Rustic Living Room Furniture Brings Nature Indoors

The living room is a place for entertaining: the whole family, guests, and the individual self.  As a family living room it is often equipped with comfortable sofas, surrounded by surfaces showcasing family memorabilia.  The seating area may either be in front of a fireplace to share warm family moments, or with in front of the home entertainment system to enjoy home movies or the exciting World Series over popcorn and drinks.  As such, the focus of this article will be on rustic living room furniture that can exude warmth and comfort.

In other bigger homes, the living room is reserved for more formal entertaining for guests while a separate family room is reserved for family entertaining. In a formal living room, upholstered sofas and polished wooden tables on top of formal rugs would be typical.  Accents of metallic lamps and prized wall art can showcase the family heirloom. Formal living rooms would have tea trolleys that are used more as décor rather than for tea service, nevertheless, will be in the same finish and design as the rest of the formal set-up.

Lastly, living rooms can also cater for the individual’s quiet time.  It sometimes doubles as a study, if the current total area cannot afford a separate one.  A leather recliner with matching ottoman in front of the fireplace can be a very relaxing nook, especially with a warm sip of coffee or tea.  A study table tucked near the corner window can be the area for intellectual creations.  Bookshelves of high and wide lined with personal collections of history, culture and self-improvement and can be shared to the young ones as well as treasured friends.

Whatever your living room style is, add more warmth, comfort and personal style by using rustic design on your living room furniture.  Follow this style guide to showcase your rustic living room. 

Rustic Style

Texture is synonymous to rustic furnishings.  Furniture that have rough finishes, distressed look and furniture that is handcrafted is typical of a rustic living room.  Natural woods, logs, and twigs are a very popular in a rustic design.  Wicker and wrought iron closely follows, as rustic also means charmingly country.  Below are specific rustic styles and what pieces of furniture can fit each.

Lodge

Lodge rustic furniture mimics the log cabin home.  The pieces are generally huge and heavy. Natural materials, like polished wood showing natural grains or stains are widely used.  Bookcases or TV Armoire are perfect furniture to showcase lodge material.  Accents of natural colored leather ottomans and recliners add interest to the space.  Another lodge style furniture is the Adirondack deck chair, characterized by high arch backs of the chairs and flat, wide, evenly spaced planks. Bring the outdoors in by using Adirondack style furniture in the rustic living room.

Southwestern

An example of the southwestern rustic furniture accessory is native Indian blankets of woven wool.  They feature colorful array of herringbone patterns.  Handcrafted accents can also be used, as well as wildlife horns and heads.  Area rugs of Navajo designs also add to your rustic living room design. 

Country

Milk-painted wooden furniture pieces are characteristic of country rustic living room furniture.  Furniture layout tends to be full and busy.  Colors used are very muted and showcases simple lines, comfortable pieces and vintage fabrics. Wicker furniture is another example of country rustic living room furniture.  When paired with pastel floral cushions, it completes the inviting style.  Accent covers and throws of embroidered linens or crocheted cotton add charm.  Cane-back chairs and seats are another version of this rustic style, and can be best paired with terra cotta or marble flooring.  Lastly, wire and wrought iron tables, chairs or study, also gives a feeling of a country home.

Asian/African 
Black lacquered woods, simple lines, ornate decorations, a very simple floor layout, natural fiber mats, bamboo and colors from nature. Safari prints in black and grays also provide an updated but still rustic look.

If you love the rustic look, choose one specific style or combine many of them to suit your rustic living room furniture.