Winter is here! And that means it's time to start thinking about your winter decor ideas. If you're like most people, you probably have a few winter decorations for your home in mind already. But if you want to get creative this year and give your home a warm and cozy vibe, there’s no better way than to add rustic winter decor.
If you're looking for some rustic winter decor ideas but aren’t sure where to start, you've come to the right place! We've gathered a few of our favorite rustic winter decorating ideas to get you started. Also, we included some rustic winter porch decor ideas so that the interior and exterior of your home both reflect the season.
Ready? Here we go!
1. Embrace a winter palette
When it comes to rustic winter decor, one of the first things you'll need to do is choose a winter color palette. This can be anything from traditional winter colors like green and red to more subtle colors like blue and white.
If those colors aren't your cup of tea, or if you want an even more rustic palette, go for a warmer palette with earth tones like brown and tan. Remember to keep your space limited to a few choice colors; otherwise, your home will end up looking too busy.
When using traditional winter colors like green and red, we suggest using them as accent colors here and there rather than dressing your entire house. That way, you won’t have to worry about rushing to take down your rustic winter decor as soon as the holidays are over. Your decor will have more staying power after January, as you can just take down the color accents rather than redoing your entire room.
2. Switch to thicker comforters or duvet covers
As the temperature drops, you'll want to make sure your bedding is up to the task of keeping you warm.
Look for thick comforters and duvet covers made with warm materials like wool, chenille, or corduroy. Or, if you're going for a more rustic touch, choose faux leather or faux suede bedding sets. These will not only keep you warm, but they'll also add a rustic feel to your winter-themed bedroom.
3. Throw on some blankets
In addition to thicker comforters and duvet covers, you'll also want to add some blankets to your bed. Blankets make for both functional and stylish winter decor because they keep you warm while adding texture and interest to your space.
Try using different colors and textures of blankets to create a cozy and inviting winter-themed bedroom. Mix and match faux fur, chunky chess knit, chenille, and other warm throws until you’re satisfied with your cozy ensemble. You can even use throws or quilts as blankets if you want to add a bit of extra color or pattern to your space.
Also, blankets make for great winter decorations for home. There’s a bit of time before the colder months say goodbye, so keeping your warm and cozy blankets for a while longer is always a good idea.
4. Layer on throw pillows
Another way to add texture and interest to your space is to layer on throw pillows. Throw pillows come in all sorts of colors, textures, and materials, so you're sure to find ones that fit your rustic winter decor.
Similar to blankets, throw pillows are good all year round and make great winter decor even after winter for that extra touch of cozy.
Try using a mix of different sizes and shapes of pillows for a cozy and inviting look. And don't be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns! You can go for themed ones like this moose & houndstooth pillow or simple ones like this green corduroy sham.
5. Add winter-themed wall decor
One of the best and easiest-to-implement winter decor ideas for your home is adding some winter wall decor.
This can be anything from winter-themed art prints to holiday-themed wreaths and garlands. If you want to go all out, you can even add a fireplace mantel scarf or holiday-themed wall decals.
Amp up the rustic aesthetic when you go for rustic winter decor like a moose head cut-out, vintage wooden crosses, or antler wall decor.
For a classic winter decoration, hang up a wreath. Wreaths are one of the most versatile rustic winter decor ideas. You can hang them on your front door, windows, or even fireplace mantel. And if you want something truly unique, try making a personalized wreath with burlap, ribbons, antler accents, and more.
6. Winterize your bathroom
You use the bathroom every day, so why not dress it for winter, too? Often overlooked, your bathroom is another great decorating opportunity to achieve that rustic winter-themed bedroom vibe.
Keeping your winter palette in mind, start by swapping out your regular towels for winter-themed ones. You can also add holiday-themed bathroom countertop sets, consisting of soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and tumblers. Switching to a rustic shower curtain can also change the entire look of your bathroom.
7. Add a touch of rustic winter to your kitchen
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so it's only fitting that you add a touch of rustic winter to this space as well.
Start by adding subtle winter-themed tableware, like canister sets, salt & pepper shakers, or even coasters. You can also add a few holiday-themed dish towels or oven mitts. And if you really want to go all out, you can even add a winter-themed backsplash or wallpaper border.
8. Welcome plaid or buffalo check to your home
Plaid is a classic winter pattern for any rustic winter decor. Bring some plaid into your home through plaid throw pillows, plaid curtains, and even shower curtains. For a cozy winter-themed bedroom, you can never go wrong with plaid comforter sets or plaid quilts.
Another classic winter pattern is the buffalo check, which is a great choice if you’re going for a casual yet stylish rustic winter decor vibe. Similar to plaid, you can incorporate buffalo check in lots of ways — throw pillows, bedding sets, curtains, shower curtains, and more.
The main reason why we love these patterns so much is that they’re evergreen patterns, so you can keep them in your home after winter and even all year round if you want.
9. Decorate your porch for a rustic winter
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time indoors. You can also enjoy the winter months by spending time on your porch or patio. And you can make the whole experience more special by adding some rustic winter porch decor.
Transform your porch by adding a warm blanket, some string lights, and a fire pit. Other great winter decor ideas are winter signs, stacked wood or logs, or even a small Christmas tree on the side.
Add a touch of holiday cheer by bringing in bright and colorful indoor/outdoor pillows to contrast with the dreary winter blues and whites. Welcome warm and vibrant colors like reds, oranges, and yellows for an interesting juxtaposition to the season.
