Do you want farmhouse living room ideas that look stylish, are cozy and are also practical? Have you ever asked yourself how to link natural wood, trendy soft neutrals and comfortable textures to make a place look simple and fashionable? In this article, I’ll go over some expert ideas for changing your living room into a beautiful farmhouse haven. We’ll discuss finding balance between style from the past and benefits of the present, using design concepts that everyone loves.
Whether you’re doing a full renovation or just updating a few pieces, these ideas will guide you through every detail—from furniture choices to decor elements—so you can confidently create your perfect farmhouse living room.
Embrace Natural Wood Accents
Natural wood is the first material I like to feature when designing a farmhouse living room. It makes any space feel warmer and more natural right away. Introducing natural wood flooring, beams, shelves or special accents pulls together the classic and timeless look at the heart of farmhouse designs. This style is just as lasting as it is attractive and it will always remain on trend.
My advice is to finish open shelves, mantelpieces and end tables with oak, pine or reclaimed wood. Softer woods, natural textures and a lack of perfection in the wood design make farmhouse living stand out. Combine these items with light sofas and iron accents to ensure the room isn’t too formal.
Natural materials have always received positive responses from clients because they bring an easy calmness to the living area. Country Living categorizes exposed wood as a leading feature in modern farmhouse interior design. One wood accent such as a live-edge table, can instantly revamp the whole space, making it seem stylish.
I think wooden frames on mirrors or wooden panels give the space a warm and interesting character, particularly on accent walls or behind a neutral couch.
Mix Modern And Rustic Touches
Harmony is very important in farmhouse-style living rooms—so mixing contemporary and old-fashioned looks is essential. Putting together sleek, uncluttered pieces and old wooden or antique items makes a home inviting and eye-catching. Combining these styles makes the space look good and helps it feel up to date.
When I choose a look, I often try a neat low-profile sofa with an upcycled wood coffee table or an older vintage console. Install modern lighting options above the furniture and complete the room with a jute or wool rug. When you mix these two materials, you get ease and spirit, two major parts of farmhouse design.
I think this difference is extremely appealing. It allows the space to be used differently and makes it easy to grow. I could add a contemporary metal floor lamp anywhere near a distressed armoire, making sure it doesn’t overshadow the rustic style. Architectural Digest recently pointed out that this interior style is both versatile and always in fashion.
Sometimes, there isn’t enough bold art or sculptural pieces to give a space a modern look. I recommend adding one or two modern pieces such as a geometric wall hanging or a simple planter, to keep the design from being too cookie cutter.
Choose Soft Neutral Color Palettes
If you want your farmhouse living room to look serene, always go for a soft set of neutral colors first. The use of ivory, beige, greige, taupe or warm white shades makes any room seem tranquil, easy to clean and open. These tea colors let other textures and materials such as wood and linen shine.
Mostly, I go with a white color for my walls, adding in soft gray or tan fabrics. An off-white sofa, a light oak table and light colored curtains blend harmoniously together. Tonal design helps to keep the emphasis on the delicate difference in texture, instead of making everything compete.
In my experience, neutral tones never become boring and you can wear them all year long. I often think of what Joanna Gaines said: “Using neutral doesn’t mean everything has to be dull; it’s the best way to incorporate texture and warmth into your space.” I absolutely see eye to eye on that. No room truly feels comfortable until we have neutrals in it.
For this section to improve further, you could introduce small accent colors. Maybe place sage green or dusty blue throw pillows or place a few amber glass candleholders here. They continue to liven up the color story.
Add Shiplap Walls For Texture
Shiplap walls are a defining characteristic of farmhouses and there’s a reason for that. They add visual details and history to a room, but don’t make the area feel jam-packed. I like to recommend hanging shiplap on a main wall—perhaps near the sofa or fireplace—so it can add a little interest without being over the top.
White-painted shiplap is the most traditional, but don’t shy away from weathered gray or soft beige finishes if you’re going for something a bit more modern. Because of the straight, clean lines, your eye travels smoothly and the space seems both larger and unified.
I’ve always liked working with shiplap whenever I could. Plants give a room special charm right away, no matter what else is present. Better Homes & Gardens also suggested shiplap as a leading design choice for homeowners wanting to add architectural detail quickly.
If you’d like to give the room more color and style, I suggest adding vintage mirrors, old family photos or metallic sconces to the shiplap wall. It gives your fabric a lively appearance and ties everything in the room together.
