Country look living room
Country living room ideas: 45 rustic looks for your lounge
(Image credit: Future)
Your country living room ideas should are the heart of the home, the best place to kick back and relax, surrounded by creature comforts. One of the hallmarks of country living room ideas is that they are easy to tailor to your style – fill your space with heirloom furniture, clashing patterns and bold colours, or keep it pared back with muted shades, natural finishes and plain fabrics, and you will have an inviting, relaxed rustic space that's unique to you.
How you plan to use your space, and whether it's your only sitting room or you have further areas for relaxing and entertaining, will help to define your living room ideas. There are more details to consider when creating this look, too – these country living room ideas and tips will help you get it just right.
Country living room ideas
When browsing country decorating ideas, ask yourself: do you want a cozy snug or an expansive area where all the family can relax together? Is your style country house formal, or do you prefer a more laid-back aesthetic? Are you a fan of color, print and pattern, or do you gravitate towards more muted tones and simple shapes?
Once you have an idea of your room's style, size and how it will be used, you can begin the fun job of honing your country living room ideas to create a characterful, relaxing space you'll love to spend time in.
1. Choose joyful color for your country living room
(Image credit: Linwood)
When you’re creating a moodboard for your country living room ideas, don’t feel that you have to balance a bold print with pared-back color. Sometimes, being bright and bold is the best option – especially with country curtain ideas for living rooms.
‘Here, it’s the joyous color – from the punchy cushions and lamp to the grounding pale pink of the upholstery – that helps highlight the beauty of the floral,’ says Ella Richards, Head of Design at Linwood . These drapes are in the company’s Albertine Classic Rose fabric.
2. Mix finishes in a country living room
(Image credit: Violante & Rochford)
‘Modern country design is where tradition meets modern-day living through distressed finishes, mixed metals, handcrafted furniture, and a simple color scheme anchored in earth tones,’ advises Amber Dunford, Style Director at Overstock .
‘To balance the country elements, opt for prints that don’t feel overly precious and have a bit of modernity to them, such as a check or a ticking stripe.
Textiles such as leather and suede paired with industrial materials like iron and brass will add just the right amount of sternness to the lightheartedness of a country aesthetic.
‘Liveable comfort and family-centric themes are staples of this style, so a clean-lined sofa with overstuffed loose cushions should help you strike that balance between modern and country.’
3. Celebrate color and pattern
(Image credit: Penny Morrison)
‘The contemporary country look is all about achieving a balance of comfort, tradition and elegance,’ says fabric designer Penny Morrison . ‘The spaces should feel inviting and inspiring.
‘It's important to pay attention to the traditional features of a property rather than attempting to hide or change them. Enhance them by decorating a fireplace, say, or painting joinery in a high-gloss lacquer finish.
‘When mixing patterns in a room, do so within a similar color scheme. This will bring depth and harmony to the space, keeping things vibrant and interesting without making it feel too fussy or orchestrated.
‘I would say it is best to do the upholstery in plain colors or muted small prints, and save the larger, bolder patterns for accessories such as cushions or ottomans, or if you have a larger space, one or two chairs.’
4. Expose brick or stone walls
(Image credit: Alexander Waterworth/Soho Farm Cottage)
If your property is blessed with beautiful stonework or old brick walls, think about revealing that natural rustic beauty in your country living room ideas – even if it’s just in one focal point, such as the chimney.
‘Think back to the country farmhouses of the past; a lot of these spaces will have had brick or stone walls,’ explains Ryan Jones from Land of Rugs .
‘Whether it is one feature wall or all the walls in the home, exposed brick can add drama to your space. It is also worth noting that exposed brick or stone works perfectly with carpet or hardwood flooring.’
5. Make country living room ideas personal
(Image credit: Richard Gadsby/Future)
‘Keep decor personal and meaningful.
Country life is about welcoming people into your home, sharing stories and experiences,’ advises Marian 'Mimi' Meacham, Principal of Houston-based Marian Louise Designs . ‘Decor items that are personal to you are instant conversation starters.’
Books, collections, photographs and artworks will all bring a personal touch to your country living room ideas. ‘Display treasures and collectibles you have amassed throughout your life and travels for that warm, inviting feel,’ says Mimi.
6. Put wood on the ceiling
(Image credit: CutlerSchulze)
When you’re pulling together your country living room ideas, it’s likely your focus will be on flooring and walls. But don’t forget the ceiling above your head – it’s a vital element of any decorating scheme.
‘Some of my favorite elements involve wood on the ceiling,’ agrees Ran-D, interior designer and co-founder of RelaxingDecor .
‘For example, hardwood ceilings look amazing when paired with light walls and floors.
Or wood beams on the ceilings look great as well. I also love wood trim around the home, such as around doorways or windows.’
7. Color-check your curtains
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future)
Choosing country curtain ideas is an open and shut case – you really do need to consider how they frame a window when they are pulled back, and what the expanse of fabric will look like when they are closed.
‘Window treatments in natural tones such as flax, cream and beige will always work well in a country living room,’ confirms Devin Shaffer, Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design.
‘I like to choose organic fabrics including cotton and linen. This will help to integrate the interior with the surrounding landscape.’
8. Choose a topical wallpaper
(Image credit: Mulberry Home)
If you want to bring a classic British look to your country living room ideas, consider opting for country wallpaper ideas associated with the English country house style, albeit updated for modern tastes.
Rural motifs such as animals, birds and flowers, mixed in with stripes and checks, are a great place to start.
'Mulberry Home offers timeless, romantic fabrics and wallpapers with a sense of whimsy, drawing inspiration from a quintessentially British aesthetic,’ says Ann Grafton, the brand’s Creative and Managing Director.
'Game Birds is one of Mulberry Home's most cherished and iconic designs and has recently been reimagined with new colorways as a fabulous wallpaper.
‘To create a fabulous interior for your country living room, consider layering a bold wallpaper like Game Birds wallpaper with a plaid design and a plain to create a delicious, colorful and stylish living space".
