DIY Cottagecore Room Decor: 8 Budget-Friendly Ways to Get the Look

Ever dreamed of living in your own little Anne of Green Gables cottage? You know, complete with wildflower bouquets, hand-stitched linens, and that cozy vibe that makes you want to bake sourdough bread while wearing a flowy dress? Well, DIY cottagecore is here to make those dreams a reality without requiring you to actually milk cows at dawn.

DIY cottagecore is all about embracing the beauty of simplicity, nature, and nostalgic charm through handmade projects. Creating a cozy, whimsical room that feels like a gentle escape to a countryside cottage doesn’t have to mean splurging on expensive decor. With a little creativity and some DIY cottagecore magic, you can transform your space into a dreamy haven without breaking the bank.

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Here are some budget-friendly DIY cottagecore ideas to bring charm to your room.

1. Create Your Own Dried Flower Arrangements

Fresh flowers can be pricey, but dried flowers last much longer and add that vintage garden vibe to any DIY cottagecore scheme. Think Taylor Swift’s folklore era meets your bedroom—all earthy tones and romantic florals.

What you’ll need:

Wildflowers (foraged or from the farmers market)
Craft store flower bundles
Sharp scissors
String, twine or rubber bands
Display containers

Collect wildflowers, or pick up affordable bundles from craft stores or markets. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark place to preserve their shape and color. You can also look at our DIY Pressed Flower guide for other ideas too.

Once dried, arrange them in simple glass jars, vintage teacups, or mason jars you already have at home. You can even tie a ribbon or twine around the vase for an extra touch of rustic charm.

2. Make Hand-Embroidered Pillow Covers

Embroidery adds a soft, handmade detail that perfectly suits DIY cottagecore’s romantic feel. All you need is a plain pillow cover, embroidery floss, and a simple pattern like flowers, leaves, or delicate vines.

Essential supplies:

Plain linen or cotton pillow covers
Embroidery hoops
Embroidery floss in natural colors
Needles
Water-soluble transfer paper
Beginner embroidery patterns

If you’re new to embroidery, start with a beginner-friendly kit or look for easy tutorials online. This little project adds personality and warmth to your bedding or reading nook.

3. DIY Macramé Wall Hangings

Macramé is a staple of DIY cottagecore thanks to its natural fibers and cozy texture. You don’t need to buy a pricey wall hanging—grab some cotton cord or twine and follow one of the many beginner-friendly tutorials online.

Materials needed:

Cotton macramé cord
Wooden dowels or branches
Scissors
Measuring tape
Comb for fringing

A small macramé piece can beautifully fill an empty wall or add texture above your bed or desk area. There’s a couple really nice macrame kits over in this post if you need good starting point as a beginner.

4. Repurpose Vintage Finds and Thrift Store Treasures

Channel your inner Gilmore Girls and hit up every thrift store and flea market in town. Keep an eye out for thrift store gems like old wooden crates, lace tablecloths, or vintage picture frames.

Best thrift finds for DIY cottagecore:

Wooden crates and boxes
Vintage quilts and lace
Old picture frames
Mason jars and glass containers
Wicker baskets
Antique books
Ceramic pitchers and bowls

With a bit of cleaning and maybe a fresh coat of paint, these items make perfect rustic storage solutions, side tables, or wall art. Using what you already have or can find secondhand fits perfectly with cottagecore’s sustainable spirit.

5. Paint Wildflower or Botanical Murals

If you’re feeling creative, add a hand-painted touch to your walls or furniture. Simple wildflowers, leafy vines, or sprigs of lavender can turn a plain dresser or a corner wall into a charming focal point.

Art supplies for botanical painting:

Acrylic paints in soft, muted colors. Try the marker version too!
Various brush sizes
Pencil for sketching
Palette for mixing colors
Protective drop cloths
Reference images or stencils

You don’t need to be an expert—there are plenty of step-by-step guides online for painting easy, delicate botanical designs that enhance your DIY cottagecore aesthetic.

6. Make Your Own Scented Candles

Candlelight adds a warm, magical glow to any DIY cottagecore scheme. Making your own candles is surprisingly easy and budget-friendly.

Candle-making essentials:

Soy wax flakes
Wicks and wick holders
Essential oils (lavender, rose, or cedarwood)
Glass jars or vintage teacups
Double boiler or microwave-safe container
Thermometer

Choose natural wax like soy, add your favorite essential oils (think lavender, rose, or cedarwood), and pour into reused glass jars or teacups. Not only will your room smell lovely, but the soft flickering light will enhance that cozy cottage vibe.

7. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Every DIY cottagecore enthusiast needs a reading nook that would make Belle from Beauty and the Beast jealous. This is where the magic truly happens.

Reading nook must-haves:

Floor cushions and throw pillows
Soft knitted blankets
Wicker baskets for book storage
String lights
Small side table
Vintage lamp
Potted plants

Gather soft cushions, a knitted throw, and a basket for your favorite books to carve out a quiet corner that invites you to slow down. Remember to check the thrift stores for budget friendly things! Personalize it with a small plant, a vintage lamp, or a handmade garland of paper flowers. This nook will quickly become your favorite spot for daydreaming and unwinding.

8. Upcycle Glass Jars into Storage and Decor

Instead of buying new containers, clean and reuse glass jars as storage for everything from sewing supplies to dried herbs or fairy lights.

Creative jar upcycling ideas:

Fairy light holders
Herb and spice storage
Craft supply containers
Mini terrariums
Bathroom organizers
Kitchen canisters

Wrap them in lace, twine, or floral fabric scraps to add that DIY cottagecore flair. Place a few jars on your windowsill or shelves for a charming, functional display.

Bringing It All Together

The beauty of DIY cottagecore lies in its imperfect, lived-in charm. Don’t stress about making everything Pinterest-perfect—the slightly mismatched, handmade quality is what gives this style its authentic appeal. Mix textures like linen and lace, combine patterns like gingham and florals, and let natural light flood your space whenever possible.

Remember, creating DIY cottagecore is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about slowing down, appreciating simple pleasures, and creating a space that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re embroidering by candlelight or arranging dried lavender, these projects invite you to be present and mindful.

Cottagecore room decor is all about embracing the imperfect beauty of nature and handmade treasures. With these simple DIY projects, you can create a space that feels like a peaceful retreat—cozy, whimsical, and full of heart—without spending a fortune.

Ready to bring your cottagecore dreams to life? Gather your materials, put on some folk tunes, and let the magic begin. Your future self will thank you when you’re curled up in your dreamy cottage-inspired space with a cup of chamomile tea and a good book.