I am sure you are familiar with that feeling when you enter a mountain cabin and your shoulders drop almost immediately? Here we are looking for the magic. I have always been crazy about rustic bedroom furniture, and when it comes down to it there is something about reclaimed wood and cushy materials in general that is just different than the all white clean bedrooms everyone is sporting on Instagram these days.
In no matter whether you have a small one-bedroom apartment or a gargantuan farmhouse, you do not need to completely renovate the entire house to achieve that rustic effect (lucky, since, who has time to do the renovation stuff?). And now I will take you through a couple of mind-blowing concepts that will turn your bedroom into the comfortable home you have been longing to.
1. Reclaimed Wood Accent Walls
And we will begin with the most basic MVP of rustic design reclaimed wood accent walls. I mean that beautiful, well used wood that has a tale to tell in each mark and grain pattern.
There is no need to paint all walls (it will be excessive, IMHO). Choose the wall behind your bed and make it the center of the performance. Barn wood or weathered cedar looks incredible and by the touch alone it will make your room look ten times more genuine.
This is what I really like about the given method sort of a ready-made characterization that is not trying to be too hard. Naturally occurring imperfections of reclaimed wood are much more interesting to look at than any fancy wallpaper.
| Wood Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Barn Wood | Bold, statement walls |
| Cedar Planks | Subtle, aromatic charm |
Pro tipPeel-and-stick wood planks have greatly improved in quality, in case you are renting or you just do not want permanent changes. They are not exactly the same as the real thing but will bring you 80 per cent there.
2. Vintage Metal Bed Frames
Have you ever seen that wrought iron bed frame transforms the character of a room? The industrial-rustic thing is sort of an allure, isn t it?
I like really simple, elegant lines of the black iron frame very much. They are a wonderful addition to soft linens and they provide the ideal contrast between hard and soft. The finest bit about it? They are durable frames that stand the test of time, mine is more than ten years old and still looks new.
Another great choice in case you would like something more decorated is cast iron beds. They introduce that retro beauty that leaves people wondering where they could find such a lovely bed.
Here the trick is balance. Make the metal frame solid enough to stabilize the room, and not too fancy that it can overrun other rustic designs you have.
3. Cozy Plaid and Flannel Bedding
There is nothing that will make you say more about rustic comfort than to collapse into flannel sheets on a warm day after a hectic day. And then there is the magic of buffalo plaid which is the little black dress of rustic decor.
I have discovered that red and black buffalo check is classic because it is classic, however do not underestimate navy and cream patterns or even forest green and black combinations. They are classy yet not so fancy that you cannot feel at home in a cabin.
This is about flannel bedding, the thing is that you should pay attention to quality. After washing a few times the cheap flannel pills lose that buttery softness that we want. Buy 100 percent cotton flannel or cotton blend ones that will break in with every wash.
When it comes to rustic bedding……..anything goes in layering. Begin with your flannel linens, and throw a chunky knit blanket over it, perhaps include a couple of faux fur pillows. The intention is to make the bed so cozy that you will look forward to spending the weekend in it hibernating.
4. Mason Jar Lighting Fixtures
I hear you, I hear you on the point that this mason jar thing is a little overdone, but listen to me. When executed properly, mason jar pendant lights or chandelier types of lights give the farm house look without having to go all Pinterest crazy.
The ruse is delicacy. Use mason jars instead of placing them on all the surfaces. It can be beautiful with a three jug pendant light over your nightstand or a mason jar chandelier as your primary light source.
What I definitely adore is frosted mason jars with Edison bulbs, they make a really warm, amber inside and they are just to die for when it comes to creating this comforting evening mood. Furthermore, they tend to be rather affordable, a point that is always a plus.
DIY enthusiastsand then this is your shot. You can quickly make your own homemade mason jar fixtures by using some simple knowledge of electricity and taking a trip to the store.
5. Natural Fiber Rugs
Let us discuss the grounding of your space; literally speaking. Rustic bedrooms would be complete without natural fiber rugs. I mean jute, sisal, hemp, or wool rugs that add texture and warmth in floors.
My favorite is jute rug, as it is relatively cheap and durable, and has this lovely earthy texture that looks great with anything. They even forgive being dirty and belligerent pretty well, making them hard to destroy in real life, not Instagram only.
LW You prefer something not quite as hard underfoot? Then wool rugs in natural shades cream, oatmeal or charcoal are fantastic. They are also quite expensive, however, they will last years and grow better with age.
| Fiber Type | Feel | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Jute | Textured, firm | High |
| Wool | Soft, cozy | Very high |
Here size is important. Resist being small – your rug should be big enough to anchor the bed and go past the nightstands. In the majority of bedrooms, a 8×10 rug will fit perfectly however, be careful to measure your space before getting one.
