If you appreciate edgy, modern interiors, having an industrial bathroom style will appeal to you. Drawing inspiration from the raw, unpolished aesthetic of factories and warehouses, an industrial bathroom design is flexible and an exciting departure from traditional bathroom designs.

Of the many bathroom design styles, industrial bathroom design has a rugged charm, characterized by exposed materials, sombre tones, and minimalist functionality. It can take on a modern look or vintage industrial style.

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel and you’re considering the industrial look, it’s time to delve into the details to plan your renovation.

5 Industrial Bathroom Design Tips

Below, we provide five essential design tips to help you achieve this bold look. Remember, you can borrow from a vintage industrial or modern industrial style to work with your preferences.

1. Select Raw Materials for Walls and Flooring

Natural materials in a bathroom - industrial bathroom style - Opal Baths.

The cornerstone of industrial design lies in its use of unrefined materials that exude a raw and unfinished appearance.

Consider incorporating the following:

  • Exposed Brick Walls: Uncovered brick walls instantly add an industrial vibe. Painted white or left in their natural reddish hue, they create visual interest and texture.
  • Concrete Finishes: Use concrete for walls, flooring, or even countertops. Polished or matte, concrete offers durability and a clean, utilitarian aesthetic.
  • Wooden Accents: While not as common, reclaimed wood can soften the industrial look, making the space feel warmer without straying from the theme. This also makes it more “vintage industrial” in style.

Tip: If genuine materials like brick or concrete aren’t feasible, consider wallpaper or tiles that mimic these finishes for a more budget-friendly alternative.

2. Incorporate Exposed Pipes and Metal Fixtures

Pipes for an industrial bathroom design - Opal Baths.

The quintessential feature that screams industrial is exposed metal elements. They are a must-have for industrial bathroom design.

Here’s how to include them:

  • Metal Pipes: Expose plumbing pipes rather than concealing them. Use materials like copper, black steel, or brushed nickel for an authentic touch.
  • Industrial Light Fixtures: Opt for pendant lights with metal cages or vintage-style Edison bulbs to enhance the factory-inspired look.
  • Metal Hardware: Choose matte black or brushed metal finishes for faucets, towel racks, and an industrial bathroom cabinet handle. These details reinforce the industrial aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Metallic accents paired with natural materials are a softer, more balanced approach to the industrial bathroom style. 

3. Use a Monochromatic Colour Palette

Monochromatic colour palette for an Industrial Bathroom design.

Simple designs and simple colours – that’s what identifies industrial bathroom designs. 

Stick to neutral and monochromatic tones such as:

  • Black
  • White
  • Grey
  • Rust and Earthy Browns

Apply these colours to:

  • Walls: Use paint or tiles in dark, sombre shades.
  • Fixtures: Select sinks, bathtubs, and toilets in matte black or white.
  • Accessories: Keep decor items within this muted colour range.

Tip: Contrast the stark, cold elements with a pop of wooden accents or greenery. 

4. Include Rough Textures and Surfaces

Dark, textured walls in a modern bathroom design.

Rough textures in industrial bathroom design create depth and visual intrigue.

Here’s how to integrate texture into your bathroom remodel: 

  • Textured Walls: Use plaster or faux-concrete finishes for a gritty feel.
  • Matte Tiles: Choose tiles with a matte finish for walls and flooring to add a rugged yet sophisticated touch.
  • Rustic Wood: Incorporate reclaimed wood into a rustic industrial bathroom vanity or shelving. Its weathered surface contrasts beautifully with smoother materials like metal or glass.

Tip: Balance rough textures with sleek elements such as a frameless glass shower door to maintain a harmonious look. These balance a modern style with a more vintage one when paired with a rustic industrial bathroom vanity.

5. Add Decorative Touches for Softness

Decorations in a mirror shelf for a bathroom.

While the industrial style is dominated by bold and masculine elements, it can be softened with feminine decor. Here are some ideas:

  • Greenery: Add small potted plants like succulents or ferns to bring life to the space.
  • Textiles: Use simple, neutral-coloured towels and rugs with subtle patterns to add warmth.
  • Artwork: Hang minimalist or abstract art in monochrome tones to personalize the space without detracting from the industrial theme.
  • Mirrors: Choose a round or rectangular mirror with a metal frame to echo the industrial look while brightening the room.

Pro Tip: Keep decor minimal to avoid clutter, ensuring the raw materials and bold fixtures remain the focal points. Soften an industrial bathroom cabinet with a few small potted plants and fluffy towels.

Create Your Dream Industrial Bathroom With Opal Baths

It goes beyond a simple rustic industrial bathroom vanity and brick walls. There are so many fine details that define a perfect industrial bathroom design. 

At Opal Baths & Design, we’ve been helping customers build their dream bathrooms since 1983. We proudly serve Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Ancaster and nearby areas. Our bathroom renovation team specializes in bringing our client’s visions to life with meticulous attention to detail and using only the finest materials.

If you’re ready to make your industrial bathroom dreams a reality, contact us today.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.