Rustic Furniture

The term ‘rustic’ is used to describe several individual styles, from the sun-baked Tuscan look to the cosy, casual farmhouse aesthetic. So, given that rustic interior design encompasses so many different looks, what exactly makes an interior ‘rustic’? And, more importantly, how do you achieve a rustic look in your home?

What is rustic style?

Rustic interior design is generally categorised by styles that emphasise the natural. Rather than the clean lines and polished materials of modern and glam looks, rustic focuses on natural materials like wood, stone, and earthenware from clay, complete with natural lines and markings. Any features of the house itself like wooden beams and brick fireplaces are preserved and displayed as part of the décor, giving the whole space a sense of history and character. Simply put, rustic style is grounded and earthy, using traditional materials and rejecting the sleek modernity of contemporary style. It’s unpretentious, approachable, and casual. Imagine coming in from a cold evening to an old cottage, filled with fabrics and the warmth of a roaring fire. Rustic style is inviting, welcoming you into a cosy nook away from the world outside. And, best of all, you don’t have to live in an old farmhouse or country cottage to get this look in your home.

How to get the rustic look

Let’s look at the key features of rustic interior design that you can apply to your home. First up, there must be real wood. If you’re lucky enough to have real wood floors or beams, then showcase them. Buy real woof furniture, and don’t be afraid of pieces with imperfections – these simply add to the natural character of the furniture. Next up, rustic décor is full of textural variety thanks to the wide range of natural materials present. Whether it’s a rough stone fireplace or a tactile fabric chair, this variety brings the space to life. Just make sure you don’t include anything with a sheen to it – rustic style is all about the rough and gritty. You should also try to incorporate handmade elements into your rustic décor. Focus on the main focal points of each room, like the dining table or a large mirror. It doesn’t mean absolutely everything has to be handmade, but by having feature pieces that are it will sell the rustic look a lot more than having obviously manufactured furnishings. In contrast to a lot of other trendy interior styles, rustic design doesn’t shy away from being heavy. Where other styles may look to slender furniture and lighter colour palettes, rustic features thick, well-built furniture and rich, dark colours. Use this to your advantage when creating a cosy space, like using a plush leather sofa and a chunky coffee table. And lastly, keep it simple. The focus of a rustic interior is the natural materials, not the design. Avoid overly complicated or ornate pieces, and instead let the materials speak for themselves. A rustic home should call back to a simpler time and a relaxed way of life, so there’s no need to distract with unnecessary detail.

Rustic living room ideas

Start with a rustic colour palette, with a focus on warming, neutral hues. Beige, terracotta, and grey will bring warmth to the space without detracting from the natural tone. Keep any stone walls exposed, and if you have a fireplace, make it the centrepiece by arranging your furniture around it or facing it. Bring in rustic living room furniture, ideally handmade from natural materials. For wooden pieces, look at rustic oak furniture like side tables and sideboards. For sofas and chairs, both natural leathers and certain fabrics can work, but be careful you don’t choose synthetic or shiny materials. Linen is a great choice for upholstery, and don’t be afraid to play with patterns like plaid to bring a little dash of the country in.

Rustic bedroom ideas

A rustic oak bed is a perfect choice for a rustic bedroom. Just remember to go large and handmade with your rustic bedroom furniture. Big wooden pieces like a chest of drawers will really tie it all together. Layer textures throughout the room by adding plenty of tactile throws like sheepskin rugs and chunky weave blankets. A thick rug will also bring both texture and warmth to the space. Hard floors and exposed walls can sometimes leave a room feeling cold, so it’s important to warm the space up with the right lighting. Bringing in table lamps will brighten up the room, but remember to choose lamps made from natural materials like wood and earthenware. Make sure to bring in plenty of earthy tones, too. Scatter cushions on the bed can be used to bring in additional colour as well as softening the space and boosting the cosiness.

Rustic dining room ideas

For your rustic dining room you should pick a hero piece. This will most likely be a rustic dining table, but it could also be a rustic larder unit or other large piece of furniture. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s large, wooden, and ideally handmade with plenty of natural character on show. This statement piece will provide the foundation on which you can build the rest of the décor. It’s important to create an inviting and cosy atmosphere in a dining room. To do this, think about how much furniture is present in the room. You want to avoid it becoming cramped, but also keep it from feeling empty and barren. Lighting is also important here, as pendant lights over the dining table keep those at the table illuminated, allowing everyone to see each other clearly. Stick to warm woods for furniture, and bring in some rustic wall art for the finish touch.