There’s something about farmhouse bedrooms that just hits different. While design trends come and go faster than you can say “millennial pink,” farmhouse style keeps chugging along, looking fresh and inviting decade after decade.
To be honest, I used to believe that farmhouse meant “rustic overload” with burlap all over the place and roosters everywhere. But now that I’ve redesigned my own bedroom with well-considered farmhouse features, I completely understand why this style is so popular. It’s incredibly livable, cozy, and unassuming. Allow me to demonstrate how to achieve this classic style without making your bedroom resemble a catalog for a country store.
1. Start With a Neutral Foundation

A soothing neutral color scheme is ideal for farmhouse style. We’re talking about earthy beiges, soft whites, warm creams, and soft grays that produce an immediately calming background.
These hues are effective because they are classic and adaptable. Unlike that fashionable teal accent wall I most definitely didn’t paint in 2019, you won’t look at your walls in five years and question what you were thinking.
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Layer different shades of the same neutral for depth without chaos. Cream walls, ivory bedding, and oatmeal curtains might sound boring on paper, but together they create this enveloping warmth that makes you want to stay in bed all morning.
Additionally, the neutral base highlights your accessories and furniture. Additionally, you don’t need to buy new furniture or repaint your accent colors to change them seasonally.
2. Embrace Shiplap or Wood Plank Walls

Wood-clad walls are the epitome of a farmhouse. Exposed wood instantly adds character, whether you choose reclaimed wood planks, vertical board-and-batten, or traditional horizontal shiplap.
You don’t need to cover every wall—one accent wall behind your bed creates impact without overwhelming the space. I did a shiplap wall in my bedroom, and the texture and dimension it adds make such a difference compared to flat painted walls.
For a traditional farmhouse style, paint your wood walls white; alternatively, leave them unpainted for a more rustic feel. Peel-and-stick shiplap wallpaper has become surprisingly convincing if you’re renting or don’t want to commit, but real wood always wins out if you can swing it.
3. Choose Simple Wood Furniture with Character

Farmhouse furniture keeps things simple and practical. Look for pieces made of solid wood that are simple, unadorned, and have clean lines. Examples of such pieces include basic nightstands, dressers, and bed frames.
The best farmhouse furniture shows its age gracefully:
- Visible wood grain and natural imperfections
- Distressed finishes that add character
- Sturdy construction that’ll outlast trends
- Functional design without unnecessary flourishes
I scored an old pine dresser at an estate sale that needed some TLC. After cleaning it up (but leaving the original patina), it became my favorite bedroom piece. New furniture trying to look old never quite captures that authentic worn-in charm.
Mix wood tones freely. Matchy-matchy bedroom sets scream “furniture showroom,” while varied woods feel collected and authentic.
4. Layer White and Cream Bedding

The formula for a farmhouse bed is surprisingly straightforward: white linens layered for texture. Pile on throws and pillows in complementary neutrals after starting with white or cream sheets and adding a duvet in a similar color.
This all-white approach works because:
- It never looks dated or trendy
- You can wash everything together (game-changer)
- It creates that hotel-luxe vibe
- Accent colors pop beautifully against it
After years of purchasing patterned bedding that I would grow weary of in a matter of months, I discovered this. Without the commitment of patterns, white bedding with textured layers made of knits, cotton, and linen creates visual interest.
Throw in a vintage quilt or chunky knit blanket at the foot of the bed for that perfectly imperfect farmhouse touch.
5. Install Sliding Barn Doors

Barn doors solve spatial issues and add a touch of farmhouse charm. They are particularly useful as accent pieces on standard doorways or in closets and en suite bathrooms.
The hardware itself becomes a design feature—those black metal tracks and wheels add industrial edge that balances the softer farmhouse elements. Plus, sliding doors save space since they don’t require clearance to swing open.
I replaced my awkward inward-swinging closet door with a barn door, and it completely changed how I use the space. No more shuffling around a door just to access my clothes. 🙂
Choose reclaimed wood or distressed finishes for authentic farmhouse vibes. The door doesn’t need to be rustic AF—even a simple white panel door with barn door hardware reads beautifully farmhouse.
6. Add Vintage Metal Light Fixtures

