You want the truth? I think I’m the biggest cottagecore girlie out there. My wardrobe is filled with florals and ginghams, and my rental is fully decked out in natural shades and patterns. There’s something about the aesthetic that unlocks my inner Snow White, and I’m totally in love with it.
When I entered the world of interior writing, it was always the vibe that I was most drawn to, and I’d use it everywhere I could. Now that I actually have my own place, I love decorating with it in mind — and luckily, it’s super easy to do.
It has been around for a few years, but cottagecore is one of those timeless trends that just never seems to disappear. In fact, it was the first example of a "core" aesthetic that I saw, and now they seem to be everywhere.
If you’ve seen cottagecore around and don’t completely get what it’s all about, I’m here for you. Scroll on down for all the cottagecore info, plus some real cute decor buys.
Your cottagecore questions, answered
This style has made huge waves both in terms of fashion style and home decor, so you’ve probs seen loads on your Insta feed without even realizing it. Whether you know it or not, it’s super cozy and cute, so I just know that you’re gonna love it.
What is cottagecore?
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In short, cottagecore is a design aesthetic that embodies English and European cottages and gardens in a vintage, aesthetic way. Picture lounging on a picnic blanket in the woods, wearing a white flowy dress, and eating strawberries — that’s the vibe. It's not straight-out living in a cottage, but embracing the lifestyle and adding touches to your home as if you do.
Where did cottagecore come from?
The style of cottagecore can be traced back European fairytales and folklore, and the romantic imagery in these. In terms of the actual phrase, the term was first coined on Tumblr in 2018, and the style has continued to gain popularity on Instagram and TikTok ever since.
What is cottagecore decor?
The color palette for cottagecore decor tends to be greens, whites, reds, and pinks, as well as other soft, natural tones. In terms of pattern and textures, think lots of wicker, gingham and lace, and nature-inspired forestcore prints.
Get the cottagecore look with these decor buys
Ready to live your most wholesome life? I’ve rounded up six cute cottagecore-inspired buys that are perfect for adding a touch of the trend to your home.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
Size (in.): H1 x D9
Made from: Ceramic
Price: $24
Turn girl dinner into cottagecore girl dinner with this dainty mushroom plate. The wavy edges? The watercolor illustration? I’m obsessed. The plate comes in five different colors, all with different mushroom variations, so you could grab a few for a dining set up with a touch of quirkiness.
Size (in.): H9.13 x W6.89 x L6.89
Made from: Stoneware
Price: $24.96
This is a slightly colorful take on the trend, but I just couldn’t resist how pretty it is. I mean come on guys, it’s a cookie jar! How much sweeter can you get? Whether you want to store actual cookies in it or use it for other tasty treats, it will make your kitchen look that extra bit more cottagecore.
Size (in.): H8.5 x W8.5
Made from: Rattan
Price: $70
Baskets are a big part of the cottagecore aesthetic, as they’re rustic, elegant, and charming AF. This can be used as a fashion accessory, but I think it would work so just as well as home decor. Fill it with dried flowers, plants, or books, and then place it on your shelf or coffee table as a quirky accent piece.
Size (in.): H6 x W6 x L6
Made from: Plastic
Price: $8.99
Newsflash: Pumpkins aren’t just for fall and Halloween. They’re arguably the most adorable fruit (I had to Google it — not a vegetable!), thanks to their pretty colors and squashed shape. These li’l cuties are perf for dotting around your apartment to tie the whole place together. Put them in totally random places and see how many your guests can spot.
Size (in.): H21.70 x W16.10
Made from: Canvas, wood
Price: $8.99
Wall art is my fave way to change up the style of a space. I’ve been looking for a cottagecore print like this for a while, so I’m adding this one to my cart ASAP. There are other variations of this print, including plants and mushrooms, which would look so great with this one as a gallery wall feature.
Size (in.): H96 x W86
Made from: Cotton
Price: $42.08
For reals, you can live the cottagecore fantasy even when you’re catching Zs like Sleeping Beauty. This sheet set is made from 100% cotton, meaning it will be super soft and breathable — perf for warmer nights. Amazon shoppers also say that it has that hotel-style “crisp” texture, which is extra bougie.