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Industrial loft style is the choice of people who do not need pathos and unnecessary details. When arranging a room, when it’s time to choose furniture, a loft-style wardrobe will be an excellent addition to the original decoration and decor. To choose the right product, pay attention to the style features, shape and types of cabinets.
Style Features
Loft is characterized by designers as a style where there are no unnecessary details and partitions. A loft can be recognized immediately: wide space, original furniture, abundance of colors. The history of the style goes back to the 40s, when it was possible to decorate attics and upper rooms for living.
The main feature is the combination of modern decorative elements with old finishes. For example, bare brick walls pair perfectly with new appliances. This stylistic direction of the interior suits creative people well. In a similar style, you can equip an artist’s or seamstress’s workshop, organize an exhibition of objects or exchange books.
The style is also suitable for budget-conscious people: a minimum of furniture is required for furnishing. Owners of open-plan spaces also benefit from the loft setting. Young people, wanting to emphasize their individuality, can safely decorate the room in this way. Choose simple and functional furniture, its colors should be cool shades.
Let us highlight the main features that allow you to immediately recognize the loft:
- the space is zoned not with the help of partitions, but thanks to a different color palette;
- the interior has industrial features: bare walls, pipes that you can imitate yourself;
- fashion trends are as important as old finishes - chrome, glass and steel are considered suitable materials for decoration;
- the appearance of the furniture resembles a combination of antiques and minimalism: the loft cabinet plays not only a practical role, but also divides the room into zones;
- the ceilings should be high and the room itself should be free;
- There is no decor; instead, posters, road signs, and graffiti hang on the walls.
You can arrange a loft-style room yourself. If you have an old cabinet, try remodeling it, adding a little vintage and leaving modern details.
Loft style furniture
Loft furniture is distinguished by a variety of shapes and materials: these can be vintage or modern items, stylized in an industrial style. The use of artificial aging, abrasions and scratches is popular. The design of premises in this style is characterized by the absence of closed cabinets, a large number of open shelving and niches, plenty of seating and a huge variety of models. Massive furniture is located at a certain distance from the wall. Any materials can be used: chromed metal, wood, glass, cast iron, plastic, upholstered in leather, monochrome fabric or an accent with a pronounced pattern.
Varieties
Loft wardrobes can be divided into the following types:
- closet;
- wardrobe with hinged doors;
- built-in models.
Each of the listed types has its own characteristics. For example, a sliding wardrobe has a sliding door system, which significantly saves space. This is necessary for a style like this, which has a large area and a minimum of partitions.
Coupes are made in various shapes: linear, radius, angular, trapezoidal. It must be selected based on the dimensions of the room.
The loft sliding wardrobe is a combination of mirrored facades with wooden slabs, as well as deliberate aging of the surface of the doors. Often, designers frame the product in imitation brickwork to add individuality to the models. The best option is an extensive mirror surface that expands the boundaries of the room: it will reflect the entire interior.
The older brother of the compartment is a wardrobe with hinged doors. This option is more appropriate, since it applies to outdated models. A wardrobe can have from 1 to 3 doors. Its facades are designed according to the loft style: they can be perforated, covered with metal or contain elements of transparent glass.
Built-in loft-style models, which can be seen in the photo below, are characterized by original design. They do not have back or side walls; the doors of the product are designed at the request of the owners. A built-in model with sliding facades looks acceptable for the loft style. Such a cabinet is covered with colored film with chaotic inscriptions. This option is appropriate for decorating a teenager’s room.
Built-in
Swing
Coupe
What materials are acceptable
When creating furniture in the loft style, materials are used that usually go to landfill during major renovations. This explains its low cost. In skillful hands, old metal pipes and roughly processed boards will turn into magnificent designer items in the loft style. The only limitation when choosing a material is the overall style of the house. Loft furniture should emphasize it, so you will have to think about the color scheme and the overall interior. Wood and metal are the most used materials in the loft.
Decorative elements include things made of concrete or rough-hewn stone. There is no need to purchase noble materials like marble for finishing.
Plastic is an undesirable raw material, because it does not correspond to the style direction. Loft originates from industrial premises, so the material should be similar to that used in the design of industrial buildings. However, it is not always possible to find deck boards or metal barrels. Then the item can be artificially aged, giving it a careless look.
The easiest way to make loft style are sofas, beds, ottomans and tables for various purposes. To create the first two you will need used pallets coated with varnish. It will be enough to put pillows and a mattress on top. The bed frame can be metal structures found, for example, at a local factory. If you have sufficient skill in working with metal, then you can remake them to your taste and cover them with fabric.