Style With Distressed Furniture Pieces
I believe that distressed furniture is good at showing its own history. When you use pieces with worn or antique looks, even if they’re not truly old, you add the historical character that is so important in farmhouse design. Many of the pieces I seek out have chip in the paint, faded surfaces or rusty details.
Using a battered blue side table with whitewashed frames and vintage books can bring character to any modern interior. If the bed has curvy legs, light curves to the drawer fronts and old-fashioned iron handles, it’s easy to see the farmhouse design.
Flea markets are where I find a lot of my items and I have also refinished furniture before. With one project, I turned an old dresser into a pretty TV stand that was the focal point in the room. HGTV says that using repurposed furniture means you can save money and care for the environment.
I also suggest having some upholstered distressed pieces—for example, a bench in linen with wood frame or an ottoman with a few rubbed finishes. They are both cosy and stylish for anyone ageing.
Incorporate Vintage-Inspired Lighting
The way you light your living room is one of the most important decisions in farmhouse design. Vintage-style lighting is something I love, whether it’s a chandelier, sconce or table lamp. They combine decoration and functionality while also brightening up any area.
The pendant lights I prefer above the coffee table are those in cages and my preferred farmhouse lanterns are made of dark bronze. If you add Edison-style bulbs, they give out both a gentle and nostalgic light. Placing table lamps on top of weathered or ceramic bases helps complete your décor.
Lighting is the simplest way I’ve found to bring a farmhouse style into my home without any serious renovations. A large chandelier is just the thing Elle Decor suggests for a bold look – and I agree it works! Light acts as a form of art as well as a useful utility in these environments.
In my opinion, providing dimmable bulbs and several layers invites a simple shift in light and mood in your home.
Highlight Exposed Beams In The Ceiling
Exposed ceiling beams are the perfect way to bring farmhouse elegance to a space. Structural or fake, they add dimension, contrast and give a main architectural focus to a room. You should consider putting dark-stained beams in a white ceiling to create the stunning contrast that holds the space together.
Many times during my projects, I join matching wooden overhead beams to mantels or coffee tables to maintain consistency. Even lightweight polyurethane beams can look incredibly like real beams and are much simpler to fit into your home.
I’ve had clients fall in love with their ceilings all over again after adding beams. According to Southern Living, they’re the best part of a farmhouse-style ceiling and I couldn’t agree more.
Another way to improve the space is to put lighting or a special chandelier between the beams which will help guide attention towards the ceiling and make the room look more carefully curated.
Use Linen And Cotton Fabrics
Linen and cotton are always my first choice when I design a farmhouse living room. Such natural fibers keep you cool, are tough and have an easy, appealing style. They offer both smoothness to the touch and a gentle look which makes them ideal for farmhouse style. Upholstery, curtains and small touches with these materials make any space happier and more relaxed.
The frame around my windows consists of light linen drapes, the main sofa is covered in cotton and I complete the look with textured linen pillows. A neutral armchair covered with cotton is part of the layered atmosphere in the room. As a result, the room is cozy, homelike and elegantly put together.
Based on what I’ve seen, many clients enjoy how these fabrics can be used in different ways. They’re simple to keep clean and their light colors make other textures in the room stand out. Martha Stewart Living regularly suggests linen, especially for family rooms where people want something that is both elegant and practical. A blend of moody linen and weighty knitted materials brightens up a plain room.
Including an ottoman or bench made from linen will only enhance the comfort of this design. Placing one by a fireplace or window is an excellent idea. It helps to create a calming and cozy sense, but the light isn’t too strong.
Display Reclaimed Wood Coffee Tables
You’ll often find a reclaimed wood table as the main piece in a farmhouse living room. It becomes the main image and gives the design its mood. I pick reclaimed wood because every knot, crack or special detail remind me of something unique. Since these items are natural, they add real texture and an old-fashioned feel unlike what you’d find in most mass-produced items.
The majority of my designs use a big reclaimed table, neutral sofas and black iron ornaments. I also enjoy putting things on the top a bit: ceramic bowls, old books and a woven tray that I might put candles or greenery in. It lures visitors into the room and encourages people to talk.
From my point of view, this is one of the most meaningful but simple changes you could make. Sustainable and warm reclaimed wood furniture is routinely featured in Country Living articles. People usually think this is what makes a room look truly farmhouse-style.
Whenever I decorate a corner, I often put in a low-slung stool next to the coffee table. It allows you to add different heights and gives you additional area for seating or relaxing.