6. Antler and Branch Decor
Ah, this can also easily go wrong rather quickly should you not be careful (:/ ), but done tastefully, antler and branch objects have a fantastic organic beauty and when properly placed they are so breathtaking in a rustic bedroom.
No, I do not mean you should make your room your hunting lodge (unless you happen to like so). Consider it in terms of a hook on one wall of an antler, to hang your favorite throw, or curtain rods made to look like a branch which takes nature inside.
Antler chandeliers can be simply the most beautiful things to make statements but they must have their right room to make it work. It must have high ceilings and lots of space, failing which it will seem like you are always ducking when you are walking in.
The secret about natural items is, the naturalness. Nothing beats the appearance of real antler sheds (no, not the poached ones) or actual piece of driftwood as opposed to the plastic versions. They have personality and age that you can not duplicate.
7. Exposed Wooden Beams
Wonder what is the quickest most efficient method to make absolutely any ceiling at least a gajillion times more interesting? Wooden beams were exposed. I am addicted to the fact that they immediately give any room, even the most simple bedroom, architectural character.
Okay, I understand now not everyone is blessed with the real structural beams. However, there is a twist to that: because the faux beams are getting too good these days. You might be able to purchase light weight polyurethane beams, which are made to be very realistic, and are not back breaking to hang (literally and financially).
The contrast between dark stained beams and white or cream colored ceilings makes this such a beautiful contrast; and it is the contrast that brings your eye up. It is the equivalent of putting a natural crown molding in your room and it has a meaning.
Whether you are taking DIY or not, reclaimed barn beams are considered the holy grail. They have decades of patina and character that you physically can not recreate. Simply ensure that your ceiling is up to it- wood beams are not really featherweights.
8. Vintage Leather Furniture
Something is authentic about worn leather, right? A well loved leather chair in the corner of your bedroom can be your ideal reading nook coupled with that rundown effect.
Cognac brown leather attracts me especially because it is warm; it can age well and combine with wood tone. Another of the great ones is distressed leather ottomans, where the leather aspect comes in and you can still do that in the event you are short of space.
These are the things that I have learned about leather furniture: the flaws just make it unique. There is a story in the scratches, worn out spots, and patina. Do not be afraid of items that are well worn, they are the items with most character in them.
At the side of the bed are leather benches which are very functional. They are ideal even to lay down clothes of the next day or simply somewhere to sit during the wearing of shoes.
9. Stone and Brick Accents
Natural stone brings everything to a cabin-in-the-woods mood. I have witnessed fieldstone accent walls that literally put people in a trance they are so beautiful.
Throughout brick is another great choice too, particularly in case you are renovating an older house that could be hiding the first brick behind drywall. The variety of the texture and color of old bricks is amazing.
Otherwise, if complete walls could not be in your budget or area of residence, you may put stone back splash behind your headboard or even brick concrete corner statements. Natural stone can even be part of small accents that change the atmosphere of your area to the fullest.
| Material | Best Application |
|---|---|
| Fieldstone | Full accent walls |
| Exposed Brick | Partial walls, corners |
The faux stone panels have gone a long way and you can have the appearance without the burden and costs. That you make sure is realistic in the sense of texture, flat printed stone will call out as fake at the other end of the room.
10. Rustic Lighting Solutions
Your rustic bedroom lighting can either fin a home run or the other. I mean cozy, soft lights which makes you feel really like getting in bed and reading a wonderful book forever.
Lantern-ish sconces look ideal in pairs on either side of your bed – which is a comfortable, rustic way to light a bedside, that a pair of table lamps never will be. Chandeliers made with wrought iron are lovely to use as a statement design provided you have the height of the ceiling to accommodate.
Its Edison bulb fixtures continue to be in a moment, and as far as I am concerned, I am not mad at it either. There is that gammy amber glow, just right to establish atmosphere. Just so you are not too much, then you require enough lights to ensure that you can see through what you are doing.
They rope lights that hang down like a pendant, a pulley kind of light that gives it that industrial-rustic finish that is so hot nowadays. They are objects that can be used to break the ice and provide light at the same time.
11. Cozy Textiles and Throws
That is the real magic here, over-piling materials that itch to be stroked and cuddled in. I mean chunky knit throws, faux fur blankets and cable-knit bed pillows to make your bed look like a cloud you want to land in.
A natural-coloured throw in oatmeal, forest green or dark burgundy wool is a must. They are soft, they are enduring and they soften over time. Besides, they are ideal during those cold mornings where you do not want to leave the comfort of your bed.
Chairs covered in sheepskin rugs or on the end of the bed make it instantly luxurious. Real sheepskin is wonderful to walk around in, but the high-quality fake versions are almost the same and significantly cheaper.
Do not forget about natural-tone linen curtains. They filter intense sunlight, but still keep that casual, unrushed style that is key to rustic style.
