Slightly old-school, a little edgy, and definitely stylish, industrial lighting fixtures are always popular because they can work with any interior design style. You’ll often see them tucked into farmhouse, vintage, eclectic, and boho interiors. Featuring worn textures and nods to nature, this utilitarian-inspired lighting can transform any home into a more practical and stylish space.
What Is Industrial Style Lighting?
Industrial style lighting takes its inspiration from the fixtures in factories and warehouses. The lighting in these places is generally very basic and not at all fancy. This trend honors the simple, sturdy aesthetic of lighting built with unfinished, strong, and long-lasting materials.
Lighting designers capture this look and feel – raw, rustic, and unrefined – incorporated it into intentional industrial style lighting fixtures that are both simple and eye-catching. Whether bold enough to make a statement or quietly supporting the
Nikko 20 Inch Large Pendant by Hinkley Lighting
In true industrial style, the Nikko 20 Inch Large Pendant by Hinkley Lighting is simultaneously airy and bold, intricate yet minimalist with a slight boho vibe. It offers a stunning study in contrast against the natural wood cabinets—the black finish paired with the black dining room table anchor the look.
Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Gunnar 23 Inch Large Pendant
Industrial on a grand scale, the spectacular Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Gunnar 23 Inch Large Pendants float over the kitchen island like giant bells. They add a subtle industrial influence to the room. The architecturally significant silhouette makes a dramatic yet functional statement, while the semi-gloss metallic interior creates an unusual aura of glam.
Characteristics of Industrial Lighting
Initially designed for functionality, the appealing and timeless style of industrial lighting was unintentional. Industrial lighting is usually made of materials that are distressed or unfinished. Common elements include exposed bulbs, wire cages, and metal shades. Nothing fussy or fancy, connections and joints between different elements are clearly visible and abruptly attached with little or no embellishment. Their elegance comes from the interesting use of materials and their clean, simple shapes.
Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Syrma 35 Inch LED Large Pendant
This trio of Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Syrma 35 Inch LED Large Pendants add weight and airiness to this black and white kitchen, encapsulating the quirky contrast often seen in industrial style. The multidimensional shade constructed of machined metal rods allows light to flow through and illuminate surfaces below.
ED Ellen Degeneres Piro 33 Inch 20 Light Chandelier by Generation Lighting
Drawing inspiration from vintage lighting, ED Ellen Degeneres Piro 33 Inch 20 Light Chandelier by Generation Lighting makes an immediate impression in any room. The starburst-inspired shape and industrial elements blend rustic modern with relaxed mid-century modern.
Examples of Industrial-Style Lighting Fixtures
One of the reasons industrial-style lighting remains popular is that its use goes beyond purely industrial design. Often, these fixtures are the crowning jewels in rustic farmhouse, modern, or everyday casual interiors. This edgy lighting works with many design styles and can even help blend different ones together.
As you can see from the examples below, industrial lighting ranges from warehouse-style pendants to farmhouse cage chandeliers and reimagined modern shapes.
Visual Comfort and Co. Thomas O’Brien Harris 17 Inch Large Pendant
A bit more retro industrial and a little less old world, this trio of Visual Comfort and Co. Thomas O’Brien Harris 17 Inch Large Pendants enhance the industrial feel of this dining area. The unpainted brick wall, distressed wood on the island, and quilt-like pattern of the backsplash create a striking backdrop for the exquisite lighting.
E. F. Chapman Darlana 17 Inch Cage Pendant by Visual Comfort and Co.
A blend of refined yet casual elegance, the E. F. Chapman Darlana 17 Inch Cage Pendants by Visual Comfort and Co. are perfect over this kitchen island. The aged iron finish on the cage echoes the gridded arch, creating a cohesive feel in this kitchen. They offer a perfect counterpoint to the shiny marble surfaces and naked brick ceiling. The white walls and light streaming through the windows keep the look from becoming too heavy.
Raef 36 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Troy Lighting
Blending mid-century modern style with industrial vibes, the Raef 36 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Troy Lighting marries geometric forms and details evocative of a well-oiled machine. Cylinders of glass supported by telescoping arms work in unison to offer a sense of sublime purpose and movement. The simple lines and sparkling glass add an extra layer of fun to this dynamic space.