Add Oversized Clocks And Wall Decor
An oversized clock can have a huge effect when decorating your farmhouse walls. In many living spaces, I’ve hung them above fireplaces and over sofas. Find items that use materials that mirror the overall style such as burned metal, wooden styles or pieces finished in enamel.
Often, I place old signage, nature prints or shelves with pottery around the clock on my wall. As a pair, they build a warm and collected atmosphere that looks as if it has been put together gradually. The size of the clock brings extra drama but doesn’t call attention to itself, while its circle frames softens the collection of straight lines often found in farmhouse rooms.
Wall decor, as I see it, allows you to display who you are. Many times, I guide clients to pick things that represent them, perhaps things passed down from family or picked up at local markets. For Joanna Gaines, big wall pieces help enhance any large or open-plan living room.
To finish this section, I’d say using items with both horizontal and vertical shapes would be great such as tall candle sconces and vertical artwork next to the clock. These similar sets of objects help achieve an even and nicely arranged wall.
Opt For Slipcovered Sofas
If you want your living room to be cozy and easy to take care of, you can’t go wrong with a slipcovered sofa. It’s my top recommendation since it’s easygoing, but still looks good and most importantly, it can be washed. Having kids, pets or just an everyday lifestyle can worry you less, knowing slipcovers will keep your furniture looking great.
Most of the time, I purchase a slipcover in either light beige or cream, made from cotton or linen. The best matches for them are actually wood detailing, iron lighting and warm textiles. Simply place some neutral-colored throw pillows and a soft cotton blanket on your sofa and you’ll have a truly comfortable living room that’s also stylish.
In all of my projects, slipcovers have enjoyed great popularity among my clients. They’re easy to change—if you have a new favorite color each year, this is possible. Pull off your discolored cover, put on a new one, done. TV experts on HGTV say slipcovered furniture is both useful and gives a rustic appeal, making it a favorite for spacious and well-used homes.
I think having an armchair or an ottoman of the same style would make this setup even better. They complement the existing furniture as well as the light and airy appearances of the seating area.
Layer Cozy Throws And Pillows
Atmosphere in a farmhouse living room comes from the many cozy throw blankets and pillows within. Besides appearing decorative, they truly add to farmhouse style’s comfort and charm. I often say the aim is to create a space that feels comfortable enough for everyone to nap for hours.
My preference is linen or cotton pillows in big sizes and colors such as oatmeal, taupe and gray, blended with a couple of patterns. When making throws, I stick to chunky knits, lightweight quilts and neutral plaid designs. Place the blankets over the top of the sofa arm, against a ladder by the wall or inside a basket for a comfortable look.
I feel that the softness in this layer really brings a sense of life into the space. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that changing your throw pillows can breathe life into any room at any time of year. I find that mixing velvet and woven linen leads to interesting touches in the space, without making it feel very heavy.
I often put down an old blanket or handmade pillow to spice up my design. It brings both history and great craftsmanship together.
Use Whitewashed Brick Fireplaces
White painted brick in a fireplace is an iconic touch for a farmhouse that looks good and is practical. Often, I use this function to decorate the main section of our living room with a powerful visual. While keeping things light, the whitewash allows the character of the bricks to still be seen.
Usually, I surround the fireplace with a wide reclaimed wood mantel and decorate it with several layers of artwork, iron candleholders and maybe an indoor wreath. As a result, everyone will naturally find themselves gathering around it. Armchairs or built-in shelving along the sides will make your TV the main attraction in any room.
I find that fireplaces give off true heat as well as a warm, comfortable feeling. Veranda advises that using white on fireplaces can update them and go beautifully with farmhouse design. My customers appreciate that the area stays cozy, but it also becomes much brighter.
It’s a good idea to place a small low bench or a firewood-filled woven basket next to the chimney. A kitchen island adds style as it helps keep the space practical.
Create A Gallery Wall With Farm Finds
Gallery walls are my preferred way to add character to a farmhouse living room. Instead of looking for modern art, you could decorate your wall with aged tools, old photos, botanical drawings or frames showing seed packets. As a result, your space becomes cozy and feels like a story.
How I achieve this is by using different spacing and changing the frame style to different matte colors, even antique gold. Keep the look creative by adding a wreath, some salvaged window frame or a rustic sign. Arrange the items so the result is a hand-picked look, not one that looks untidy.
