There’s something magical about a cottagecore bedroom — a space where time slows, morning light filters through soft curtains, and every texture whispers comfort.

This look is all about simple pleasures, natural materials, and nostalgic charm. This is not just a trend that will soon wane, but an aesthetic that people are craving in their homes, a way to bring in the cozy factor. Whether you live in the countryside or an urban apartment, you can bring that serene, curated atmosphere to your bedroom.

Here’s how to capture the heart of cottagecore through color, materials, vintage charm, lighting, and the art of bed layering.

1. Start with a Soft, Nature-Inspired Color Palette

Cottagecore begins with color — gentle hues that reflect the countryside itself.
Think buttercream, soft sage, dusty rose, muted sky blue, and natural linen tones.

Choose off-whites over bright whites for warmth.
Add contrast through wood tones, aged brass, or pale stone.
Paint your walls or furniture in muted pastels — faded pink, fern green, or robin’s egg blue — to instantly set a vintage mood.
A floral wallpaper behind the bed can anchor the palette beautifully.

2. Use Natural Materials & Cozy Textures

Cottagecore celebrates tactile comfort — things that feel good to touch.
Layer cotton, linen, and wool for depth and softness.

Opt for solid wood furniture with visible grain or a weathered patina.
Use woven baskets, rattan lampshades, and jute rugs for organic texture.
Keep materials breathable and eco-friendly: cotton sateen sheets, linen curtains, or a handmade quilt folded at the foot of the bed.
Add a few dried flower arrangements or branches in ceramic vases for a grounded, natural touch.

3. Add Vintage Accents & Repurposed Finds

A cottagecore bedroom tells a story — and nothing says story like well-loved pieces.

Mix in thrifted furniture: an antique mirror, a curvy dresser, or a chipped side table.
Stack old books beside the bed, display pressed flowers in glass frames, or hang botanical prints.
Use lace doilies, embroidered linens, and heirloom ceramics to give the space soul.
The secret: nothing needs to match perfectly — imperfections create charm and authenticity. There is nothing quite like finding that one-off piece (hello old wooden stacked picture frame) to bring a special feel to your space!

4. Create Gentle, Warm Lighting

Soft lighting turns an ordinary room into a sanctuary.
Forget harsh overheads — think lamps, candles, and string lights that glow like firelight.

Use lamps with pleated or fabric shades for a diffused glow.
Layer candles of different heights on a vintage tray or windowsill. Or, try real wax battery-operated candles for the same glow but no harmful chemicals.
Hang fairy lights around a mirror or canopy for a subtle sparkle.
Choose warm bulbs (2700K or lower) for golden light that flatters everything it touches.

5. Style a Bed Worth Dreaming In

The bed is the centerpiece — and in cottagecore style, it should feel effortlessly inviting.

Layer textures: start with crisp cotton sheets, then add a quilt, and top with a light duvet or comforter.
Choose bedding with florals, checks, or ticking stripes — or mix them for personality.
Add a row of pillows in varying sizes with ruffled edges, embroidery, or lace trim.
Drape a knitted throw or linen blanket over the end for that lived-in charm (extra points if you have thrifted it).
A vintage-style iron or wood headboard completes the romantic look.

Cottagecore decorating isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. Each chipped teacup, creased linen, or glowing lamp tells a quiet story of comfort and care. When you fill your bedroom with natural textures, vintage treasures, and soft light, you’re not just designing a space — you’re creating a daily retreat from the rush of modern life. And everyone needs a cozy escape at the end of the day!

Wallpaper is showing up more and more in home decor since people are wanting to personalize their spaces. Enough of the sterile white kitchens! But where are the best places to install wallpaper if you just want to start small?

ACCENT OR FEATURE WALL
Typically in a living room, dining room, or bedroom, a feature wall gives a focal point without overwhelming the whole room. Simply decide which wall is most visible when entering the room, and/or best seen from other rooms. Since it is only one wall, you can choose something as bold or subtle as you want. Both will work for an accent wall.
POWDER ROOM OR HALF BATH
Have you seen the trend to wallpaper an entire half bathroom? So impactful! This is an opportunity to go bold or dramatic without it being ‘too much’. Surprisingly, papering a small space does not make it feel smaller but makes a statement that draws people in. With a smaller room, there it less material required and therefore costs less.
BEDROOMS
Hanging wallpaper in a bedroom makes a statement on the wall behind the head of the bed or even behind the dresser. Here you can choose to just paper one wall like an accent wall or paper the entire room. One caution would be to choose a pattern that is more on the soothing side as you still want to invite sleep. To save costs on papering the entire room, consider doing a bead board wainscoting on the bottom of the wall (less costly than wallpaper), and then applying wallpaper around the top half of the room. Or, if you are bold enough, try papering the ceiling!
HALLWAYS, ENTRYWAYS, FOYERS
These are transition spaces where wallpaper can set the tone and interest without needing full-wall coverage. You can choose to paper only one wall or a portion of all walls. For example, in an entryway try wallpapering the lower half of the wall and painting the upper half, adding a beautiful wood trim (inexpensive) to cover the transition between the two. With wallpaper on the lower half of high traffic spaces it can also help to protect walls from general wear.
STUDY AREA, READING NOOK, BEHIND BOOKCASES
Other small areas of the home can be emphasized with a little wallpaper too. A cantilevered space with a small table and chairs would make a great study or breakfast space and it would be elevated with a splash of wallpaper to define the area. The same goes for a reading nook, if you are fortunate enough to have one. Many homes have a fireplace with recessed spaces on either side and, to balance it all out, bookcases are placed in those spaces. But instead of a plain painted wall, try adding wallpaper behind the bookcases to draw in the eye and yet not overwhelm the entire room.
BACKS OF SHELVING, INSIDE BOOKCASES, SMALL NICHES
These are often overlooked places to install wallpaper but they are perfect for adding a pop of pattern. If you want to just start small or unsure of what you would like as a wallpaper, this may be a great place to start.

So whether you are hesitant to hang your first panel of wallpaper or wanting to save some costs, consider starting small with some of these spaces. Whatever you decide, you will be taking a step toward making your home more you!