12. Vintage Storage Solutions
Storage needs not be a dry affair but is rather one of the most personality filled inclinations in your rustic bedroom. At the end of your bed are vintage wooden trunks where you can store your extra blankets and they can also serve as seating.
Olden-day armoires or the older wardrobe are magnificent statement items that not only serve the purpose of storage but also ones that bring gravity to your room. Old wood pieces have a patina and wear on them that a new piece of furniture cannot tell.
Such as a wicker basket, is another great alternative; it is light, cheap, and ideal to store everything, including throw pillows, as well as out-of-season clothes. I like that they give texture rather than weight.
Reclaimed wood makes great ladder shelves functional and pleasing to look at. These are ideal to showcase books, plants, or ornamental items and they cannot accommodate a lot of spaces on the floor.
| Storage Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Vintage Trunks | Blankets, linens |
| Wicker Baskets | Everyday items |
It lies in selecting items which seems to be gathered through the years, rather than purchased at the same shop simultaneously. Even the colors and texture of the wood, differing them and mixing give the look of a lived-in home.
13. Natural Wood Furniture
Ok, let us discuss the backbone of any rustic bedroom, the solid wood furniture. I don not mean that particle board stuff (you know the one with wood-grain decals on it). Actual character, live-edge nightstands, barn wood headboards and real reclaimed wood dressers.
Live-edge furniture is having a moment (a major moment) and to be quite frank it lives up to the buzz. It is very earthy to have a live-edge slab serve as a dresser top or nightstand. All the pieces may be entirely different one to another.
The reclaimed barn wood furniture narrates the stories. That is a patina of weathered gray? Those nails holes and saw teeth? They are not flaws, that is features which make your bedroom have the genuine character which you quite simply cannot put on the shelf and buy new.
You do not have to be the perfect match to everything. Blend various colors of woods: a darker walnut dresser and lighter pine nightstands can be simply beautiful. The trick is to select items that are complimentary in style (note that it does not have to be in color).
14. Farmhouse-Style Window Treatments
Rustic style depends on the window treatments and I have seen some wonderful bedrooms ruined with a poor curtain choice. These are your best friends, natural linen curtains in cream or oatmeal, they are casual enough to suit the farmhouse, and yet fancy enough to feel deliberate.
Burlap curtains can but they must be done well. High grade quality burlap finished correctly will not flake everywhere around your bedroom. Among such jute-blend fabrics are those that afford you the textured appearance without the mess.
Curtain rods are made of wood only. Leave the glossy brass or chrome behind you: weathered wood or wrought iron in tones of your other rustic pieces will do. Branch rods (made out of real tree branches) are beautiful in case you can get them.
Now this is a professional tip because the wider your curtains are the higher you should place them than the window. It leaves your windows larger and your ceilings higher no extra cost added.
| Fabric Type | Vibe | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Relaxed, elegant | Low |
| Burlap | Rustic, textured | Medium |
15. Rustic Wall Art and Decor
This is your chance to cut loose, and make the space unique to you. That outdoorsy aesthetic happens when you have old botanical prints or vintage landscape paintings in the house, but it is not too much on point.
Reclaimed wood signs can be beautiful though, please and this is very important, no cheap sayings. Do not spend your money on the Live, Laugh, Love barn wood signs. Rather, search antique trade signs or advertisement of yesteryear that are real history.
A set of antler wall mounts (ethically revealed, after all) or even retro snowshoes can be both beautiful statements and amazing accents. They are discussion pieces that are genuine looking rustic.
Gallery walls are also effective even in rustic bedrooms. Use black and white nature photography, ad with some vintage botanical prints and probably a little reclaimed wood shelf or some dimension.
FYI, rustic decor often needs to be a little less at a time. You don not want to make your walls look stuffed. Any given item ought to have a purpose there – beauty, use or memory.
Bringing It All Together
Making your dream rustic bedroom does not mean that you have to spend all that money at a single instance or have some dreamy Pinterest-like appearance. It is about gathering layers of what is real to you and that makes you feel at ease and settled each time you enter your environment.
The most fabulous rustic bedrooms seem to have developed throughout the years. Add a vintage discovery to a new one, contrast the texture and material, and do not be scared to express yourself and show your personality. Your room has to have a narrative, instead of resembling a model page in a catalog.
Note that, quality always beats quantity. One beautiful reclaimed wood dresser does the trick instead of furnishing the room with an inexpensive set of furniture that looks rustic though hollow. The honest to goodness one is weighty, has personality and it comes out when you walk in.
Begin with a single or two aspects that actually sing to you one, possibly, that nightstand that is live-edges that you have been watching or those ideal linen curtains. Start with what you have and add pieces as you go along and according to your budget.
Nature or nurture? Your charming bedroom must be a place where you feel like staying. It must be an escape to the world, an area where one can relax and restore himself. When it ticks that box, then you have hit it 🙂
Good nights in your chuck-hole heaven!