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Cottagecore décor has captured hearts because it feels like stepping into a cozy fairytale.
The aesthetic blends nostalgia, nature, and simplicity in a way that instantly softens a space. Instead of sleek and modern, cottagecore celebrates handmade charm, rustic materials, and soft details.
The best part? You don’t need a big budget to bring it to life. With a little creativity and a few simple supplies, you can transform your home with projects that embody the cottagecore aesthetic.
These eleven ideas are inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and can be made with thrift store finds, natural materials, or everyday objects. Each project adds a personal, whimsical touch to your home while staying true to the cozy spirit of cottagecore.
1. Pressed Flower Wall Art
Few things are more quintessentially cottagecore than flowers. Pressed blooms framed as wall art bring the outside in and preserve nature’s beauty year-round.
What you’ll need: pressed flowers, frames, cardstock or watercolor paper, spray adhesive or archival glue.
Tips: Thrift old frames for an authentic look. Arrange flowers in a simple composition to keep the focus on their delicate shapes. For a bolder display, group three or four smaller frames together as a mini gallery wall.
Why it works: Cottagecore is about slowing down and appreciating small details. Pressed flowers capture fleeting beauty and turn it into timeless art.
2. Dried Flower Wreath
A wreath doesn’t have to be reserved for holidays. A dried flower wreath instantly adds rustic charm to a wall, door, or mantel.
What you’ll need: a grapevine wreath form, dried flowers, floral wire, scissors, optional ribbon.
Tips: Mix dried lavender with baby’s breath for softness, or use dried roses for romance. Add ribbon tails in muted tones for a whimsical finish.
Why it works: Wreaths are symbols of home and warmth. Using dried florals keeps costs down and ensures your wreath lasts for months.
3. Botanical Prints in Vintage Frames
You don’t need to spend on art prints when many botanical illustrations are free to download online. Pairing them with secondhand frames makes the project feel intentional and unique.
What you’ll need: printed or scanned botanical images, vintage or thrifted frames, optional mat board.
Tips: Spray paint mismatched frames in soft colors like cream or sage to unify them. A gallery of three to six prints works well over a console table or bed.
Why it works: Botanical imagery connects you to the natural world, while the vintage frames add that well-loved cottagecore feel.
4. Moss Wall Art
For a bolder project, try creating a moss wall panel. Preserved moss adds rich texture and brings forest charm into your home.
What you’ll need: preserved moss, a shadow box or wood backing, hot glue, optional driftwood or bark pieces.
Tips: Layer different shades of moss to mimic natural landscapes. Frame it in reclaimed wood for extra rustic appeal.
Why it works: Cottagecore is about bringing the outdoors inside. Moss art adds depth, greenery, and a sense of whimsy to even the smallest space.
5. Macramé Wall Hanging
Handmade fiber art is a staple of cozy boho and cottagecore style. A simple macramé wall hanging adds texture and softness to walls.
What you’ll need: cotton cord, a wooden dowel or branch, scissors.
Tips: Follow a beginner macramé knot tutorial to get started. Keep it neutral in off-white, or dye cords with natural dyes like tea or turmeric for muted tones.
Why it works: Macramé pieces feel handcrafted and imperfect in the best way. They soften hard surfaces and add a comforting, layered effect.
6. Mason Jar or Teacup Flower Vases
Upcycling everyday objects into charming vases is an easy way to bring cottagecore to life. Mason jars or vintage teacups make the perfect vessels for fresh or dried blooms.
What you’ll need: mason jars, teacups, ribbon or twine, flowers or grasses.
Tips: Wrap jars with lace or burlap for extra detail. Group three different sizes together for a layered vignette.
Why it works: Everyday objects become magical when used creatively. This project highlights the cottagecore emphasis on simple pleasures and repurposed beauty.
7. Upcycled Wooden Shelf with Lace Trim
Turn an ordinary shelf into a cottagecore accent by adding lace or paint details.
What you’ll need: a wood plank or old shelf, paint or stain, lace trim, brackets.
Tips: Paint in soft pastels like dusty rose or mint, or leave the wood natural and just add lace underneath. Use it to display other small cottagecore items like books, pottery, or plants.
Why it works: Cottagecore celebrates handmade and upcycled touches. A shelf trimmed with lace feels both practical and whimsical.
8. Fabric Bunting or Garland
String bunting or garlands made of fabric scraps across a window, wall, or mantel for a playful and cozy look.
What you’ll need: fabric scraps, twine or ribbon, scissors, hot glue or needle and thread.
Tips: Use floral fabrics or vintage handkerchiefs for character. Alternate colors for a mismatched but cohesive look.
Why it works: Garlands instantly make a space feel festive and alive. The handmade feel makes it extra special.
9. Painted Wooden Slice Ornaments
Wooden slices make versatile bases for art. Paint them with florals, mushrooms, or inspirational words for wall hangings or ornaments.
What you’ll need: wood slices, acrylic paint, brushes, varnish, twine.
Tips: Keep designs simple—like a sprig of lavender or a cluster of mushrooms. Seal with varnish so they last longer.
Why it works: Wooden slices connect back to nature and the forest, core themes of cottagecore. Painted details add the handcrafted, personal touch.
10. Teacup Fairy Garden or Mini Terrarium
Miniature gardens in teacups or glass jars are whimsical and full of charm.
What you’ll need: a teacup or small glass container, soil, moss, tiny succulents or small plants, optional miniature figurines.
Tips: Add tiny mushrooms made of clay, or a small stone path to complete the fairytale look. Keep succulents indoors with good light for low maintenance.
Why it works: Cottagecore often leans into fantasy. A teacup fairy garden feels like a little storybook world come to life.
11. Lace or Doily Table Runner
Turn vintage lace or doilies into a table runner or a set of coasters.
What you’ll need: vintage doilies, fabric glue or needle and thread, base fabric if needed.
Tips: Overlap doilies for a patchwork effect. Lightly dye them with tea for a warm, antique tone.
Why it works: Lace adds softness and nostalgia. Using pieces that may have been tucked away brings history and beauty back into everyday life.
Closing Thoughts
Cottagecore décor is less about spending money and more about slowing down, crafting with intention, and celebrating the natural world. These DIY projects are inexpensive, but they carry a handmade charm that makes your home feel personal and inviting.
Start with just one—pressed flower art, a dried floral wreath, or a fabric garland—and you’ll find that these little details make a big difference. As you layer more projects into your home, you’ll create a space that feels like a cozy, timeless retreat.
