Decorating a cabin into a rustic and cozy retreat, need not break the bank. In fact, bargains that are perfect for cabins can be found at garage sales, Goodwill, flea markets and second-hand stores. Keep in mind, however, there is a difference between rustic, which involves character, and items that are old and beat up or tacky and cheap. Browsing shops for cabin decor is more like a treasure hunt than a shopping trip!
The internet is a wonderful resource for decorating a cabin with specialty cabin décor. There are oodles of online stores specializing in moose lamps, wood carvings, woodsy linens etc. eBay offers unique items such as snowshoes, oars, fish nets, and fireplace tools that are hard to find elsewhere. It's fun to score a perfect piece of cabin decor through a winning bid!
Rustic Cabin Decorating Touches
Perfect does not a cabin make. In fact, natural elements and some imperfection, create a relaxing feel. Paint tones in Mother Nature's palette of brown, rust or forest green will warm up boring walls. Switch out drawer handles with pieces of cut wood or leather straps. Use rough hewn lumber for projects. Look for:
- Second hand distressed wood tables
- Denim slipcovers and pillows
- Log or twig furniture
- Iron candle holders
- Steamer trunks to use as tables
- Wood ammunition boxes to use as shelving
- Lamps made with gnarled wood or antlers
- Rustic ceiling fans
- Items made of burlap or jute
Window Coverings for Cabin Decorating
There are low-cost, creative ways to cover cabin windows. Use flannel sheets as curtains and hang on oars. Pull back gingham panels with rope tie backs. Use horseshoe hooks as curtain rod holders for a pair of leather-look curtain panels. Even a rolled bamboo shade works!
Cabin Wall Décor:
Knotty pine is not stand-alone wall decor. Hang:
- Pictures and framed nature posters or trail maps
- Fun, message wood plagues, in the spirit of “Gone Fishing”
- Dried flowers, eucalyptus or fresh pine in metal buckets or vases
- Tree branches or twigs spray-painted in copper tones
- Oars and snowshoes
- Iron grates, hooks, and spurs
- Horseshoe towel racks
- Indian rugs and blankets
Decorate a Cabin By Contrast and Complement
Use furnishing culls from your primary home, even if they don't feel "cabinish". A fun, eclectic look feels totally appropriate and, in fact, a combination of polish and rustic keeps things interesting. Sit a basket of pinecones and cinnamon sticks on a glass topped table. Hang your tie top sheer panels from a tree branch. Place that framed mirror above a green washed potting bench. Sit Grandma's wood rocking chair on the front porch.
Cabin Decorating With A Touch of Nostalgia
A cabin represents a nostalgic return to a simpler time. Where possible, add touches of yesterday.
- Metal milk cans
- Glass canisters
- An old wood or iron coat rack
- Crates filled with towels or wood for the fireplace
- A game nook or checkerboard painted tabletop
- Flannel sheets and quilts
- A braided or rag-tied rug
Decorate the Cabin - But Don't Overdo!
It’s important not to over-do a theme to the point of ridiculous. All bears, or all fish, or all moose decor is B-O-R-I-N-G. Also, too much clutter is distracting, so when the decorating feels done: stop! There will always be another "perfect" item that will pop up.You have to stop sometime.
Decorate a cabin aiming for a look that reflects the wonderful diversity of nature mixed in with the luxury of a resort. A fleece blanket throw covering cold toes, a mounted fish and pair of oars hanging over the crackling fireplace, vanilla candles burning in mason jars, fluffy towels hanging on horseshoe hooks waiting for the morning shower. Now that feels like an mountain escape!
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