9. Seek out calming sage
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
This gentle color should definitely be an option when you’re planning your country living room ideas as it brings a natural serenity to a scheme.
‘I love to use simple neutral colors to decorate. Sage is a softer, more subtle shade of green that has a peaceful impact in almost any room,’ says Janet Wischnia, President of American Blossom Linens .
Living room paint ideas or soft furnishings in green creates a relaxed feel. ‘A sage blanket or throw can brighten up a chair in your living space but still leaves you with a feeling of calmness, and we all need that now,’ Wischnia says.
10. Create comfortable gathering spots
(Image credit: Decorilla)
‘Country style is a trend that we've been eyeing for the past few years and we've loved to watch it develop and go from the "modern farmhouse" aesthetic to a more refined, yet rustic, country-inspired appeal,’ says Devin Shaffer, Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design .
‘Comfort is the key component of the style, so gathering spots such as country living rooms are where the design flourishes. A blend of weathered wood and antiquated finishes layered against neutral finishes in tones of white, beige and gray is the foundation of a modern country scheme.’
11. Expose rustic wood in a country living room
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
If you’re fortunate to have existing architectural features and rustic surfaces, look to incorporate them into your country living room ideas.
‘Try bringing natural elements into your home by exposing wooden beams and any worn and distressed wooden furniture,’ suggests Richard Petrie, home expert at Thomas Sanderson .
‘Introducing natural materials such as wood into your rooms can add clean leans, a calming ambiance and will help achieve the outdoor aesthetic associated with the modern country style.’
No beams? Add a rustic wooden mantel above the fireplace, lay reclaimed wooden floors, or search for antique furniture that shows the knocks and patina of age.
12. Look to nature for color ideas
(Image credit: Linwood)
If you’re struggling to pair colors for your decorating scheme, a walk outside could provide all the inspiration you need.
‘Follow nature’s lead by combining green and yellow,’ suggests Ella Richards, Head of Design, Linwood. ‘They sit next to each other on a rainbow after all, so are the perfect pairing for this relaxed, modern country living room.’
The living room color schemes you consider should make the most of your room’s aspect and the available natural light, as well as the mood you want to create.
13. Go for ‘Grandma gingham’
(Image credit: Emma Lee/Future)
Chintz and even gingham are coming back – think modern grandma, as the checks are blown up in scale,’ says Mark Cutler, Co-Founder of Los Angeles-based interior design firm, CutlerSchulze .
‘As nostalgia grows, modern country is looking cleaner, more pulled together and more decorative.'
14. Pick out characterful accessories
(Image credit: David Brittain/Future)
It's the extra details that will pull your country living room scheme together – wonderfully cozy throws and blankets, vintage vessels and jars in which to display gathered branches and blossoms, and quirky talking points such as the oversized clock in this image.
'Dressing your room is your moment to be creative and truly stamp it with your personality,' says Andrea Childs, Editor of Country Homes & Interiors magazine.
'What's exciting is that you can swap pieces in and out as the seasons change or you discover new treasures to decorate your home, so you always have a fresh new look when you want it.
'
15. Create a relaxed cabin feel
(Image credit: David Brittain/Future)
Bring a happy, relaxed element to your country living room ideas by bringing in a ‘cabin escape’ element to your scheme.
‘Focus on shades that are brighter, fresher, and airier to evoke a friendly, inviting feeling in relaxing entertaining areas,’ suggests Mimi Meacham, Principal of Marian Louise Designs.
‘Mix old with new furniture for a lived-in feel. And play with pattern – a buffalo check rug or gingham throw pillows can bring some of that elevated yet approachable country look to the room.'
16. Put a twist on print
(Image credit: CutlerSchulze)
Print and pattern is synonymous with country living room style but its form changes with the times. Sometimes bold florals lead the way, then small prints make a comeback. Graphic shapes such as stripes, checks and block prints also find their place in a country living room scheme.
'Pattern started making a comeback a year or two ago, mostly in geometrics.
Now it’s the turn of organics,’ says LA interior designer Mark Cutler. ‘Think of modern takes on traditional florals and even paisley.’
Mix different scales of pattern with plain fabrics for a chic take on country style.
17. Opt for oak in a country living room
(Image credit: Amara)
When you are dialling in your country living room ideas, the materials you choose are key. Choosing warm, unstained oak over glossy cherry or black ash, say, will immediately place your scheme in the rustic space.
‘Whether you are looking for furniture for a side table, the frame of your sofa, bookcases or drawers, oak is the way to go when you are designing in a country style,’ says Ryan Jones from Land of Rugs.
‘One of the benefits of oak, especially if it is reclaimed, is that it adds depth and character to your design. Contemporary furniture design can feel a little one dimensional. Oak adds that layer of intrigue to your design that will keep you, and your guests, interested.
’
18. Bring nature into a country living room
(Image credit: Dan Duchars/Future)
Nothing says rural style like a bouquet of garden-fresh flowers, and making a floral display an essential part of your country living room ideas will bring natural beauty to your scheme.
Seasonality is key, so even if you’re buying your blooms from the flower store, make sure they are local and haven’t been force grown.
‘Regardless of whether you live in a large home or a city apartment, bringing a touch of nature into your home will add to an authentic modern country feel,’ agrees Richard Petrie, home expert at Thomas Sanderson . ‘You can also incorporate indoor plants and bright blooms to bring character to your space.’
19. Add wow with woven wallpapers
(Image credit: Dan Duchars/Future)
The beauty of natural materials is a focus of rustic style and incorporating them into your country living room ideas will bring a real sense of warmth and authenticity.
‘We are seeing more wallpapers in country living rooms,’ confirms Mark Cutler of design firm CutlerSchulze . ‘But it’s in a fresher way, with wallpaper often printed on to grass cloth to add another layer of texture and detail.’
20. Discover your inner artist
(Image credit: Molly Mahon)
Textile designer Molly Mahon is hugely inspired by the Bloomsbury Group of artists and writers who lived and worked in Britain in the early twentieth century. Her Sussex home, close to the Charleston farmhouse associated with the group, is decorated with the Bloomsbury trademark love of pattern and decoration, with surfaces painted throughout the house.
