11 Floor Coverings That Are Guaranteed To Give You The Cottagecore Look
In our uncertain world, it's no surprise that cottagecore decor remains popular. The nostalgia of a simpler time where people focused their efforts on crafting, gardening, and gathering appeals to many of us who can easily become overwhelmed by the fast-paced, mass-produced, digital-first era. One of the best things about the cottagecore look is that it can draw inspiration from anything you find quaint: a stone cottage deep in the woods, sprawling farmhouse in the countryside, or a historic home in a bustling town. You can lean into any color palette that appeals to you, from soft pastels to inky hues. Incorporating natural materials, from brilliant florals to earthy wooden pieces, brings charm and whimsy into the mix. Hardwood, brick, stone, or tile floors can add authenticity. But whether you're lucky enough to have them already installed or you're stuck with carpet or linoleum, adding the right floor covering to the mix is guaranteed to help give you the cottagecore look.
A rug can immediately change the entire look of a room. To find the perfect rug for your space, it's important to consider not just the look but the size, material, and overall purpose. Do you need something soft to step on when you get out of bed, or durable for a high-traffic area? Should it look inspired by travels around the globe or a trip to your granny's house? Larger rugs can be expensive and difficult to return, so measure your space carefully and consider your aesthetic goals before making the investment.
Make a statement with oversized floral prints
Florals are a classic cottagecore motif. They are the perfect choice if you want to add a romantic or ethereal vibe to your space. To narrow down the myriad of floral rug choices out there, look to favorites in your own garden for inspiration. Available in beige, pink, green, and several other colors, the Lahome Floral Washable Rug from Amazon brings visual interest to a room, thanks not just to its oversized blooms, but also the scalloped edges that reviewers call charming and unique.
Subtle stripes add structure to cottagecore spaces
Tea towels to table linens, stripes are another go-to when it comes to cottagecore style. Although thin ticking stripes are ideal for capturing that vintage look on upholstered furniture, when it comes to cottagecore rugs, you can incorporate wider stripes if you stick to soft and natural shades. The Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Judy Natural / Sky Area Rug from Joss & Main offers the best of both worlds. Thin sky blue stripes are closely handwoven next to each other to create the look of thicker stripes on a cotton blend rug that comes in a variety of sizes.
Incorporate reclaimed or vintage-inspired rugs
Incorporating vintage rugs is a surefire way to bring cozy cottage vibes into your home. Using reclaimed items is one of the best ways to connect to the past, so keep an eye out for wool rugs at local flea markets, second-hand stores, or even rolled up in your grandparent's attic. If you can't find or afford a vintage rug, or if you simply need a non-slip option, consider the Rugsure Vintage Tribal Area Rug from Amazon. Available in several colors and prints, instead of the Moroccan-inspired geometric designs, opt for the Persian-style rugs featuring floral motifs around a central medallion.
Bring the outside in with fauna-inspired wool rug designs
Because cottagecore style romanticizes the idea of rural living, it's a good idea to bring the outside in with patterns that incorporate not just flora but fauna. Earthy colors and natural fabrics like wool further emphasize the indoor-outdoor connection. The Elara Floral Handmade Wool Area Rug from Wayfair combines earthy green vines and dusky yellow bees into a diamond-shaped pattern that can bring a fun and farmhouse vibe to your space. Reviewers love the high quality handwoven wool, describing it as a great value for the money.
Jute and sisal rugs offer an organic look
Cottagecore is about more than just an aesthetic. For many, it's a lifestyle inspired by activities like foraging and crafting. Although it's not practical for most of us to grow and harvest our own sisal or jute, there are many woven rugs out there that bring their organic and tactile qualities into a space. The Jute Oval Rug from Rugs.com provides visual interest thanks to an intricate hand braided design available in natural or dyed colors. About 1,400 customers give it a 5-star rating, describing it as high quality, easy to vacuum, and perfect for layering.
Add an archival pattern to bring historic charm into a room
In both the home decor and fashion worlds, archival patterns are seeing a resurgence as manufacturers work to meet the demand of cottagecore loving customers who appreciate timeless designs. The Morris & Co. motif that depicts mirrored birds sneaking some berries is the company's most famous, making its way onto everything from dish towels to shower curtains. It's also featured on the Strawberry Thief Tufted Rug from Ruggable, which is available in four machine-washable colors. Reviewers love it, calling the colors vibrant, the quality high, and the material plush.
Plaids are an ideal pattern if you want to create a cottage look
If you're wondering how to decorate your home like an English cottage, there's one important word to remember: pattern. We're especially partial to plaids, which can be brought into a room in a variety of ways, from chunky throw blankets to eye-catching wallpaper. The Louie Natural Espresso Rug from Magnolia is another option that can make your home feel like a tucked away little cottage thanks to its woven texture and tasseled edges. It's natural jute and warm brown colors make this one of the more neutral choices on our list.
Put faded multicolor rugs near entryways to hide the dirt
The best rugs provide more than just aesthetic appeal. They also add functionality to a space. When selecting a rug for a high-traffic area, like an entryway mat that will live near an exterior door, opt for slightly faded and multicolor rugs like the Lahome Non-Slip Moroccan Trellis Ultra-Thin Door Mat from Amazon. Reviewers love how the pattern doesn't show dirt and say this rug is great for homes with pets. Some customers also say it stays soft even after being washed multiple times.
Braided rugs look perfect in country kitchens
To achieve a look that's more primitive, consider a braided runner or rug. This style of floor covering is more country farmhouse than wonderland cottage. If you're into the cozy grandmacore style, choose a shape that's slightly rounded instead of rectangular. The Homespice Multi Color Rustic Braided Rug from Amazon comes in a variety of beautiful colorways. Reviewers say it's a perfect addition to country kitchens, and they find it to be an excellent value for the money.
Darker rugs featuring woodland creatures can create a fairytale cottage vibe
There's more to cottagecore style than pastel florals and ditzy prints. Several offshoots, from forestcore to gothcore, embrace a darker mood and vibe punctuated by the woodland creatures, mossy textures, and inky hues you'd be likely to find near most fairytale cottages. Rifle Paper Co. has several rugs that reflect this sensibility, including the Maison Tuileries Rug in black and Maison Grove Rug in charcoal. Reviewers love the soft yet stain resistant performance of these power loomed floor coverings.
Delicate crochet rugs are perfect for a cottagecore bathroom
Even if you don't have a giant clawfoot tub or antique mirror above the sink, there are still ways to bring the cottagecore aesthetic into your bathroom. Finer rugs, like those made from crocheted cotton, are perfect for smaller floor coverings like bathmats. The Laura Ashley Crochet Cotton Bath Rug Set from Amazon comes in creamy white, ivory, and linen colors, as well as blush, indigo, and aqua hues that reviewers call soft and fade-resistant. This cottagecore inspired rug also gets high marks for being thick and ultra absorbent.