How to Style a Loft Apartment

Loft apartment is, like, the pinnacle of cool. You know the vibe: soaring ceilings, raw industrial finishes, and enough square footage to make you feel like you live in an art gallery. But let’s be honest—styling a loft can be daunting. You want it to look effortlessly chic, like a design museum, but not like you’re trying too hard (even though you are). The key? Balancing timeless pieces with modern practicality. Let’s dive into some iconic design history while making sure your loft apartment screams sophistication and creativity.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll love too. Your support helps keep this blog running – thank you!

1 De Sede – Terrazza Sofa
2 Cassina – 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Petit Modéle Armchair
3 Herman Miller – Eames Lounge Chair
4 Knoll – Bertoia Diamand Chair
5 Castelli Italy – Plia Chair
6 Longhi – Elda Chair
7 Ligne Roset – Togo Sofa
8 Knoll – MR Chair by Mies van der Rohe
9 Cassina – LC4 Chaise Lounge Chair designed by Le Corbusier
10 Vitra – RAR Rocking Chair
11 B&B Italia – Camaleonda Sofa
12 Knoll – Wassily Chair designed by Marcel Breuer

1 Bang & Olufsen – Beosound A9 Speaker
2 Herman Miller – Nelson Platform Bench
3 Louis Poulsen – PH 3/2 Table Lamp
4 Artemide – Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp
5 Knoll – Laccio Table designed by Marcel Breuer
6 &Tradition – VP9 Flowerpot Table Lamp
7 Flos – Taccia Floor Lamp
8 Kartell – Compnibili Storage
9 USM – Haller Modern Media Console
10 Louis Poulsen – Panthella Table Lamp
11 Kartell – Mobil Mat Trolley
12 CassiCon – E1027 Adjustable Table designed by Eileen Gray
13 Audo Copenhagen – Plinth Coffee Table
14 Herman Miller – Eames Turned Side Table
15 Louis Poulsen – VL Studio Lamp
16 Flos – Arco Floor Lamp
17 B&B Italia – Alanda 18 Coffee Table
18 Flos – Noctambule Floor Lamp
19 Herman Miller – Check Rug designed by Alexander Girard

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll love too. Your support helps keep this blog running—thank you!

Step 1

Embrace the Loft’s Industrial Origins

Let’s rewind to the mid-20th century. Loft apartments started as factory spaces in cities like New York and London. These industrial buildings had big windows, open plans, and no walls – literally a dream canvas for creative types. Artists in the 1950s and ’60s flocked to these spaces for their affordability and aesthetic potential. Fast-forward to now, and lofts have become prime real estate for anyone who wants their living space to double as a statement.

To honor those gritty industrial vibes, go for furniture and decor that pairs sleek lines with raw textures. The Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller is a perfect example. Designed in 1946, it’s clean, functional, and unapologetically modern. Plop it near your entryway or use it as a low table – it’s versatile and, frankly, gorgeous.

Step 2

Softening the Edges with Plush Comfort

Here’s the thing about lofts:  the metal accents and concrete floors have a way of making the space feel a little cold. You need furniture that brings warmth without compromising on the loft aesthetic. Make room for the Togo Sofa by Ligne Roset and the Camaleonda Sofa by B&B Italia. These pieces are sculptures. Both designed in the 1970s, both scream retro but timeless, so they’re just perfect for a loft.

The Togo Sofa, with it slow-sitting profile and quilted appearance, is cozy but high-end. And the modular nature of Camaleonda makes it possible to rearrange it ad infinitum – perfect for us humans who change our configuration minds, as in, like, every two weeks.

Step 3

Lighting That’s More Than Functional

Lighting in a loft is everything. With those high ceilings, you can make a serious statement. I’m talking about lights that double as art pieces. The Arco Floor Lamp by Flos is a classic for a reason. Designed by the Castiglioni brothers in 1962, this lamp is like a bridge between function and sculpture. Its sweeping arch and marble base will elevate any corner of your loft (literally and figuratively).

For tabletop options, look no further than the Taccia Table Lamp by Flos or the VP9 Flowerpot Lamp by &Tradition. These lamps are little slices of design history that add warmth and sophistication without trying too hard.

And, of course, we can’t forget ceiling fixtures. The PH 5 Pendant Lamp by Louis Poulsen is minimalist perfection. It’s like the cherry on top of your industrial-meets-modern sundae.

Step 4

Adding Vintage Charm

If you’re going for the whole “I found this at a flea market” aesthetic without actually having to scour flea markets (because who has time for that?), you need iconic mid-century furniture. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Herman Miller is a no-brainer. Designed in 1956, it’s peak luxury and comfort. Pair it with a low coffee table like the Alanda 18 by B&B Italia for that effortless vintage-modern mix.

For smaller accents, try the Laccio Table by Marcel Breuer. It’s Bauhaus brilliance in table form—simple, functional, and striking. It’s a piece that works anywhere, from a bedside table to a minimalist coffee setup.

Step 5

Injecting a Dose of Playfulness

Lofts can sometimes feel a little too serious with all the concrete and steel, so don’t forget to have fun with your decor. The Safari Tufted Rug by Ferm Living is the perfect way to inject some boldness.

Speaking of playful, the RAR Rocking Chair by Vitra is a quirky yet classic addition. Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames, it’s proof that furniture can be both functional and whimsical.

Step 6

Storage Solutions That Don’t Ruin the Aesthetic

Let’s be real: loft apartment can sometimes lack traditional storage options. But that doesn’t mean you have to resort to ugly solutions. The USM Haller Open Media Console by USM is sleek, modular, and perfect for storing books, vinyl, or tech gadgets. For smaller items, the Mobil Mat Trolley by Kartell and the Componibili Storage by Kartell are lifesavers. Both are compact, chic, and, dare I say, adorable.

Step 7

Mixing Materials for Contrast

One of the best ways to make a loft feel curated (rather than like a giant echo chamber) is to mix your materials. Contrast is key. Pair the warm walnut of the Eames Turned Stool by Herman Miller with the sleek stone of the Doric Coffee Table by Gubi. Add a little glass with the Bertoia Diamond Chair by Knoll—a piece that’s as much about what it doesn’t show (thanks to its wireframe) as what it does.

Want to double down on luxury? The LC4 Chaise Longue by Le Corbusier for Cassina is iconic for a reason. It’s the epitome of functional art, blending chrome and leather in a way that’s both minimalist and over-the-top fabulous.

Step 8

Finishing Touches That Matter

No loft is complete without a few statement-making accessories. The Noctambule Floor Lamp by Flos adds a futuristic vibe, while the E1027 Adjustable Table by Eileen Gray is both practical and a conversation starter. For wall art, consider framing a bold abstract print or leaning a full-length mirror against the wall for that extra dimension.

And can we talk about chairs for a second? The Elda Chair by Longhi is an underrated gem. It’s plush, retro, and somehow futuristic at the same time—a total showstopper in any loft setting.