There’s a timeless quality to antique farmhouse furniture that makes it truly covetable in both traditional and modern spaces. This means you don’t have to live in a country home to achieve the farmhouse look and cosy feel that so many of us want. It also isn’t necessary to saturate your home in antique farmhouse furniture to achieve this look. Our guide to achieving a more rustic home will show you how antique and vintage farmhouse pieces can be added to each room of the home to create a timeless feel.
Hallway – a peg rail is a farmhouse staple and if you add an antique pine pot rack to a hardworking hallway, you can hang coats from it, while using the shelf to display art and accessories. Add a vintage pine/whitewashed settle, with an inviting rug or runner and lots of flowers and you have the ideal farmhouse welcome for visitors.
Mirror wall – sometimes an expanse of blank wall needs more than artwork. Why not display a collection of antique mirrors? A group of metal and wood framed pieces, interspersed with rustic china will look very homely and inviting.
Kitchen – where space allows for a free-standing butcher’s block, this is the perfect piece for adding a farmhouse feel to the heart of the home, and while a large dresser is a farmhouse essential, you can achieve the same ambience with open shelving, as the rustic style will open up a small space while being practical and cost effective. Style against a muted background colour that won’t overwhelm your china.
Dining area - a heavy, well-built antique table that allows everyone to gather round is a lovely addition too, and doesn’t have to be pine; an oak table will create the same atmosphere, dressed with a pitcher of wildflowers. An antique kitchen or dining table which has already stood the test of time and will only continue to age beautifully will, if set with mismatched chairs (remember that farmhouses were originally furnished with whatever was practical and available), provide the perfect family hub. Consider swapping out some of the chairs for a bench that will accommodate more people for a more informal and relaxed setting.
Lounge - leather is a great upholstery choice in farmhouse-style decorating schemes, the more worn the better for adding comfort and character. Team an antique leather settee with a wing chair and accessorise with rustic throws, striped linen cushions or pretty florals. If you don’t want to transform the lounge completely, the addition of well-chosen accents will be a great starting point; introduce an antique steamer trunk as an occasional table or add rustic, vintage baskets for storage.
Lighting – a cost effective way to add vintage farmhouse style to your home, particularly in the kitchen or dining area is the addition of vintage farmhouse inspired lighting. This can take the form of a weathered iron candelabra chandelier or pendant industrial lighting.
Bedroom – a metal bedframe, dressed with antique quilts, offers a vintage simplicity which epitomises farmhouse classic styling. Add an antique pine washstand or table plus an antique wardrobe and old photographs. If you prefer to strike a balance in the bedroom, consider using industrial furniture alongside a metal bed for a contemporary twist.
Giving your home a warm, country feel doesn’t have to involve a complete makeover. Focusing on accessories and introducing rustic, antique farmhouse accents will rejuvenate your existing pieces. Don’t fall into the ‘country kitsch’ trap though! A glut of rooster accessories, fruit covered wallpaper and farm animals could turn your home into a parody of what you’re trying to achieve. Instead, browse Hemswell’s kitchenalia department for enamel storage options, terracotta mixing bowls and antique chopping boards.
An antique farmhouse style is welcoming, casual and liveable. It is warm and cosy with bags of charm and character. At Hemswell Antique Centres, many of our 400+ dealers have a selection of vintage and antique pieces to help you recreate an idyllic farmhouse feel in your home. From antique mirrors and lighting solutions, to farmhouse tables and chairs, time spent browsing the website will unearth some real treasures.