Loft style design is young, modern and popular. Its versatility allows you to introduce loft interiors into any room: office or residential, large or small.
This style arose in the 50s of the last century. The presence of abandoned industrial sites and incredibly expensive residential space in large cities prompted American realtors to come up with an incredibly bold idea. And then abandoned factories, factories, hangars began to be adapted for housing. Initially, lofts were spaces for the poor, who had to live in practically bare walls, among pipes and other industrial elements.
Today the loft has become more suitable for living. It allows you not only to make the room original, but also to optimize the space as much as possible.
What is loft style in interior design?
Literally “loft” means attic, i.e. it is a space limited only by the roof. Therefore, such an interior is imbued with freedom, open and strives to leave the framework of our usual stereotypes.
This style became popular when creative people began to master interiors. Huge spaces were used, exhibitions, concerts and parties took place there. Simple brick walls, cement floors and high ceilings have become the special charm of such interiors, and creative ideas for their arrangement have turned them into luxury housing.
The American pioneering spirit was picked up by European cities as factories began to move from city centers to outlying areas. It was then that the vacated areas began to be converted into residential ones, but the spirit of urbanism with which they were imbued was not exterminated.
Among its features are:
- open plan, when the absence of partitions creates freedom and allows maximum natural light into the room;
- high ceilings with exposed beams, ventilation and communication pipes;
- stairs that can be used to climb to the second level, where there is often an open space for relaxation;
- the decoration of the walls, floor and ceiling is devoid of gloss, there are elements of negligence;
- the absence of curtains on the windows so that nothing blocks the penetration of natural light;
- furniture that contains not only functionality, but also a mixture of styles.
At the same time, it is not necessary to completely remodel the space in a loft style; only some of its elements will give the interior a special character.
Materials used
A soft sofa and other loft furniture are made from materials that look distinctly rough in appearance. Leather, leatherette, textiles (tapestry, non-woven fabric) are used for upholstery. Couches, chairs, ottomans cannot be decorated with traditional velor, velvet, silk, or any fabrics that are associated with luxury. Loft is a simpler style than classic, baroque or other similar styles. To create cabinet furniture, solid wood, metal, glass, and plastic are used.
Furniture made from a combination of wood and stone looks interesting.
If interior items are made of wood, glass or metal inserts are welcome. Products made from water pipes have become especially popular. Models made of steel, which are often combined with glass, also look interesting. Countertops are usually made of wood. Cabinets are made of ash, beech, oak, and the outside surface is treated with varnish or wax. A room decorated in a loft style can have furniture of completely different textures. For example, soft armchairs, wooden chairs and an artificially aged metal coffee table.
What should be furniture in the style of minimalism, distinctive features
The fittings often repeat factory motifs; their role is played by chains, hooks, bolts, and staples. Furniture handles can be cast from cement or made from pipes. These are often handmade products.
Style elements
Characteristic differences between the style and others are the presence of industrial details and democracy. At the same time, you should be very careful when choosing accessories; they emphasize the peculiarity of the style.
Pictures on boards are a combination of the naturalness of wood and the spirit of creativity - everything that is inherent in the loft style. They will perfectly complement the walls of the room and emphasize slight negligence.
Metal is definitely present in the interior. These can be open pipes, hooks, plates, everything that connects the design of the room with an industrial origin.
A spider chandelier is a combination of lamps, uncovered by lampshades, with wires. They are suspended from the ceiling or ceiling beams. This lighting design is typical for a loft.
Loft style in the interior
It is quite difficult to introduce the ideas of this style into the living space. First of all, you need to get rid of the partitions that restrict the space. But this is not always possible.
Then space is usually achieved by combining several zones, expanding doorways, increasing windows in width and height. This will give a feeling of freedom and light.
Kitchen
absorbs all style features. Metal and glass fit well here; minimalist models are used in furniture.
Living room should be the most spacious and illuminated area of the room. There are open shelves filled with books and massive furniture. However, it should not clutter up the space. Natural materials are used in decoration: wood, stone.
bathroom is an ultra-modern space with high-quality plumbing fixtures and an original designer sink. Complete the interior with a glass shower stall, floating glass shelves and stylish lighting fixtures.
The entrance hall and corridor should be the most carefully thought out, because this is the place from which acquaintance with the room begins. Don't forget about bright lighting and light shades. And hide your clothes in the closet.
