Have you been as intrigued with Vintage Industrial style as I have lately? Bookshelves made of copper piping and live-edge wood. Dressers converted from old chippy lockers. Tables from aluminum pipes and reclaimed barnwood. It's a DIY-er's field day. What can I make with old broken down stuff? Anything I want!
But then reality sets in. How do I use this in my house?
Most of us don't get to live in restored factories or old warehouses with exposed brick walls and 20 foot ceilings, criss-crossed by aluminum ductwork and iron pipes. Except my brother. He lives in a downtown loft converted from an old high school, complete with the original class chalkboard on one wall and 10-foot windows covering another wall. Sigh. The rest of us are just trying to make our own tract homes a little bit cooler and edgier.
If you're wondering how to bring the vintage industrial style into your own home, without going overboard and looking like the set of a steampunk movie, I've got a secret for you. You can do it with just one easy accessory: Lights.
Lighting is a great way to add a touch of a certain style to your home, without having to remake a whole room. It's like the perfect accessory that can take that little black dress from "work appropriate" to "night on the town." By just switching out a lamp, you can change the whole feel of a room, usually for less than $100.
Sure you could go dumpster diving or digging through old salvage yards to make your own truly vintage industrial light, or you could just order one from ParrotUncle.com. They have an impressive selection of stylish lights, at very reasonable prices. Here are a few of my favorites from their 
These are all pendant lights, which take a little more installation than plugging in a new lamp, but they really make a statement in a kitchen or dining room, don't you think?
Parrot Uncle also has a great selection of Edison bulbs, which are the filament bulbs that really make a light look authentic and industrial. (It kind of cracks me up that we've made so much progress in light and electricity since Edison's time, and here we are spending 4 times as much money for one of those old-fashioned bulbs than we would for a modern efficient bulb, but so it goes with fashion.) If you buy a vintage electric light, you'll probably need an Edison bulb to go with it, just to complete the look. Here's an example of a gorgeous light fixture that really needs Edison bulbs, rather than regular bulbs.
See the difference?
And if you're not into Vintage Industrial, they have several other lighting styles as well, including their fabulous selection of pendant lamps and chandeliers, as well as ceiling fans.
My own home has touches of vintage industrial (including a vintage-looking pendant light), but I try not to go crazy with any one style. I like a little bit of everything, which is why I'm a fan of adding style through lighting and accessories.
What do you think about Vintage Industrial style? Are you planning on incorporating it into your home? Tell me how!
jacquiegum says
I love the look, but not necessarily something I'd like to live with every day. Still, I always am impressed when I see one of these vintage industrial interiors and restaurants are a perfect example. Very chic!
Meredith says
I agree Jacquie, that it looks supercool in certain settings.
Pamela@haartfelt says
I'm with Jacquie on this one. I like that the vintage quality softens the sharp industrial lines, but it has a, "showcase" feel that doesn't appeal to me. Although I do have this image for my dream ""workspace", for me and my creative team of course 🙂 And this look fits the bill.
Meredith says
This would be a great look for a loft studio office, wouldn't it?
Agatha says
I love the industrial look but maybe more in an office than my home. Perhaps an industrial lamp in the kitchen because it's easier to clean!
Meredith says
I agree, Agatha, the kitchen is the perfect place for a bit of industrial, since it's made to be durable and easy to maintain.
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says
Lighting is so much fun and can add so much to any setting. I love this look in certain setting. It is always fun to see how others use vintage fixtures in their home, restaurants ans such. Again, it gives some great ideas.
Meredith says
Thanks Susan!
Erica says
I now want to start hanging lights throughout my home. Actually, probably not such a good idea where I live unless you really know what you are doing since we have earthquakes here. But maybe I'll add a couple of lamps for character. I love that your brother has a real school chalkboard in his home. How cool.
Meredith says
Wow, I never thought about earthquakes being a lighting hazard. That's something I never have to deal with, thankfully!
thesummeryumbrella says
Can I have like... one of each? Loving on all of them!! I just wish I had more actual spots to put them!
Meredith says
I know, me too! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
I could see myself going for the vintage industrial look if I had a space like your brother's. I love the idea of living in a converted space that was once used for something else. Maybe I can do a vintage industrial tiny house, but that would probably turn out rather comical.
Meredith says
Jeri, I think that would be brilliant! I always love tiny houses and I think the industrial look would suit them well. Another project idea...
Home Jobs by MOM (@HomeJobsbyMOM) says
I love this style. My style is a little mixed too. Maybe modern industrial farmhouse. Haha. Or at least I want it to be something like that one day.
Meredith says
Mixed is the best! That way you don't get too matchy-matchy. Modern industrial farmhouse sounds great!