Many of my clients say the gallery wall is the center of attention in their home. Apartment Therapy explains that a gallery wall gives depth and interest to walls, even when you don’t have fancy building features. In my opinion, replacing your kitchen’s backsplash is an impressive DIY project that is easy to do.
I always suggest that people try to balance how symmetrical and how asymmetrical their room is. Lay your gallery on paper templates and test out different spots first to prevent making extra holes.
Choose Classic Farmhouse Light Fixtures
Thoughtfully arranged lighting is a main characteristic of a farmhouse living room. I’ve found that classic farmhouse fixtures such as wrought iron chandeliers or caged pendant lights create the atmosphere for an entire room. These fixtures not only provide practical illumination but also act as statement pieces that establish the room’s character. Rooms that value comfort and simplicity need to be fashionable and functional at the same time.
Usually, I pick iron or weathered brass finishes to ensure the design stays real. Neutral style homes look good with sconces modeled after hand-made lanterns and bell-shaped lamps. My advice for overhead lighting is to choose a wagon wheel chandelier for its warm charm and how well it lights the room. Lamps with shades made from burlap or linen help shine soft light around your seating areas.
To me, adding a few different layers of light makes a big difference. Advice from Joanna Gaines of Magnolia often reminds me that layering ceiling, wall and task lighting makes a room look comfortable and encouraging. It definitely makes the mood cozier and draws more attention to the building’s decorations.
A good way to complete this design concept is to install dimmable bulbs and add floor lamps or sconces in places like near reading chairs and near a fireplace, making the room changeable as the day goes on.
Install Barn Doors As Room Dividers
Designing your home with barn doors is both visually appealing and supplies a useful feature. I’ve found them especially practical in open-concept layouts where a little privacy or room separation is needed without losing aesthetic continuity. You will notice that these stunning doors often draw attention and reflect the homey, useful qualities of countryside homes.
I’ve found that the most impressive barn doors have aged wood, smooth black handles and crisscross bracing inside. They make a good barrier between the living room and a dining area or home office. Sticking with shiplap panels or reclaimed wood keeps the area looking rustic, but giving it a custom paint like whitewash or gray makes it feel modern as well.
I added a barn door to separate the living room from the hallway and now the whole area works so much better. You’ll often notice this concept described in Southern Living’s articles for how to make the most of a small space. It gives the home style while ensuring it is tidy.
To build on this further, I advise choosing barn door hardware that matches up with the metal handles on the light fixtures or curtain rods found in the room.
Incorporate Iron And Metal Accents
Introducing iron and metal elements in a farmhouse living room makes a wonderful difference against the wood and soft furnishings. I think that adding metal to your furniture such as the legs on a coffee table or the rods for your curtains, can give your home an industrial touch without losing the farmhouse feel. As well, they enhance the appearance and strength of the space.
To me, what looks best are matte black or aged bronze on metal pieces. You can add style to a neutral decor with a wrought iron side table, a metal-framed mirror or a galvanized wall sconce. Implementing similar metallic touches on things like drawer pulls, bases of lamps and ceiling fans can unite the living room style.
These accents should be used only where they make sense in our field. Architectural Digest points out that using metal with natural materials creates a range of textures and colors and that’s something I’ve noticed with my clients. It lets you have modern features while keeping your farmhouse style intact.
If you want to improve this decor style, match tones of metal or iron accessories with pieces made from reclaimed wood or natural materials to keep the room balanced and welcoming.
Go For Wide-Plank Hardwood Flooring
My standard advice for a farmhouse living room is to have wide-plank hardwood floors installed. It makes the room look open and stable and really stands out. Picking a wide plank floor means your floor will highlight both the length and uniqueness of the room, making it look whole and consistent.
My choice for plank wall material is usually white oak, hickory or pine, both with a distressed or wire-brushed finish. Light shades of wood help a room feel open, while dark stains tend to make it feel more comfortable and intimate. Lotus flooring looks great next to both antique and modern touches in a farmhouse style home.
In our experience and that of our clients, wide-plank flooring both looks beautiful and is long-lasting. Many Elle Decor stories underline how Greenwichirstyle never goes out of fashion. Furniture in nylon performs well even after use by kids or pets and weathers nicely with time.
Another way to finish the design is adding a big, woven area rug on top to create texture, add comfort and reduce noise.