The decoration of her rustic living room is a showcase for her passions – especially the artfully painted fire surround.
'The painting was inherited from my husband's grandmother,' says Molly. 'And the framed artwork to the left is actually a piece of original Barron & Larcher cloth that I bought online. I have always collected beautiful textiles and think they look so fabulous framed.
'
21. Seek out antique shapes for furniture
(Image credit: Dan Duchars/Future)
You don't need to source authentic antiques for your country living room, but adding traditional design elements in your furniture choices will add depth and history to your rustic space.
‘We see more traditional silhouettes gaining popularity,’ comments interior designer Mark Cutler of LA-based design firm, CutlerShulze.
‘Finding a fauteuil – an upholstered chair with a wooden frame and arms – used to be challenging, now they are even popping up on Wayfair. European country style is back and we are here for it!’
22. Light the way with crystal and bronze
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
Planning your living room lighting ideas goes hand-in-hand with coordinating the rest of your decor scheme. Not only will the fixtures themselves complement your style and color palette, but the lighting you choose will establish the ambience of your space.
‘We’re seeing the trend for brass receding and the return of bronze, bringing a beautiful layered finish with richness and depth to country living rooms,’ says LA interior designer Mark Cutler, of CutlerSchulze.
‘I also predict the return of crystal. As a precursor, we’re seeing lots of cut glass hanging pieces in a range of colors.’
23. Choose ‘casualwear’ for your furniture
(Image credit: Zinc Textile x Martin Hulbert Design)
While we love a smartly upholstered sofa, slipcovers can bring a more relaxed look to a country living room.
‘Loose covers in deliberately creased linen never need smartening up,’ agrees Justin Marr, Design Director of Zinc Textile . ‘White sofas are always a winner and are a great base for warmer accents of cognac, ochre and tobacco.
‘The aesthetic for our collaboration with Martin Hulbert Design is relaxed, informal and with a handmade appearance, as shown in this space. A mix of non-matching but happily coexisting cushions, and unlined washed linen curtains are effortlessly relaxed.
24. Use muted colors on country living room walls
(Image credit: The Cotswold Company)
Off-white shades or dusky pastels are the quickest way to create a calming, fresh feel in a room.
And when a space feels calm, it feels welcoming.
From a practical standpoint, a light color scheme will make a small country living room feel bigger, as well as giving you a versatile backdrop to explore a wider range of furniture and accessories options.
25. Add country character to a plain living room
(Image credit: Marion Lichtig)
'When it came to designing this sitting room I added the beams on the ceiling and the rough beam over the fire place to create a rustic feel to this country house,' says interior designer Marion Lichtig . 'This is reflected too in the rough hewn coffee table.'
Lichtig then added a few finer items, such as beautiful antique furniture, an elegant scallop back sofa and decorative lighting. 'I like to mix objects to give a room balance, layers and plenty of interest,' she shares.
26. Create a conversation area
(Image credit: Jojo Bradley Interior Design)
To give your country living room an atmosphere of warmth and welcome, arrange seating to make conversation – not the TV – the focus.
'In this room, the armchairs and sofas face each other across an upholstered ottoman, on which a tray of drinks or afternoon tea could be placed,' says interior designer Jojo Bradley . 'The comfortable furniture is softened further with cushions that invite you to relax and settle in for a while.'
This type of furniture arrangement works really well for small or larger groups, too. The pair of armchairs with their own side table provide an area for two people to sit and talk together, while the sofas provide additional seating when crowds gather.
27. Add depth with lighting
(Image credit: Laura Ashley)
A standout light can seem the obvious solution to bring the wow factor to your living room. But bright and shiny isn't always best, especially when it comes to country-style schemes.
'A common mistake is to focus on a show-stopping piece and forgo lighting the rest of the room, leaving it lacklustre and without atmosphere,' explains Mary Buchanan, Creative Director at Laura Ashley .
'Contrast light and shade to create a dramatic finish.'
Buchanan suggests lighting a room from the ground up. 'Wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps are perfect for layering,' she says. 'You can also use these to spotlight favourite objects in the room and light up cozy corners for reading and lounging.'
28. Use expert tricks to make small rooms look larger
(Image credit: Future)
Country homes, with their beautiful oak beams and thick stone walls, are brimming with history and character. But the rustic architecture runs the risk of making rooms appear small and dark.
When you're planning out country living room ideas, copy some of the tricks used by interior designers to bring a sense of light and airiness to a space. Think Perspex or glass 'invisible' tables; large furniture pieces, such as sofas, raised on elegant feet; and coffee tables made from elegant metal, rather than heavy wood.
29. Make a large country living room look cozy
(Image credit: Jojo Bradley Interiors)
Drawing in the furniture away from the walls of the room will make a large space seem more intimate – a tip interior designers use when creating living room schemes for barn conversions, lofts and other airy country spaces.
To avoid a railroad effect, with galleys on either side of sofas, for example, use additional pieces to fill the void.
Here, interior designer Jojo Bradley has placed a console table against the wall. It provides a handy perch for table lamps, while occupying the gap behind sofa.
30. Paint beams white
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future)
Older country homes featuring traditional dark oak beams and smoke-stained fireplaces can be too oppressive for contemporary tastes.
Keep the charm while updating the look by painting walls, woodwork and even bricks or stone in a bright white.
This will transform a country living room in an instant and given an uplifting spirit to your country home.
31. Make sitting by the fire an experience
(Image credit: The White Company)
Whether it's an original inglenook fireplace or a contemporary wood burner, gathering around the warmth of real flames is a quintessential country experience.
Your home may have an existing hearth and chimney that requires you to plan ideas for your living room around it. Or you may have the luxury of installing a new fire or stove in the place that suits you best. Either way, it's important to think about how you can integrate the fireside experience into your decor.
Factor in seating placed close enough to feel the warmth but not too near to be damaged by heat or sparks. Add a table or two, plus a footrest so you can warm your toes.
