Farmhouse Bedroom Décor: How to Pull off the Look Effortlessly

If, like us, you’re a little bit addicted to American interior shows, you’ll have no doubt already developed an unhealthy obsession with farmhouse décor. A thoroughly up-to-date take on traditional rustic interiors, modern farmhouse décor is bright and airy, tactile, warm and welcoming. We’re talking warm white shades, bronze and black fixtures and fittings, touchable leather and wool and sturdy yet sleek woods. Remember the shabby chic trend of the early 2000s? Modern Farmhouse is its classy, streamlined big sister.

Are you a little afraid of colour? Looking for light and airy? Prefer a home that gives you timeless simplicity that’s easy to update? The farmhouse trend could be just right for you. There’s no need to buy chickens or start churning your own butter, simply follow our complete guide to getting that down home décor with today’s favourite interior craze.

What is farmhouse décor?

Perhaps your idea of farmhouse style is all Emmerdale and the Darling Buds of May but we’re here to reassure you that the look has moved on significantly since the 80s. Let us give you the lowdown…

How modern farmhouse décor stole our hearts

We’ve long embraced neutrals in our interiors, choosing off whites and greige tones over bold and brassy wallpapers and in-your-face paint shades. Modern farmhouse is the newest iteration of this, blending understated simplicity with family-friendly cosiness and a splash of personality to boot. It all started with the farmhouse kitchen, no longer a temple to orange-hued wood, and has moved throughout the house, quickly becoming the hottest interior design trend of the early 2020s.

Inspired by our cousins over the pond, the modern farmhouse interior leans less into the Victorian look of Kent and Sussex cottages as it does in to the large country homes found in New England and the Hamptons. Think the warm, inviting interiors of late 90s/early 00s Nancy Meyers movies luxuriously combined with the rustic chic of the Cotswolds’ Soho Farmhouse (don’t worry, we can’t get an invite for love nor money either but we’ve all seen the pictures).

The basics of farmhouse décor

So what separates farmhouse décor from every other neutral home interior look? The key is texture and warmth. Modern farmhouse loves shiplap wood cladding, it loves carefully mixed and matched tones, ranging from warm white to deep greys, and it can’t get enough of layered textures. This style is epitomised by inviting piles of blankets and oversized cushions in tonal shades and complementary patterns. It’s all about designing home you can really cuddle up and get cosy in.

Modern farmhouse décor has gained in popularity due, in part, to the trend for home organisation. If you can’t get enough of decanting your supermarket basics into labelled jars, have invested in drawer organisers and crave the space for a pantry or laundry room, you’re probably already hopping onto this interior craze.

Farmhouse bedroom décor: yes, it is possible

It’s fair to say that modern farmhouse décor is most at home in the kitchen and other practical spaces. However, the trend has very quickly made its way into every nook and cranny of the home. The combination of serene, uncomplicated colours, neat and tidy organisation and homely cosiness makes farmhouse décor perfect for any bedroom. In the master suite, it provides you with the ideal sanctuary in which you’re able to prepare for rest without being overwhelmed by design. In a guest room it maximises space and comfort. And in a children’s room? Splashes of pale pink, sage green or indigo blue bring character to an otherwise neutral, sleep-conducive room that’s sturdy enough to withstand knocks and easy enough to clean up when things (like crayons and juice cartons) go sideways.

From French farmhouse décor to reclaimed modern: what’s the right farmhouse look for you?

Think you’ve got the hang of the modern farmhouse décor trend? Think again. There’s more than one kind of farmhouse décor out there. Here are three of the most popular…

Modern rustic farmhouse décor

Modern rustic or reclaimed modern is perhaps the closest to that good old-fashioned shabby chic look that most of us outgrew a few years back. Far more sophisticated and less confused, modern rustic décor demands a cohesive approach to your thrifting, rather than the mix-and-match approach you might have leant into before. Industrial loft-type accents are a great pick for modern rustic, with exposed brick and cast iron looking great in any room in the house. Don’t be afraid of a touch of colour in a reclaimed modern home either but steer away from neon brights in favour of tractor green, Midwest barn red and galosh yellow.

French farmhouse décor

We’ve all dreamt of living in a farmhouse in the French countryside, but there are very few of us in a position to achieve that goal. While you wait for your Provençal dreams to become reality, why not take inspiration from the lavender fields of Provence? French farmhouse décor is unlikely to go out of fashion in our lifetime and it gives you the license to be a little playful, using toile prints, reclaimed signage and splashes of gold. Wood furniture is often painted in dusty blues, greens and greys and fitted with brass cup handles. Meanwhile, oversized, indulgent lighting is a mainstay of the French farmhouse design, with glass or brass chandeliers elevating rooms from trusty stable boy to gentleman farmer in one easy upgrade.

Coastal farmhouse décor

If you’re a committed fashionista you’ve almost certainly heard of the coastal grandmother trend in recent years. We’re talking Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, Martha Stewart on her day off and Emily Gilmore’s Nantucket renaissance. The Coastal Grandmother doubtless embraces coastal farmhouse décor, bringing that same relaxed sophistication to her interiors as she does to her slouchy linen pants and neutral chunky knits. Coastal farmhouse gives you the licence to bring a touch of New England to the UK, with rustic wood panelling, warm whites and pale blues, natural wickers and driftwood accents. Stunning sea view and private beach optional.