Balconies and loggia are usually hidden from prying eyes, but they can also become a stylish addition to the living space. This is where brick walls, metal hooks, and outdoor furniture are appropriate.
A small apartment is not a reason to abandon the loft style. Even a small space can be intelligently organized by adding light shades, light and stylish details. A large mirror on a brick wall is suitable for such a room. The reflected light will push the boundaries.
A children's room should not only be stylish, but also safe. Urban design can be adapted to children's needs, softened with bright, contrasting elements.
You can experiment with a teenager's room . Dilute neutral wall colors with bright posters, attach a hanging chair to a ceiling beam, or place a bean bag chair on the floor. Such a space does not require curtains; let it be sunny.
The office is usually more restrained in detail. This is a workspace where nothing should be distracting. Therefore, equip it with open shelving and a massive table. Lighting fixtures should not only be practical, but also match style.
The bedroom is hidden from prying eyes and in an open loft space it should be separated by a screen or other opaque partition. If the ceilings are high enough, you can move it to a tier higher than the other zones.
A few words about the loft style
Before we present detailed instructions for making homemade loft furniture, we should introduce readers a little directly to the style itself. Why is it so interesting and why, despite the fact that it appeared back in the 40s of the twentieth century, does it still remain popular?
History of the loft style
Loft style furniture
The birthplace of the loft style is the USA . It was in the land of the Statue of Liberty that this simple, but nevertheless attractive style appeared. It originated in New York, in its industrial areas. During that time period, land prices were rising rapidly, and many property owners sold or completely abandoned their industrial premises just because of this. And these same premises gradually began to be used by other people to create residential buildings. Moreover, such housing was inexpensive, and, as a rule, furnished “cheap and cheerful.” But, oddly enough, it turned out tastefully. This is how the loft style was born, which remains popular to this day. Gradually the style reached Russia.
Decoupage furniture in loft style
Moreover, both a living room and an office can be furnished in this style. Nowadays even restaurants or hotels are decorated in this way, and many modern hotels prefer to furnish guest rooms in a loft style.
Loft style interior
In order to embody the loft style in the interior, you do not need to spend money on expensive souvenirs, luxurious armchairs or antique cabinets. It is enough to use what in most cases was previously thrown away.
Loft style does not require large financial expenditures
On a note! Of course, in order to furnish a room in a loft style, it is not necessary to collect “garbage” and do something with your own hands. You can just go to the store and buy everything you need. However, things in the loft style are not cheap.
Beautiful coffee table
Prices for popular models of coffee tables in the loft style
Loft style furniture
When arranging such a room, special attention should be paid to furniture; it should not clutter up the space. The main condition is minimalism. It is ideal to use modular furniture that will change depending on the needs of the owners.
Sofas and armchairs
The central accent in a loft-style living room can be a massive leather sofa combined with comfortable armchairs.
Beds can be with a minimum of details or, conversely, luxurious with intricate headrests. A low bed in light colors or a bed with a mattress on the floor will fit well into the industrial style.
Tables and chairs are distinguished by their functionality and simplicity. If space allows, you can put a massive table in the dining area.
A coffee table is often present in living spaces. It can be wooden or metal, glass or plastic.
Cabinets and racks, cabinets, chests of drawers should not hide the space. There should be a rule here that there should be nothing superfluous in the room, only functional items.
The visual unity of the style will be disrupted by a tall wardrobe; a built-in wardrobe will look great.
Main features of the loft style
Among the main features of the loft style, first of all, is the location of the room - the room is attic or on the top floor of the building.
Polled cow: description and characteristics of a hornless breed
The interior space is free, with a minimum of partitions and divisions into zones.
It is especially valuable if the pipes and ventilation have been preserved.
The walls are made of rough bricks, exposed beams, lanterns on the ceiling, rectangular doors, floors made of old boards, in short, as if you were in a factory.
A mandatory element is huge windows, glass furniture, partitions made of glass blocks and even a roof made entirely of glass.
| Rice. 5. An iron column in a classic style is the central element of a loft-style apartment |
| Rice. 6-7. Railings made of old wooden beams and metal reinforcement |
| Rice. 8. Severe loft style |
Wall decoration
Industrial style leaves a special imprint on wall decoration.
Wallpaper is usually not used in loft style. The exception is coatings that imitate a brick or stone wall.
Wood can be used as wall panels on one or more walls.
Read about how to decorate a wall with laminate here.
Wall panels are used as accents.
A brick wall is the most common option in a loft space.
