12 country living room ideas for a homely, characterful space
Timeless and inviting, these décor ideas will help you achieve the country look without having to live in a country house.
Fresh air, a slower pace of life, welcoming style – there’s lots to love about country décor, and the best part of it is that you don’t have to live in the countryside to bring elements of it right into your living room.
This fresh, airy look is obviously right at home in a large, high-ceilinged space, or when decorating a cottage by the woods or the sea, but if you want to translate the look and feel to a smaller urban home, there are many tricks that can work to replicate it.
From the right colour palette to use to what modern accents you can introduce, discover how to decorate a country style living room. Once you’re done reading our guide, browse our range of traditional corner sofas to get started.
1. Introduce a modern Chesterfield sofa
Chesterfield sofas are incredibly versatile and work in both traditional and contemporary living rooms. When it comes to country living rooms, it’s the perfect opportunity to set the vibe with its elegant button-back details.
When it comes to choosing the right Chesterfield sofa, it’s really up to what vibe you would like to set. Do you want your living room to feel a bit formal? A handsome leather sofa will do the trick. For a cosy touch, a Chesterfield sofa in cotton or linen is key, making the living room easy to layer with textured rugs or cushions.
2. Highlight the living room’s original architecture
Hampton Sofa Set (credit: @lifewithalice_x)
If you have an older home, keep a lookout for its original architecture and heritage, such as moldings, a fireplace, and wooden floors or ceiling beams.
After that, design around those elements - exposed bricks, shiplap panels and wood beams immediately give texture and context to your room, and a strong sense of place. Pair it up with organic materials such as leather sofas, wicker and wooden tables for a rustic, tactile feel.
3. Prioritise comfort in a country living room
Comfort is always important in a living room, but a country living room is all about a sense of openness and familiarity.
When choosing your sofas and rugs, look for fabrics that are soft to the touch, such as linen, cotton and even velvet, and then dress them up! Comfy cushions, knits and throws immediately bump up the cosy factor.
4. Bring in as much natural light as possible
If it’s possible, design your living room with large, high windows to allow as much light into the room as you can. This also creates a sense of space and height, but choosing the right colour palette can go a long way too.
Neutral backdrops work wonderfully, especially white and cream, and you can layer different tones and textures to achieve a stylish, cosy look. However, for a change of pace, generous amounts of light, buttery yellow, used strategically, can also replicate the feel of a sunny day.
5. Make a country statement with pops of colour
Even though traditional country style usually features a neutral palette, it doesn’t mean you can’t add pops of colour to shake things up. Transform your living room with a bold sofa colour - go for vibrant blue velvet or bright florals for an eclectic boost. Highlight these vivid hues with a neutral base (such as a wall colour) to get a modern country look. Tie it all together with a wooden coffee table for a farmhouse touch.
6. Include pops of modernity
Play with contrasts for a chic, modern look - the clean lines of industrial style and mid-century modern elements work really well with the classic country aesthetic. For example, clean dark chairs, a minimalist sofa and grey tones can look especially striking against warm wood furniture, and also serve as an elegant update in the living room.
7. Add modern farmhouse touches to a country living room
Pick a neutral-coloured sofa such as oatmeal or beige if you want to add a modern farmhouse touch to your living room.
Layer the sofa with neutral accessories such as cushions or throws for a cosy, welcoming feel. Keep the same neutral palette for your accessories such as wooden coffee tables and shelves. Add indoor plants to emphasise the natural, airy touches.
8. Mix prints and colours for a lived-in, eclectic look
Hampton Sofa Set (credit: @moseley_makeover)
Traditional country style has often been based around a very simple, tonal look, but for the maximalists among us, fear not. Including different colours and prints can liven it up, while still staying true to the essential, easy feel of country living.
You don’t have to stick to the usual neutral palette; instead, bring in other colours, fabrics, and prints without it being overwhelming. Choose colours like light blue or green instead of bold tones to maintain the cosy feel of the room. You can also create a layered look with printed cushions or a rug to complete the look.
9. Collect and display what you love
Country style is about heritage and a sense of permanence, and working with actual heirlooms and antiques will give the room an authenticity that can’t be manufactured.
To achieve this, patience is incredibly important - keep an eye out for antique pieces at flea markets and online. And of course, looking through what you might already have in your home will help too. Don’t worry about clutter; this look is best when there’s a natural order to the display and the furniture, since it’s been collected over time.
10. Bring the outdoors in
Taking inspiration from nature is a wonderful way to create a theme in a country-style living room. An animal motif is a quintessential part of a rustic home, especially as part of a feature gallery wall. Having a mix of styles and eras for the art will keep it looking eclectic and modern, as opposed to old-fashioned.
Beautiful botanical prints and art is a great way to update the look and feel of floral curtains and upholstery, while creating a fresh, light space.
11. Choose a neutral palette
Country style living rooms are known for their cosy, relaxing décor. One way to achieve this look is with a neutral palette. Mixing light browns, greys, creams and off-whites creates a soft and soothing ambience when you combine it textures like leather, cotton, plush fabric, jute or velvet.
Darker neutrals like earthy browns help ground the room so it’s a good idea to choose it as a sofa colour. Warm whites like ivory and cream help lighten up the room while making it feel soft and cosy instead of stark. If you want to introduce grey tones, greige (a combination of beige and grey) adds a warm touch without the usual coldness.
12. Accent with soft curves
Aside from soft textures and a neutral palette, introducing curved accents helps complete the ambience. This can be through the rolled arms of a Chesterfield sofa, transforming an alcove or side furniture like a coffee table or accessories. Pick a round mirror to hang above your fireplace or decorate your alcove with curved vases to create a sense of ease in your space.
FAQs
How can I make my living room look country?
Choose a neutral palette and vintage-inspired pieces of furniture to decorate a country living room. Focus on finishes like leather, jute and shiplap and contrasting them with modern accents like clean lines and soft curves.
What is country-style interior design?
Country style décor channels rustic style by paying homage to nature and rural landscapes. This lived-in, relaxed style creates a fresh, breezy look that can easily be translated to urban homes and mixed with other décor styles.
What does country style look like?
Country style has a relaxing rustic look with natural textures like wood, leather and cotton and a neutral palette. Choose colours like earthy browns, off-white tones and light grey.
How to mix country with modern?
Use modern accents to contrast with the country décor. Mixing classic elements like a Chesterfield sofa and vintage-inspired accessories with modern accents like a contemporary armchair and artwork.
We hope you enjoyed reading our country living room ideas. Looking for more living room décor ideas? Read our guide to cosy living rooms.
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