10. Swap to winter-themed rugs
As the weather gets colder, you'll want to make sure your floors are properly protected. Swap out your light-colored area rugs for darker ones. Additionally, consider rugs with thicker piles for extra warmth. You can also add winter-themed kitchen rugs and bathroom rugs to really bring the rustic winter decor aesthetic together. Just remember to choose colors that fit your winter color palette.
11. Add burlap accents
A versatile material, burlap is one of the best rustic winter decor ideas to use because it pairs really well with winter colors like red and green. You can use it to make a variety of different accents, such as throw pillows, table runners, or even wall art.
For a touch of shabby chic, add some burlap ribbon to your existing winter room decor. They also make great winter decorations for home when you drape burlap fabric over chairs or tables. You can even add burlap decor to the mantelpiece or fireplace surround.
Burlap accents are also among the best rustic January decorating ideas, too. Leave them up as part of your winter decor, or use them to transition into spring.
12. Make a winter-themed tablescape
The dining room table is the perfect place to add a touch of rustic winter to your home. You can make a winter-themed tablescape by using a variety of winter-themed items, such as candles, evergreen branches, holly, and even pinecones.
Dress up your dining room table with winter-themed placemats and table runners. For your centerpiece, try using a wooden candle holder with some evergreen branches, holly, and small votive candles. You can also use a mason jar filled with evergreen branches and holly as your centerpiece.
13. Change to holiday-themed dinnerware
As the weather gets colder, you'll want to make sure your table is properly set. Swap out your regular dinnerware for holiday-themed plates, bowls, and cups. You can also add a few winter-themed serving pieces, such as serving platters or spoon rests.
Choose dinnerware that features winter motifs like pine cones, pine trees, or wreaths. And, if you’d just like to go for a core winter room decor ensemble, go for dinnerware with bear, deer, or forest animal motifs.
14. Incorporate antler accents
Antler accents are fun and stylish, the perfect blend of winter and rustic! The best thing about antler accents is that they’re perennially appropriate, so there’s no need to take them down right after winter.
You can use them to make a variety of winter room decor, such as towel racks, door handles, or even candle holders. If you want something more unique (and a bit fancier), you can get some antler wine racks with a complementary antler cork screw.
15. Create a cozy reading nook
One of the best ways to enjoy the winter months is by cozying up with a good book. Create your own rustic winter reading nook by adding a comfortable chair, a blanket, and a few rustic pillows.
Then, dress up your nook with a few winter-themed accents, such as a lamp shade or throw pillow or some rustic winter decor ideas like metal light fixtures or vintage wooden bookshelves.
If your reading nook is in your bedroom, you may want to add winter-themed bedroom decor, like hanging up a few blankets on the wall or adding some soft lighting with fairy lights for a dreamy, magical vibe.
16. Freshen up any room with winter greenery
One of the best ways to add a touch of rustic winter to your home is by incorporating winter greenery and natural elements. This can be anything from an evergreen wreath on your front door to some greenery and berries in a mason jar as a centerpiece.
For a low-cost option, get resourceful by cutting some branches from trees in your yard and bringing them inside to use as decorations. Get creative with these twigs and branches — place them atop your mantelpiece, use them as Christmas tree ornaments, or put them in a vase alongside flowers.
Decorating with winter greenery also saves you time and effort as they are truly evergreen and make great winter decorations for home.
17. Add candles (or better yet, scented candles!)
If you want to add a touch of warmth and romance to any space, candles are the ideal winter room decor. Pair them with a stylish candle holder and you can place them in a variety of different places, such as on your mantelpiece, coffee table, or even dining room table.
And if you really want to get into the winter spirit, opt for scented candles with wintery scents, such as peppermint, evergreen, gingerbread, and cinnamon.
18. Incorporate vintage, galvanized buckets
Galvanized buckets make great rustic winter decorating accents. Aside from the added aesthetics, you can use them to hold firewood, store winter blankets, or even use them as planters.
Although galvanized buckets are a fantastic winter decorating idea, you don’t really have to wait for the holidays to add them to your home. No matter the season, they’re the perfect addition to create a rustic farmhouse-style space.
19. Add woven baskets
If galvanized buckets aren’t your thing, opt for woven baskets instead.
Woven baskets are not only great for storage but also make excellent rustic winter decorations. You can use them to hold winter greenery, firewood, or extra blankets. They also look great as table centerpieces or hung on walls as part of a gallery display. You can even place them in your living room or bedroom and use them as a neat place to stash your things.
20. Light a fire (if you have a fireplace or a fire pit!)
One of the best ways to enjoy the winter months is by snuggling up next to a warm fire. If you have a fireplace or a fire pit, make sure to light it early and often for that rustic hygge.
Dress up your fireplace with a rustic mantelpiece or even a rustic-themed fire screen. You can hang stockings, wreaths, or even garlands from your mantelpiece. You can also add a few candles on top to set a warm, romantic vibe.
21. Bring in a warm and cozy dog bed for your pooch
If you're going for a rustic winter vibe in your home, why not include your furry friend in the fun? Prep your pup for the winter with a warm and cozy dog bed to snuggle in.
Dog beds present tons of opportunities for rustic winter decor because you can choose from a variety of designs, from simple, solid colors to patterns like plaid or stripes. For a more rustic vibe, you can go for dog beds with Western motifs like Western stars, barbwires, or cowhide.
Place the dog bed in front of a fireplace or near a radiator to keep them extra toasty. If you feel like taking in winter scenery and getting some fresh winter air, make sure you take their bed with you so they can enjoy the snow too!
And that’s a wrap on our list of winter decorating ideas! We hope our favorite winter decor ideas inspired you to get up and start decorating your rustic winter home!
With a little bit of creativity and perseverance, you can easily incorporate rustic winter decor into your home.
Happy decorating!
