At a Glance:
The Essentials of Rustic Bedroom Furniture
How to Decorate with Rustic Bedroom Furniture
The hustle and bustle of city living are exciting, but they can also take a toll on the spirit. Sometimes, you just need to get away, and what better place to do that than the bedroom? It’s no all-expense getaway, but the bedroom is the last place you go at the end of the day, so it has an impact on your mental and physical health. With that in mind, a room decorated with rustic bedroom furniture just might be the remedy you need.
Rustic design is hardly new, but lately, it’s fallen in the shadows of other major interior design trends such as farmhouse, modernism, and even Cottagecore bedrooms. We think it’s time to give this timeless design a refresher with an in-depth guide on how to design a rustic bedroom. Follow along for tips and inspiration!
Defining Rustic Bedrooms
There are those who like the clean lines of modern furniture in the bedroom, and then there are those who prefer a sleeping space where every piece has its own natural character. When it comes to that aspect, no other bedroom interior design captures the integrity of organic furniture more than rustic interior design.
Rustic might be a term thrown around in the kitchen, but it also applies to how furniture is made. It’s a reference to how furniture was traditionally made before the major industrialization of the turn of the 20th century. As you know, back then, furniture was made by hand, and that included natural details such as knots, varying wood grains, tool marks, and rough edges. As a result, these pieces were a little rough around the edges but full of the spirit of woodwork.
In many ways, rustic furniture has gained popularity because it is a change in pace from modern furniture, which can sometimes feel too perfect or “cookie cutter.”
The Essentials of Rustic Bedroom Furniture
Rustic furniture has been around for centuries (millennia if you count traditional furniture made in Europe), so naturally, the style will change a little as time passes. All the same, there are some core hallmarks of rustic bedroom design.
The Materials
The medium of choice in any space that follows rustic interior design is wood. Deemed the hero of the design, wooden furniture used in a rustic space is hardly ever finished, showcases natural grain details, and often highlights live edges, imperfections, and blemishes such as saw-hewn impressions.
But wood isn’t the only material you’ll see in a rustic bedroom. Natural stone is another favorite choice since it picks up on the natural undertones in wood and adds to the nature-inspired feel of the space. While used less often, metal can also be found in rustic bedroom settings. Typically, these surfaces are finished with a patina or matte finish to evoke an aged or vintage effect, but shiny metals such as chrome or silver used on modern furniture are seen less.
The Colors
Rustic design thrives on the earthy palette of nature. Follow these color tips for rustic bedroom ideas
✅ Brown rustic bedrooms: Play up taupe and greige for a cozy rustic sleep space year-round.
✅ White rustic bedrooms: White can be used to create an airy feel that complements the cabin feel of a rustic bedroom.
✅ Grey rustic bedrooms: Grey is the color of the moment. Use it alongside rustic furniture for a modern approach to the design style.
✅ Black rustic bedrooms: Black can be used to give an intimate atmosphere to a rustic bedroom. We recommend pairing black rustic bedroom furniture with lighter neutrals for a balanced feel.
✅ Green rustic bedrooms: Greens such as sage or even mint add a subtle yet bold touch to a rustic bedroom. Use with white and other light tones for a rustic bedroom that feels like it’s in the middle of a garden.
How to Decorate with Rustic Bedroom Furniture
Start with a Rustic Bed Frame
The biggest statement in the bedroom is your bed, so if you really want to rusticate while you rest, start by finding a bed frame that fits your style. The most popular kind of rustic bed frame is probably a panel bed, which sits high proudly showcasing its wood finish. Rustic-style bed headboards sometimes come with upholstered inlays, but typically, they’re made of solid material, so it’s not a bad idea to load up on pillows to make the backdrop as comfy as possible.
We Recommend: Elements International Cortez Brown and Drift Queen Bed
Besides the gorgeous grain that contrasts with the romantic touch of a faux leather tufted headboard panel, this rustic bed from Elements International is also great if you have a thick mattress. The low foundation combined with a tall headboard means you won’t have to worry about your thick mattress gobbling up the back of the bed, creating an unbalanced look.
Overall review: Great for bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, thicker mattresses, and rustic bedrooms with lighter wood pieces.
Don’t Forget a Nightstand (or Two)
You can never underestimate the value of a nightstand. They’re handy at keeping bedroom essentials at an arm’s length, are beautiful when paired with a bedroom lamp, and can even help create balance in a bedroom. Plus, if you have a partner, placing a nightstand on each side of the bed will mean fewer interruptions as you or your partner reaches for something in the middle of the night.
