strong materials, so it can be difficult to imagine how everything will look together.
All the images in this article were created with RoomSketcher's bathroom planner. Use the RoomSketcher app to plan your layout, arrange the main fixtures, and experiment with brick, concrete, wood, tiles, and metal details. Then view the bathroom in 3D to see how the design works before making changes to the real space.
Common Questions
Not at all. White walls, pale gray tiles, clear glass, and natural wood can create a brighter version of the style. Use black metal and darker finishes as accents.
Add wood, soft towels, warm lighting, and a few muted colors. These details soften concrete, brick, and metal without removing the industrial character.
It can be, but it must be properly sealed and supported by good ventilation. Brick-effect porcelain tiles are often easier to clean and maintain in wet areas.
A round or rectangular mirror with a black, bronze, or aged metal frame works well. Grid-style mirrors can create an even stronger architectural effect.
Yes! Start with smaller updates such as black faucets, cabinet handles, a metal-framed mirror, industrial lighting, and concrete-effect accessories. These changes can introduce the style without a full remodel.
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