When you have seen the beautiful layers of work that go into making a building, it is difficult to avoid the temptation to show it off. 

This is part of the reason we love industrial design styles and the use of reclaimed materials such as scaffold board in luxury lofts; with over 15 years working in the trade, we have cultivated not only an understanding of where it works in the home but a love of the texture, timbre and stories you see in industrial materials.

We are far from the only ones, of course; industrial interior design has evolved into the luxury design language of the moment, where the blemishes, the raw materials and the design compromises that come from converting buildings become vital and often replicated characteristics.

It is easy to envision an industrial-style kitchen with functional brushed steel surfaces married to reclaimed scaffold shelving, a dining room using a beautiful scaffold-board dining table, or a living area where reclaimed materials help to add texture and accents to soft furnishings, leather and exposed concrete.

An industrial bedroom, by contrast, seems to be far more of a complex conundrum; can a style designed to be stylish, clean and functional work in a space where the ultimate goal is to feel cosy and comfortable?

The answer is a resounding yes, but before we can explore how you can use industrial materials to make a rustic, inviting, comforting space to sleep, we need to explore why the design language works in bedrooms at all.

Equal parts shabby chic and timeless trendy, industrial interior design generally works because it softens the edges of overtly industrial design, without taking away the character and the ambience of the setting, but this versatility means that a softer take on the style can work in your bedroom as well.

Bedrooms are often expressions of the self far more than other rooms, because you are the person who will spend the vast majority of the time in there. Because of this, industrial design works because it will invariably have a rugged, authentic edge to it.

It works, oddly enough, for the same reasons that cottagecore became so popular; it is stylish yet authentic, and lacks that ostentatious artificiality that characterises a lot of more modern interior design styles, especially in the bedroom.

Pair your industrial fixtures, a warm Art Deco light fixture and your scaff brick cladding accent wall, and you have a bedroom that is undisputedly personal, stylish and yet coolly understated.

Your bedroom is your sanctuary and your place of comfort, so any successful industrial-themed look cannot stray too far away from maintaining your bedroom as a place of rest.

In reality, this does not actually limit which designs you can use as much as you may expect, but instead means that you need to prioritise personal expression, showcasing the unique aspects of your room and relaxing in comfort.

Rustic Industrial

We have explored rustic industrial in more depth before, but the combination of a cosy cottage and an urban loft is perfect for a stylishly snug bedroom look.

The best way to take advantage of this is to choose which elements you want to be rustic and which you want to be more industrial and sleek. 

If you opt for a reclaimed scaffold desk, shelves, cladding or other fixtures, choose weathered, distressed, textured wood to add that perfect rustic feel.

If you go for white or black painted walls alongside bare brick or scaff brick, make sure that your bedding has more natural textures to it, and conversely opt for more modern, stylish monochromatic bedding if you are emphasising the character of the room around you.

Industrial Farmhouse

A mix of modern farmhouse and industrial design, the key to successfully integrating the two is a combination of patterns, styles and colours. Feel free to experiment with materials, with colours and with textiles.

Cosy Industrial

Adding a little bit of personality and maximalism in one fell swoop, the key to cosy industrial is to make everything bigger and make the most of the size of your bedroom.

Most industrial spaces tend to be bigger, with taller ceilings, more open-plan space and more room to fill. A big centrepiece bed, scaffold board shelf kits filled with personal trinkets and a large piece of art all help to create focal points that make your space truly yours.

Industrial Boho

Industrial interior design is typically beloved by people who see the beauty and the craftsmanship in everything around them. This principle is shared by subscribers of bohemian design sensibilities.

In defiance of Oscar Wilde’s idea that all art is useless, industrial bohemian designs are all about bright colours, strong patterns, and an emphasis on layering and experimenting with works that would not always go together.

The key to success, however, is a limewash or whitewashed back wall; this adds focus to a visually busy room and gives all of the industrial textures and bohemian patterns the chance to properly pop.

• Embrace Natural Textures - Alongside the reclaimed distress scaffold woodgrain itself, using natural textures and furnishings usually takes the edge off a pure industrial look. 
• Maximise Natural Light And Layer Lighting - Natural light is the best way to maximise the look of a cosy bedroom with the help of soft, sheer curtains. At night, an art deco light fixture with warm vintage bulbs helps ensure a comfortable bedtime setting.
• Take Advantage Of Repurposed Materials - Alongside our reclaimed scaffold board furniture and fittings, head to vintage shops and larger charity stores to find beds, wardrobes and bedside cabinets with stories to tell.
• Use Bare Brick To Create A Comfortable Accent Wall - If you do not have bare brick, use scaff brick cladding to create a similar result.
• Mix Rawness And Softness - Embrace the character of your room, but add softness and comfort to ensure it is a pleasant place to rest.

Ready to rock and roll with your interior design project? Explore our collection of reclaimed and new scaffold boards to see what you can find… the perfect combination of heritage and durability that makes industrial design just so very timeless.