Finally, make your fuel, kindling and fireside tools a part of the room scheme by organising them in attractive baskets and log holders.
(Image credit: Ercol)
When your country property is a repurposed rural building such as a barn, it can be difficult to know how to furnish the space. One answer is to take your cue from the architecture – often large, lofty and with an industrial edge – rather than the age of the building.
For your country living room inspiration, look to iconic mid century design, with its clean lines and unfussy styling.
33. Make the most of the view
(Image credit: Future)
Living room furniture tends to point towards the TV but there's a far bigger screen to enjoy – the view in your window.
Position your seating to make the most of the view, without lining it up so that it looks as if you are at the cinema. A sofa facing the glazing, with comfy armchairs at an angle at either end, will mean you enjoy the landscape in front of you and still be able to chat easily to family and friends.
(Image credit: Oliver Perrott/Future)
When you're coming up with country living room inspiration and ideas, don't play it too safe.
'A fabulous accessory, such as a statement mirror or outsized pendant light, will add a dynamic, look-at-me quality to a room that makes it an exciting place to spend time in,' says Sara Bird, Decor Editor at H&G's sister title Country Homes & Interiors , who styled this living room for the magazine.
Keep it country by choosing a design with a rustic touch, like the natural materials that decorate this mirror frame.
35. Include some florals
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Pattern – especially big, blowsy florals – is synonymous with country living room decor. And an eye-catching pattern in bold colors is a great way to add a focal point.
Using pattern in large swathes in blinds, wallpaper or curtains will make the biggest statement and draw the eye to a specific part of the room.
If you’ve decided that curtains are the best way to get your pattern fix, go for a full-length design to increase the cozy factor.
36. Pick pale wood for furniture
(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)
Light-colored woods, such as beech, whitewashed pine and ash, have a more informal feel than dark woods and better fit the ethos of a rustic country look. The choice of complementary colours for paint, soft furnishings and accessories is also much wider when you choose pale-wood furniture.
Here, soft furnishings from Susie Watson Designs add punches of pink, mauve and mulberry, which sit nicely against the relaxed look of bleached-effect furniture.
37. Heat the space with a woodburner
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Nothing embodies a cozy, rustic feel quite like a stove or woodburner. Whether it’s a modern, freestanding design or one that’s nestled in a brick fireplace surrounded by craggy logs, both will offer warmth – literally and figuratively – and provide your country living room with a stylish focal point.
38. Include texture with rattan, wicker and reed
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Natural materials are a big part of nailing the country look, so incorporate them into your decor.
A rattan chair or bench is a good place to start if space permits but if not, rattan and reed baskets or a jute rug will all create a rustic look that has all the more charm because of their non-uniform finishes.
39. Choose laid-back seating for country living rooms
(Image credit: Neptune)
Country-style seating has rounded armrests and cushions, and either chunky, turned-wood legs (with or without castors) or a pleated skirt that skims the floor.
However, you can achieve a smarter country feel by putting the emphasis on the fabric pattern and going for more streamlined silhouettes for the furniture.
If you have a spare corner, fill it with a statement armchair and place a side table topped with a lamp next to it to create a cozy reading nook.
40. Show off brickwork or wooden beams
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
If you have wooden beams or exposed brickwork in your living room, highlight them to give the country living room look bags of authenticity.
'I don’t think you can really get the right look without using old things – rugs, paintings, antiques,' explains Vivien Greenock, interior designer and former senior director at Colefax and Fowler .
'It’s those things that give a room a permanent look, and a depth of feeling.'
Fabrics and trimmings, Vanessa Arbuthnott .
41. Go for distressed finishes
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
Whitewashed original floorboards, a timeworn finish on furniture, unglazed pottery, unfinished wood ornaments, mercurized mirrors and cable-knit cushions and throws are all very effective country living room ideas for creating a rustic, lived-in feel – but that needn't mean the room can't look smart.
Neat silhouettes on furniture and pared-back decor will help a smaller country living room feel larger and brighter.
'Antiques are not for everyone,' acknowledges interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch at Sims Hilditch , who uses antiques extensively in her schemes.
'Instead, replicas can be made that have never been used before but can mimic the styles of pre-loved pieces. We work with a fantastic cabinetmaker who specializes in creating antique-style furniture that is brand-new and yet has such an old heart.'
42. Light up corners with lamps
(Image credit: Kit Kemp/Andrew Martin Interior Designer Review Vol.24)
Lighting is the most effective way to create mood, as illustrated here in the beautiful living room of interior designer Kit Kemp's house.
Supplementing a main ceiling light with plenty of table and floor lamps will lend a cozy feel at the flick of a switch. Add to the ambience with smoked- or amber-glass bulbs, rather than clear ones with bright white filaments.
43. Bring the outdoors in with flowers and houseplants
(Image credit: I-LIV)
A country living room should be simple, relaxed and natural, and nothing evokes this better than house plants and fresh flowers. Choose several different kinds of house plant and put them in unexpected places, such as on the top of a cabinet or in bookcases, for a quirky feel.
Add to the scheme with fabrics in equally botanical prints, such as this Forever Spring collection from ILIV .
We answer three key questions so you can get your country living room decor spot-on.
44. Group furniture around a coffee table
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
Country living rooms are traditionally places that feel relaxed – so it's highly likely they will be used for informal entertainment. In this case, it is more than worth grouping seating around a coffee table. This will encourage sociability and make the room look inviting.
45. Create symmetry in a small country living room
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
If your country living room is small, using symmetry in interior design, especially built around a mirror, can make your space feel larger, neater and more curated.
How can I decorate my living room in a country style?
Do you want a traditional country look or a more pared-back, modern feel? If your living room has lots of period features, such as beams, fireplaces or ornate plasterwork, a traditional look will enhance these features.
You can then afford to be bolder with color and pattern, and more is definitely better, so pack plenty of furniture, soft furnishings and accessories into the space.
Matt Deighton, managing director and Chesterfield sofa specialist at Sofas by Saxon, says: 'Consider choosing sofas and armchairs in different finishes, rather than coordinating fabrics, to maintain an eclectic feel.'
