This Season
 

How to Decorate Your Living Room in Cottage Style

The cottage-style living room invites you to slouch on the couch, put your feet up and sit a spell. Furnishings are relaxed and unpretentious. Here are some examples.

Related Searches:
    Difficulty:
    Moderately Easy

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Craft Paints
    • Curtain Rods
    • Fabrics
    • Flowers
    • Home Furnishings And Accessories
    • Picture Frames
    • Plants
      • 1

        Choose a sofa with a relaxed attitude, such as an overstuffed style with a homey fabric like a floral, an awning or pillow tick stripe, or a nubby cotton. Look for big rolled arms and a cushioned back; wicker porch-style settees work well, too.

      • 2

        Look for easy chairs that are in the same general style but don't match - cottage style is eclectic. Keep the budget low with an Adirondack chair - just add cushions.

      • 3

        Go for casual lamp tables: Outdoor furniture can be painted white, stenciled or trimmed with painted-on flowers. Or look for wicker tables or spool and turned-spindle styles.

      • 4

        Set out traditional, low-key lamps with fabric shades in gingham or floral prints. Add a lamp with a wicker, terra-cotta or vintage-looking ceramic base, or consider candlestick lamps.

      • 5

        Make sure the coffee table invites you to put your feet up. Try to find an old kitchen table that you can cut down - or even a chicken coop to which you add a glass top.

      • 6

        Dress the windows simply or leave them bare - you want lots of light in a cottage-style room. Choose simple unlined curtains or plain white wood blinds if you must cover them.

      • 7

        Hang old-style pictures in old-style frames. Look for quilts and collectible plates to hang on walls, too.

      • 8

        Top tables with folk art sculpture and casual flower arrangements. Use dried flowers and potted plants in the room, and try to keep the containers humble.

      • 9

        Use light-colored paint or a small-print floral on the walls to keep the look cozy but light.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Because cottage style is humble in nature, it can be executed on a budget. Don't feel you must have new pieces; you can make finds at flea markets, tag sales, thrift shops and secondhand stores.

    • Make the sofa and chairs more comfy by adding pillows, possibly in vintage-look fabrics such as 1940s florals, salvaged quilt pieces or old-style cotton chenille.

    • Slipcovers and quilts can cover up upholstered furnishings that have seen better days; a pretty quilt also makes a great wall hanging for cottage-style rooms.

    Related Searches

    Read Next:

    Comments

    You May Also Like

    • How to Decorate a Cottage Style Living Room

      Designing a cottage living room is like decorating a fanciful birthday cake. You can use pretty accessories to accentuate a well-developed living...

    • Cottage Style Decorating Ideas

      Cottage Style Decorating Ideas. Cottage style decorating provides a casual, cozy and comfortable feel. It blends the old with the new and...

    • How to Decorate Your Living Room in Cottage Style

      Decorate a living room in a cottage style by adding woven and wooden materials to add texture for a soft contemporary look....

    • Choosing Cottage Style Furniture for a Small Living Room

      Cottage style furniture was introduced by those trying to imitate the fine furnishings of those who were well-off. The wood was of...

    • Country Cottage Decorating Ideas

      Country cottage décor is warm and romantic. Furnish with flea market finds, antiques or family heirlooms to create an inviting space.

    • Cottage Style Ideas

      Cottage decorating is inexpensive, whimsical and has a touch of home. You don't need to live in the country to appreciate cottage...

    • Living Room Furniture Styles

      Living Room Furniture Styles. There are many living room furniture styles, and choosing a single style is overwhelming. But if you consider...

    • How to Decorate Country-Cottage Style

      If you want a stress-free, informal décor for your home, go with country-cottage style. This style combines dated and modern elements, but...

    • About Cottage-Style Decor

      Cottage style decor creates a cozy, welcoming and relaxed look that incorporates vintage items and can highlight the individuality of the people...

    • How to Decorate Cottage Style

      Cottage style decorating evokes a warm, cozy feel in any home -- even if it's not technically a cottage. The style arose...

    • How to Get Cottage-Style Rooms

      Regardless of where you live, you can enjoy cottage-style rooms. Cottage-style decorating allows you to incorporate new with old, and elegant pieces...

    • How to Paint Cottage Style Windsor Chairs

      Painting an antique Windsor chair would never be recommended, even if the finish appears to be in bad shape it should be...

    • Cottage Style Designs for Rooms

      If you are looking for a charming design theme for your home, look no further than cottage style. This cozy decorating motif...

    • How to Furnish a Small Bedroom

      Small bedrooms should be furnished so they will appear as roomy as possible. To achieve this you should stay away from putting...

    • Decorating Ideas for Cottage Living

      Decorating Ideas for Cottage Living. Decorating your cottage--whether you live in a cottage-style home year-round or only vacation in one--requires the right...

    • English Cottage Decorating Ideas

      English Cottage Decorating Ideas. English cottage décor brings the essence of the English countryside into your home. You can modify the English...

    • Furniture Ideas for a Small Living Room

      Furniture Ideas for a Small Living Room. An oversize sectional and a full wall entertainment center won't work well in a small...

    Follow eHow

    Related Ads