Let’s look at 20 places to incorporate these English cottage living room ideas in your home to transform your space into the charming cozy cottage of your dreams!
When spring starts to roll around, there is nothing I desire more than to be in a country-side cottage watching the wildflowers bloom. Unfortunately for me, I live in the suburbs of South Dakota and not the rolling hills of the English country.
That will never stop me from decorating my house to feel more like the cottage of my dreams! Around this time of year is when I start to switch out all my heavy wool blankets and pine scented candles. I get excited to replace them with lacy curtains and the scent of fresh flowers.
The whole point of these English cottage living room ideas is to encourage the rejuvenation of spring in your home. We want to welcome in the new season by romanticizing our homes and decor.
All of the 20 ideas listed are friendly for all sized living rooms, but one of the best things about cottage decor is how well it suits small spaces. You will not be left wanting for towering ceilings and extra square footage!
Embracing a cottage core design style will make you love and appreciate your small home for its simplicity and coziness.
In all of my decor posts, I like to encourage mindful and planned home shopping. Home decor and renovations become astronomically expensive very quickly. Because of this, let’s plan what we’re looking for ahead of time so no in the moment mistakes are made.
To do this, let’s break down the essentials of these English cottage style living room ideas so you can set a game plan for your shopping!
English Cottage Style Living Room Essentials:
English Cottage Style:
So what do we mean when we say “English Cottage” decor? It means we’re looking to the European thatch-roof style homes that are found sprinkled throughout the English countryside.
These homes feature primitive style furniture and decorations: pieces that show wear and use. We want everything to have the duality of practicality and beauty.
We’re trying to achieve a sense of oneness with the indoors and the outdoors.
Color Scheme:
Color schemes for English cottages pull heavily from the color palettes found in nature.
Because most of our furniture and architectural elements will be made from wood and other natural materials, use your smaller decor items for a pop of color.
You’ll see mostly floral colors found in curtains, pillows, rugs, and other decor items.
Vintage Pieces:
Because this decor style leans so heavily on practicality and handmade-looking pieces, vintage shopping is the way to go.
You’ll want to look for vintage pieces that look like they’ve been well loved and used, but still have some life in them yet.
Avoid purchasing anything that is brand new or factory-made as these will look out of place.
Now that you have your shopping game plan, let’s look at which areas in your home to incorporate these English cottage living room ideas!
Related to English Cottage Living Room Ideas:
- Cottage Garden Inspiration
- Rustic Cottage Decor Ideas for a Fairy Tale Home
- Country Style Living Room Chairs and Where to Buy
1. Floral Patterns
Nothing channels the essence of English cottage charm quite like floral patterns. They breathe life into a living room with their vibrant hues and intricate designs.
You can feel the warmth enveloping the space as soon as you step foot into a room adorned with these blossoming prints. They create an inviting atmosphere, making the living room a central spot for relaxation and conversation.
Florals pair wonderfully with a variety of other patterns and solids. For a harmonious look, match them with soft, solid colors that draw out the subtleties within the print.
It’s this mix of patterns and solids that make this one of the best English cottage living room ideas to utilize.
2. Open Shelving
Source: Inspired By Charm
Open shelving in an English cottage living room is not only practical but charming as well. These shelves offer a place to showcase my favorite reads and cherished knick-knacks, while keeping them within easy reach.
For an organized look, group similar items together, whether it’s by color, theme, or size. This approach helps create a cohesive vignette that feels intentional.
To maintain that quaint cottage vibe, I love mixing in a variety of pieces like vintage trinkets, jars filled with fresh flowers, and woven baskets for a touch of natural texture.
3. Window Seats
Source: My English Country Cottage
I’ve always found window seats to be the perfect blend of comfort and utility in a living room. The way they offer a snug place to lose yourself in a novel aligns perfectly with these English cottage living room ideas.
Even more, I adore the practicality that comes with them – built-in drawers are a discreet but clever way to store your favorite reads or cozy blankets.
Let’s not forget the rustic touches – a distressed wood finish here, a charming vintage latch there – they come together to craft the ideal nook for any English cottage living room.