Keep A Simple And Uncluttered Layout
Farmhouse design is marked by its simplicity. I normally suggest having an organized design for your farmhouse living room, because it makes the space feel lighter, more peaceful and can be used easily. Because this style is about useful living, each item needs to serve a purpose.
I tend to design the room considering a main focal point such as a fireplace or large window. Arange the area so that the furniture fits comfortably around it such as with a sectional, slipcovered chairs or a rustic coffee table for easy chat. Choose storage options that fit with the room’s design such as seats with storage inside.
When I redecorated my own living room, removing several pieces actually gave it a bigger and more comfortable look. Real Simple is big on using fewer distractions in design and I’m sure this is why it’s good for me.
I think it’s helpful to add a tip at the end: buy a few nice pieces rather than filling everything at once. Because of this, the room has a plan and avoids looking too crowded.
Mix Antiques With New Finds
Using both old and new pieces is a way I like to design farms. The style gives a home a cozy feel that is also intentional. For me, mixing both old and new items makes the living room special and helps tell its story.
To find great antiques, I prefer wooden trunks, well-aged cabinets and vintage armchairs that seem strong. They are especially suitable for use with today’s slipcovered sofas, modern lighting or uncluttered bookshelves. Because the styles vary, the set still appears put-together and attractive, most of all with a shared color scheme.
A lot of interior design specialists, featured in Better Homes & Gardens, advise using this approach to bring out the original character of the house or suite. Often, I’ve bought secondhand pieces at estate or flea markets and combined them with more affordable things from retailers such as West Elm or Wayfair.
Taking this concept a bit deeper, I recommend choosing one strong antique piece to highlight the room and keeping the others less noticeable.
Highlight Tall Windows With Sheer Curtains
If you have tall windows in your farmhouse living room, don’t hide them—dress them with sheer curtains instead. What I appreciate is how they let light through and still feel open and warm. Softness and grace are added to the farmhouse style with sheer materials that blend well with the tougher textures seen elsewhere.
My suggested fabrics are linen or cotton in white or cream for kids. They are at their best when used with wooden frames and visible beams. Putting the curtains well above the frame along the floor extends the walls and creates a bigger-looking room. Rope or jute tiebacks give your home a rustic look.
Sheer curtains in my design projects have made dark or heavy rooms feel lighter and more comfortable. According to an article on The Spruce, natural light can brighten up your room and sheer curtains let in plenty without affecting your privacy at all.
I suggest running two curtain rods together so you can add sheer panels with heavier curtains. This way, you can adjust your room’s lighting based on the time of day.
Add Greenery For A Fresh Touch
In every rural living room, keeping some potted plants helps tame the rugged features and adds an inviting bit of nature. I always suggest indoor plants to help animate any indoor environment. Whether it’s a tall fiddle-leaf fig or a simple vase of eucalyptus branches, greenery adds movement and color that contrasts beautifully with wood and neutral tones.
Plants with a nice form are what I look for such as olive trees, snake plants or hanging pothos. Natural baskets, clay holders or galvanized containers are good matches for these decorative stones. Placing a plant in a corner, on your coffee table or next to a sofa is highly balance-adding and peaceful. Using old wood, I’ve made reclaimed wall planters to set up a green wall feature.
Green plants offer a way to instantly change the feeling of a space for me. According to House Beautiful, plants look great and also make the air healthier and uplift everyone’s mood. I’ve found that clients respond positively to the way plants make the room feel more “alive” and peaceful.
You can finish this look by mixing tall floor plants, vines that hang down and small potted plants to bring a fresh feeling to every layer in the area.
Incorporate Galvanized And Tin Decor
You’ll see galvanized and tin accents in farmhouse style, as these offer a little of the industrial look while still evoking a country feel. I rely on these objects to make simple areas look vintage. Grayish metals provide an excellent contrast to wooden and linen textures.
I particularly like using tin trays on the coffee table, galvanized wall sconces and rustic metal wall baskets. It’s also nice to see huge galvanized tubs being used as places to keep extra blankets or magazines. Thanks to them, the kitchen has both function and history, because many are based on traditional farm tools and vessels.
I see these accessories as gentle additions that enhance what you are wearing. As the designers featured in Country Living suggest, using a little galvanized decor helps keep balance and adds a sense of reality. In my own work, clients have expressed fondness for the joint use of both traditional and aged pieces which gives things a homey, not artificial feel.
I’d like to add that pairing something warm such as a knitted throw or cotton pillows, with metal makes the room feel warmer while keeping it decorated with metal.