The plaster is covered with a careless layer of water-based paint in light shades.
Color spectrum
Furniture in the loft style for both home and cafe is selected in accordance with the color decoration of the room. If it is designed in a tone close to natural, the products should be in calm shades: beige, brown, gray, white. If the furnishings are intended to become an accent in the interior, attracting attention, the furniture can be painted in deep colors. The rich purple color goes especially organically with this style.
Colored plastic chairs, yellow or red, can become a bright accent in a living room or restaurant hall. They harmoniously combine with upholstered furniture: sofas, poufs, chairs made of wood or metal.
When decorating a room, it is important to remember that in the loft style there should be only one bright accent. An “attic”, industrial interior does not accept an abundance of flashy shades. However, it is permissible to use furniture in rich colors if the decoration of the room is muted and calm. And to give integrity to the interior, it is worth combining bright tables, chairs or sofas with decor of the same color scheme.
Lighting
A loft-style space must be well lit, so a combination of several light sources is used. Each of the zones can be correctly emphasized using the right devices.
Lamps use spotlights that illuminate exactly the part of the room that needs it.
Chandeliers for this style are suitable with a metal frame. Glass lampshades will complement the look.
Sconces can be located in any area; they can highlight the desired detail located on the wall.
Lamps should not cover the lampshades or they should be transparent, opening the way to light.
Floor lamps create a special coziness. But in such a space they must be of an original design.
Characteristic structures and design
Loft upholstered furniture and other furnishings have the following characteristic features:
- the most simple designs;
- reliable fastenings;
- massiveness, brutality of products.
Furniture is often made on the basis of other products not intended for these purposes. For example, a table leg can be a loom, sofas and beds are made from pallets, bar counters are made from metal barrels, ottomans are made from old suitcases, and wooden cable spools are an excellent base for coffee tables. In general, all loft products can be divided into types:
- Cabinet furniture made of metal, wood, plastic, glass. These are tables, shelves, chests of drawers, chairs. Some of them are compact and do not take up much space, others are bulky and huge.
- Upholstered furniture is most often covered with genuine leather or rough textiles. Products include sofas, couches, armchairs, and ottomans.
- Modular loft systems (rarely encountered, imply the possibility of assembling a single structure from different objects).
- Built-in furniture includes wardrobes, chests of drawers, cupboards, and shelves. The facades of products can be decorated with photo printing, sometimes this is appropriate.
All furniture products must meet the main requirement of the loft style - to be functional and laconic. Hangers, tables, chairs, tables can be on wheels to make them easy to move around the room. As for manufacturing materials, preference should be given to wood, leather, plastic, aluminum, steel, and glass inserts. Furniture in the loft style is usually placed along the walls, leaving the main part of the room empty.
It is better to replace tall cabinets with open hangers, pull-out cabinets, chests of drawers, and shelves in niches.
Hull
Soft
Modular
Built-in
Sofas
Loft style involves using a sofa as the central element of the room. Factory-made furniture rarely fits into this direction, but designer products, transformers, U- and L-shaped ones, boat-shaped models and occasionally universal modular designs are suitable.
Loft sofas in the interior can be complemented with unusual details. For example, expensive leather upholstery, a bulky cascade, swivel casters, wooden armrests. This is furniture of impressive dimensions, multifunctional. Useful built-in elements - drawers for storing bed linen, bars, shelves. As for the color choice, any options are appropriate here; sofas can be neutral, calm shades, or flashy, bright colors.
Armchairs
Loft chairs include traditional designs, hanging products, rocking chairs, wicker chairs, computer models, as well as plastic hemispheres. Office options should be installed on a strong metal base with rectangular armrests, covered with expensive genuine leather. Traditional chairs are low, wide, with a frame made of varnished boards. Large soft pillows can lie on top of them. The rocking chair should be on a solid wood base, with rounded armrests, covered with leather in natural colors.
Features of high-tech furniture, materials for its manufacture
Hanging products look like plastic hemispheres, but are made of rattan and upholstered in high-quality textiles. They are attached to the ceiling, this allows them to sway in time with human movements, which promotes rest and relaxation.
Wardrobes and chests of drawers
Loft chests of drawers and cabinets can be made of metal, wood, glass. These are real works of art that are brought to life by a designer's idea. Products can be decorated with retro ornaments. Furniture with a worn effect, gilding, and peeling corners is well suited. Bulky models do not always fit into this direction; in some cases, small, compact versions of a closet or chest of drawers are more suitable
Tables
Often designers use loft tables made of pipes, but they can also be made of solid wood, metal (legs) or glass (tabletop). In this style they make magazine, desk, and dining models with minimal decor. The shape can be any - both traditional rectangular or round tables and original models reminiscent of the outline of a guitar or sheet are appropriate.
