The cottagecore aesthetic continues to grow in popularity as more people are drawn back to a simpler time. Vintage furniture, earthy tones, wood floors, plants tucked into corners, and stacks of well-read books create cozy spaces in such a wonderful way. And I’m here for it! The cottagecore look brings to life the feeling of a lived-in space that’s both comfortable and cheerful simultaneously. A bedroom is a perfect opportunity to jump on the cottagecore trend. It lends itself to being cozy and a smaller space, so it is less overwhelming. I hope these 7 easy steps to creating a cozy cottagecore bedroom inspire you to create your place of cozy comfort in your home!
What is Cottagecore?
First, though, how do you define cottagecore?
While the cottagecore lifestyle has increased in popularity recently, it’s not a new concept. Cottagecore style embraces the feel of a simpler lifestyle, capitalizing on nature, whimsy, rural living, sustainability, and comfort. This home decor style is usually attributed back to Greece and the rural lifestyle of the European countryside.
What I love most about cottagecore design is that it allows one to curate unique pieces and allows for so much creativity. Many also find the cottage-core aesthetic a healthy choice for home design since it focuses on natural materials, simple living, and a connection to a more rural and sustainable lifestyle.
How to Create a Cozy Cottagecore Bedroom.
You don’t need to be an interior designer to create a beautiful, simple bedroom in cottagecore style! If you highlight your favorite pieces, stick to a cozy color palette (think soft blues, pale lemons and pinks, sage green, beiges, and creams), and infuse handmade, vintage touches, you’re well on your way.
Focus on creating a lived-in feel that invites you in with warmth, nature, and beauty. Cottagecore is a lovely blend of historical and vintage charm and the feeling of a space alive with ideas, productivity, and living things.
These design tips will walk you through 7 easy ways to curate your cozy cottagecore space. Have fun!!
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1. Start with cozy quilts and layer your bedding.
Cozy quilts and soft textiles are another great way to bring the room a handmade, welcoming feel. Overstuffed throw pillows (with feather inserts) gently tossed on the bed make it an inviting place to curl up with a book. Patterned quilts and chunky knit throws are all excellent choices.
Don’t be afraid to layer other textiles, either. A contrasting throw at the end of the bed or a variety of colorful pillows adds depth to the space. You don’t have to confine throws to the bed! Drape a soft blanket over a rocking chair or vintage trunk to add to the cozy look of the room.
One last layering tip- RUGS! Layering rugs can be a less expensive option if your room is larger. Buy a neutral larger rug to highlight a special vintage find.
2. Add a pretty floral wallpaper.
A charming, warm wallpaper (I love this one pictured below) is one of the best ways to create a homey, cottagecore look in any living space. Floral patterns make a space feel cheerful and are the perfect way to bring a little bit of nature inside. It’s easy to find floral patterns, big and small, as they are very on-trend. And if floral prints aren’t your thing, you can also consider highlighting other natural elements with woodland creatures, rural landscapes, or gingham checks (which are coming in hot for 2025).
If applying traditional wallpaper to an entire room feels overwhelming, consider just an accent wall or choose peel-and-stick wallpaper with floral motifs, which is a simpler way to create an aesthetic room.
A side note: Wallpaper has come a long way from the next-to-impossible-to-remove papers of the 90s. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
3. Mix in some vintage or found pieces.
Check at flea markets, local thrift stores, or Facebook Marketplace for vintage pieces. They could be a wicker rocking chair, antique mirrors, crates you can make into plant stands, or vintage suitcases stacked together as a nightstand. Vintage finds and nostalgic decor items are the fingerprints on a cottagecore room that will transform a space into something uniquely yours.
Cottagecore style is sometimes referred to as “grandmacore.” So mix the beautiful vintage pieces you might have found in your grandma’s home into the room.
4. The Warmth of Wood.
Wood elements will add warmth to your room. Do you have wood floors? Great start! Mixing in a few antique furniture pieces, painted or natural wood, or even a wood accent wall will add a natural, cozy look when bringing the cottage-core look to a bedroom. The beauty of cottagecore design is that it does not have to be perfect. Chipped, well-loved wooden bed frames, white-washed wood planks, and painted wood dressers all fit perfectly with the theme, bringing an endearing, lived-in look to the room.
5. Adding Plants in interesting ways.
Since the cottagecore lifestyle movement focuses largely on nature and bringing back a simpler way of life, it only makes sense to incorporate lots of plants and other natural elements into your space.
Try to think outside the box here. Instead of traditional pots, consider vintage vases, pitchers, a farmhouse milk can, or large Mason jars with fresh-cut flowers. Macrame hanging pots, large wicker baskets with tall plants or small trees, vining pieces, wreaths, and dried bouquets are other interesting ways to add natural elements to the space.
As shown below, try hanging plant cuttings in a window for a pretty valance.
6. Create a gallery wall.
A gallery wall is the perfect way to display your favorite vintage art pieces. I love that it gives so much room for creative freedom and makes it easy to switch out your favorite wall art whenever you go to the vintage store or antique shopping and find your next favorite piece.
While I am shopping I always keep an eye out for unique frames, floral designs, botanical prints, pages from old books, and other portrayals of nature and the simple life. Make it your own by choosing frames of different sizes and shapes and mixing patterns and hues.
7. Curate your finishing touches.
While main pieces like furniture, quilts, wallpaper, warm floor rugs, and perhaps a gallery wall are your “base”, the little things really create the beautifully curated look of cottagecore homes. These finishing touches create feelings of comfort, sustainable or traditional living, and romance, giving the space a lived-in feel. They might not be the first thing that catches the eye in a cottage bedroom, but they (perhaps unknowingly) tie the room together to create a lovely space that draws anyone in.
Keep in mind that design takes time. A curated space will always feel better than one pulled together too quickly.
Here are a few ideas for accessory pieces that can add whimsy and charm to your space:
- Fresh flowers or freshly cut greenery.
- Wicker baskets (perhaps with some collected items inside)
- A stack of favorite books- if they are vintage, even better!
- Inviting essential oils or incense sticks
- Candles
- Small lamps in unexpected places (nooks, bookshelves)
- Handmade sentimental pieces, such as cross stitch, dried flowers, or other crafts
You can shop some of my Cottagecore favorites here.
I hope these 7 easy steps to creating a cozy cottagecore bedroom inspire you to create your own place of cozy comfort in your home! If you do, please send me pictures!
Until next time,
-Libbie
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