Cottage Style Furniture

Cottage Style Furniture generally features the use of simple lines and natural rough finishes. Homes with a cottage style décor have a cozy, romantic and comfortable atmosphere. Since one of the signatures of the cottage style design is an eclectic mix of unmatched, yet similar pieces, it is one of the easier looks to achieve.

Cottage Style Furniture gained its popularity in Eastern America during the 1800’s, particularly between 1830 and 1890. It was first seen in wealthier areas of New England and Pennsylvania. As cottage style furniture became more popular, simpler and more inexpensive versions became very common in many homes on the East Coast.

Today, cottage style furniture combines old styles with contemporary looks, creating a cozy, welcoming and often rustic feel to the home. Often finished with a white-washed look, some of the more common colors are white and cream, and commonly feature hand-painted designs of flowers, animals, birds or scenery. Distressed finishes on furniture is frequently seen in cottage style décor too.

Pine and oak are the most common types of wood used in crafting cottage style furniture, though poplar, beech and birch are sometimes used as well. The key here is sturdiness and practicality. Wicker and wrought-iron pieces are often found in cottage style design as well.

Dainty and delicate does not describe Cottage Style Furniture. The main features of cottage style furnishings are durability, simplicity and practicality. You will often find a mixture of un-matched pieces that are brought together with common finishes and fabrics in the room. Accessories and fabrics commonly used for upholstery, accent pieces and draperies tend to be cottons, linens and chintzes in pale tones and plaid or floral designs.

There are actually a few variations of the cottage style design and each is unique and charming in it’s own way.

• The country cottage look

If you are going for a country cottage feel, the paler pastels in yellow, blue, green and pale rose shades do best to evoke the light and airy feel that is often associated with the country cottage look. Antique furniture, simple pine or oak tables and chairs, and wicker are good choices in this décor. Fabrics should be cottons or chintzes in plaid, stripes or floral patterns.

• The vintage cottage feel

The vintage cottage style is primarily made up of antique furnishings and accessories.  Vintage fabrics, wrought iron accessories and neutral colors complete the look. Antique wooden bookshelves and antique rugs give an additional old, yet cozy feel.

 • Cottage chic style

Slip covers, clean lines and simple pieces define the cottage chic style. It is a relaxed, comfortable and fun design. Often antique and vintage furniture pieces can be found at garage sales and flea markets. Also consider re-finishing existing pieces with a distressed or peeling paint finish. Vintage fabrics in pink velvet, satin and velvet rose are a good choice for accessorizing the cottage chic style. A few well-placed antique decorations throughout the room will complete the look.