Chairs
Loft chairs are definitely a bright accent of the interior. They can be made of chipboard, solid wood, plastic, metal, stone. The upholstery can be made of textile or leather. Any color, from pastel tones to bright, unusual ones. The design is original, sometimes provocative - for example, a triangular seat and 3 legs, or even a stone base.
Beds
Loft beds, like any other, can be single or double. As for design features, the models can be quite classic - made of solid wood, on regular legs, or more interesting - in the form of a metal platform. There are mobile products on wheels made from pallets. Floating models can be attached to the ceiling using ropes. A “floating” bed is made using legs located in the center of the frame, they are not visible, and this creates the desired effect.
The trend is for beds made of timber - they look a little careless, but at the same time very original.
As for colors, it is better to choose calm shades: gray, cinnamon, white, and other natural tones. An interesting addition would be a canopy made of plain textiles or any coarse fabric.
Shelves, bookcases, racks
All storage systems are made of solid wood, MDF or laminated chipboard. The frame is most often metal. The product with a black base looks interesting. Some models are equipped with wheels for easy movement around the room. Antique-style furniture looks impressive. In the photo you can see how original the combination of metal and wood shelves in one piece looks.
Loft-style shelving is often used to zone space.
Curtains
In very sunny rooms, it is permissible to use blinds or roller blinds.
In a situation where you want to add a little coziness, you can mix styles and leave the window space open. Classic curtains coupled with tulle will be used.
Decor
Accessories create a complete look, they complement the atmosphere and highlight the designer’s work.
Shelves are a necessary addition to a loft interior; they do not clutter up the space and do not block light.
The watch should be in harmony with the created style. It is better to choose models where the mechanism is visible.
Partitions are unnecessary in a loft. It's better to get rid of them. But some zones need to be separated, for which screens or shelving can be used.
A fireplace was originally required to heat such a large space. Now it is often installed only as an element of industrial style.
Hangers serve their purpose by replacing bulky cabinets. They can be metal or wood, equipped with casters for easy movement, or attached to the wall.
The TV can be mounted directly to the wall or mounted on a cabinet.
Flowers can be different, but placed in original pots or vases.
Interior doors . Usually these are sliding structures on a metal mechanism that they do not try to hide.
Materials and forms of loft furniture with photo examples in the interior
“Loft” is an industrial direction and only natural materials are used for the manufacture of furniture in this style. It could be:
- tree;
- metal;
- glass;
- thick textiles;
- leather.
Also, for the manufacture of furniture, especially designer furniture, stumps, transport pallets, fittings, pipes, remains of construction and finishing materials, staples, etc. are used.
PHOTO: loftdesigne.ru Even waste building materials and pipe trimmings are suitable for creating furniture in the loft style
Tables and chairs
Industrial style tables and chairs are simple and practical. Despite the fact that metal is often used as a base, they do not look heavy. Loft is primarily about functionality. Nowadays, entire collections of unusual dining, desk or coffee tables are offered. Designer models are also very popular.
PHOTO: domkm.ru Probably, the designer was inspired to create such a table by a construction wheelbarrow with cut-off sides
PHOTO: avatars.mds.yandex.net Simple, beautiful and practical PHOTO: design-homes.ru Loft as a waste-free production - nothing goes to waste PHOTO: avatars.mds.yandex.net Original table with chain legs PHOTO: i.pinimg .com From scraps of water pipes, couplings and tees you can make an original bar stool
Cushioned furniture
A beautiful and comfortable sofa, which is usually accompanied by a pair of armchairs, will help you relax comfortably at home. To make their frame, metal and natural wood are used, and the upholstery can be leather or durable textiles. Vintage furniture with scuffs, as well as artificially aged items, look stylish. By the way, the elements of the set can be from different collections.
PHOTO: emodicasa.ru What would a house be without a large, comfortable sofa PHOTO: prtfl.co.il Original set made of wooden beams and textiles
PHOTO: static.tildacdn.com Transport pallets are often used to make loft-style chairs PHOTO: avatars.mds.yandex.net Sofa made from pallets - inexpensive, practical and in the loft spirit PHOTO: n11scdn.akamaized.net Ottoman made from a wooden box
Beds
A bed is an essential element of the furniture of any apartment or house. It should be durable and beautiful. The bed base can be made from water pipes, pallets, or even old railroad ties. Often decorated with decorative lighting.
