You have that experience when you enter a room and immediately desire to take off your shoes and put your nose into a book? That is what I am referring to as far as farmhouse bedroom decor is concerned. I have been infatuated with this style over the years, and to be perfectly honest, once you strike the right combination of rustic feel and home comfort, you will never leave your bedroom again.
I have some ideas to share that have made my space (and the spaces of my friends) look like the kind of bedroom that you will find yourself hitting snooze 3 times because it seems too good to leave.
The Foundation: Colors That Whisper “Come Relax”
Neutral Base Colors That Actually Work
I am going to tell you the truth about this one, white walls are your greatest arm in farmhouse makeovers. Not that nigger-white stuff. I mean warm whites such as cream, ivory or even a gentle sage green which makes you feel you are being wrapped by a warm blanket.
My personal favorite? Sherwin Williams’ Creamy. It has some warmth to it so as not to appear yellow in unnatural light. Believe me, I have discovered this myself after having painted my bedroom what I believed was a nice white but then it ended up look like a dentist office :/.
Accent Colors That Add Personality
Here’s where you can have some fun without going overboard:
Soft blues – imagine faded denim or morning sky and muted greens – sage, eucalyptus, or that just right dusty olive, warm grays – because in some cases beige needs its cooler counterpart dusty rose.
The trick is to make all things soft and muted. This is not I just got off the show room floor but I have been loved and lived in decades.
Textures That Make You Want to Touch Everything
Layering Fabrics Like a Pro
Did you ever ask yourself why the bedroom of some houses seems to be a replica of a magazine and at the same time as cold as a mausoleum? It is typically because they had lost memory of texture. I make my bed up like I was making a cosy fort, and here is my unbeatable equation:
The Perfect Bed Stack (bottom to top): • Crisp white or linen sheets • A chunky knit throw at the foot • Two different pillow textures • Maybe a vintage quilt if I’m feeling fancy
Wood Elements That Tell Stories
The savior of farmhouse style is reclaimed wood. I scavenge them in flea markets as every vein and bruise gives the item character that you can never purchase. My headboard? A barn door that I picked up in an old barn at thirty dollars apiece and cleaned off myself.
When the budget is tight (been there!), it is possible to fake the worn-out appearance with a piece of sandpaper and some wood stain. You need not go too far though – you want appealing patina, not survived a tornado.
Furniture Pieces That Actually Make Sense
The Bed Frame That Anchors Everything
Bed beds are platform beds with inbuilt storage that transformed my life. I had clothes all around since my small bedroom had no storage. It all fits away now and the low profile makes my room seem larger.
For a true farmhouse vibe, look for: • Weathered wood finishes • Simple, clean lines (fancy curves are more French country) • Natural materials over painted pieces • Functional storage because pretty doesn’t pay the bills
Nightstands That Pull Their Weight
No more bedroom sets that are matched, boring and costly. I combine old fashioned items with new practical storage. My current setup? A worn wooden box that I used to make a nightstand combined with a modern lamp. The juxtaposition is very effective.
Smart Nightstand Features: • At least one drawer (trust me on this) • Surface space for your phone, water, and that book you swear you’ll finish • Charging station or easy cord access • Height that works with your mattress level
| Item | Farmhouse Style | Modern Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Nightstand | Reclaimed wood crate | Built-in USB charging |
| Lamp | Mason jar base | LED bulb efficiency |
| Storage | Wicker basket | Hidden compartments |
| Decor | Vintage books | Wireless charging pad |
Lighting That Sets the Perfect Mood
Natural Light is Your Secret Weapon
I took down my heavy drapes and hung plain white curtains, to which I can tie at the back in the daytime. It is amazing how cozy and open my room is different.
Window Treatment Tips: • Linen or cotton curtains in white or soft neutrals • Tie-backs or holdbacks to maximize daylight • Avoid heavy patterns – save those for throw pillows • Floor-to-ceiling hanging makes windows look larger
Evening Lighting That Actually Relaxes You
The foe of intimate ambiance is overhead lighting. I employ the use of table lamps, string lights, candles in order to achieve that aah effect at night when the sun sets.
My go-to evening setup includes: • Warm-toned LED bulbs (2700K or lower – none of that blue hospital lighting) • Edison bulb fixtures for that vintage charm • Battery-operated string lights behind the headboard • Real candles because fake ones just don’t hit the same
Decor Details That Make It Personal
Wall Art That Tells Your Story
Gone are generic Live, Laugh, Love signs (not sorry). Old frames, old botanical pictures, and antique paintings help to create a one of a kind space.
I take family pictures of the past and make them look like unmatched antique frames. That is what makes it so perfect, you see? It is imperfect.
Plants That Actually Thrive in Bedrooms
Not all have a green thumb (raises hand), so I only have low-maintenance plants that can tolerate the conditions of the bedroom:
• Snake plants – basically indestructible • Pothos – grows in weird corners and low light • ZZ plants – perfect for forgetful waterers like me • Peace lilies – pretty flowers and very forgiving
Pro tip: Pile plants out of galvanized metal planters or old-fashioned ceramic pots so that the farmhouse theme is repeated.
Storage Solutions That Don’t Kill the Vibe
Baskets, Baskets Everywhere
I have a craze over wicker and rattan baskets. They conceal messiness and provide texture and can be found in all places including thrift stores and Target.
Strategic Basket Placement: • Under the bed for seasonal clothes • In the closet for accessories and smaller items
• Next to the dresser for laundry or extra blankets • On open shelves to contain random stuff that tends to accumulate
Vintage Trunks and Chests
My bedroom trunk does triple duty as storage, seating, and a coffee table substitute. I found mine at an estate sale, but you can find great reproductions that give you the look without the treasure hunting time investment.
Pulling It All Together Without Breaking the Bank
Budget-Friendly Swaps That Make a Big Impact
Hear me out, farmhouse style does not need a trust fund. My favorites included, some work by:
Thrift Stores and Estate Sales: • Vintage frames and mirrors • Unique lamps and light fixtures • Weathered furniture pieces • Authentic vintage textiles
DIY Projects That Actually Work: • Distressing new wood furniture with sandpaper and stain • Creating gallery walls with thrift store frames • Making throw pillow covers from vintage tea towels • Refinishing furniture with chalk paint for that weathered look
The 80/20 Rule for Farmhouse Style
The lesson here, after spending years on decorating mistakes, is that, use 80% of your budget on foundational items (bed, dresser, lighting) and 20% on seasonally-changeable accessories.
Investment Pieces: • Quality mattress and bedding • Solid wood furniture that will last • Good window treatments • Functional storage solutions
Changeable Elements: • Throw pillows and blankets • Wall art and decor • Plants and seasonal touches • Candles and small accessories
Making It Feel Like Home, Not a Showroom
The most desirable farmhouse bedrooms are lived in and loved. There is no need to worry that everything is perfect, that is sort of the point.
I maintain a pile of books on my bedroom table, a blanket piled over my reading chair, and pictures of my family scattered throughout the room. It is these individual touches that make a pretty room become a home like environment.
Remember: the style of farmhouses glorifies imperfection, functionality and comfort over perfection. What your bedroom should do is to be able to get you to relax and not to worry about disarranging the show.
It is not meant to make a museum piece, it is meant to make the space you really enjoy spending time in. And honestly? When getting this style down, you may find yourself working in bed more frequently than you would like to accept (again, not talking about my personal experience here 😉).
Wonderful slumbering in your new homely shrine!