You want to make your bedroom into a cowboys dream but not so that you look like you stole it out of a theme park gift shop? Believe me, I have done that. Having spent years adorning my home in a style that I considered Western (not realizing how many wrong turns I was taking, in the process), I finally understood how to get that rough-and-ready, old-timey look without going over the top. Ready, set, ride and check out some deathly cool ideas that will makes your place a fancy Wild West backdrop.
Rustic Wood Elements That Actually Work
Reclaimed Barn Wood Headboards
The picture of weathered barn wood at the back of your bed sounds nothing less authentic to be called as western. I have some reclaimed planks that I acquired in the demolition of a local farm and the truth is? Never a better choice. The story of natural patina and nail holes is impossible to reproduce with the distressed wood that you purchase in the store.
That is what is perfect about barn wood headboards: • Truly one-of-a-kind wear and tear aspects of decades of farm life • Natural color variances to create depth • Durable enough to last way longer than popular imitations • Easy to customize – darken it up or leave it au naturel
Hint: Do not be too matchy matchy with rest of the furniture. offset that rustic headboard with more pristine nightstands.
Exposed Ceiling Beams
Desire a little bit of heavy-duty architecture? Wooden beams left open make a flat ceiling look more one that would be found in a ranch. I have known some to wear this on lightweight foam beams but believe me it is the genuine article that makes all the difference.
| Feature | Real Wood | Faux Beams |
|---|---|---|
| Authenticity | Unmatched character | Obviously fake up close |
| Durability | Lifetime investment | May sag over time |
Leather and Hide Accents Done Right
Strategic Leather Furniture Placement
This is where most of the people make an error by believing that Western means that all should be made of leather. Wrong! This I discovered first hand when my initial attempt at this turned my room into a steakhouse :/
Choose one statement piece of leather instead: • A beautiful leather armchair in a corner • Storage bench made of leather at the edge of your bed • A vintage leather chest to provide additional space
The key? Allow that leather piece to air out. Wrap it with more mellow textures – wool or cotton.
Cowhide Rugs Without the Kitsch
FYI, people use cowhide rugs to get the wrong impression. When strategically placed, high quality cowhide rug can be the pillar of your entire western scheme. I rested mine at a 45 degree angle underneath my bed with it being fully visible on either side. Game changer!
Metal Hardware That Makes a Statement
Wrought Iron Details
Why is the wrought iron so universal in Western designs? It is that right mix of tough functionality and artistic functionality. I have changed my simple curtain rods with those of hand-forged iron, and one felt the difference instantly.
These are the wrought iron enhancements you may consider: • Unique curtain rods in the shape of horseshoe finials • Wall-mounted sconces that shine a light • Iron pulls on already existing furniture • Ornamental hat or coat hooks on a wall
Vintage Horseshoes and Ranch Tools
It is where you can find a way to get some fun without your bank breaking. I scrounged estate sales and got real horseshoes, antique branding irons and even an old saddle which I tacked to the wall. These decorations bring immediate authenticity that cannot be created by objects that are mass produced.
Color Schemes That Actually Look Sophisticated
Earth Tones with Strategic Pops
Don t be put off by what someone has told you about western styles being all brown and beige. My favorite western bedrooms are made up of deep earth tones, my secret weapon is texture and this is the key to making the room interesting.
My favourite palette: • Deep berry burgundy for that warmth and depth (and suck out the serenity) • Sage green to bring to bring the outdoors in • Terracotta warmth to evoke the SouthWest – everywhere! • Cream and ivory just so it doesn’t get too gloomy
The Power of Jewel Tones
This is one of the secrets most people have not heard jewel tones are very beautiful in western designs. I put turquoise throw pillows on my neutral bedding and it immediately made the entire room look out of the rustic world and into the refined-rustic world.
Textile Choices That Tell a Story
Authentic Native American Patterns
Folks, this is vital, if you wish to use Native American inspired patterns, make it in a respectful manner. I use native American hand made textile wherever I can, and the difference in quality is like night and day.
Seek: • Hand woven wool blankets papered in traditional designs • The real McCoy originals in Pendleton throws (yes I know they cost more, but they are worth it) • Vintage serapes as bed runners or wall hangings
Mixing Textures Like a Pro
What is the secret sauce? Superimpose various textures but do not overdo them. I put against one another caramel leather, scratchy wool, fluffy cotton, and coarse jute. It also generates visual appeal that makes your eye active.
Lighting That Sets the Western Mood
Warm, Ambient Options
Cold over-head lights destroy the western atmosphere quicker than any other. To achieve the warm and pleasant feel of a campfire I depend on several sources of warm light. It also creates an attraction to look at that stimulates the eye.
Lighting plan: Table lights with rawhide shades on nightstands String lights with a mason jar cover to create the right mood Vintage lit lanterns (duh, electric) on floating shelves All overhead lighting has a dimmer
Statement Chandeliers
The desire to make an actual statement? A wrought iron chandelier or antler chandelier can be the center piece of all your room. All you have to remember is the bigger is not always better. I settled on a middle-sized one that would not overshadow the space.
Wall Decor That Doesn’t Scream “Theme Park”
Vintage Western Photography
Avoid the table-made cowboy prints and go out there and you can find the real deal vintage photography. In old stores, I discovered the incredible black and white photos of the actual cowboys and ranch life. reproduction prints cannot measure up to soul of these pieces.
Strategic Use of Western Art
What is the ruse about Western art? The more the less. I use one or two high quality pieces and not every wall space. A gorgeous oil painting of the horses or an old poster on a Western film can center a whole wall.
Storage Solutions with Western Flair
Vintage Trunks and Chests
Storage does not have to be dull. On the bottom of my bed sits a vintage steamer trunk which is used to hold additional bed covers and seasonal clothing. It fulfils two functions since it acts as sitting and contributes to the western atmosphere.
Built-in Solutions
Personalized built-in shelves constructed to resemble historic (old) ranch storage are terrific and especially so when you or a carpenter-friend is handy. Consider open storage on the shelves made of iron brackets and lapsed wood.
Window Treatments That Work
Natural Materials Only
synthetics have no business in Western decor, in my opinion. I’m all about natural linen drapes in any neutral shade or bamboo blinds for a very clean and organic feel.
The important points: • Iron or wood curtain rods over plastic • Natural fibers straps instead of synthetic cords • Multiple panels with sheer and heavier treatments for flexibility
Bringing It All Together
The Art of Restraint
I wish some one had told me when I got started: Western is best that does not aim too high. The best rooms I have designed are the ones that have been acquired over time instead of the ones which are bought.
Personal Touches That Matter
And the contrast between an enclosed themed bedroom, and a well-designed Western space? Personal connection. Put up family photographs on ranches visits, exhibit a collection of old spurs or hang your grandfather cowboy hat. These personal aspects make the room to actually belong to you.
Accommodating a genuine Western bedroom is not about purchasing each and every one of the items in the same shop or following a pattern to the tee. It is all about grasping the essence of the West: that sense of closeness to the natural world, to making things and to doing things in an authentic way. Take your time, pick what you can associate with and remember that the best decorations in the west also have an effect of being lived-in rather than staged. Your bedroom needs to tell your story, you do not want to be the type to change according to the trend.
Want to begin re-inventing yourself Western style? Choose one component which appeals to you the most and then proceed further. I promise, you just have to do it once and you will find yourself asking the question, why have I waited so many years to bring a bit of Wild West magic to my life.