Industrial Flooring Style Ideas

Do you want a home that invokes elements of nature and modernism while still offering a balance of atmosphere and warmth? The industrial style might just be for you. With a few carefully chosen design elements, you can create a space that feels creative and one-of-a-kind without sacrificing usability and practicality — and the floors are a great place to start.

Understanding Industrial Interior Design

Industrial style combines a minimalistic approach inspired by warehouses and factories with raw, natural materials. Common design elements include:

• Textured brick walls
• Glass windows and partition walls with black-framed panels
• Exposed ductwork
• Metal or wood beams
• Concrete surfaces
• Simple, clean lines
• Rough textures
• Warm leather or faux leather furniture

Industrial palettes are generally neutral — blacks, grays, browns — prioritizing darker tones over lighter ones. For those who want a little more color in their space, earthy hues like rust red, burnt orange and deep greens and blues echo shades that occur naturally in metal, rust and stone. While traditional industrial spaces focus on the less-is-more approach, this interior style can also serve as a backdrop for introducing more ornamental or colorful decor pieces like statement rugs or artwork. 

Popular Industrial Flooring for Homes 

Since the core component of the industrial style is emphasizing elements and colors that occur naturally, you need a floor material that does just that. The best industrial flooring ideas to accomplish this include:

Hardwood

Hardwood is the perfect complement to this interior design — the unique grain patterns and durability evoke real wood found in nature. You can also add warmth or brightness to a space based on the type of wood you choose. For example, the richness of dark oak, pecan or mahogany can balance a room with a lot of windows and natural light. Lighter species, like teak, bamboo and some oaks, can open up a small area visually and infuse a sense of modernism.

You can also experiment with pairing various wood types with different finishes for a truly custom look.

Tile

Traditional industrial style relied on concrete floors, which isn't ideal in the long term. Concrete is uncomfortable to walk or stand on for long periods, and it's a poor insulator for sound and warmth. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the perfect solution because they can replicate the look of stone without the drawbacks associated with concrete. Tile is also versatile — you can use it in the kitchen, bathroom, mudroom or at the hearth of a fireplace in the living room or den.

As with hardwood, the color tile you choose can define the space. Darker colors offer visual contrast and depth, while lighter tones bring airiness and subtlety. 

Luxury Vinyl and Laminate

Luxury vinyl is a cost-effective option that can replicate the appearance of materials like hardwood and even some types of stone while remaining soft underfoot. It's durable and easy to keep clean, making it a good fit for nearly any room in the house. If you're planning a whole-home industrial makeover, vinyl is a great way to do it affordably. 

Laminate flooring has similar benefits. It's versatile and budget-friendly, and you can find it in countless styles that imitate stone or hardwood. Though not as durable or water-resistant as vinyl, some types of laminate flooring have 3D embossing that adds a more realistic texture to an industrial space.

How to Choose the Best Industrial Flooring for Your Space 

With so many options, how do you pick the right one for your project? Start with these tips:

• Understand your lifestyle: If you've got a house full of people or pets, a durable and versatile option like luxury vinyl may be best. If authenticity is more important to you, hardwood is a timeless choice for industrial spaces. You should also consider how much time you have to spend on upkeep, as some are lower-maintenance than others. 
• Note your budget: Vinyl and laminate are more affordable than hardwood and tile. If you're working with a limited budget but still crave the richness or rawness of hardwood and tile, use a combination of flooring types throughout your home. 
• Choose versatile options: If budget or upkeep isn't an important factor now but might be later, consider choosing a more versatile option that you can easily add to as your home, lifestyle or family changes.
• Consider the existing space: If your existing space already has certain industrial colors or features that you plan to keep, choose a flooring material and color that pairs well with it. That might mean going with a floor that matches those elements for a cohesive look or choosing something that contrasts it to add interest and balance.

Tips for Incorporating Industrial Style in Different Rooms 

Traditional industrial design was utilitarian and drew inspiration from the ruggedness of warehouses. Today, it's a type of canvas that lets you highlight its origins through minimalism and neutral color schemes or use it as a backdrop to introduce character and atmosphere. 

Regardless of your approach, there are three key factors that make a space feel more industrial:

• Lighting: Industrial lighting is more than a practical choice — it's a stylistic one. Choose statement fixtures with exposed, retro filament bulbs or add softness with lampshades in natural materials. You can also play around with placement. Recessed spotlights can showcase certain features or art pieces, while oversized fixtures can be a focal point in the room.
• Openness: Like warehouses, industrial interior spaces should be spacious with good flow from one area to the next. Using the same flooring throughout the space is a great way to achieve this level of cohesion. You should also lean into glass features, like partition walls, and choose large windows that let in as much natural light as possible. Avoid heavy drapes or shades that may box the room in.
• Balance: All good design rests on the principle of visual balance. Going for rich, deep wood floors? Be sure to implement plenty of metal and stone pieces throughout the same space. Have a room full of raw, utility-focused design choices? Add a plush rug or ornamental stair runner to bring in more warmth.

Embrace creativity when designing your interior space, and don't feel like you have to approach each room the same way. Here are some room-by-room ideas to inspire you:

Living Room

Since the living room is the gathering space of the home, prioritize creating a comfortable, inviting space. For example, you could add a stone or brick feature wall, which will pair perfectly with hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring. For light bricks or stone, choose a deep oak or cherry floor. For darker stones, go with a lighter finish. Add a rug to anchor the room and make it feel more homey. A modern statement rug is a good choice here. Finalize the space with faux leather furniture or throw pillows.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where industrial design really has a place to shine. If you have an open-concept space, continue the same flooring that you have in the shared living or dining room to create that sense of flow. Lean into stone elements through stone-like tile flooring or a wall backsplash, or switch to a stone-inspired countertop surface. Balance that with some strategically-placed natural wood chopping boards and cabinetry. Just make sure whichever flooring you choose is durable and can hold up to moisture.

Bedroom

Bedrooms are all about comfort and texture. Build on that by bringing in warm wood tones, thick linens and plenty of softness to balance out the stark lines of industrial elements. Choose an ambient light with adjustable settings so you can make the room dimmer and moodier in the evening. Place a shag rug under the bed or on either side of it to create a warm, soft place to step onto first thing in the morning.

Bathroom

The bathroom might be smaller, but there's still a lot of potential for an industrial makeover. Swap out your vanity or counters with a wood or stone-inspired replacement, and choose a mirror with a raw frame. Incorporate studio-style spotlights with warm bulbs that you can adjust when you need a little extra light. Choose a stone-inspired porcelain or ceramic tile floor, and consider bringing that tile up onto the wall for a more cohesive space. 

Bring Your Industrial Vision to Life with Carpet & Tile Mart

Flooring is so much more than the surface you walk on — it's the element that brings your whole industrial design together for a truly unique, inviting home. With an extensive inventory of high-quality, versatile flooring, Carpet & Tile Mart has what you need to transform your vision into a reality. Visit a store near you to view options in person, or use our room visualizer tool to see which option best fits your space.