The farmhouse aesthetic is made or broken by the lighting. Vintage-inspired metal pendants, sconces, or chandeliers with personality can replace dull builder-grade fixtures.
Look for these farmhouse lighting elements:
| Feature | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Matte black or bronze finish | Adds contrast to white walls |
| Exposed Edison bulbs | Vintage charm and warm glow |
| Simple cage or lantern designs | Industrial-farmhouse blend |
| Adjustable arms or chains | Practical and period-appropriate |
I installed black metal sconces flanking my bed instead of table lamps, freeing up precious nightstand space. The warm bulbs create this cozy ambiance that makes the whole room feel more inviting.
7. Display Vintage Finds as Decor

Farmhouse design honors tradition and genuineness. Look for vintage items at antique stores, flea markets, and estate sales. Antique clocks, weathered picture frames, old milk jugs, and vintage signs all add character.
The beauty of vintage decor? Each piece tells a story. That old enamelware pitcher on your dresser or those antique books stacked on your nightstand add layers of character that new stuff simply can’t replicate.
But don’t go too far. If you have too many vintage pieces in your bedroom, it will look like an antique mall exploded. However, a few carefully chosen pieces scattered throughout will add interest.
Group items in odd numbers on dressers or shelves, and make sure they genuinely resonate with you. Buying “vintage-looking” stuff just to fill space misses the entire point.
8. Install Open Shelving for Display

Both practicality and rustic charm are enhanced by floating wood shelves. Use them to showcase books, plants, antique items, and other ornamental items that express your individuality.
Open shelving works because it:
- Breaks up large wall expanses
- Provides storage without bulky furniture
- Creates opportunities for styling
- Adds architectural interest
Keep shelving simple—plain wood boards on black or bronze brackets maintain that unfussy farmhouse vibe. Style them with a mix of practical and decorative items, leaving breathing room so they don’t look cluttered.
One of my favorite features is the two floating shelves I installed on either side of my window. In order to keep the area feeling new without making significant changes, I rotate items seasonally.
9. Bring in Natural Textures

Natural materials are layered in farmhouse bedrooms to add depth and coziness. Use linen, cotton, jute, wool, and other organic textiles in your room instead of just wood.
Ways to add natural texture:
- Jute or sisal area rug underfoot
- Linen curtains at windows
- Cotton throw blankets
- Woven baskets for storage
- Wool pillows for tactile interest
These natural materials soften harder elements like wood furniture and metal fixtures. They also wear beautifully over time, developing character rather than looking shabby.
I immediately noticed a difference when I replaced my synthetic rug with a chunky jute one. The room is grounded by the natural texture, which also adds an organic warmth that synthetic materials simply cannot match.
10. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Comfort and livability are given top priority in farmhouse bedrooms. Create a little reading nook with a cozy chair, a side table, and adequate lighting if there is room.
The way you use your bedroom can be completely changed by a small armchair hidden in a corner. It turns into a true haven where you can relax with a book or a cup of coffee in the morning, rather than just a place to sleep.
I reupholstered a vintage wingback chair I found at a thrift store with cream linen and placed it next to my window. When I add a small side table and a knitted throw, my bedroom becomes the ideal little haven.
The reading nook also keeps you out of bed when you’re not sleeping, which sleep experts say improves sleep quality. Win-win, honestly.
11. Use Vintage Rugs for Character

Genuine vintage carpets instantly add character and coziness. Look for traditional rag rugs that gracefully display their age, faded Persian rugs, or worn Turkish kilims.
The slightly faded colors and time-worn patterns bring history into your space. These rugs layer beautifully over hardwood floors or can even sit atop neutral jute rugs for extra texture and dimension.
FYI, you don’t need expensive antique rugs. Lots of online retailers sell vintage-style rugs at reasonable prices, or you can score authentic ones at estate sales for surprisingly little money.
I combined my jute rug with a faded Turkish rug to create an authentic farmhouse look that has been gathered over time. The additional softness underfoot is also a pleasant perk.
12. Incorporate Simple Window Treatments

