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Cottagecore decor centers on character, tradition, and resourcefulness. It draws from nature, older homes, and handmade details rather than polished or trend-driven finishes.
The goal of aesthetic projects like this is to create a space that feels personal, collected, and thoughtfully assembled over time.
These projects are designed for small spaces, rentals, and realistic budgets. Each one uses thrifted finds, natural materials, or basic supplies, and none require advanced skills. You can start with a single project and add more as your space evolves.
If you enjoy creating decor from secondhand materials, you may also love these 7 thrifted decor ideas to create a cozy cottagecore home, which expand on the same collected, lived-in aesthetic.
Pressed Flower Wall Art
Pressed flower art adds natural detail to your walls while keeping the overall look intentional and uncluttered. It works especially well in apartments where wall decor needs to feel considered rather than busy.
What You’ll Need
- Pressed flowers or leaves
- Simple frames
- Cardstock or watercolor paper
- Archival glue or spray adhesive
Steps
- Arrange the pressed flowers on paper until the composition feels balanced.
- Secure the flowers lightly with adhesive, starting with the largest pieces.
- Place the finished piece in a frame and hang alone or as part of a small grouping.
Dried Flower Wreath
A dried flower wreath brings structure and texture to a wall, door, or shelf display. Because it uses preserved materials, it holds its shape and color for months.
What You’ll Need
- Grapevine wreath base
- Dried flowers or herbs
- Floral wire
- Scissors
- Optional ribbon
Steps
- Cut flowers into small bundles.
- Attach each bundle to the wreath using floral wire, working in one direction.
- Continue layering until the wreath feels full but not crowded.
Style Tip: Limiting your color palette keeps the wreath looking cohesive rather than busy.
Here is a detailed walkthrough of this craft from Northlawn Flower Farm:
Moss Wall Art Panel
Moss wall art introduces texture and visual depth, especially in rooms without access to plants. It works well as a small accent rather than a large installation.
What You’ll Need
- Preserved moss
- Wood panel or shadow box
- Hot glue
Steps
- Lay out the moss on the panel before gluing to plan the coverage.
- Attach moss in sections, pressing gently to secure.
- Hang the panel or lean it on a shelf.
Here is a full video tutorial from HGTV Home:
Mason Jar or Teacup Flower Vases
Repurposed containers make practical decor that can shift with the seasons. This project works well on tables, shelves, or windowsills.
What You’ll Need
- Mason jars or vintage teacups
- Twine or ribbon
- Fresh or dried flowers
Steps
- Clean and dry your containers.
- Wrap twine or ribbon around jars if desired.
- Arrange flowers loosely and place in a small grouping.
Quick Win: Odd-numbered groupings feel more natural on shelves and tables.
Upcycled Wooden Shelf With Lace Trim
Adding trim or paint to a simple shelf gives it presence without taking up additional space. This works well for displaying books or small objects.
What You’ll Need
- Wood plank or old shelf
- Lace trim
- Fabric glue or small nails
- Brackets
Steps
- Paint or sand the shelf if needed and let dry.
- Attach lace trim along the bottom edge.
- Mount the shelf securely to the wall.
Renter’s Note: Use adhesive brackets or lean the shelf on existing furniture.
Macrame Wall Hanging
Macrame adds visual interest through pattern and material rather than color. A simple design is enough to bring dimension to an empty wall.
What You’ll Need
- Cotton macrame cord
- Wooden dowel or branch
- Scissors
Steps
- Cut cords to equal lengths.
- Attach cords to the dowel using basic knots.
- Continue knotting until the piece reaches your desired length.
Style Tip: Natural or off-white cord keeps the focus on texture.
Get started with this simple tutorial from Interwoven Studio:
Fabric Bunting or Garland
Fabric garlands add pattern and movement without committing to permanent decor. They are easy to store and reuse.
What You’ll Need
- Fabric scraps or old linens
- Twine or ribbon
- Scissors
- Hot glue or needle and thread
Steps
- Cut fabric into simple shapes or strips.
- Attach pieces evenly along the twine.
- Hang across a window, wall, or shelf.
Style Tip: Mixing solids with small florals keeps the garland balanced.
Botanical Prints in Thrifted Frames
Botanical illustrations paired with secondhand frames create artwork that feels collected and intentional. This project works well for bedrooms, hallways, or above a desk.
What You’ll Need
- Botanical printouts or book pages
- Thrifted frames
- Optional mat board
Steps
- Trim or print images to fit your frames.
- Clean and prep the frames, painting if desired.
- Arrange on the wall or lean against a shelf for a casual display.
Quick Win: Repeating the same frame size brings order to a mixed collection.
Painted Wooden Slice Ornaments
Wood slices provide a sturdy base for simple painted designs. They can be hung, stacked, or leaned against other decor.
What You’ll Need
- Wood slices
- Acrylic paint Set
- Brushes
- Twine
- Clear sealant
Steps
- Paint simple motifs like leaves, florals, or mushrooms.
- Allow paint to dry fully.
- Seal and attach twine for hanging.
Confidence Boost: Simple designs read stronger than detailed ones.
If you enjoy making small handmade accents like these, you’ll find even more seasonal inspiration in these DIY cottagecore aesthetic Christmas ornament ideas that carry the same soft, nature-inspired feel.
Teacup Fairy Garden
Mini gardens bring structure and interest to small surfaces. Using a teacup keeps the scale appropriate for apartments.
What You’ll Need
- Teacups, small vintage containers or mason jars
- Potting soil
- Small plants or succulents
Steps
- Add soil to the container.
- Place plants and moss, adjusting until balanced.
- Set in a spot with appropriate light.
For more inspiration using jars and simple materials, this roundup of 11 DIY mason jar craft ideas that make great gifts offers several projects that work beautifully as everyday decor too.
Lace or Doily Table Runner
Repurposed lace creates table decor that feels intentional without requiring new purchases. This works well for small dining tables or sideboards.
What You’ll Need
- Vintage doilies or lace
- Fabric glue or needle and thread
- Optional base fabric
Steps
- Arrange doilies in an overlapping pattern.
- Secure them together with glue or stitching.
- Place directly on the table or over a neutral cloth.
Style Tip: Tea-dyeing creates a more unified finish if pieces vary in color.
Closing Thoughts
Cottagecore decor is built through choices, not shopping lists. By working with what you can find, reuse, or make, your home becomes a reflection of your effort and taste rather than a set of trends.
Start with one project that feels manageable. As you add pieces gradually, your space will begin to show layers of intention, creativity, and care.
Meta description: Create cottagecore decor on a budget with 11 easy DIY projects using thrifted finds, natural materials, and renter-friendly ideas for small spaces.