Modern country living rooms are less cluttered, favour a muted color palette and use pattern, including stripes and checks, more sparingly. The best way to add a cozy, lived-in feel here is with plenty of unfinished wood, chunky knits, sisal, wicker and other natural materials.
To give your scheme a French country feel, painted furniture with ornate detailing is a must, while pale grays, muted blues and dusky pinks are the go-to colours.
For a shabby-chic slant on country style, flaking paint on furniture, mercury glass and floral prints are key. Keep walls white or off-white and add colour with soft furnishings and accessories in sugary pastel shades.
How do I make my country living room feel cozy?
To make a country living room feel cozy, if you have the space, a woodburner or fireplace is a great focal point. One less obvious way is to include a bookcase – either freestanding or built into an alcove – as the old-world, familiar feel that’s created when you’re surrounded by books oozes comfort.
Switching bright white lightbulbs for soft white or even colored glass ones offers a much more intimate feel. Go one step further by including plenty of soothing candlelight too.
Lastly, tactile materials such as velvet, chunky wool and faux sheepskin are the coziest of choices for cushions, throws and rugs, and will help soften the hardness from any wood furniture or beams.
How should I arrange my country living room?
A country living room should look relaxed – perhaps even a little haphazard.
Place armchairs and tables at 45-degree angles to walls in the corners of your room, layer sofas and chairs with cushions and throws, pile logs in baskets and arrange plants so that the leaves cascade down the sides of cabinets and tables.
It’s also important not to leave too many bare spots in your living room – a floor lamp or trug filled with folded blankets is better than wasted space.
Andrea has been immersed in the world of homes, interiors and lifestyle since her first job in journalism, on Ideal Home. She went from women's magazine Options to Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor. She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home. She was then offered the job as Editor on Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for sister title homesandgardens.com.
28 country living room ideas for a perfect rustic retreat
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.There's nothing quite as inviting and comforting like a cosy country lounge. Whether you live in a rural home or just dream of escaping to the country, country living room ideas will help you achieve this welcoming vibe in your space.
Country inspired living room ideas are surprisingly versatile. There's not just one theme to work with - there's the traditional rustic, the modern interpretation and the chic farmhouse style to name a few variations. Whichever interprtation speaks to you, you're sure to create a lounge that you'll love for year to come.
'When it comes to interiors, the country aesthetic continues to be popular as it offers an elegant, timeless look that brings with it a sense of comfort in the home,' says Emma Deterding, Founder, Kelling Designs .
'Combining character, charm and personality, it can really be transformative and make your home truly feel cosy. It’s all about striking the balance between vintage furniture pieces and playful prints and patterns in bold colours, as this will help to bring the scheme to life. '
Country living room ideas
'The country style can vary anywhere from farmhouse to cottage, so they aren’t any strict rules when it comes to decorating your country living room ideas,' says
Dani Burroughs, Head of Product, Snug .
It’s more about the feeling it gives you and this classic country style should feel simple, tranquil, and homey.'
1. Go for a natural palette
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
When designing your space, the natural place to begin is with living room colour schemes.
Natural colour palettes instantly transport you into the countryside, so green is an easy and sensible place to begin in country living room ideas. 'As the famous quote goes, inspiration is all around us,' says Dani from Snug.
'Look to nature when you’re pulling together your palette; olive green, taupe, soft blues with natural textures, woods, and dark accents make a great starting point.'
Enhance the look with lashings of botanical prints.
2. Brighten your beams
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
Rural homes are often limited to only dealing with small living room ideas. Ceilings can be low, windows tiny and doorways narrow.
Counteract this by boosting light levels with some clever but easy tricks. Country living room ideas may have dark wooden beams, so simply paint these white like your ceiling to make the room seem larger and brighter. Of course, the old classic of mirror enhancing light is as true here as anywhere else, so create a wall display of vintage mirrored pieces.
3. Pay attention to your flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Living room flooring ideas take up a large proportion of a space, so it's key to get these right.
For country style rooms, use this as an opportunity to add texture and charm.
Sisal, seagrass and other woven rugs and carpets add a rustic vibe, while staying softer and warmer underfoot than hard floors. Plus, these materials are incredibly hardwearing, so ideal for busy homes with kids and pets running wild.
4. Choose a themed wallpaper
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)
Use living room wallpapers ideas to set the scene. A themed pattern will instantly enhance your country style and allow you to do more with less.
Nature inspired patterns are the way forward - botanical, animal and floral prints work especially well. Choose either a bold colour or print as country living room ideas are a little softer, so both can be overwhelming in this setting.
5. Include a feature wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
If you don't want to go for all over pattern then take a look at living room feature wall ideas. A country-inspired print or mural, like wood, or a natural scene, will add a hit of pattern without needing to encroach on other spaces.
Link the wall in with the rest of your country living room ideas by including this as part of a limited colour palette of around 3 main shades.
6. Recover old furniture
(Image credit: Kelling Designs)
Part of country living room ideas is the idea of heritage. Pieces should feel like they've been handed down and embody comfort. Unfortunately, when marrying country with modern living room ideas, these two don't always match up, so upgrade what you do have to match it rustic with a contemporary edge,
'In the living room, it’s important to look at the furniture pieces you have already to see which pieces work and which ones can be up-cycled for a fresh lease of life,' advises Emma from Kelling Designs.
'Maybe you have an armchair that has been passed down through the generations that could do with being re-upholstered or a sideboard that could do with a coat of paint. Buttoned detailing, ornate shapes and prints in florals or checks all lend themselves perfectly to the look whilst tables and furniture in wooden finishes will add a rustic charm.
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7. Make a deep statement
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)
How to design a living room can be tricky at the best of times, but when you've got a theme in mind it can be even more challenging.
The trick is to not be too prescriptive to one style. If you're trying to achieve country living room ideas, it doesn't mean you necessarily should stick to the traditionally rural shades. If you want to go bold with deep coloured walls then do it. There's always a country take on things. If you like red, look for deep garnets rather then cherry, for purple think dusky aubergine over violet.
