Rustic bedroom ideas conjure up thoughts of sleeping in a cosy cocoon and who wouldn’t want that?
Nature is good for the soul. Country folk have always known this but research now backs it up. Colours of nature and natural materials help soothe our (often frazzled) minds. So where rest and relaxation are concerned, rustic style is ideal when you’re on the hunt for bedroom ideas.
‘There’s just something about the rustic, shaggy and raw paired with the sleek, clean and polished which creates a sweet spot for interesting, stylish and cosy interiors,’ says Noemie Deed, founder, Cosy Coco (opens in new tab). ‘Charming rustic designs transform contemporary pads into cosy homesteads.’
10 rustic bedroom ideas
Rustic style tends to let nature’s natural beauty shine through, so rugged materials such as reclaimed wood, chunky wool and wicker feature heavily. Mixed with leafy greens, sky blues and earthy tones these create a nature-inspired sleep haven, perfect for large sleep zones or small bedroom ideas.
1. Whitewash timber-clad walls
(Image credit: Future / Dominic Blackmore)
To create a cabin-in-the-woods style rustic bedroom decor, clad your walls with timber and give a section of it a whitewash for a fresh modern feel.
Against this backdrop, include Shaker style wooden furniture, a chunky oatmeal rug and botanical prints on your bed linen to wake up with nature wherever you live.
2. Add stable doors for shutters
(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)
Barn conversions are popular renovation projects in rural locations for good reason and many incorporate charming ideas influenced by their surroundings. We love these salvaged stable doors being used as shutters and old floorboards for wall cladding.
Whether you live in a barn, cottage, flat or house, scour salvage yards and junk shops to see what treasures you can repurpose for your rustic bedroom ideas.
3. Introduce tactile materials
(Image credit: Future / David Brittain)
There’s a homespun feel to rustic style that harks back to traditional crafts. So simple additions such as a wicker trunk and chunky knit baskets that hint at being handmade will add a rustic flavour to your bedroom. They’re much more charming than standard bedroom storage ideas too.
‘When it comes to accessories opt for linens and other tactile materials,’ says Sally Wilkes, co-founder of Home Barn (opens in new tab). ‘Vintage glass bottles can be used for fresh flowers or as candle holders, these small yet impactful details will add organic charm and interest to your rustic bedroom scheme.’
4. Choose textured surfaces
(Image credit: Future / David Brittain)
For rustic style choose furniture made from timber that’s rough sawn, reclaimed or finished with oil or wax. This gives a more rugged and less polished appearance than varnish or lacquer.
Mix with other similarly toned textures such as bamboo, rattan or wicker and intersperse with cotton, linen and wool accessories in shades of white, beige and grey for balance.
‘Styling your space with aged wooden grains will transform any bedroom into a truly rustic retreat,’ says Claire Hornby, head of creative at Barker and Stonehouse (opens in new tab). ‘Distressed wooden furnishings suit this look to a tee and the more mismatched the better, bringing a considered, yet eclectic feel to the space.’ So when planning how to arrange furniture in a bedroom, take the finish of each piece into consideration.
5. Opt for a limited colour palette
(Image credit: Future / Simon Whitmore)
Rustic style is calming as it echos the tones and textures of nature, so stay within a neutral or muted colour palette.
‘Our bedrooms are our very own personal sanctuaries, it’s where we go to recharge and relax at the end of each day and prepare for the next. We believe these spaces should exude a sense of calm, with natural textiles and rustic textures that create a feeling of softness,’ says Sally Wilkes, co-founder, Home Barn.
‘When designing a rustic-inspired bedroom opt for a limited colour palette. By working with neutral shades including creams, whites and pale beige tones, a pared-back yet elegant space can be achieved.
‘Introduce wooden accents, like a reclaimed bench or bedside table for added character – these salvaged pieces will have their own unique story to tell and will add a richness to your scheme.’
6. Make a headboard with reclaimed timber
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
For truly homespun rustic bedroom decor, you could go back to basics and build your own bed. In their book Pallet Style, authors Nikkita Palmer and Billy Barker show how to make a platform bed from discarded wooden pallets. ‘It’s a simple project that can be carried out by all abilities of DIYer,’ says Nikkita.
As well as providing rustic style, making a bed from reclaimed timber pallets makes furnishing your bedroom super-cheap too. Pallet ideas aren’t just for the garden, and will give a great rustic finish to a bedroom
7. Introduce flora and fauna on fabrics
(Image credit: Prestigious Textiles)
Bring nature into the bedroom with rustic prints on fabrics, and offset them against textured walls and traditional furniture.
‘Capture the essence of the English countryside through natural and earthy shades,’ says Nicola Brumfitt, marketing director at Prestigious Textiles (opens in new tab). ‘Use a mix of fabrics to create a cosy bedroom and brighten it up with accents of flora and fauna. Conversational prints and classic checks are perfect for a country cottage feel.’
8. Freshen the feel with green stripes
(Image credit: ILIV)
Classic green and white striped cotton or linen fabrics introduced through blinds, bedding or cushions are a beautiful way to accessorise a rustic bedroom, as they bring a freshness to the warmth of wood. They work to create a warm, inviting feel so are great for guest bedroom ideas.
‘Many of us long to create a peaceful space to relax and unwind after a busy day and the simplicity of the Portland collection helps do just that,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager, Iliv (opens in new tab). ‘It’s beautifully versatile and can create a comfortable easy-breezy style. Rustic furniture pieces, wood panelling and simple soft furnishings will all complement this look perfectly.’
9. Step onto natural materials
(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
Timber flooring features heavily in rustic bedrooms for good reason. However if you prefer to step out of bed onto something softer, consider sisal.
Made from woven plant fibres, it has a relaxed, earthy aesthetic that perfectly suits rustic style and its mix of natural golden tones will add warmth to your bedroom.
‘Rustic bedrooms can sometimes feel a little cold, so I always advise bringing warmth to the look through rich, earthy colours,’ says Claire Hornby at Barker and Stonehouse.
10. Give it an industrial edge with lighting
(Image credit: Industville / Co Living Spaces)
Rustic style is more about the earthy no-nonsense side of rural life. It’s repurposed and improvised materials from grafting the land rather than genteel country house twee. So consider this aspect with your bedroom lighting ideas too.
Traditionally bulkhead lighting was built to withstand extreme weather conditions, so it has a tough, heavy-duty appearance that makes it a great addition as a rustic bedside lamp.
How can I make my bedroom look rustic?
It’s possible to make a bedroom look rustic, even if it doesn’t have original timber beams by using rugged wood in the decor. This can either be with timber cladding on the walls or through reclaimed wooden furniture. So rustic bedroom ideas can be used whatever type of home you live in, from new builds to townhouses.
‘Inspired by classic country interiors and snug log cabins, rustic bedroom schemes are perfect for those looking to hibernate in style,’ says Claire Hornby, head of creative at Barker and Stonehouse.
‘Think reclaimed wooden furniture, sun-baked hues and rough-hewn textures that help ground us and reflect the beauty of nature.’