Choose Open Shelving For Displays
Open shelving in a farmhouse living room is not just about storage—it’s about storytelling. I usually suggest using it to present items meaningful for you, be it old books, vintage pots or items passed down to you. Shelves give a room a touch of personal style.
Using reclaimed wood for bookshelves, attached with black iron supports or floating them creates a cleaner appearance. I arrange them using a selection of books, framed prints, candles, some greenery and ceramic jars. The secret is to ensure the shelves have a range of heights, different textures and a basic palette to keep everything looking in harmony.
In the designs I make, open shelves have regularly led to interesting conversations. I once styled a client’s living room with photos from three generations framed on open shelves—it gave the room a heartwarming depth. Open shelving can be a great way to set a design theme as long as it’s not filled with too many items.
After you’ve finished the rest of the look, I suggest replacing the shelf decor seasonally to keep the area bright and new.
Style With Woven Baskets And Storage
Woven baskets are what I rely on for farmhouse living room storage. They look great and work well too. Because of them, all my extra pillows and children’s toys stay put, with the room’s cozy look intact.
My choice for baskets is seagrass, jute or ones made from rattan. Throws give a room texture and warmth and you can put them beneath a console table, by your sofa or on an open shelf. Lidded baskets hide your things away, but open containers let you stack throws neatly or hold your firewood.
In my house, baskets made from natural fibers have fixed lots of storage problems while adding a stylish touch. Getting stylish storage is easy with baskets, as many experts and Real Simple recommend them. I have found that mixing several sizes gives me a look I like and allows me to fit a lot of clothes in one place.
Making your design better means placing baskets in small clusters and choosing from flat-weave, chunky-knit or braided materials for a different look.
Include Farmhouse Signs With Typography
You can give your living room character by adding a farmhouse-style typography sign. They are usually decorated with more traditional quotes, nostalgic sayings or messages about family life. Many times, I display them on walls to set a friendly and solid mood.
I prefer wooden signs with marks on the frame and simple black or white writing. Whether it says “gather,” “home sweet home,” or a favorite quote, the typography should match the room’s vibe—simple, bold, and heartfelt. Putting a big sign above the mantel or grouping several small ones to create a gallery wall is very successful.
I’ve designed and made signs of my own using recycled wood and personal messages for my clients. They always become the most precious decorations. Better Homes & Gardens explains that these signs speak to people because they echo the values of a farmhouse way of living—home, uncomplicated life and comfort.
You might also like to put script wall decals or stenciled quotations on the walls or your furniture to give a quiet nod to the message surrounding the space.
Use Candle Lanterns And Wooden Trays
There are few things that reflect farmhouse style quite as well as candle lanterns and wooden trays. By the TV, in the kitchen or anywhere in the living room, they bring personality and can be moved with ease. I love displaying them to create atmosphere and value; they look great either in table vignettes or on open shelves.
If you have a black or galvanized metal or glass lantern, it adds great style to tables, hearths or anywhere else in the house. Wooden trays organize things such as candles, coasters and little potted plants and make different areas on a room more recognizable. I like trays better if they have metal handles or are made of reclaimed wood to keep them authentic.
Timed battery-powered candles are one of my favorite baby shower ideas. They keep your space safe and convenient while still producing a flickering light. According to Apartment Therapy, storing similar objects in a tray avoids a mess while allowing you to change the arrangement with the season.
It’s a nice touch to decorate the tray with a linen runner and add some little decorations such as pinecones, antlers or ceramic birds to keep it interesting.
Add A Pop Of Black For Contrast
While farmhouse living rooms are usually sunny and breezy, a small splash of black makes them sophisticated. I often use black metal objects, hardware or unique pieces of decor to keep the room in balance.
Black-rimmed artwork, modern lights with a factory finish or black doors or handles work as clear, stylish accents. Having either a black frame or a black or gray door adds visual interest and still matches farmhouse colors. Adding black to textiles such as a striped or checkered pillow, gives a hint of repetition.
I have found that black details help modernize any cozy, neutral-colored space. The magazine often points out that a bit of black keeps farmhouse decor from looking bland or all the same. You should try to support the sample, rather than take over from it.
I suggest using black in several places around the room to bring everything together, for instance, with the curtain rods, in the base of a coffee table and in the frames of your artwork.