8. Win with a wood burner
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
For country style living room fireplace ideas, there's really nothing quite like a woodburning stove.
'A soft and welcoming style, country living room ideas appeals to living authentically and enjoying traditional comforts,' says Jon Butterworth, Director, Arada Stoves . 'To make a living room feel more country and create the perfect ambiance, incorporate a wood burning stove.
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'Not only do they suit the classic style of a country home, but they also heat the home and are a true statement piece, allowing homeowners to switch off, wind down and enjoy simpler comforts.'
9. Get the lighting right
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
'To decorate country living room ideas, use traditional style lighting,' says David Amos, CEO, Amos Lighting + Home . 'Table and floor lamps, with ceramic or metal bases alongside fabric shades, will give a soft, and classic, country look.'
'Layer the room with lamps to add comfort and depth or try using an eclectic mix of shades with different finishes such as, pleats and patterns. You can even consider coordinating a varied mixture of lighting to exude that laid-back, eclectic style that the country look is known for.'
'With the addition of the right living room lighting ideas, country lounges have a warm, gentle vibe, which makes them perfect for relaxing in. Use soft lighting which will give the room a gentle glow, and create a restful and comforting environment, ideal for when a moment of calm is needed.
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10. Play with pattern
(Image credit: iLiv)
'Mixing coordinating fabric patterns and layering soft furnishings will instantly create a country, cosy ambience in country living room ideas,' advises Debbie Leigh, Design Manager, ILIV .
'Chalky colour palettes based on heritage prints always work well in country interiors and are easy to incorporate with plenty of blankets, throws and varying cushion sizes.'
'If you are wanting to go all out and create a bold country interior, then look for large-scale floral blowsy prints, velvet and embroidered fabrics, as these work perfectly for rustic living room ideas and will make an instant impact.'
11. Build in seating and storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
Country homes are bound to have awkward shapes and alcoves to work with. Rather than fight against them, use them to include bespoke built in living room storage ideas in your space.
If you're in a contemporary home, this is also a nifty way of making your space seem a little quirkier and with more history than it actually has.
12. Lay a slate floor
(Image credit: Original Style )
‘Natural stone floor tiles are a great investment for kitchens and living areas, especially for those looking to create a country, farmhouse feel,' says Emma Hughes, Studio Manager, Original Style ,
'Whether its classic limestone or a rich, dark slate, natural stone flooring ideas create a timeless canvas that will age beautifully, rewarding you for years to come. Incorporate sumptuous soft furnishings, rustic wood pieces and layers of neutral tones to achieve your perfect, country inspired space.’
13. Make a focal point of original features
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
If you're lucky enough to own a little cottage in the countryside, why not restore its original features while adding a modern touch?
Sometimes the most simple living room ideas just involve stripping the space back to show off what was there previously. Think mantlepieces, beams and wooden flooring.
Surrounding these with more contemporary furniture and decor will enhance the effect fo the original pieces.
14. Show off stonework
(Image credit: Future PLC/Richard Gadsby)
Make a real statement by stripping back the plaster in your living room to reveal original joists, bricks and beams. Alternatively, fake it by having a stone wall built in.
You can also use stone-effect wallpaper for more budget living room ideas, but there's nothing quite like the tactile nature of a stone wall.
15. Add texture with limewashed walls
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Limewashed or plastered walls are a chic way of achieving a pared back country living room. There a number of ways of creating this type of living room paint ideas, from a slick of lime or chalk paint, to getting the plasterer over to create a rustic effect.
This just depends on what finish you're aiming for and how much time and money you're willing to spend.
16.
Make the most of wall panelling(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars)
Living room wall decor isn't all pattern and placement of objets - it can also be the form of the wall itself. A very country take on this is through the use of wall panelling.
However, if you're looking for a more modern space, then you'll need to update the panelling accordingly. Colour is an easy and effective way of doing this with either all-over colour, or by painting half the wall.
17. Include vintage furniture
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
A comfy, worn-in leather armchair by a cosy fire is what springs to mind when we think of country living rooms. Mix old and new together effectively by marrying contemporary living room curtain ideas, printed rugs or artwork with antique furniture.
'A versatile look, true country style can be created just as well with floral fabrics as with soft buttery leathers,' says Suzy McMahon, Buying Director, Sofology .
'Look for relaxed shapes that invite you to sink into them at the end of the day.
Although seat height should always be based on personal preference, lower backs with wooden feet are naturally in keeping with a rustic scheme.'
18. Add elegant touches
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jemma Watts)
Create a grand country retreat look in your country living room idea by adding sumptuous velvets, plenty of polished wood and antique lighting.
'Choosing traditional shaped living room sofa ideas, perhaps a Chesterfield style or a heavily tufted design with curved arms in rich fabrics can emulate the style of a grand country home,' says Patricia Gibbons, Designer, sofa.com . 'These tend to work particularly well in rooms with antique pieces, elaborate lighting and opulent carpets.'
'For rugs and cushions, pick tones that pair well with your larger pieces but aren’t too matchy-matchy. Keep it organic with a mix of pattern and texture to ensure the space looks lived-in and homely – a key feature of country style.
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19. Get eclectic
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
Country decor is synonymous with natural colours and materials. But you can add a more contemporary feel by incorporating a mix of patterns and textures to create a more eclectic look.
'To create a truly authentic countryside feel in your home, stick to a warm palette of earthy, neutral tones,' says Jacquie Dunton, Founder, Sweetpea & Willow . 'Start by throwing a warm colour on the walls and add floral patterns via sofa cushion ideas and lampshades.'
20. Look to nature for inspiration
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
When in doubt, look to nature for inspiration when it comes to decorating your rural abode. A mix of floral motifs and prints will instantly transport you to a meadow. While implementing some coastal living room ideas will take you to the seaside, even if you're living in the hustle and bustle of a city.
'Craftsmanship and heritage prints are celebrated in the Cottagecore trend and familiar natural motifs are favoured as we spend more time appreciating landscapes closer to home,' notes Paula Taylor, Trend Specialist, Graham & Brown .
