40 Stylish Living Rooms That Use Concrete To Stand Out

Concrete has long acted as a foundation for many homes. Its practical applications are certainly common knowledge as an affordable and durable basis for buildings of all types. However, it was not until fairly recently that concrete became more of a focal point -- and interior design element that went beyond practical into an aesthetic choice. In this round up, you will see not only the more expected industial-style living rooms that use exposed brick and concrete for an unfinished look, but also sleek, modern, minimalist, and even somewhat rustic designs that allow the concrete effect to shine, either as a focal point or an accent.

1 | Visualizer: Hatice Unsal

In this bright living room, indoor house plants stand in stark contrast to the concrete accent wall for a beautiful marriage of the natural and manmade.

2 | Source: B&B Italia

Of course, keeping the greenery outside and embracing the many shades of gray is also a valid choice.

3 | Designer: One Work

You will see in many of these living rooms that wood and concrete work well together, here as a frame for a simple, modern sofa.

4 | Visualizer: Ricardo Ferreira

The use of concrete certainly does not have to preclude art, color, or playfulness as demonstrated in this ode to the King of Pop.

5 | Via: Projem

Bright pops of color have even more impact against a concrete wall, like these stunning orange pieces of art.

6 | Visualizer: Marta Gord

In this living room, the placement of the window creates a stunning contrast between outside and the stark concrete wall.

7 | Visualizer: AB Architects

The decorative carvings in this wall give the concrete a softer effect.

8 | Visualizer: Elena Lapshina

When concrete goes beyond one accent wall, other elements have to be dramatic to have the same impact. And what’s more dramatic than a life-sized horse statue?

9 | Visualizer: Anthony Kalambet

Lighting is another critical element when dealing with concrete — not enough and a room can quickly devolve into a cave.

10 | Visualizer: Taner CANDAN

Painted concrete can add an extra layer of warmth while keeping the interesting texture.

11 | Visualizer: Janire Delgado

Concrete can provide an effective backdrop for minimalism.

12 | Designer: Sergey Makhno Architects

The rivets in this concrete design take the place of the pattern a wallpaper or art might add.

13 | Visualizer: Luydmila Todorova

While the logistics of mounting a television to a concrete wall may be intense, there’s no denying the sleek and stylish results.

14 | Visualizer: Wertikal Constructions

The concrete in this particular living room is a bit more subtle, but acts as an ideal frame for the fireplace.

15 | Source: Concrete Works

The texture in this concrete fireplace actually mimics wood while the smooth concrete flooring creates contrast.

16 | Visualizer: Hot Walls

Soft textures also work well alongside concrete — here in a plush orange chair and soft rug.

17 | Visualizer: Bruno Tarsia

In this living room, unique floor lamps flank simple furniture for a modern but comfortable effect.

18 | Visualizer: Andrew Skliarov

An overstuffed sofa like this one can also work well.

19 | Designer: Tanya Dorokhina

Lighting and shelving make this concrete wall a focal point in a pitched ceiling living room.

20 | Visualizer: Alexander Yukhymets

In an open floorplan, the light gray of concrete creates a theme for the entire living area.

21 | Visualizer: KDVA Architects

Pink and gray, soft and hard, concrete and wood — this tiny apartment in Moscow is a lesson in contrast.

22 | Visualizer: Xdream3D

Recessed lighting brightens up this concrete ceiling once the sun goes down.

23 | Visualizer: Algimantas Raubiška

In this apartment, the industrial home decor works with concrete, brick, and cool lighting elements.

24 | Architect: Marta Gord

Exposed wood ceiling beams in this living room show the more rustic side of concrete.

25 | Visualizer: Ruslana Petrovskaya

Vaulted ceilings, exposed pipes and white bricks have a dramatic impact in this industrial loft.

26 | Visualizer: KDVA Architects

Minimalist reigns in this sunken living room with white furniture and concrete ceilings.

27 | Visualizer: Kerem Mucur & Aytaç Yalçın

A simple color scheme acts as the frame for an oversized piece of artwork in this living space.

28 | Designer: E.Cobb Architects

Concrete and glass are a classic combo in this lake house living room.

29 | Visualizer: Olena Berezko

The glass globe chandelier in this artsy living room is a focal point centered on the concrete wall.

30 | Visualizer: Kando Architects

Wood paneling and creative lighting turn this living room into a riverbed in a highly unique design.