Skip to Content (Press Enter) Skip to Footer (Press Enter)
Style
April 21, 2016

Interior Design Style Guide: Rustic Furniture

[Updated 12/19/2018]

You love the great outdoors, and you’ve daydreamed about heading up north and living off the land. You like flannel, and you’re not afraid to get a little dirty. You’re not into frills or fancy things. You’re solid and dependable, and you want everything in your home to be, too.

If this sounds familiar, then the rustic aesthetic is your style match. We’ll show you how to create a space that’s equal parts charming and rough-hewn.

Words to Describe Rustic Style

  • Cozy
  • Earthy
  • Industrial
  • Natural
  • Organic
  • Reclaimed
  • Rugged
  • Unpretentious
  • Warm
  • Weathered

You might notice some similarities between rustic style and other aesthetics, like country or Mission/Arts & Crafts. In fact, there’s a fair amount of overlap when it comes to these styles. Both country and rustic design have an emphasis on the use of warm, weathered pieces, as well as repurposing objects to breathe new life into a space. Rustic design shares its clean-lined, artisanal aesthetic and nature-derived details with the Mission and Arts and Crafts movements.

Key Rustic Furniture

  • Metal accents
  • Organic shapes
  • Repurposed materials
  • Solid wood

Elements of Rustic Interiors

  • Animal hides (faux is just fine!)
  • Exposed wood beams
  • Fieldstone fireplaces
  • Live edge wood
  • Knotty pine
  • Matte or distressed metal
  • Nature-inspired palettes
  • Planked details
  • Simple patterns
  • Slate accents
  • Shiplap walls
  • Unpainted wood

Famous Rustic Spaces

  • Carole King’s former Idaho ranch
  • Henry David Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond
  • The lake house from On Golden Pond
  • Ron Swanson’s cabin from Parks and Rec

If you love rustic style, you’re not limited to log cabins or sprawling ranches out west, though. The rustic aesthetic translates perfectly to farmhouses, beach cottages—even urban lofts and suburban split-levels. It’s the ideal style for anyone who longs to get away from it all.


How do you feel about rustic design? Do you embrace rustic style in your home? Share photos with us on the Homemakers Furniture Facebook page or on Twitter @ShopHomemakers.

Interested in learning about other design styles? Check out our collection of videos and infographics on all interior design styles. And stay tuned for a brand new design style feature coming soon!

Subscribe

Enter your email address to subscribe to the official Homemakers blog and be the first to know about new posts by email.

Thank you for signing up for our mailing list! Check your inbox for an email confirmation.

Connect with us for all the latest updates!

Related Articles

 

February 01, 2024
Inspiration

Celebrate Yourself this Valentine's Day

February 01, 2024
Celebrate yourself this Valentines Day by dedicating time to show your body mind or spirit some love. The post-holiday winter can feel never-ending if you don’t take proper care of yourself and dedicate time for hobbies and rest. Find something new to try, rather it’s a hobby that has always sparked your interest or something that has enticed but intimidated you.
Read more about "Celebrate Yourself this Valentine's Day"
October 06, 2023
Inspiration

Thoughtful Hostess Gifts: The Perfect Way to Say Thank You

October 06, 2023
Whether it's a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, being a gracious guest involves more than just showing up. It's about acknowledging the effort and kindness extended by your host and a clear message that you appreciate being invited to their home.
Read more about "Thoughtful Hostess Gifts: The Perfect Way to Say Thank You"