Loft is one of the most frequently chosen interior design themes. You can spot it not only in houses and apartments, but also in cafés and restaurants. It looks great, especially in open spaces. Find out how to arrange a loft-style living room.
Loft style and its features
The origins of the loft style should be sought in the United States in the 1950s. The crisis that was present at that time meant that many factories ceased to function. Over time, the abandoned, industrial spaces became artists' studios, and soon also their apartments. Post-industrial interiors were characterized by:
- spaciousness and large area,
- high ceiling,
- minimalism and simplicity,
- large windows that let in a lot of natural light,
- severity and coldness.
The post-factory spaces guaranteed a lot of space, which allowed for a fairly free arrangement. The loft style is very often treated as a synonym for the industrial style, due to the same origin. Despite many similarities, these styles differ from each other.
Modern loft style in the living room
Apartments decorated in a loft style can give the impression of being empty and undeveloped. In fact, however, they are very well-thought-out and planned interiors in the way that gives the impression of being extremely spacious. The contemporary version of the loft style is suited to modern construction. However, it still looks best in vast spaces. With proper planning, the specific loft atmosphere can also be transferred to smaller living rooms in the block.
The modern loft style still draws a lot from the original. It is good if the rooms are high and have many windows, so that the interior is illuminated by natural light. A living room arranged in this way will be universal, and its appropriate furnishing will make it an ideal place to rest and spend time with family and friends.
Loft-style living room - who is it for?
A living room arranged in a loft style is something for minimalists who appreciate free and modern space. Fans of neutral colors, simplicity and originality will feel good in loft living rooms. Ingeniously decorated lofts are very often chosen by representatives of the artistic community and architects who can enhance the interior with loft and industrial posters by his authorship.
The colors of the loft living room
The colours of the loft living room are not very wide. The colour palette is actually limited to white and grey. You can also meet black in loft living room, most often present in the form of accessories. The subdued colours can also be extended with pastel yellow or turquoise. Bright colours are perfect for small rooms. They will optically enlarge them and make them cosier. A loft-style living room is also glass, concrete, steel and solid wood.
Despite the fact that this style comes from the same period as the industrial style (and is also very similar to it), it will not contain many elements that directly refer to abandoned factories and warehouses. Brick or concrete walls are very popular in this style, often as a background for decor features like posters or graphics.
Loft furniture for the living room
One of the most characteristic elements of a loft-style living room is furniture. These elements should be made of the highest quality materials. The living room can not lack a sofa or a large corner sofa, holstered in leather or dark fabric. Leisure furniture should provide the highest quality of comfort in order to balance the roughness of the interior.
It is good to place a coffee table near the sofa, preferably made of a combination of wood and metal. A table with glass elements will also suit this type of arrangement. In spacious interiors, you can try a comfortable armchair. A very characteristic element of the loft living room is a wooden table on metal legs, chests of drawers and shelves in a similar style.
Loft accessories for the living room
A loft-style living room shouldn't be overwhelmed with accessories. However, this does not mean it should be completely empty. Contrary to the industrial style, the loft style is definitely more cosy. And all this thanks to the appropriate decorations.
- Textiles
A loft living room is a place that should be minimalist, but also comfortable. Therefore, soft carpets would be perfect here. Ideally, they should have geometric patterns and delicate, neutral colours. - Lamps
Lamps are an obligatory addition to a loft living room. All kinds of hanging or standing lamps on wooden legs will fit the loft living room, as well as lamps made of metal covered in brass. It is worth mentioning that the loft does not like cold light. The warm shade will make the whole interior cosy, and the most important elements of the room will be properly exposed. - Posters
Lofts love minimalist black and white posters with black frames. These types of decorations look great not only when hung on the walls, but also placed on the ground or leaning against the wall. The loft-like atmosphere can also be emphasized by posters for the living room in colours referring to materials such as copper or brick. - Plants
A loft interior loves plants much more than one that is decorated in an industrial style. Intense greenery perfectly breaks the "industrial" vibe, giving it a cosy character. However, it is worth choosing one or two floral accents to maintain a minimalistic consistency. The loft-style living room will suit the popular monsters.
Loft living room in a flat
Loft arrangement is all about space. However, this does not mean that it cannot be applied in smaller rooms. It is good if the loft living room in a flat is connected with the kitchen. This will create an impression of space and depth. You can also optically enlarge the interior by using the appropriate wall murals for the living room in an industrial or loft style. Geometric patterns in shades of grey or white will work great. Bright colours will additionally enliven the interior and make it seem more spacious.
A limited space of the loft living room in a flat requires careful planning. To achieve the effect of open space, it is good to limit the necessary interior elements to the absolute minimum. The best idea would be to demolish the partition walls and replace them with glass elements. This would allow more daylight to enter the interior. If this type of solution is impossible to implement, you should focus on additional lighting for the loft living room. Edison's bulbs will not only provide a sufficient amount of warm light, but will also be an excellent interior decoration. Large windows without curtains and curtains will give the room a specific loft character.
Instead of a large corner, put on a comfortable sofa. Giving up a coffee table will certainly save space, e.g. for an industrial chest of drawers or an RTV cabinet. When it comes to additives, let's be modest. A loft poster or potted plants will certainly emphasize the minimalist and specific atmosphere of the room.
A loft living room is a place that draws inspiration from the raw and minimalist industrial style. However, it is definitely cosier, which makes staying in it a real pleasure. Loft arrangements will be appreciated by those who love original and minimalist solutions.