PHOTO: image.jimcdn.com
PHOTO: i.pinimg.com
PHOTO: static.tildacdn.com
Dressers and nightstands
Loft-style chests of drawers and cabinets are simple, solid and roomy. Despite the roughness of the forms and the simplicity of the materials, even modern technology looks harmonious on them. Basically, square tube and natural wood are used for industrial style chests of drawers and cabinets.
Consoles and shelving
Lofts can most often be found in studio apartments, where there are practically no partitions. But you need to somehow delimit the functional zones, and here shelving and cantilever structures can come to the rescue. They divide the space, serve as a storage system and decor. Thanks to the open design, the shelving does not clutter up the space. These can be low console tables or large shelves up to the ceiling.
Tall and built-in wardrobes
No home is complete without cabinets: closed, open, built-in. Loft-style apartments are no exception. To make more efficient use of space, designers recommend installing ceiling-height storage systems. Firstly, such cabinets look better, and secondly, their capacity increases. The same applies to structures built into niches. Supplementing them with mirrored or glass, tinted facades will make the interior more original and the space visually larger.
Related article:
Lamps in the loft style : features of lighting fixtures in the industrial style, types of loft lamps, lighting of various rooms, how to make a loft lamp with your own hands, photo examples of lighting fixtures for the industrial style - read the publication.
Loft style colors
The color palette is limited to strict shades. Light colors are often used: white, beige, which give maximum light output and expand the space. The loft contains gray colors - the color of concrete and brown - natural wood colors. Black Bright colors complement the look with decorative accessories and effectively complete the look.
Classic colors for this style are gray, white and black. But terracotta and brown colors are also often used.
Floor
A classic for industrial design is concrete flooring.
But for a living space it is cold. It is usually replaced in residential areas with parquet, wooden boards or laminate.
Ceramics, artificial stone or mosaics in gray tones are suitable for a bathroom, kitchen, or hallway.
DIY ideas
Lamps made by hand in the loft style are very popular. They can be created from anything you have at hand: cans, bottles, cords, pipe scraps.
You can also make an original coffee table yourself, combining a wooden base and a glass top.
You can make a chair from wooden pallets. Perfect for a comfortable rest on the balcony.
Studio apartment
The space of studio apartments should be used especially rationally, so the best design solution would be the loft style, which implies minimalism in furniture and decor.
Design of a studio apartment in loft style:
No partitions. In such apartments, the kitchen is often separated from the main room by a bar counter or dining table. Openness will visually expand the space and make the room brighter. The racks look beautiful, smoothly blending into the brickwork of the wall. Thanks to this design move, a unified style is created. A suitable addition to a small table made of glass or metal would be wooden chairs, folding stools or bar stools.
The space of studio apartments should be used especially rationally
- Minimum set of furniture - studio apartments often cannot boast of a large area, so you should refrain from bulky walls and huge sofas. Choose a simple, solid-colored pullout sofa that can be placed against the wall or partition separating the guest room from the kitchen. A small angular coffee table, a bean bag chair, or a soft pouf would look appropriate.
- The hallway should be made in warm colors with imitation brickwork made of decorative bricks. Limit yourself to simple furniture. A small ottoman for putting on shoes, a modest wooden shoe shelf, a mirrored wardrobe or built-in storage for clothes with a mirror will be quite enough.
- If your studio apartment has high ceilings, then you can allocate an upper tier for the bedroom. Select decor for the bedroom and other loft-style rooms based on your preferences. The main thing is that it is not too bright and unnecessary. For textiles in the bedroom, use only a matching bedspread and a small bedside rug.
Use a minimal set of furniture
The means of ascending to the second floor of a loft-style apartment (if there is one) is a comfortable staircase with glass, metal or glossy railings and sides. Try to stick to light colors in its decoration so that they match the decoration of the lower and upper floors.
Of course, the bathroom should be separated from the other part of the loft-style studio apartment.
Tip Leave one wall untreated to preserve the style; the rest can be finished with decorative stone or tiles.
In a small bathroom, you shouldn’t go overboard with the plumbing. A toilet, an unusual washbasin with shiny taps, a white or bronze claw-foot bathtub will be enough to create the effect of antiquity.