We Recommend: Vaughan-Bassett Sawmill Saddle Grey Nightstand
As far as rustic nightstands go, this beautifully crafted two-drawer nightstand checks all the boxes. Rather than staples, glue, and nails, this nightstand stays true to tradition with a mortise and tenon construction that provides superior durability. You’ll get a lot of life out of this bedside table, and its rustic pewter finish is a welcoming touch for any rustic bedroom.
Overall review: Ideal for bedrooms with queen or king-size beds and buyers looking for extra bedroom storage without sacrificing a lot of room.
Add Charm with a Chest
Chests are characterized by their tall builds rather than the long builds found on dressers. That’s what makes them so great as storage for bedrooms that don’t have a lot of space. Additionally, a tall chest can double as a place to put a television if you don’t want to make any holes in the wall. The tall profile makes it easier to see in bed, especially if you have a thick mattress and a tall bed frame.
We Recommend: Progressive Furniture Trestlewood Mesquite Pine Chest
Fall in love with all the intricate details on this rustic chest of drawers. From clothes to bulkier bedroom items, its series of drawers in three different sizes allows you to flexibly organize your essentials. Finished in a mesquite pine finish, this rustic bedroom piece is full of the warm, lived-in feel reminiscent of handmade furniture.
Overall review: We recommend this to buyers who want to save floorspace but need bedroom storage.
Store Your Wardrobe in a Dresser
Of course, if you do have plenty of space in your bedroom, a dresser is a classic addition. But keep in mind, a dresser can easily become the focal point of a bedroom, which can be a positive or a negative. Aim for lighter wood finishes, such as a rustic white dresser, if you have a bedroom that is on the smaller side. Otherwise, rich, dark wood or even wood dressers with gray finishes can be a great way to anchor a larger bedroom and make it feel intimate and cozy.
We Recommend: Elements International Cortez Drift Dresser
Part of the Cortez collection just like our recommended rustic bed frame, this rustic dresser from Elements International aces the design style. The look of natural wood is brilliantly showcased with organic grain details, a simple design, and metal hardware that play with the dark undertones in the wood. With six large drawers, you can splurge on a single wardrobe or be generous and share with a partner.
Overall review: This dresser is a good option if you like simple, rustic design and need more clothes storage than a chest.
Accessorize with Benches
Not every bedroom will be able to fit a bench or ottoman, and we advise skipping if you have trouble maneuvering around the area with your basic bedroom furniture. But a rustic bench is a great way to drive home the mood if you can afford the space.
We Recommend: Crestview Collection Evolution Brown & Gray Wooden Farmhouse Bench
A study in balance, this rustic bench Crestview Collection displays a beautiful frame with barn-style cross-beam accents at the bottom with a soft, upholstered seat in gray above. Place this bench at the foot of your bed to put your shoes on before you start your day or to do some nighttime reading before bed.
Overall review: If you don’t mind the lack of storage, this small bench is a cute complement to any rustic bedroom.
Bedroom Sets
Of course, you can opt for a rustic bedroom set if you want to get the look in one single purchase. Buying a complete bedroom set is a convenient way to save money, and since manufacturers use different wood finishes, buying a set from one brand is a surefire way to get a truly cohesive look. If you prefer the mismatched appeal of rustic design, a bedroom set might not be your choice, but for others who like the idea of a bedroom full of pieces that perfectly tie into each other, a set is the way to go.
We Recommend: New Classic® Furniture Sevilla 4 Piece Walnut Queen Bedroom Set
This rustic queen bedroom set straddles the line between organic and traditional design. Rather than letting the natural grain of the wood shine, this ensemble is finished in a dark wood stain, which would be great in a master bedroom. But you still get rustic design elements, from the intricate panel inlays and pyramid feet to moulding details, all of which showcase the pride of woodwork. This collection features a bed, a nightstand, and a dresser with a matching mirror.
Overall review: Shoppers who like rustic design but want something more updated will love the take on this queen-size bedroom set. While more on the masculine side, this bedroom ensemble can easily be fitted with delicate décor and bedding to add a feminine touch.
Rustic bedroom design might not be the hottest trend right now, but as history shows, the style is going nowhere. Rustic bedrooms are unmatched when it comes to creating a homey, cozy, and welcoming space that is entirely the opposite of modern bedrooms, which are all about strict symmetry. There’s a whole world of rustic-style bedroom furniture waiting to be explored, and Bob Mills is the place to start your journey. Visit us online or in-store to see our complete catalog of bedroom furniture today!
Why Trust Bob Mills Furniture?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Shop Rustic Bedroom Furniture at Bob Mills
Start reveling in endless comfort and shop bedroom furniture online for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover rustic bedroom furniture — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
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