Deck boards will be a non-standard and original choice as the basis for a loft-style bed. The sofa can also have a similar design, but also have its own characteristics. For example, metal barrels are suitable for the base. The top is carefully cut off, the surface is sanded, then the sofa is filled with a durable substance and soft pillows are placed on top.
Ottomans are made from pallets, metal or wooden barrels, industrial mechanisms, even old suitcases. Tables can also be made from anything, the main thing is that you have enough imagination and skills. Everything will be used - from old boards and solid layers of wood to sewing machine frames. Even wooden cable spools can be turned into a stylish coffee table.
Manufacturing materials
The raw materials used for the production of loft-style cabinets differ little from the list of standard materials. Wooden laminated chipboard or MDF boards are a traditional set of materials for the manufacture of cabinet furniture. Another thing is the external design of the facades. Let's take a closer look at the popular options for finishing cabinet doors:
- wood - this raw material is used only in combination with other materials. If you use one tree for the facades, they will look like a modern classic style. To achieve an industrial feel, wood painted in different colors is used. It is combined with mirrors and plastic;
- metal - it is better to use this material in moderation: if you get carried away with such textures, you will get a high-tech style. Elements and metal inserts on the cabinet fronts will blend harmoniously with the surrounding finish. To increase the effect, designers suggest additionally using metal decor on the doors;
- imitation brickwork - brick is considered the main accent of a loft. It is not necessary to design all the doors in this way: if one compartment door is made in imitation brick, and the other in wood, you will get an original facade;
- mirrored facades - a mirror will visually enlarge the boundaries of the room, which is what the loft style requires. Use more of these planes to decorate small spaces;
- glass will be an excellent replacement for traditional wooden facades. You should not use material with a sandblasted pattern - it will be too modern.
Glass surfaces can be used as a partition for zoning a room. In this case, give preference to tempered glass.
Wood
Mirror
Metal
Glass
Making a loft chair from a metal profile
Using a square profile and a couple of boards, you can make a very simple and interesting chair that will fit perfectly into a loft style interior. However, this will require a little more effort than when creating a bed, and will also require some welding work.
Step 1. The first step is to draw a diagram of the chair and mark all its dimensions on it.
Scheme of the future chair
Step 2. Then, in accordance with the diagram, you need to apply markings to the profile along which the pipes will be cut.
Markings are applied to the profile
Step 3. Next, you need to cut the part from the square section metal profile to the required length. It is important to understand that not all parts will have straight cuts - they may also be beveled. This is necessary to make it easier to join them when assembling the chair frame.
Metal profile cutting
Step 4. Each section must be processed to remove burrs and other defects.
Sections are carefully processed
Step 5. Next you need to carry out welding work and connect the elements of the chair frame into a single structure.
Carrying out welding work
The parts are connected into a single structure
Step 6. Now the welding areas need to be processed so that they are even and do not stick out. A simple grinding with a grinding wheel is sufficient.
Processing of weld seams
Grinding wheel used
Step 7. After this, you need to assemble the back and seat of the chair from two boards of the same size. They can be immediately connected to each other. Or you can attach it to a chair separately.
You will need 2 boards of the same size
Chair back and seat
Step 8. In the metal frame and in the wooden blanks for the back and seat, you need to drill holes of the same diameter, which must coincide with each other when fitting the same seat to the frame.
Drilling holes in wooden pieces
Drilling metal elements
Step 9. Now you need to sand the wooden elements and varnish them, and the metal frame of the chair needs to be painted. Work cannot be continued until the paint and varnish materials have dried.
Painting the metal frame
Sanding wooden elements
Step 10. All that remains is to assemble the elements together, that is, screw the back and seat to the frame. And the chair is ready, you can use it.
Screwing the backrest
Ready-made chair in loft style
Prices for popular brands of portable welding machines
Portable welding machine
Video - Simple pipe shelving
Shape and color
Often the color scheme of furniture for the loft style is restrained. This is based on the fact that industrial facilities: factories, factories, were rarely painted in bright shades. The most popular colors and tones for products:
- white;
- grey;
- black;
- brown;
- beige.
Red and blue colors can be used for emphasis. They are applied fragmentarily to dilute the indicated shades. For example, a wardrobe made of brown wood will be classic. If you age the surface of the product, and also add wood painted in blue or red, you will get a loft style.
