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This post shows you 19 cottagecore bedroom ideas to transform your space into a European countryside retreat.
There are few things in life as idyllic as Kate Winslet’s cottage in The Holiday: the perfect mix of effortless elegance and countryside simplicity. You can imagine how delighted I was when the Internet introduced me to an entire aesthetic that could channel that same peaceful and slow-living energy: enter cottagecore.
Keep on reading if you are interested in discovering 19 different ideas on how to create the perfect cottagecore bedroom to have your very own British countryside retreat (bonus points if you have your own Jude Law for authenticity).
Drawing Inspiration from the European Countryside to Create a Cozy and Peaceful Bedroom
When it comes to achieving a cottagecore bedroom, it’s crucial to understand the core principles of this style. Unless you live in a cottage in the British countryside, you will need to take its pillars and adapt them to your environment. You want to avoid having your interior design look completely out of space!
This aesthetic heavily relies on creating a sense of nostalgic simplicity by combining vintage botanical prints and natural materials in rustic colors. Mix and match of unique pieces, as well as a general sense of well-managed chaos, are fundamental. A cottagecore bedroom should be filled with sentimental items that give your space plenty of character and complement the simpler, vintage furniture that makes up the backbone of your room.
Never forget two key words: simplicity and nature. Take inspiration from your garden, from your grandmother’s house, and from antique markets to create your own version of what cottagecore looks like.
Now that you have a good understanding of the overarching theme we are trying to achieve, let’s look at 19 practical ideas to turn your bedroom into a cottagecore dream!
19 Cottagecore Bedroom Ideas
1. Wicker Headboard
A wicker headboard is the perfect starting piece for your cottagecore bedroom.
The earthy color of rattan and the delicacy of the woven pattern combine in a delicate but solid piece of furniture that reminds you of older, simpler times. If you are looking to add a statement, choose a headboard with interesting curved lines or elements of decor on its lining.
A great tip is to simply replace your current headboard without changing your entire bed frame. Simply match your wicker headboard with a linen bed skirt: a match made in cottagecore heaven!
2. Gingham Bedding
If there is one print that reminds me of sunny days and picnics outdoors, that is gingham.
Also called Vichy, if you prefer that French je ne sais quoi, this fabric can come in a multitude of colors, making it extremely easy for you to match new bedding with your existing furniture or wall paint.
Gingham sheets will add a touch of fun and personality to your bedroom, complementing the more neutral tones of the wooden furniture that is characteristic of cottagecore interiors. Choose bedding with ruffles for an extra girly touch.
3. Classic Quilt
I find quilts to be one of the few items of home decor truly worth investing in.
A handmade, beautiful quilt like the one in the inspiration photo above is sure to transform your bed. I suggest you make a project out of this and sew one yourself if you have a sewing machine available (or hand-stitch it if you are a pro!). This will give you full control over the pattern and the size of your quilt, making it a truly unique piece of decor.
If DIY is not the way to go for you, make sure to check out Etsy. There are plenty of talented small businesses that are only waiting for you to purchase one of their creations.
4. Vintage Wood Dresser
Another cornerstone of cottagecore bedrooms, vintage wooden dressers are here to transform your space.
Be mindful not to choose wood that is too modern or low-quality; your furniture pieces need to look like they can stand the test of time. You may also want to avoid knobs or handles that are too decorative. Think back to one of our keywords: simplicity!
A great way to find affordable options when it comes to vintage wooden furniture is to scout antique markets in your area. It may take a few tries but you are likely to find some authentic gems if you commit to the search.
5. Vintage Gold Mirror
There is one piece of maximalism decor that will work well in your cottagecore bedroom: a golden vintage mirror.
Despite the potentially extravagant look, antique mirrors often come with solid wood frames. This feature, together with the antiqued surface, can truly help take your room back in time in an effortless way.
Make sure to avoid sleek lines and stick to a vintage design to create a well-fitting accent piece.
6. Antique Portrait Art
Is it even a British cottage if there is no portrait of a charming woman from a different era hanging on the wall? The answer is no.
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts when it comes to cottagecore and art: it will need to look authentic. As tempting as it sounds to buy a shiny poster and place it on the wall, I promise this is a case where you should prioritize effort rather than convenience.
If you can afford it, buy a portrait painting. Etsy is a great place to discover new artists whose work can only cost a few hundred dollars. Another option is to purchase a good-quality poster and then invest some time to make your printed art look like a painting. I have followed these tips by Erin Zabot and I am very happy with the result.
7. Botanical Wallpaper
Recreate this photo:
Cottagecore is very forgiving when it comes to walls: a simple white wall will perfectly fit the style.
However, if you are looking to elevate your cottagecore bedroom and add a touch of luxury, botanical wallpaper will be your best friend. Make sure to choose a pattern that reminds you of a peaceful garden on a sunny day – flowers, birds, and plants are the elements you are going for.
Do not despair if you are a fellow renter, there are plenty of peel-and-stick options that will help you achieve this exact look at a fraction of the price and without risking your deposit.
8. Earthy Color Palette
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An elevated color palette mixing sophisticated colors with your neutrals is what you need if you are struggling with deciding between cottage core and elegant, traditional interior design.
Opt for deep burgundy and green to add a twist to the standard cottagecore aesthetic, adding a touch of dark academia to your bedroom.
