May 30, 2025, 8:48 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Raw concrete, rugged accessories, and a cool aesthetic—the industrial style evokes spacious warehouses, unfinished buildings, and the urban flair of modern industrial lofts. Now, this distinctive look is making its way onto balconies, adding a touch of city charm. Here are some tips to achieve an authentic styling.
Inviting and cozy—is that what a successful interior should be? Not necessarily! As early as the 1950s, an interior trend emerged that radically questioned and disproved existing beliefs, instead focusing on rawness, functionality, and honest materials.
What Is Behind the Industrial Look?
The Industrial Look originated in metropolises like New York, where, in the post-war era, old, vacant factory halls and warehouses were repurposed out of necessity into living and studio spaces. What was initially intended as practical quickly developed into its own style. The rough, unplastered aesthetic and unfinished look became the foundation for the design.
Artists, in particular, skillfully showcased the bare brick walls, concrete floors, exposed piping, and large windows, turning them into symbols of new beginnings, departure, and change. The Industrial style was born—edgy, uncompromising, and full of character.
Today, it is one of the mainstream trends in interior design, bringing urban coolness and city flair into apartments and onto balconies. Despite its cool presence, straightforwardness, and size, it doesn’t have to hide behind cozy trends. The combination of metal and concrete with dark wood and natural decorative elements creates a tension between austerity and warmth, making the Industrial Look so popular—even in outdoor areas.
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Industrial Look on the Balcony
Perfect was yesterday! The Industrial Look embraces the imperfect, the rough, and the functional. Instead of playful details, it values clear lines, honest materials, and deliberately avoids embellishments.
Quite practical: Since most balconies are equipped with metal railings, plastered walls, and stone floors, they already provide the ideal basis for transforming into a true Industrial paradise. The clean, minimalist structures can be ideally expanded with industrial materials like concrete, steel, and rough wood.
Also interesting: How to Prevent a Pigeon Nest on the Balcony
Color Palette
Large color explosions and wild patterns are hard to find in Industrial design. Instead, the look is very metallic and uses a clear color scheme inspired by the base materials. Various shades of gray like anthracite are reminiscent of concrete, dark brown tones recall woods, and black represents metal. Those who want to add accents or warmth choose soft natural tones like green or ocher or opt for a leather brown or fiery rust red, which also appear in warehouses and factories.
Furniture and Decorative Elements
This special interior trend is inspired by old industrial halls, often equipped with ventilation systems, pipes, and raw steel installations. Metal should be a core element in the selection of furniture and decor. Black seating made of polyrattan and robust steel, such as casual, ergonomic Acapulco chairs, are the ideal choice to set the foundation.
Flower pots made of concrete, zinc, or dark stone can be combined with this. Flower pot stands or raised beds made of black metal are perfect, along with matching lanterns and candle holders. Enamel signs, vintage boxes, and metal baskets are often used to make the balcony appear more lively. Soft rugs, brown leather, and a variety of plants skillfully break up the concept and provide an urban coziness factor.
Those who prefer wood can use pallet furniture with wheels and visible screws to give the balcony that certain something. Furniture pieces that combine wood and metal are also a right choice. It’s better to hold back on excessive decor and many textiles to avoid straying too far from the design line.
Light Sources
Let there be light, even on the Industrial balcony. For the right look, Edison bulbs are used, where the filament is visible. If lampshades are desired, one should opt for enamel, zinc, or metal. Solar lamps in factory style or string lights made of metal bring the necessary charm. Tip: Choosing a warm light color sets cozy accents.