How to achieve modern farmhouse décor in the bedroom

Just how do you bring this easy, breezy modern take on rustic chic into the bedroom? Read on for our top farmhouse bedroom décor tips.

Mute those tones

Modern farmhouse bedroom décor is soft, it’s cosy and it’s relaxed. There’s no get-up-and-go brights, no loud and proud wallpaper and no colour clashing to be found. The farmhouse bedroom is the most relaxing room in any house, with its pale spring sky colour scheme and its cohesive, serene feel. It’s the sort of room you want to sink into. Light oaks are combined with dove grey paint, while curtains might have a subtle blue stripe or a cheeky pink toile. Key colours include duck egg blues, pine forest greens and storm cloud greys.

Pair hard and soft

Farmhouse décor has its roots in practicality, which means that hardwearing materials chosen to stand the test of time are a must. When it comes to bed frames, wrought iron and brass are excellent choices, while wardrobes in solid oak or pine are ideal. You will want to soften things up, however, with tactile touches and beautiful fabrics. Make space for a soft and sinking armchair covered in a natural linen, piled with huggable cushions. And ensure the hard edges of that bed are as inviting as possible with plump pillows, bolsters and hand-knitted throws.

Natural and neutral

Take notes from nature when designing your new bedroom, by keeping things nice and neutral. Stick to the naturally occurring colours you might find in the field or forest or on the beach. And when it comes to materials it’s a hard no to all things manmade. Woods, wickers, stone and sisal are your go-to choices, with some tough, classic metals thrown in for good measure. In the farmhouse bedroom, chrome is replaced with brass or iron while plastic is firmly eschewed in favour of rattan and oak. Meanwhile, bedding and curtains should be in light, crumpled linens and cottons with layers of wool thrown in for good measure.

Don’t be afraid to mix inspirations

The beauty of modern farmhouse décor is that it’s happily mix-and-match in its approach, those neutral naturals helping to keep a space calmly coordinated. Whether you’re in favour of French or can’t resist coastal there’s no reason not to blend your favourite pieces. Scandinavian summerhouses might inform your palette, while a touch of industrial is added in via rust-touched accessories. A basket picked up at a Spanish market can happily sit alongside driftwood and shells collected at the English seaside, while a grand French-inspired chandelier delivers a hint of glamour.

Farmhouse décor ideas: the must-haves for farmhouse bedroom décor

We’re certain that your farmhouse bedroom décor mood board is taking pretty good shape by this point. Finish off the plan with our guide to the must-have items that will complete the look:

A bed with a touch of rustic charm

The centrepiece of the bedroom, it’s especially important that your bed fits the farmhouse chic brief. We love a solid wood frame, like the sturdy, rustic Durham, available in both white and pewter grey, perfect for that modern rustic aesthetic. Or perhaps you prefer to think cowboy and lean into leather? The Staples and Co Artisan Splendour divan bed is available in London Tan, a perfect worn-in tan faux leather that will look gorgeous strewn with clean, crisp linens. If softness is a must, beds upholstered in linen or similar woven fabrics are perfect for this style. Check out the Silentnight Coast headboard, available in a range of seaside-inspired woven fabric colours.

Crumpled linens that age beautifully

On that bed? We want to see simple bedding in natural colours – calico, beige, greys and greens. Linen is king in a modern farmhouse bedroom, allowing you to enjoy all-natural beauty and a fabric that’s built to last. Hang linen at the windows too, allowing it to pool on the floor below for a devil-may-care look that’s sophisticated too. Looking better artfully crumpled, linen gives you a break from ironing as well, and who can say that isn’t a plus?

Wood furniture that stands up to wear

Farmhouse décor blends good looks with long lasting durability. This is a style that’s meant to be lived in, and nowhere is that made more clear than in the trend’s love of solid wood pieces. Whether it’s an antique dining table refinished for today or a modern bedside table that’s built to withstand everyday life, oak, pine, ash and maple are your go-to materials. In the bedroom look to the Edgemont range of furniture, which includes a farmhouse-friendly wardrobe and chest of drawers in a warm natural oak. Need a little more space for all those milkmaid dresses? The Alster three sliding door wardrobe brings shaker style into the 21st century with its optional white or pebble grey Treeline wood-inspired finish.

A mattress that’s sumptuous enough to sink into

Complementing a bedroom scheme that’s inspired by nature and made for laidback comfort, a high quality, ultra-squashy mattress is a must. Seek out pillow tops for the ultimate in luxury, no matter how much support you need from your bed and opt for natural fillings to really go all-in on that homely vibe. Vegan-suitable and environmentally conscious, the Slumberland Natural Solutions range is made using flax, bamboo and cotton for a great night’s sleep that’ll do away with the need to count those sheep.

Get the modern farmhouse décor look at Bensons for Beds

Whether you’re living in a cottage in Cumbria, a mansion in Manchester or a semi in Surbiton, we’re here to help you furnish the rustic bedroom you’ve always dreamt of. WithBensons for Beds’ complete range of mattresses, bedframes and bedroom furniture you’re fully kitted out in one simple shop, and with the option to spread the cost of your purchases too. Pay a visit to your local Bensons for Beds showroom to start shopping today or call us on 0808 144 6160 with questions or to place an order.