Rustic living room ideas to fill your relaxation space with charm

Rustic living room ideas are a fantastic choice for all kinds of homes and are the perfect way to inject charm, warmth and a relaxed feel.

While they are often seen as being most suitable for country-style homes, farmhouses and conversions of agricultural buildings such as barns, this is one living room design idea that can actually be tailored to more modern homes too. In fact, introducing rustic design elements into a new home is a great way to ensure it feels like a welcoming, inviting space.

We've been busy pulling together the most beautiful examples of this interior design concept to give you plenty of ideas for creating your very own relaxed and rustic living space. 

What constitutes rustic living room ideas?

Before getting started, while you might have heard the term 'rustic design', it isn't always an easy one to define. 

There are a few key elements to this look and knowing what they are should help you begin to develop you own living room ideas.

Think in terms of furniture and finishes that are a little aged, made from natural materials (even better if they are in their raw state) and pieces that carry with them a bit of history. Upcyled and reclaimed items are ideal and you want to stay away from anything too 'matchy matchy' as well. 

1. Layer up lots of different textures

Rustic interior schemes should be full of interest and variation and one of the best ways to achieve this is through the use of lots of different textures, building them up as you go. This is also a great look if it is cosy living room ideas you are aiming for. 

"Start by incorporating natural materials such as wood, rattan and linen to create a sense of authenticity and rustic charm," suggests Claire Garner director of Claire Garner Interiors. "Enhance the cosy atmosphere with soft, textured fabrics for upholstery, throws, and cushions."

In this calming, inviting space, designed by Claire, the exposed oak frame also contributes to the character of the space. 

Claire Garner

Claire Garner is renowned for her expertise in crafting timeless interiors that radiate elegance and sophistication. With a keen eye for design, she excels in layering muted colours, patterns, and textures to build design schemes with depth and personality.

2. Avoid symmetry and embrace oddities 

In some cases, more symmetrical living room layout ideas can work really well – for example, where order and a modern feel are the main objective. However, in rustic living rooms, it is a far better idea to aim for something that looks more organic.

In this living room, the walls shelves have been scattered with a range of personal items while natural materials add warmth and bring a sense of nature to the whole scheme – the rattan light shade, wooden flooring and oak beam all add plenty of additional, unrefined charm.

3. Incorporate plenty of exposed timber finishes

Timber finishes can work well in all kinds of spaces, including within modern living room ideas, but they really come into their own when creating a rustic look. Even better, they can be used for so many different elements of a room. 

“Wooden flooring or cladding, especially made of reclaimed wood, is an essential element for a rustic living room," says Alex Main, director at The Main Company. "As a natural material, wood introduces tactile texture and a unique appearance which offers both interest and warmth to spaces, which can’t always be achieved with other materials. The natural knotting and beauty of the wood replicates the beauty found in nature and pairs beautifully with warm tones and cocooning fabrics."

This super cosy cabin-style living room features both internal timber cladding as well as a wooden floor – the log burner completes the look. 

Alex Main

Alex Main is director at The Main Company, a family-run company that has been creating highly individual bespoke kitchens that are full of personality and unique style since the seventies. The family business is bursting with knowledge and ideas, built up from the vast experience gained from trading within the national and international markets.

4. Bring in a sense of warmth with a real fire

Nothing says warm and welcoming like the flickering flames of an open fire or log burning stoves – plus they are the perfect partners with rustic style, which is all about creating a snug, inviting space.

Full of exposed timber finishes and with a charmingly hotchpotch flagstone floor, this living room also features some more contemporary touches, such as the modern armchairs which sit happily alongside the otherwise unpolished look. 

5. Select furniture that comes with a story

Buying off-the-shelf, standard items of furniture that all match is definitely not the best idea if it is rustic, eclectic interiors you are after. Instead, look for reclaimed or one-off pieces that will form a focal point.

"In the living room, consider mixing various finishes, textures and materials to create an aesthetic that effortlessly blends modern style with vintage finds," suggest Sarah and Sally Wilkie, co-founders of Home Barn. "Try and source some hero pieces that have depth and history to them – furniture that tells a story is key to achieving the perfect transitional space."

This soothing living room scheme has a large antique coffee table, from Home Barn, at its centre.

