Industrial style is a design trend that truly works. It mixes raw materials, bold lines, and a touch of grit while staying stylish.
The best part? You don’t need a big loft or an old warehouse to achieve it.
You can create an industrial look in a small bathroom that feels just as airy and chic as those Pinterest-perfect spaces.
The key is finding the right balance so it feels “urban cool” instead of “utility closet at the power plant.”
I learned this the fun way when I turned my tiny bathroom into an industrial oasis.
Spoiler alert: It’s now one of my favorite rooms, and it doesn’t feel like a tool shed. If you want to add steel, concrete, and brick vibes, here’s the plan.
Step 1: Nail the Industrial Color Palette
Industrial interiors thrive on neutral, moody tones.
The Core Colors
- Charcoal, black, and deep grey: These add drama and contrast.
- Whites and off-whites: Keep the space feeling open.
- Metallic tones: Think brushed nickel, blackened steel, or brass for warmth.
- Warm browns: Introduce natural wood to soften the overall feel.
In my own space, I went with white walls, a black vanity, and matte black hardware, then added a wood shelf for warmth. It instantly pulled the look together.
Step 2: Bring in Raw, Honest Materials
The industrial vibe is all about showing the bones of the space.
Key Materials
- Exposed brick (real or faux panels)
- Concrete or cement finishes (tiles, wall panels, or even paint effects)
- Metal piping for towel racks or open shelving
- Reclaimed wood for shelving, countertops, or storage ladders
If you can’t tear down walls to reveal actual brick, there are plenty of realistic wall panels and wallpapers that get the look without any demolition.
Step 3: Keep Fixtures Sleek but Edgy
Your small bathroom fixtures are the functional jewellery of the room.
Great Industrial Fixture Choices
- Wall-mounted faucets in matte black or brushed steel
- Slim, rectangular sinks (concrete or ceramic)
- Frameless or steel-framed shower screens
- Exposed shower pipes for that “old factory” aesthetic
When I swapped my bulky chrome mixer for a wall-mounted matte black tap, the whole vanity area felt lighter and more intentional.
Step 4: Make the Most of Lighting
Industrial lighting is more than just function—it’s a style signature.
Lighting Ideas
- Exposed bulb pendants (clear or Edison bulbs for warmth)
- Metal cage wall sconces beside or above the mirror
- Black track lighting if you need flexibility
Tip: Go for warm light (2700K–3000K) to keep the space cosy. Harsh cold light will make you feel like you’re in a workshop, not a bathroom.
Step 5: Choose Bold, Practical Flooring
Floors are a great way to amp up the industrial feel without overwhelming the space.
Flooring Options
- Concrete-look porcelain tiles: Durable and waterproof.
- Black or grey hex tiles: Give a retro-meets-modern edge.
- Patterned encaustic tiles: Add personality while keeping to the palette.
I used dark grey herringbone tiles on the floor in my space, and it made the whole bathroom feel more expensive without changing the layout.
Step 6: Use Open Storage (But Curate It)
Industrial design often favours open shelving over closed cabinets.
Storage That Works
- Wall-mounted wood shelves with metal brackets
- Ladder racks for towels
- Wire baskets for toiletries
FYI: In a small bathroom, open storage can get messy fast. Keep only your best-looking essentials on display and hide the rest.
Step 7: Add Texture Without Clutter
Texture is what keeps industrial bathrooms from feeling flat.
Where to Add Texture
- Waffle-knit towels in charcoal or cream
- Woven baskets for storage
- Layered rugs (yes, you can do rugs in a bathroom—just choose washable ones)
Even a single reclaimed wood shelf against a concrete-look wall can add the perfect amount of texture.
Step 8: Use Statement Mirrors
Mirrors are a small bathroom’s best friend, and in industrial style, they’re a big part of the aesthetic.
Mirror Styles to Consider
- Round mirrors with black metal frames
- Rectangular pivot mirrors
- Vintage-style mirrors with distressed frames
I went with a large round black-framed mirror over the sink—it bounces light and looks like it was made for the space.
Step 9: Play With Hardware Details
Don’t underestimate the impact of small details.
Hardware Swaps
- Drawer pulls in matte black or antique brass
- Industrial-style hooks for robes or towels
- Visible pipe brackets for shelves
These changes are low-cost but pack a big style punch.
Step 10: Keep the Layout Functional
A cramped bathroom will never feel stylish, no matter how many industrial elements you add.
Space-Saving Ideas
- Install a wall-hung toilet
- Opt for a slim floating vanity
- Use sliding or pocket doors instead of swing doors
Step 11: Bring in the Unexpected
The beauty of industrial style is that it’s not overly polished—you can throw in a surprise.
A Few Fun Additions
- A vintage step stool as a plant stand
- Industrial art prints (framed black and white photography works well)
- A single statement plant like a monstera or snake plant
Step 12: Balance Masculine with Warmth
Industrial design can lean cold if you’re not careful. Balance is key—especially in a small space.
- Add warm wood tones in shelving or vanity tops
- Use soft textiles like cotton or linen curtains
- Bring in ambient lighting to soften edges
Step 13: Stay Minimal
Industrial style is naturally minimalist. Avoid over-styling and keep your palette and materials simple.
Rule of Thumb: If it doesn’t serve a purpose or add to the aesthetic, it’s just taking up valuable small-bathroom real estate.
Quick Industrial Bathroom Checklist
- ✅ Neutral, moody palette with black accents
- ✅ Raw materials: brick, concrete, metal, wood
- ✅ Sleek, purposeful fixtures
- ✅ Warm, layered lighting
- ✅ Open, curated storage
- ✅ Textural variety without clutter
- ✅ Statement mirrors and hardware details
- ✅ Functional, space-saving layout
Final Thoughts: Your Own Tiny Urban Oasis
How to create an industrial look in a small bathroom isn’t about cramming in every factory-inspired detail you can find.
It’s about being intentional—choosing a strong base palette, layering in raw materials, and using bold accents with restraint.
Even if your bathroom footprint is tiny, you can still capture that cool, urban energy while keeping the space functional and inviting.
Think of it this way: the industrial look is like great coffee—strong, no-nonsense, and full of character.
Get the balance right, and you’ll have a small bathroom that’s as stylish as it is practical… and maybe even Instagram-worthy 😉