Choose Muted Patterns And Plaids
Using some muted patterns and plaids is very important for creating a calm and relaxed feel in a farmhouse living room. For me, beige, greige and dusty blue work great as neutral colors for patterns on both upholstery and curtains. Soft designs create the right atmosphere for a farmhouse-style home, (and also look good with the usual wooden furniture and features). You end up with a place that looks polished yet is easy to relax in after work.
My choice is often plaid throw blankets, colored linen pillows with patterns or rugs that are either herringbone or gingham. All these details add flavor and interest to the farmhouse look without causing it to stand out too much. You should make sure that whatever you use feels right and stays in keeping with the rest of the room by using natural materials like cotton and linen. You can easily match your room by adding a taupe plaid chair or stitched design cushions.
It seems that using lighter and simpler designs makes a room seem larger and calmer. Nate Berkus said something very wise in an interview with Architectural Digest and I couldn’t have said it better: neutral colors give the eye a place to enjoy the room. You’re choosing a calm combination of colors which gives a welcoming rhythm to your decor.
A weathered wood coffee table with white legs or a neutral-toned stool in matching plaid would really jazz up this area. These visual elements would make the space prettier and still ensure it is functional.
Embrace Minimalist Farmhouse Style
A lot of people associate farmhouse interiors with things being messy, but having a minimalist living room lets you blend history with sleek and open styles. Rather than using lots of decor, I prefer to have a few key items that add purpose—things with neutral colors, simple lines and faint textures. By using this style, design and materials shine, especially in properties with wood beams, shiplap walls or concrete floors.
A cream or warm white background comes first and I add interesting details like a low-profile linen sofa, a matte black iron coffee table or wooden shelves that aren’t attached to the wall. Simple, well chosen design is all there is, not too much flashy decoration. A simple pottery vase, a classic wall clock and a small group of framed black-and-white photos often make a larger impact than many mismatched knick-knacks.
I find minimalist farmhouse interiors to be relaxing and carefully put together. According to Joanna Gaines, the less you try to do, the more meaningful your decor will be. Following that rule when I decorated the living room made everything appear coherent and open.
Consider adding something big to the wall, perhaps a neutral piece of art or using a leather pouf for changing seating. With both changes, users can get the simplicity of the original, yet experience more usability.
Use Wall Sconces For Soft Lighting
Wall sconces are my favorite way to achieve soft and beautiful lighting in a farmhouse living room. I showcase parts of the house like fireplaces and shiplap walls using them. Their warm glow creates a cozy, welcoming ambiance that’s ideal for evening gatherings or quiet reading time. Often, I select bronze, matte black or brushed nickel handles because they give the space character but still match the other metals.
I tend to look best when I’m placed above a side table, by a fireplace or to the sides of a large mirror. Light from sconces made from linen or light frosted glass will create a soothing effect. If space is an issue, I prefer lightbulbs that plug in or have batteries to still get the look I want in my farmhouse.
Lighting, I believe, should combine effectiveness with an attractive appearance. I frequently apply Emily Henderson’s tip and use different light sources placed at various levels to add warmth to a room. Wall sconces help me get what I want more than overhead lights do.
If I wanted to make the room cozier, I’d put a dimmer switch in place for changing the ambiance and place another pair of sconces near the reading area or artwork. Such details make the site easier to edit without messing up the design.
Highlight Architectural Details With Paint
Whenever I work on rustic-style homes, either old or new, I recommend using paint to focus on their architectural elements. Ways to achieve this include picking a different color for your ceiling beams, painting shiplap with a light gray wash or covering the bricks of your fireplace with matte white. It’s a simple way to make your room look different, without changing its layout.
For me, using colors such as sage green, mushroom and chalky white highlights the textures in interior spaces. Painting on crown moldings, window surrounds and built-in cabinets gives them a nice finish too. They enhance the beauty of the room by avoiding the boredom that follows plain wall paint in open-concept areas.
Paint has a strong influence on the look of a farmhouse, to my mind. As Martha Stewart one said, putting a coat of paint on your walls is the quickest way to put your style on display in your place. As I painted the ceiling trim with a faded charcoal, the space instantly felt nicer and the room looked much better.
Adding either a painted accent wall or a stenciled rug with the same color design would make this area complete. You can bring a theme to life with these small touches.
An impressive farmhouse living room is composed of comfortable pieces and classic decor. No matter if you choose tiny touches or comfy design, these tips can help your home feel more warm and comfortable. I’d love to hear how you plan to incorporate these farmhouse elements into your own home—feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
