How to Decorate an Interior in Loft Style

During the Great Depression, industrial enterprises began relocating from Manhattan's factory districts to the suburbs. The empty spaces that were left behind, previously used as workshops and warehouses, were rented for offices, affordable housing, and bohemian gatherings. These spaces came to be known as lofts (from the English - attic).

Lofts were gradually inhabited, 'tidied up', and became more valuable. Over time, the term came to denote an urban and brutal interior style that later inspired open-space concepts and industrial design trends. What makes loft so appealing, and what are its distinctive features? Find out in our article.

DNA of the Style
When and where it appeared: in the 1930s in New York.

The basis of the style: housing with history, rough plastered walls, exposed utilities, soffits.
Famous names: Eli Jacques-Canard, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock.

5 Rules for Decorating an Interior in Loft Style

1. Open Plan with Minimal Partitions
Loft is primarily a specific type of building, a space in a non-residential building with proportions different from typical 'apartment' ones. Therefore, a mandatory condition for loft decor is very high ceilings and large windows. Of course, a ceiling height of 5–6 meters will not be found in typical apartment buildings. However, a loft will blend organically into two-level apartments with stairs between floors, houses with spacious attics, or studio apartments. In rooms with small rooms and ceilings lower than three meters, prefer a lighter version of the loft style – industrial style.

Another feature of loft planning is minimal partitions. Open spaces are zoned using multi-level floors, wide sofas, or bar stools. Loft areas can also be separated with partitions made from industrial glass blocks.

2. Brick or Concrete Walls in Finish
Loft walls are finished with textured terracotta brick, and in more modern interpretations, white or black. If there are no real brick walls, choose tiles, and we recommend Old Caravista Irregular. As for wallpapers that imitate brickwork, keep them for teenagers' rooms: no matter how voluminous the pattern is, it won't convey the texture and relief of old brick.

The second popular way to decorate walls is with rough plastered concrete surfaces with traces of formwork or a high-quality imitation. In such cases, wallpapers like Omexco Eternity will be a good choice. 'Dress' one or two walls in brick or concrete, and it will be enough to show the loft character of the interior.

For a loft-style floor, you can lay parquet or laminate in cool tones. Or use ceramic granite that imitates stone and concrete surfaces, or rustic wood, which is realistically represented by tiles from Cisa.

3. Minimalist Furniture Placed Freely in the Room
Furniture upholstery predominantly features leather, canvas, and textured faux leather. The shape of sofas and armchairs is maximally simple, minimalist, and comfortable: it's no coincidence that the loft aesthetic is often chosen for decorating bachelor apartments.

A loft interior is unthinkable without stools. Prefer spinning stools, wooden or metal models. Loft also fits well with shelves in the form of ladder steps and open shelving.

Don't place furniture directly against the walls and remember that loft requires large free spaces. Also, always leave room for art objects: these can be large paintings and posters (better to lean them against the wall rather than hang them), vintage payphones, or a detail from a mechanism.

A chair designed by the legendary Harry Bertoia appears fragile at first glance. It is made from strong steel rods and, undoubtedly, will enhance a loft space. Minimalist forms, leather upholstery, and legs made from American walnut – these are the hallmarks of a loft style that are easily recognizable in the design of a sofa by Danish designer Berg Mogensen.

Complete this pendant light, resembling a stage soffit, with a pair of small open bulbs, and lighting in the loft style is ready!

Loft interiors often feature vintage furniture pieces. The design of this stool in bronze color dates back to the 1930s.

You can enhance this style with a ladder shelf that does not sacrifice utility, such as a clothing hanger. This sofa could be considered contemporary if it weren't for the steel legs and 'crumpled' upholstery. These elements give the sofa industrial features that are indispensable in a loft style.

What time is it? It seems these clocks were used to check the time in a Manhattan textile factory. If you include this chair from 'Series 7' by Arne Jacobsen in a loft interior, it can remind you of the era from which this style originated.

Leather in terracotta color on the upholstery of this armchair, with thin legs, perfectly complements a classical brick wall.

4. Color Palette: Natural Tones, Red, Silver
Loft style is characterized by earthy tones of ochre, umber, and sienna. These can be diluted with white, black, and metallic colors, shiny textures. If you want brightness, add red or burgundy – for example, the Mynta sofa will be an excellent accent in this style of interior.

Another 'loft' color was introduced by the famous artist Andy Warhol. In his art studio The Factory – one of the most famous American lofts – everything, including the elevator and bathroom, was painted silver. Adopt this approach by adding several silver accessories or furniture items to the interior, for example, hooks in the form of screws or bar stools Deja-vu.

Interiors of Andy Warhol's art studio The Factory from the movie 'How I Seduced Andy Warhol'Interiors of Andy Warhol's art studio The Factory from the movie 'How I Seduced Andy Warhol'5. Open Lighting Systems, Hanging Wires
Umbrellas covered with fabric and crystal-decorated chandeliers made of Murano glass are not recommended for this style. Must-have elements are soffits, spotlights, bare bulbs mounted directly to exposed ceiling fixtures. Include in the interior lighting fixtures with clips and rivets, like Stylnove Ceramiche, and artificially aged models such as the Foscarini pendant light – they will perfectly emphasize the industrial character of a loft setup.

Hanging wires don't need to be hidden or disguised – such disorder is quite appropriate for a loft. If such freedom seems too bold, consider the Flos F00900 light fixture designed by the Burulle brothers – it delicately supports the idea of an open lighting system in this style.