'The aesthetic draws inspiration from natural materials and handmade elements to evoke a sense of calming simplicity, offering an escape from hectic modern life. To achieve this in the home, opt for muted neutral shades and faded pastel hues such as mint and terracotta for a soft nostalgic feel.'
21. Use wood liberally
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
'Beautiful, natural materials are integral to our design ethos,' says Emma Sims-Hilditch, Founder, Sims Hilditch . 'By incorporating natural wood into the structure of a room, we can play with depth, dimension and of course, complement the original features of an old property.'
'Oak is a robust and truly timeless material for making furniture, flooring and panelling, and it only gets better over time. We love walnut for its warmth and mahogany for its depth and richness.'
22. Warm up with deep blue
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Contrary to popular belief, blue can warm up a scheme, rather than cool it down.
It just depends on the tone you choose.
Deep, sumptuous blue living room ideas can create an inviting and soothing atmosphere, while a lighter option feels fresher and more contemporary.
23. Decorate with distressed features
(Image credit: Future PLC/Michael Sinclair)
Create a grown up version of shabby chic decor by mixing a variety of vintage style textures and finishes.
Think burnished metals, cracked leathers and worn stonework. When paired with chic and sleek modern pieces you'll achieve the perfect balance between antique and modern.
24. Incorporate modern pieces
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
'Don't buy all new furniture,' advises Emma Sims-Hilditch. 'Country style is brimming with character, so we recommend incorporating a mix of old and new furniture into your home.'
'Antique furniture sourced from a market or dealer is a great addition to country living room ideas, and creates a pleasing contrast when paired with the sharp lines of a mirror or more contemporary light fixture.
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25. Work with natural materials
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Look to natural textures like rattan and reclaimed wood to add country style to your living room.
'The style focuses on rustic materials and vintage décor which allows homeowners not to be too precious about the space, making it feel calm and inviting to friends and family,' says Sally Denyer, Digital marketing Manager, Shutterly Fabulous . 'As well as this, the style is effortlessly chic!'
26. Build in a library
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Make your country living room idea a place to really unwind and chill out by adding a wall of bookcases to create a mini library.
Use sections of the bookcases to showcase treasured items for a more eclectic look. Complete the relaxed reading nook by including a soft leather chair to sink into and read to your heart's content.
27. Mix old and new
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Don't be afraid to buy new furniture for a cottage style space.
A plush mid century modern style velvet chair can look right at home beside more rustic pieces.
28. Keep things neutral
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Country style is all about neutral, natural features. It's hard not to be won over by the easy-to-live-with vibe of neutral living room ideas. Give it a Scandi spin by adding lots of throws and textures, make it industrial by adding metal details or go vintage with crochet cushions and unique ornaments.
'A neutral colour palette is best suited to rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as a living room, where relaxing tones are key to creating a happy space,' says Lisa Conway, Residential Marketing Manager, Brintons . 'Neutrals are versatile with the ability to provide a platform and set the scene.'
How can I make my living room look country?
There are lots of ways to create country living room ideas in your home. Easy ways include decorating with plenty of wood in the form of restored beams, stripped back tables and distressed shabby chic furniture and accessories.
You could restore original features like beams, cottage mantels, exposed brick and wall panelling. Mixing old and new furniture will instantly give you the relaxed, lived-in country style. While incorporating a wood burning stove or an open fire will add a warm, cosy feel to the space.
'It is a casual and inviting decorating style designed to give you the feeling of a simple country life, making both you and your guests feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door,' says Dani from Snug.
'This look isn’t just for country cottages, urban homes can breathe a feeling of nature and relaxation into their homes too. As well as a decorating scheme that reflects the outdoors, be sure to crank up the cosy factor with plenty of scatter cushions and throws on your sofa. Add in a footstool for maximum comfort and enjoy your morning cuppa while you relish in a slower pace of life – even if it’s just for a moment.'
What is modern country decor?
Modern country living room ideas is a stylish alternative to the approach.
As a hugely popular interior trend right now, incorporating a mix of industrial, cottagecore, vintage, rustic and its relaxed and natural look is easy to identify.
Noemie Deed, founder of Cosy Coco says, 'Achieving a modern farmhouse aesthetic centres around the beautiful juxtaposition of the rustic and raw paired with sleek and contemporary design which creates a real sweet spot for cosy and relaxed yet refined interiors.'
'For example, integrating charming, rustic textures like shaggy rugs, exposed brick, and unrefined woods will instantly give a modern space a beautiful organic foundation which will help pave the way for creating the farmhouse style.
'These finishes really transform modern spaces, giving them a somewhat elevated homestead feel with all the cosy country vibes, and we are all about creating cosiness.'
What are country style colours?
'In terms of colours, it’s always important to pick colours that you love,' advises Emma from Kelling. 'Although most people opt for neutral, muted tones in country living room ideas, bringing in bold pops of colour can really add personality to the space.
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'If your walls are neutral, then let your furniture and accessories do the talking by introducing bolder colours such as vibrant yellow and green tones, or rich reds. For a cohesive look, pick one or two prints and use these throughout the space – maybe on curtains and scatter cushions on your sofa, whilst clashing multiple prints and patterns will add an eclectic take on the country scheme.'
Country-style living room - 75 photos of design options
Country-style living room interior as a style inherent in a homely atmosphere. Such an interior brings calmness, and allows you to just sit and chat with your family in a quiet environment.
Country means a village. From childhood, everyone remembers trips to their grandmother, how calm and comfortable it was there.
The atmosphere is associated with a small bright house, with walls made of stone and an ever-creaking door made of planed boards.
Quite often, designers use this style in the interior.
Therefore, there is no need to think that the apartment will look archaic. A striking example is the Moscow Country Club hotel.
There are VIP numbers and even a "presidential number". The hotel has 5 stars, so you should not assume that country is only a modest rural house, the style also represents all the chic of a country house intended for upper-class people.
