Rustic Style: A Farmhouse Bedding How-to

The rustic, farmhouse style that has been so popular over recent years shows no sign of receding. We have all fallen for this welcoming, comfortable aesthetic that can work just as well in a suburban semi- as a country cottage. If you're looking to bring some country charm into your home, the bedroom is a great place to start. From sourcing farmhouse bedding to creating the right ambience, here are some tips on how to style a beautiful rustic bedroom look:

1.Linen bedding

In most bedrooms the bed is the largest piece of furniture, and the first thing you notice. To create a cohesive style it's important to match your decor and fittings with your bedlinen. 

For a farmhouse feel, linen bedlinen is a must. Its natural crumples and soft, homely texture create the perfect nostalgic yet never stuffy vibe. Farmhouse bedding shouldn't be chintz and frilly peplums; some simple, stonewashed bedlinen in muted natural colours works perfectly. 

Choose tones that reflect a rural landscape, like pale rose pinks, mossy greens and cool greys. For summer, whites and off-whites look lovely and you can soften any harsh minimalist overtones with some plump linen cushions in complementary colours or a cosy wool throw for a country look. 

2.Fresh flowers

If you're lucky enough to have a garden or outside space, consider growing some cutting flowers so you'll have a steady supply of fresh blooms to bring indoors. From armfuls of fragrant lilacs to jam jars of cheerful sweet peas, nothing says farmhouse country style like an informal arrangement of flowers.

In autumn and winter you can use twigs and branches instead, ensuring that you've always got something from outside, inside.

3.Farmhouse-style furniture

Farmhouse style is characterised by imperfect wooden furniture that shows its history on its surface. Vintage thrift shop finds and flea market bargains are perfect, from apple crates used as a bedside table to an old pine table transformed into a work desk. Add a candle and some books and you've got the perfect mix of comforting and comfortable.

But don't feel constrained to just wooden furniture – to keep things feeling fresh and current, add the odd contemporary piece. The key is to stick to the charming, relaxed feel without it becoming outdated.

4.Linen curtains

Continuing the natural fabrics theme, a pair of easy linen curtains keeps the look feeling authentic. Linen curtains are machine washable, making them a great practical choice, and they can be lined for more insulation or left as they come if you like to let some light in. 

Choose curtains that don't overpower the bedroom and farmhouse bedding. Small floral patterns look pretty, but to ensure things stay timeless it's better to opt for plain colours in neutral shades. Save the patterns for cushions, rugs and other accents that can easily be switched up if you need to. 

Whilst you may not have a cockerel saluting the morning outside your window or rolling hills as your backdrop, it's easy to bring some relaxed, friendly rustic style into any interior. This is a look that instantly makes people feel at home and creates a laid-back ambience. The farmhouse bedroom aesthetic evokes the smell of fresh bread, the warmth of a wood fire and the calm music of birdsong. What could be more welcoming?

For more on home decorating with linen go here.