Guest Picks: Vintage-Industrial Big Boy Bedroom
Outfit your not-so-little man's room with these furniture pieces and accessories that will bring out his mechanical side
Let’s face it, kids moving from early childhood into their tween years isn’t easy on any of us. It has been especially difficult for me to let go of the cute nurseries and young bedrooms, but I’m actually really excited to make the big boys’ room a more mature space that can carry them through the rest of their years at home. (Sniff, sniff … )
I was stoked when I landed on this vintage-industrial style for their room! It’s masculine; it incorporates the vintage items that I love; and it utilizes the airplane, travel and cartography items that they love. It’s a win for everyone! — Ann Marie from Twice Lovely
I was stoked when I landed on this vintage-industrial style for their room! It’s masculine; it incorporates the vintage items that I love; and it utilizes the airplane, travel and cartography items that they love. It’s a win for everyone! — Ann Marie from Twice Lovely
Photos & Products
Model G Airplane Blueprint, Profile - $179
I love the simplicity and austerity of this engineering print of an old airplane. It’s rugged and mechanical and perfection for any vintage-industrial room — but it’s especially wonderful for airplane-happy little boys.
Blackhawk Nightstand - $899
No retailer does the vintage-industrial look quite like Restoration Hardware Baby & Child. Though their high-end prices make their pieces inaccessible to many, they’re a great source of inspiration for vintage-industrial room design! I adore this airplane-inspired riveted nightstand. I was actually inspired by this piece to create my own similar piece with an old waterfall-style vanity.
Voyager Steamer Desk - $1,099
This steamer trunk–inspired desk is a clever take on an old classic. I love its warm patina, and nothing says vintage industrial like lots of riveting.
Industrial Steel Pipe Bed - $649
Steel pipe and fittings are such a flexible medium, making it a must for creating a vintage-industrial look in a room. If you don’t have the dough for this version, I bet a handy husband could replicate the look.
Vintage Locker Wide Dresser - $1,299
Lockers are a great element for the vintage-industrial look, but authentic sets are sometimes difficult to find and the configurations are not always practical for everyday storage. That’s why I love this locker-inspired dresser. If money were no issue, I’d surely be able to outfit the entire room with them.
Bedford Wicker Accent Wood Top End Table - $166
Vintage-industrial design doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I love this side table from Overstock, one of my favorite affordable home decor sources. It would make a great nightstand.
Hammered Silver Table Lamp - $103.99
I love how this table lamp mimics an old airplane with the rivets, patina and lines. Don’t overlook how strong accessories like this one can really make the design!
Industrial Hollywood 49-Inch Studio Tripod Floor Clock - $117.99
I’m positively gaga for this tripod clock! It reminds me of an old theater spotlight. I love fun accents, and this one fits the bill.
Departures Antique Gas Pump Decorative Clock - $84.95
Gosh, here’s another amazing clock option from Overstock! I love the old gas pump–inspired look. In an otherwise monochrome space, the pop of red would be a welcome addition.
Casa Cortes Tandem Bicycle Accent Clock
Oh my goodness, Overstock does have some fun clocks — I can’t stop! I love this old tandem bike clock. It’s especially great if you’re trying to work the vintage travel theme into a room, which I am.
Essex Chair - $459.99
Every bedroom needs a cozy reading spot. A nice leather chesterfield is a comfy place to take in a book.
Oxidized Iron Task Lamp - $79.99
I love the soft patina on this oxidized iron task lamp from World Market. It’s great as a reading light on a nightstand or a task light on a desk.
Wood and Metal Shelved Asher Desk - $349.99
I love the way this bookshelf/desk from World Market utilizes the vertical space in a room — which is important in a child’s bedroom, as storage space is of the essence. I love the mix of the rustic wood with the metal elements as well.
Wood USA Wall Map - $79.99
Cartography is such a great element to add to a vintage-industrial room, and I am smitten with this rustic plank wood map from World Market. It’s great for the little geography buffs.
Art.com is a great resource for frame-able wall decor. They have several of these vintage Popular Science magazine covers from the ‘20s. I think they would be awesome as a collection on the wall.
Vintage-Industrial Fan, Roman Bronze - $397.37
In Arizona, and many other places in the country, the ceiling fan is a necessary evil and definitely a design hurdle. I love the look of this option from Arcadian Home, sold through Amazon — oh, Amazon, how I love thee.
Vintage Bar Stool, Industrial Metal Design, Wood Top Adjustable Height - $109.95
Repurposed items are big in vintage-industrial design. I’d love to see this stool used as a nightstand, but it would also be a great desk chair.
Elgin 3514E Bedside Alarm Clock - $4.29
I love the Machine Age look of this vintage-inspired alarm clock. And what tween or teen boy doesn’t need a little help getting up in the morning?
Råskog Kitchen Cart, Dark Gray - $49.99
Multifunctional storage pieces like the Raskog cart from Ikea (a steal at $50!) can be so versatile in a kids’ bedroom. I could see this used as a nightstand or as storage next to a desk, or it can be on the move too.
Pugg Wall Clock - $14.99
I love the idea of using these inexpensive clocks from Ikea to create a wall of clocks with the times from some of your favorite places around the world.
Next: 12 Ways to Get the Industrial Look for Less
Next: 12 Ways to Get the Industrial Look for Less