4. Antique Furniture
Antique furniture instantly infuses an English cottage living room with a sense of history and personal character. When I’m on the hunt for pieces to add to my space, I keep an eye out for items that aren’t just beautiful, but also practical.
A well-worn wooden chest, for example, can make a statement while offering much-needed storage. The key is finding furniture that tells a story—look for weathered finishes that celebrate the furniture’s journey over time.
A sturdy, old bookcase, a chair with faded upholstery, or a rustic table can become the room’s focal point. Just make sure they’re in good enough shape to use day in and day out.
5. Layering Natural Textures
Source: Inspired By Charm
I just love the way natural textures bring a living room to life, especially when they’re layered together. Imagine running your hand over a rugged wooden coffee table, its surface rich with history, then cozying up in a wicker chair nestled with a chunky knit throw.
It’s this medley of surfaces that gives an these English cottage living room ideas their inviting appeal. Textiles play a huge role too.
Toss a handful of linen and cotton pillows on a sofa, and you instantly have a nook that begs you to curl up with a good book.
6. Wooden Beams
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the rustic charm of exposed wooden beams in a living room that whispers ‘English cottage.’
Whether they are polished to highlight their natural grain or left with a rough-hewn finish, the beams serve as a visual anchor that pulls the entire space together, making it feel grounded and authentic.
I can’t help but feel connected to the timeless appeal they bestow upon this cottage-inspired haven.
7. Gallery Walls
I love the idea of a gallery wall in my living room. It’s a snapshot of my personality, a collage of memories and beauty.
Starting can be as simple as gathering artwork and photos that speak to you. Make sure to include a mix of old and new items.
Arranging them on the floor before taking to the wall saves from unnecessary holes and lets you play with placement. Done right, a gallery wall becomes the heartbeat of the room.
8. Coffee Table Focal Point
Source: Image credit Future / Brent Darby
I’ve always loved the idea of a coffee table that draws the eye and beckons the family to gather around. For me, it’s not just a piece of furniture, it’s the heart of the living room.
For the best English cottage living room ideas, find a weathered wooden table with character.
It invites conversations, board games, or a quiet moment with a cup of tea. I find that this kind of coffee table, perhaps with a worn patina hinting at tales untold, lends itself beautifully to that coveted lived-in look.
9. Botanical Prints
Botanical prints bring a slice of nature’s serene beauty right into the living room. They create a garden-inspired vibe that’s both refreshing and grounding.
Artwork peppered with botanical motifs can act as serene backdrops or vibrant focal points, depending on their design and placement. Upholstery featuring florals or leaf patterns can also sprinkle that touch of the outdoors amidst solid colors, without overwhelming the space.
These elements work together, weaving a cohesive look that’s unmistakably English cottage—a gentle reminder of the rolling countryside just outside the windows.
10. Table Lamps
Source: @nidiaperez52
The right table lamp can work wonders in any space, especially in an English cottage living room. You see, they’re not just for reading; they cast a soft glow that really makes the room feel welcoming.
When out hunting for that perfect lamp, look for ones with character—perhaps a base with a distressed finish or a vintage fabric shade. Lean towards designs that echo the past, maybe a lamp that wouldn’t look out of place on a worn writing desk or at the bedside in a cozy guest room.
A tip for English cottage living room ideas: layer the lighting with several lamps placed thoughtfully around the room to create a nook of tranquility in every corner.
11. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers have a magical way of enlivening a cottage living room.
They inject vitality and wash the space with the seasons’ vibrant hues.
Play around with a mix of vases – some tall and slender, others short and stout. Each one can host a different arrangement, from wildflowers to roses, to maintain that charming and fresh cottage feel throughout your living room.
12. Stone Walls
Source: Digs Digs
I have a soft spot for stone walls in a living room; they carry a story, infusing the space with history and sturdy charisma. They’re not just a background element but the anchor that holds the room together, giving it depth.
When incorporating them into your English cottage living room, let them shine, hanging minimal art or using simple floating shelves to display cherished finds.