6. Opt for organic finishes

Perfection has no place in rustic style interiors, so be sure to embrace the little details and imperfections that come with natural materials, whether that is through your wood flooring ideas, or by highlighting uneven walls.

This elegant yet relaxed living room brings together many different natural materials, from the stone fireplace to the lime plaster on the walls. The light-coloured timber flooring has been softened through the use of a jute rug from Alternative Flooring.

7. Enjoy the best of both worlds with modern rustic finishes

Torn between a rustic look or a more modern one? It is time to consider modern rustic – a harmonious blend of the two that relies on using natural materials but in a cleaner, more contemporary way. 

"Add some rustic finishing touches through accessories and complete the look with characterful leather sofas and armchairs," advise Sarah and Sally Wilkie. "Set within an open plan, clean space with a pared-back contemporary palette, you will have created a living room filled with both modern and traditional charm." 

This beautiful room, from The Main Company, features an abundance of timber through the internal cladding and flooring.

Modern rustic also a great idea for anyone after modern bathroom ideas as it will ensure the space doesn't feel too clinical.

Sarah and Sally Wilkie

Sisters-in-law Sarah and Sally Wilkie are founders of vintage furniture and interiors shop, Home Barn, which they created together in 2010 as an outlet for their combined creative talents. Both had an eye for vintage and antiques and to do something rewarding and inspiring whilst enjoying life with their families. By turning their passion for vintage into a business, Home Barn was born!

8. Create the perfect backdrop with natural flooring

Your choice of living room flooring ideas will have a huge effect on the final look of the space. While timber floors work really well, if you want something a little different, do take the time to consider a natural carpet instead. 

“Derived from sustainable plant fibre, natural carpets made from sisal, jute, coir and seagrass complement a rustic interior look beautifully," says Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring. "The intricate weaves and natural shades add texture and style in abundance while providing a hardwearing and long-lasting flooring option.”  

This serene space features Sisal Bouclé Brockton Carpet from Alternative Flooring. 

9. Bring together different styles for an eclectic look

Some of the best rustic living rooms feature a really diverse range of items of furniture and decorative items – all from different time periods. The result of this mix-and-match approach is a space that looks as though it has evolved over time. 

"Accessorise with vintage finds, such as antique lamps and woven baskets, to add character and personality to the room, as well as incorporating natural elements like potted plants, and rustic artwork to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside and complete the rustic look and feel of your living room," advises Claire Garner.

This spacious room enjoys of backdrop of a highly characterful timber floor, from Chaunceys Timber Flooring, as well as a real fusion of styles, from antique finds to mid-century modern pieces.  

10. Introduce a little industrial style with metal elements

Sometimes it can be really hard to decide between two different interior decorating styles, but there really is nothing in the rule book to say that you can't bring two looks together successfully. 

If you are a fan of industrial style interior schemes, this is actually a look that works really well alongside some more rustic ideas. Just like rustic style, an industrial look is all about keeping materials in their natural state  – exposed bricks and pipework, for example. Even brick fireplace ideas work well in either scheme.

In this room, the block walls have been left on show, while the use of metal fixtures and fittings completes the look. If you are after some great living room storage ideas,  take a look look at the range of metal lockers from Mustard Made, one of which can be seen here. 

FAQs

Can new furniture work in a rustic living room?

There is definitely no reason why you can't incorporate some new items of furniture in your rustic living room scheme – this is a look that is hinged on blending together a range of styles. 

Think about bringing together pieces that complement one another, either through their shapes or the materials they are made from, and aim for a balanced look rather than one that is too contemporary.

What wall colours suit rustic living rooms?

Just as with the materials you use within the space, a rustic living room will benefit from wall colours that have their roots in the natural world.

"Embrace earthy colour palettes inspired by nature, such as warm neutrals, deep browns, and muted greens, to evoke a sense of rustic tranquillity," says Claire Garner.

Soft, powdery and matt finishes work really well for living room paint ideas in this kind of space too, lending a nice background texture. 

If this is a look that you want to include in more than just your living room, then you should be pleased to know that it works well in lots of other areas of the home, from bedrooms to hallways. Check out our brilliant selection of rustic bathroom ideas if you fancy creating the look in this space too.