Make sure to choose very classic furniture with simple lines if you start integrating more colors into your cottagecore bedroom. You will need to find a careful balance so as not to stride too far away from the core principles of this style.
9. Cozy Reading Corner
If you are lucky enough to have a large bedroom, a great addition to your space could be a cozy reading corner.
A matching vintage armchair and ottoman will make you want to cuddle up with a book and some team, leaning into the slow-paced life that is the very inspiration for cottage core.
A great tip is to search Facebook marketplace or local antique markets for a cheap set. Simply select a fabric and have the pieces reupholstered; they will look and feel brand new!
10. Layered Rugs & Carpet
Rugs are often an underrated item of decor, but they can contribute to taking your space to the next level.
When working with cottagecore core, it’s important to focus on vintage rugs in thick, good-quality fabrics like jute and wool.
Don’t be afraid to layer different rugs and colors for an effortlessly chic look. Especially if you decide to use very simple furniture and a limited selection of colors for the space, rugs will help add dimension to your bedroom, making it more visually interesting.
11. Upholstered Chaise Longue
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- Upholstered Chaise Longue (Buy on Amazon) – neutral
- Upholstered Chaise Longue (Wayfair) – floral
A piece from a different time, a classic upholstered chaise longue will be a great addition to your cottagecore bedroom.
Choose a floral print and a beautiful material like thick cotton or linen to embrace the elegant simplicity that is so characteristic of this style. A good alternative could also be velvet, but be mindful to choose an earthy color to balance the more luxurious look of the fabric.
12. Botanical Art Gallery
I like to think of gallery walls as the salt of interior design. You can add one to most spaces and it will bring out its best character, and not having one will most likely make things more bland.
The perfect cottagecore bedroom will also include a gallery wall, and what subject could be more fitting than a selection of delicate botanical prints? Go for a set of matching flowers or plants for a delicate take on art that will complement perfectly your floral decor and natural tones.
13. Victorian Metal Vintage Bed Frame
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If you find wicker bed frames to be too much on the casual side of cottagecore, an amazing alternative would be a Victorian-inspired metal frame.
Be careful not to choose an option that leans too heavily on the industrial style. The key to maintaining a vintage look with such a modern material is to prioritize elements of decor like classic knobs or touches of brass.
Once again, local antique markets can be a great place to find authentic vintage options. Alternatively, you can go for a cheaper replica on Amazon; you will be surprised at the variety of affordable options available for metal bed frames (I have linked one I love above – check it out!)
14. Statement Curtains
Another idea for you if you are trying to create a more upscale version of a cottagecore bedroom: statement curtains.
A classic set of floor-to-ceiling curtains will visually elongate your bedroom, particularly useful if you are working with a smaller space.
Play with small floral prints to add some interesting patterns alongside more simple neutral colors to infuse your personality into the room and add a fun, unexpected touch. Alternatively, go for chic lace curtains to let light flow in and avoid visual clutter for very small rooms.
15. Mirrored Wooden Wardrobe
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Continuing our journey into beautiful cottagecore vintage pieces, I could not leave out a mirrored wardrobe.
A hard find and quite an investment, if you are looking for an authentic antique piece, you can also use this item as an inspiration to transform your closet.
Opt for a classic wooden wardrobe and install antiqued mirrors on its doors to effortlessly combine functionality and style.
16. Brass/Gold Sconces for a Vintage Look
If you are like me, you cannot imagine having a cottagecore bedroom and not spending hours in bed reading, cozied up in this little piece of countryside heaven.
To preserve our eyesight through the upcoming reading sessions, we will need some good-quality lighting. I love these classic wall-mounted fixtures with an adjustable arm – just what you need to adjust lighting based on what you are doing.
If you are a fellow renter, bonus tip: you do not need wiring to have wall-mounted sconces – simply use rechargeable light bulbs! These are USB-chargeable and adjustable.
17. Wooden Rocking Chair
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Nothing is more representative of slow living and cottagecore than a beautiful wooden rocking chair.
While you may think it only belongs on a porch, it can be a surprisingly charming piece for your cottagecore bedroom too.
If you love this idea but are working with a smaller space, simply use the chair as a bedside table. You’ll save space and add an original touch to your decor. Simply make sure to select a chair that is stable enough!
18. Small Wooden Side Tables
I have always loved the look of small side tables – quirky on one hand, and visually interesting when combined with larger decor items on top of them like a vase of flowers or a lamp.
Tiny raw wood night tables will be an adorable addition to your cottagecore bedroom; a perfect combination of simplicity and quality that brings you back to the core principles of this aesthetic.
19. Classic Lampshade
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Classic lampshades are a dainty element that is sure to stand the test of time.
Choose a fun base in natural materials like wood or wicker and play around with colorful, patterned lampshades. You will be able to easily update the look in the future without ever sacrificing the simplicity of this classic decor item.
How To Achieve the Perfect Cottagecore Bedroom
We have reviewed 19 different ideas to help you create the cottagecore bedroom of your dreams.
When trying to achieve this style, always contextualize your decor ideas against the basic principles behind this aesthetic: simplicity and connection to the countryside. Cottagecore is all about slow living and creating an environment that can be as peaceful and idyllic as the nostalgic natural world it takes inspiration from.
Embrace the elegance and sophistication of natural colors, while, at the same time, never renouncing playful touches of color and patterns. Have fun with it and always remember that your bedroom is supposed to be your haven in the chaos of life – let it speak of you!