To accentuate their rugged beauty, pair them with soft textiles and warm lighting that casts a gentle glow, highlighting the stone’s natural texture.
13. French Doors
French doors are a delightful addition to any English cottage living room. They merge functionality and allure, extending the indoors to the outside world.
With these doors, relish how sunlight streams in, creating a dance of warmth and light that adds vitality to the space.
The seamless transition between interior and garden spaces not only enhances the feeling of openness but also injects an airy quality into the room.
14. Colorful Area Rug
Source: My English Country Cottage
Start with a colorful area rug to define your English cottage living room. It feels like laying down a piece of art, drawing all the furniture together and grounding the space with warmth.
The trick is picking a rug that speaks to the cottage aesthetic without overwhelming the room. Hunt for patterns that echo nature, maybe a floral or leaf design, and make sure the colors complement the soft, muted tones typical of this style.
A rug with a vintage feel can add character, as if it’s been a treasured part of the home for generations. It’s all about blending comfort with the quaint, lived-in look that makes the cottage style so inviting.
15. Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings are the homely touches that make a living room inviting and snug. Just picture nestling on a plush sofa brimming with velvety cushions in floral or checkered patterns.
A neatly draped throw blanket adds layers to the charm, with the cozy texture begging for a comfy afternoon nap.
Textiles like these aren’t just about looks; they’re the soul of the space, making it truly feel like home. Opt for linens, cottons, or wool with subtle hues and gentle prints to keep the room feeling harmonious and grounded in cottage appeal.
16. Natural Light Fixtures
Source: @velvetart7_
I’ve learned that the right light fixtures can truly define the mood in these English cottage living room ideas. Opting for those crafted from natural materials like wrought iron, brass, or rattan instantly brings in traditional charm.
Make sure they have intricate designs or patterns that speak to the room’s storied past.
They’ll cast a soft, warm glow that wraps the space in an inviting ambiance, making it feel like a cozy retreat after a long day. The trick is to find lights that not only illuminate but also harmonize with the room, enhancing its welcoming feel.
17. Wooden Side Table
Source: Image by François Halard
A wooden side table not only brings function to a living room but also injects a hearty dose of warmth. The character-filled grains and knots of natural wood are indispensable in English cottage charm.
In choosing the right one, lean towards those with a patina or a slightly weathered look – it’s that lived-in vibe that whispers tales of past tea times and cozy evenings.
A table with a bit of age to it feels like it’s been part of the home’s narrative, connecting past and present with its durability and beauty.
18. Layered Picture Frames
Source: @windowboxcottage
Adding multiple pictures frames to your English cottage living room ideas boosts depth and character in your space. When I design my spaces, I’m intentional about stacking frames of different sizes and orientations on a mantelpiece or bookshelf.
I love the look of a large, bold frame behind a smaller, more delicate one—it’s all in the contrast.
Mixing various frame styles is my go-to move for that collected-over-time feel. A rustic wooden frame paired with an elegant, thin metal one creates an appealing mismatch that creates visual interest.
19. Gingham Throw Pillows
Source: @my1925cottage
Gingham throw pillows will sprinkle that quintessential countryside charm across your living room.
With their classic checkered pattern, they capture the whimsical essence of English cottage style effortlessly.
Aligning them with the room’s color scheme is key – I find pairing them with florals and soft solids creates a harmonious and cozy nook. Whether tossed on a plush armchair or neatly arranged on the sofa, these pillows add a dash of rustic elegance that makes the space feel instantly inviting.
20. Patchwork Quilts
Patchwork quilts give a living room that welcoming, handmade vibe. What is it about them that just screams comfort and heartfelt craftsmanship?
Draping one over the back of a sofa or a well-loved armchair not only showcases its intricate design but also invites you to curl up and relax.
Don’t hide these beauties away; hang your favorite quilt on a wall to flaunt its pattern as art, or fold it at the foot of a daybed for a splash of color and an extra layer of warmth.
Related to English Cottage Living Room Ideas:
- Cottage Garden Inspiration
- Rustic Cottage Decor Ideas for a Fairy Tale Home
- Country Style Living Room Chairs and Where to Buy