The shape of the products is most often rectangular, but wardrobes can be made in several tiers. For example, a wardrobe that has several steps instead of a solid roof looks stylish. You can place decor, books and magazines on them.
A built-in wardrobe with hinged doors can be decorated with metal. Each door is lined with a black metal frame, and gray material is used inside. The nails that are visible on the surface add originality.
The color scheme is selected individually, according to the surrounding environment. If the walls are lined with brickwork or its imitation, and the rest of the furniture is made in a dark color in a modern style, you can purchase a wardrobe with photo printing. It will depict a night city in blue tones, which will dilute the severity of the room.
The product will look non-standard if there are shelves for books on the sides of the loft-style cabinet. They are open and visually continue the closet.
Rules for use in the interior
The main purpose of a closet in a loft interior is not only to store clothes, but also to delimit the room. Large spacious rooms must be divided into functional zones using furniture. This is easy to do if you listen to these tips:
- Do not place cabinets too close to the walls - this move allows you to achieve the feeling of a large empty space;
- It is better to choose low models. Oversized products that span the entire height of the wall will disrupt the visual unity of the loft;
- corner cabinets in black fit well into an interior consisting of brown and white shades;
- on the facades of a light wooden sliding system, reflectors glowing in the dark can be glued to show the direction of movement of the door;
- It is best to separate the sleeping area from the kitchen area with a wide and deep closet. It would be nice if it was equipped with additional through-type shelves. Here you can place decor, watches, small flowers in pots;
- You can leave the cabinet open and not equip it with a door. In this case, you need to install it in the sleeping area.
Provide a convenient approach to the cabinet, and also take care of the lighting: built-in lighting on an antique cabinet looks in keeping with the loft style.
Where is the best place to place it?
The correct arrangement of cabinets in an apartment with this interior will help emphasize the features of the style. Pay attention to the following nuances when planning a place for furniture:
- It is better to place a cabinet for a loft-style kitchen along a short wall; opposite it is a bar counter or a massive wooden table for dining;
- in the interior of the living room, you should not clutter the room with a tall cabinet - it is better to install it opposite the sofa;
- For the bedroom, choose models with a large mirror surface - it will help expand the space visually;
- For a bathroom, a small loft-style cabinet is suitable - it is placed near the sink and bath accessories are stored inside;
- a loft-style children's room requires a minimum of furniture, but the closet will come in handy: if you place it in front of the window, you can randomly scatter soft chairs around;
- For the hallway, a sliding wardrobe is necessary - it can be hidden in a niche, framing the facades with imitation white brick.
Country houses are often decorated in a loft style, so choosing a wardrobe will not be difficult. If it is not possible to purchase a model of this stylistic direction, try transforming the product yourself. This will not require a lot of financial resources, and the work process, imagination and variety of materials will bring pleasure.
We make furniture and decor from pipes
If you're ready for some bold experimentation in your own home, why not make your own industrial-style furnishings? For example, from water pipes.
Lamp
If you want to add just a small loft-style detail to your decor, try making a stylish lamp from pipes. An additional light source never hurts, and it’s always better to train on small forms. In any hardware store you will find a light bulb socket with a wire and plug, pipes and related connecting elements - and all you need is to connect your imagination and roll up your sleeves.
Clothes hanger
Thinking about purchasing an industrial style clothes rack? Make it yourself from pipes. Take a look at these examples: Inspiring, isn't it?
Chair, stool
Those who are ready for larger-scale “feats” will certainly enjoy creating an original stool or bar stool from pipes. This element of furniture instantly attracts the eye and adds industrial charm to the atmosphere.
Shelf
Here are several options for stylish and functional shelves in the industrial spirit. If you are not confident in your abilities, choose a simpler model to implement.
Rack
If the furniture maker in you is literally hungry for action, you can also make larger furniture for storage - for example, a shelving unit.
Bottle rack
Do you consider yourself a wine connoisseur and lover? Or just want to decorate your home minibar beautifully? Take a look at what kind of accessory you can make from pipes:
Tray
This material will also make a stunning tray in the industrial spirit.
The loft style welcomes eclecticism, so it combines modern furniture with antique furniture, and metal surfaces are laconicly combined with aged wood. For example, a massive leather sofa in a modern style can easily fit next to an aged chest of drawers or a table in a retro style.
Modern, minimalist, vintage furniture will do. Do not forget that the presence of chrome, metal and glass surfaces would be appropriate in a loft interior. Open bookcases, which can serve as decorative partitions, will also look impressive. If the living room area allows, then zone the space with furniture.
