Industrial design is heavily influenced by factories and warehouses that operated in the early 20th century. It brings together raw materials like steel, concrete, exposed pipes, and ducts, and then juxtaposes their harsher lines with elements that introduce warmth and texture — think worn leather, tumbled brick, and reclaimed wood.
Even if your abode is more of a traditional, craftsman, or contemporary haven (or anything in between), and you're just looking to add some authentic industrial flair without investing in a complete structural overhaul, what better place to start than with furnishings and accessories? Of course there's no shortage of off-the-shelf industrial style furniture and decor out there, but the style's aged, imperfect look makes it ripe for DIY undertakings.
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If you're up for the challenge, scroll on to discover six DIY industrial coffee table ideas that will put your furniture-making skills to the test.
1. Emphasize wood tones.
Exposed metal brackets and individually stained wood planks come together to create a DIY industrial coffee table that's perfectly imperfect. Jamison of Rogue Engineer maximizes storage with two tiers. The result? A functional table with quintessential industrial distressing and plenty of surface area.
2. If you like it, put some wheels on it.
Wheels and casters feature prominently in industrial design, allowing for furniture mobility and layout flexibility — perfect for those TV binge-watching days when your coffee table evolves into a dining table. Sisters Ashley and Whitney of Shanty 2 Chic got the memo and paired black wheels with wood planks showcasing a rich, dark walnut stain for a DIY industrial coffee table that's both practical and chic.
3. Maximize your options.
One of the perks of DIY projects is that they afford some flexibility in design and allow you to customize based on personal preference. For example, opt for a more understated version of the DIY industrial coffee table that Christine Roberts made for Beach Metro, by trading in black pipes for a galvanized finish and polished wood planks for a reclaimed top. The result will be equally eye-catching, but slightly more refined.
4. Create something simple.
Industrial style is all about breaking items down to their essence — nothing frivolous or excessive here. This streamlined, rectangular-framed DIY coffee table by Little Glass Jar is proof that there's beauty in simplicity.
5. Soften the edges.
With its masculine vibe and hard-edge finishes, industrial style can feel a bit impersonal. A round DIY industrial coffee table pulls double-duty — introducing softness and warmth while also giving the illusion of more square footage. Katrina Lee Chambers fashioned this slim, rustic version from wooden pallets and black hairpin legs that she salvaged.
6. Combine styles.
Just because you're into the industrial look doesn't mean you have to forgo all other styles in your home. Handmade Haven makes a compelling case for the mash-up of farmhouse vibes with industrial undertones in this DIY coffee table made from wood slats. Black metal details are a nod to the style without being too overt.