Elements of the Cottagecore Bedroom
A romantic, layered space where old things shine and comfort is queen
The cottage-style bedroom is a thing of beauty. It invites you in with its charm, then persuades you to stay. In its newer incarnation—what many call Cottagecore—this decorating style has become more personal than ever, echoing the eclectic bedrooms of old cottages where furniture was gathered over time and treasures were never hidden away.
Whether you’re dreaming up a fresh space or layering charm onto an existing one, here are some of the essential elements that help create a bedroom steeped in character, story, and comfort.
Books, Books, and More Books
Let’s begin with the obvious: books. Cottagecore is built on the love of slow living, and what could be more beautifully slow than reading? Stack them on nightstands, pile them under windows, line them along the floor if you must. In this world, there’s no such thing as too many.
Favourites include the well-worn classics—Little Women, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Anne of Green Gables, the Brontës and Austen. But any book will do. It’s the act of reading, the ritual of turning pages, that matters.
A good book needs a proper reading light, of course. A whimsical glass lamp or floral-shaded fixture suits the scene perfectly. And if you’re feeling poetic, light a candle instead (but do remember to blow it out).
Florals, Pattern & Layered Charm
Florals in a cottage bedroom aren’t a suggestion—they’re a love language. But this isn’t the overly coordinated look of the ’90s. (Sorry Laura Ashley… I love you but…) Today’s Cottagecore florals are softer, looser, more layered. Think wallpapers with faded wildflowers, vintage pillowcases in mismatched rose prints, or a quilt you found at a country op shop.
Florals might show up in artwork, on a teacup by the bed, even in your curtain fabric. Mix patterns, textures, and colours like you’re gathering bouquets from different gardens. To stop it all from becoming too much, ground the look with muted solid tones in the background—a soft ochre throw, a clay-coloured linen sheet, a gentle green wall.
And if in doubt, add a ruffle.
Bare Floors and Beautiful Rugs
Timber floor are honest, hardworking and very cottage inspired—especially one with a few battle scars. If you’re lucky enough to have them, bare floors are a natural base for this look. If they’ve seen better days, a coat of white paint or liming wash can work wonders. Layer with a traditional floral or natural-fibre rug (jute, rag, or even hand-hooked if you’re feeling ambitious). The rug adds softness, warmth and reduces the echo. It also helps define your sleepy sanctuary.
Antique Beds and Collected Furniture
If you own an antique bed, you’re halfway there. Iron frames, carved timber headboards, or even a reproduction with the right curves all speak the language of Cottagecore. Be warned, though: some antique beds are shorter and narrower than modern ones. You’ll be sleeping close.
The rest of your furniture should feel like it’s been gathered lovingly over time. A waxed timber dresser, a bamboo chair, a side table that’s just a bit too ornate. Resist the urge to paint everything white (we’ve left the shabby chic era behind). Let the original finishes sing, and mix in pieces with history—even if it’s not your own.
A porcelain knob here, a new coat of beeswax there, and suddenly a second-hand find feels like a family heirloom.
Collections and Whimsy
This is where the personality comes in. A cottage-style bedroom should feel lived-in and loved. Curate a collection and display it—vintage perfume bottles, pressed flowers, ceramic birds. Add fresh posies in jam jars, hang straw hats on the wall, or lean a framed embroidery against the window frame.
And always, always make space for something handmade. Whether it’s a stitched linen, a painted frame, or a crocheted cushion from a garage sale, it’s these touches that make your bedroom truly yours.
Curtains Like Storybook Pages
To finish, let’s talk about curtains. Light, breezy, romantic panels—billowing slightly when the window’s open—are the very soul of a Cottagecore bedroom. Lace, floral cotton, soft block prints… anything that feels soft and nostalgic.
Layer them if you like—lace under cotton, voile over gingham. The window becomes a frame in itself, dressing the room with charm and softness. Bold? Go for drama with a heavier print. Shy? Whispery neutrals work too. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong.
The Cottagecore bedroom isn’t about perfection—it’s about story. Every chipped frame, every mismatched drawer pull, every faded cover tells one. And that’s exactly what makes it feel like home.
I don’t have a cottage, but many of these tips are universal to having a home that soothes and restores.
I'm ready for a bedroom redo. I do love our secondhand bedroom suite that we got when first married some twenty years ago.. and the filmy white sheer curtains.. but artwork and little cosy touches could be updated..💗