Country positions itself as a style that has absorbed all the best from different parts of the world. So English country will be aristocratic, and French is filled with romance.
Contents:
Key elements of country style
The color scheme should have natural tones. These are: beige, light yellow, orange and shades of wood. The Provence country style living room should be complemented by colors: lavender, blue, gray. The use of acidic and unnatural colors in the style are excluded.
Decor elements are selected opposite to the choice of furniture and finishes.
For example, if the furniture and walls are light, then choose accessories in dark colors, and vice versa.
As in the English style, the interior can be emphasized with a fireplace. Which will symbolize home comfort. It will also be nice to sit by the fireplace on cold winter evenings, listening to the crackling of firewood.
In the case when it is not possible to build a real fireplace, you can purchase an electric one or even limit yourself to creating a false fireplace, with decor elements inherent in the hearth.
In order to preserve the atmosphere of antiquity, it is necessary to limit the use of a large number of household appliances. Since a 50-inch plasma will immediately spoil the overall look, and the feeling of antiquity will disappear.
If you have not refrained from buying plasma, then it is advised to disguise it in every possible way, curtains will be a great idea in this regard. And the best option would be retractable panels.
Below you can see a photo of a country-style living room.
As you can see, a lot of textiles are used in the style. Designer pillows and tablecloths are an integral part of the country. At the same time, there are patterns and ornaments on the decor elements.
A plaid or polka dot cushion is ideal for curtains with solid colors. At the same time, the material used to create the entire interior is preferable: cotton, linen, chintz.
Curtains should be selected such that they are decorated with flounces or frills. At the same time, they were picked up with tapes.
The eaves must also be properly selected, and the use of plastic and metal structures should be excluded. Knitwear and rugs made at home will help add a touch of antiquity.
Small living room in country style should be complemented with various figurines, antiques and paintings. To harmonize with the interior, caskets, chests, and antique-decorated forged items are used.
If it is decided to make the living room kitchen in a country style, then dry flowers should be present on the table, which will emphasize the color. Country-style living room interior photos are presented below.
Finishing materials
When choosing a country style flooring should be chosen from natural materials. You can choose wood or parquet board. If you have your own homestead, then the floor can be laid out of natural stone.
In any case, artificial materials like linoleum will not work. However, you can pick up a laminate with a pattern resembling the texture of wood, cover it with a handmade carpet, so it will not attract special attention.
A wood finish or white painted stucco will look chic on the ceiling. Beams will be a great solution, and are applicable not only on the ceiling, but also on the walls, but you should stick to the composition.
For walls it is possible to use a more budget option - wallpaper.
They can have a simple, not intricate pattern. The main thing in the country is not to use vinyl and shiny types of wallpaper. It is also possible to use textiles on the walls. Stone wall decoration looks good in village houses.
Which furniture to choose?
The furniture should be large and a bit rough. If there is wood in the furniture, then it should leave its natural texture.
The arrangement of furniture is not critical, and it is quite possible to put sofas and wardrobes at your discretion. If there are small decorative elements, then they are arranged randomly, this will give the house a residential look.
Furniture upholstery should have some features of the general concept in its design. For example, the pattern and color of the curtains are somewhat similar to the sofa. This will give a certain entourage and comfort of a rural house.
Country style living room photo
Country style living room - photo of unusual interior design ideas
One of the most popular design solutions is country style.
This reception was a great success due to the comfortable and warm atmosphere.
Country style brings home comfort, without unnecessary pathos, glamor and other things. It is worth noting that most often, country-style design is used for summer cottages, country houses, but recently, it is often used for multi-apartment residential buildings.
Country is universal, it can be used in almost all rooms, but more often it is used in the design of hotels. As a rule, the hotel is the largest room in the house and various decorative elements that are often used in country music can be used at its base.
You can visually appreciate this style with the help of pictures. This article presents photos of a country-style living room.
If you want to create a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere in your home, then the best option is a country living room, the photo of which you see on this page. This style does not lose its relevance.
Table of contents of the article:
- Country design features
- Design Tips
- 100 Country Style Living Room Design Photos
Country Design Features
The above style is perfect for those who do not like frills and prefer simplicity and style, instead of pretentiousness. The country does not use expensive elements.
The calm color palette used in the design of the country-style living room, you can create a room in which it is easy to relax and unwind. In the country, light, bed colors are used.
If the final design seems boring, it can be diluted with a few colorful accents.
Such a technique will not spoil the design, but on the contrary, it will improve and complement it.
In the interior of the country living room, natural wood of various colors and shades is used. Therefore, country-style decoration is preferred by connoisseurs of natural materials.
Wooden furniture and various decorative elements are also often used. The tree is associated with home comfort, nature and naturalness.
In addition, arriving in a country-style living room, even being in an apartment in a metropolis, you can feel the atmosphere of a country house, which stands on the edge of a dense forest or on the shore of a lake.
A variety of floral ornaments are often used in country music. Cells, lines and other design elements are also widely used. They can be both the basis of a country-style design solution and an addition.
Living room in country style is a great design solution that is always in fashion, thanks to a special warm atmosphere. In such a room it will be pleasant to relax, as well as to hold meetings with friends and family.
Designer's Tips
In order for the country-style design to be successful, it is necessary to align the walls as much as possible.
They should not have any dents, bumps or other defects. But the texture of the wall covering can be uneven and rough.
When designing a country-style living room, remember the basis of this style, it is the creation of a comfortable, bright, “warm” space that gives everyone in the room a pleasant feeling of security, tranquility and relaxation.
Designers recommend choosing lighting fixtures very carefully when designing a country style. Light is one of the main tools for creating atmosphere. It should be warm (with a hint of yellow) and light. The best option is if the lighting will gently stratify throughout the living room.
Country style living room interior is a great design solution for rooms of any size, however, if you are going to design a small hotel in country style, be careful when decorating.
Do not go overboard with various decorative elements that are often used in country design: wooden furniture, various decorative elements (animal skins, horns, stuffed animals, frames, paintings), wood beams for decorating walls or ceilings, and more.
