Scout thrift stores and garage sales for finds
Thrift stores and garage sales can be treasure troves for industrial pieces. Look for old factory carts, lockers, and toolboxes. Repurpose these into shelving units, tables, or storage. Salvage scraps of wood to make rustic shelves.
Use metal piping for an exposed look
Black iron piping is inexpensive and lets you expose “guts” for pipes, shelves, and more. Use it for table legs, hanging lights, or coat racks. For a lighter look, copper pipes add shine.
Shop big box home stores’ work spaces
Check out the toolbox and workbench area in home improvement stores. Here you can often find budget toolboxes, hooks, and organizational items perfect for an industrial feel.
Paint it black (or grey)
Black and grey dominate the industrial palette. A coat of sleek black or gray paint can transform flea market finds into industrial-chic pieces. Try spray painting old metal toolboxes, tin pails, and more.
Display reclaimed wood
Salvaged wood adds natural warmth against utilitarian metal and concrete. Use reclaimed wood to make tabletops, shelving, accent walls, and crates. Check local resources for free or cheap wood.
Add industrial lighting
Exposed bulb lighting fits the industrial style. Try bare bulbs in unexpected places, like Mason jar pendants or clamp work lights as accent lighting. Choose matte black finishes for a sleeker look.
Incorporate hardware and found objects
Nuts, bolts, clamps, and other hardware make great industrial accents. Mount them in repetitive patterns for eye-catching displays. Likewise, corrugated metal, machinery parts, and commercial signage add urban appeal.
Make concrete planters or DIY cement countertops
Concrete’s gray neutrality epitomizes industrial. Make homemade concrete planters from recycled bins or cans for an earthy contrast. For countertops, mix cement with sand and gravel and pour into molds.
Use affordable metal finishes
While stainless steel can be pricey, inexpensive sheet metal makes an affordable alternative for covering furniture or making a backsplash. Or give metal paint a try for a distressed galvanized metal look.
Add wheels to furniture
Wheels add mobility and an industrial edge. Add casters to tables, carts, or shelves to lend them loft style roots. Wheels can be picked up affordably at hardware stores.
Distress everything
The industrial look celebrates worn and weathered. So don’t be afraid to distress any salvaged finds by sanding, painting, or purposefully denting items. Add character with hammer marks, scratches, and other imperfections.
Incorporate factory-style lighting
For an iconic industrial look, incorporate cage or pendant lights that mimic factory lights. Many affordable reproductions are available that don’t require wiring. Use them over worktables or islands to complete the industrial factory mood.
The industrial style brings gritty urban charm to any space without requiring big budgets. Follow these tips to get the salvaged factory look for less. With some bargain hunting at thrift stores and clever DIY projects, you can transform your home into a stylish industrial oasis. Embrace the imperfections and create an environment that feels curated from years of urban finds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting the Industrial Look for Less
What are some key elements of industrial style decor?
Some key elements of industrial decor include weathered woods, exposed pipes, metal finishes, concrete, vintage tools and hardware, Edison bulbs, and distressed furnishings.
Where can I find affordable industrial style furniture?
Check thrift stores, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, and discount retailers like IKEA and Target for affordable industrial style furniture. Focus on pieces that can be refinished or painted.
What’s an easy DIY industrial project for beginners?
An easy DIY industrial project for beginners is making a bar or console table from black iron piping and a wood top. Piping connects with simple fittings and tools.
How do I distress wood or furniture for an industrial look?
To distress wood, use methods like sanding, applying vinegar, carving, painting, or actually denting/scratching the surface. Wax afterward seals the distressed finish.
What colors work well in industrial style decor?
Good color choices for industrial decor include black, shades of gray, browns, whites, reds, and metallics, like silver, gold, and copper.
What are some budget-friendly ways to add industrial touches?
Some budget DIY ways to add industrial touches include using piping for shelving/tables, adding galvanized metal wall boards, painting with metal paints, and displaying Edison bulbs.
Conclusion
The cool, gritty aesthetic of industrial decor does not have to drain your wallet. With clever DIY projects, secondhand finds, and strategic choices, you can craft a stylish industrial look on a budget. The key is embracing imperfection and blending low-cost materials like wood, metal piping, concrete, and repurposed hardware. So don your work gloves and safety goggles—it’s time to make industrial chic easy, affordable, and utterly unique.