Farmhouse windows keep things light and uncomplicated. White or neutral-colored natural linen curtains are the best option because they elegantly filter light while preserving privacy.
Skip the heavy drapes or fussy treatments. Simple rod-pocket or grommet-top curtains in natural fabrics capture the unpretentious farmhouse spirit perfectly. Let them hang all the way to the floor for a more polished look.
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I hung white linen curtains that pool slightly on the floor, and they soften the whole room while letting in plenty of natural light. During the day, they billow gently with the breeze, adding this peaceful, airy quality.
If you need blackout capabilities for better sleep, layer your linen curtains over simple white blackout shades. You get functionality without sacrificing style.
13. Add Greenery and Dried Florals

Bedrooms in farmhouses are made more lively by plants. Natural elements complete the farmhouse look, whether they are dried flowers in vintage vessels or fresh greenery in basic pots.
Low-maintenance plants work best in bedrooms:
- Snake plants (basically indestructible)
- Pothos (gorgeous trailing vines)
- Peace lilies (elegant and forgiving)
- Eucalyptus branches (dried, for zero maintenance)
I keep a few small plants on my dresser and nightstand, plus a larger snake plant in the corner. They purify the air, add pops of green, and somehow make the whole space feel more alive.
Dried flowers and branches also work beautifully. A simple vase of dried eucalyptus or cotton stems creates that farmhouse-fresh look with zero upkeep. :/
14. Choose Wrought Iron or Black Metal Accents

Black metal accents provide contrast and edge. Wrought iron bed frames, black metal picture frames, or bronze drawer pulls add definition against all those soft neutrals.
This contrast prevents farmhouse style from feeling too soft or washed out. The darker elements ground the space and add just enough visual weight to keep things interesting.
My bed frame is a simple black metal design—nothing fancy, just clean lines and matte black finish. It anchors the room beautifully and plays perfectly with the white bedding and light wood furniture.
Look for metal accents with slightly worn or distressed finishes. Shiny, brand-new black doesn’t read as farmhouse—you want that lived-in, time-worn quality.
15. Keep Decor Minimal and Intentional

True farmhouse style embraces “less is more.” Every piece should earn its place through function, beauty, or meaning. This is about careful curation, not about covering every surface.
IMO, this is where most people miss the mark. They see a farmhouse bedroom on Pinterest and think they need to replicate every single element. But the most beautiful farmhouse bedrooms feel effortless because they’re not overdone.
Choose quality over quantity:
- One statement piece beats five mediocre ones
- Empty space creates calm
- Each item should serve a purpose
- Less clutter equals more serenity
I edit my bedroom decor regularly, removing anything that doesn’t bring joy or serve a function. What remains feels intentional and meaningful, not like I’m trying too hard to achieve a certain aesthetic.
Making Farmhouse Style Your Own
The thing about farmhouse bedroom design is that it has endured because it is essentially about simplicity, comfort, and authenticity. Even though certain trends come and go, those ideas are timeless.
You don’t need to implement every idea here. Start with the elements that genuinely resonate with you, whether that’s the neutral palette, the vintage finds, or the layered textures. Build slowly, choosing pieces that feel right rather than rushing to achieve a complete look overnight.
The best farmhouse bedrooms don’t feel like they’re trying to fit a certain style; rather, they feel intimate and lived-in. They combine various woods and metals, blend the old and the new, and put comfort first. This style adapts to your life rather than expecting you to adapt to it, which is why it is so timeless.
Now go hunt some flea markets, embrace those neutrals, and create a farmhouse bedroom that’ll look just as good in ten years as it does today. That’s the whole point, after all. 🙂



