Farmhouse style doesn’t have to mean a big shopping cart and an even bigger bill.
Add Open Shelves With Simple Brackets
For budget farmhouse decorating, I’d rather install a couple open shelves than buy more décor, because shelves become the décor. I’ve used basic boards, inexpensive brackets, and styled them with everyday dishes and jars.
Explore these options:
- Heavy Duty Black L-Brackets: Secure your new shelves stylishly with these sturdy brackets that offer reliable support and sleek industrial farmhouse appeal.
- Unfinished Reclaimed Wood Boards: Create a custom look by staining or sealing these natural wood planks to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic.
- Textured Ceramic Vases: Style your new open shelving with these versatile, textured accents that bring warmth and character to any display.
Thrift a Solid Wood Dresser and Flip It
My best budget farmhouse wins come from thrifted furniture that’s real wood and a little beat up in the right way. I’ve turned ugly duckling dressers into sweet consoles with paint, a simple topcoat, and some elbow grease.
Check these products out:
- Chalk Style Paint for Furniture: Transform tired wood furniture effortlessly with a matte finish paint that requires minimal priming or preparation.
- Vintage Style Drawer Cup Pulls: Update existing hardware with these classic metal cup pulls to instantly add authentic farmhouse character to drawers.
- Matte Polyurethane Top Coat: Protect your freshly painted surface or natural wood top with a durable, clear finish that resists scratches.
Style a Tray Like a Farmhouse Vignette
A wood tray instantly makes a coffee table feel farmhouse, even if everything else is simple. I usually layer a candle, a little greenery, and something vintage-looking that I already have tucked in a cabinet.
A few helpful options:
- Rustic Wooden Serving Tray: Anchor your coffee table arrangement with a natural wood tray to instantly create warmth and defined space.
- Pillar Candles: Add height and a cozy glow to your vignette with simple unscented or lightly scented pillar candles.
- Faux Eucalyptus Stems: Incorporate a touch of nature that lasts forever by tucking in realistic faux greenery stems.
Lean Into Neutral Textiles
When I’m decorating on a budget, I go heavy on neutral pillows and a throw because they do so much visual work for so little cash. I’ve stitched simple envelope covers from canvas-like fabric and nobody guesses they’re DIY.
A few relevant products:
- Linen Cushion Covers: Refresh your existing pillows instantly with textured covers that add rustic farmhouse charm without breaking the bank.
- Canvas Drop Cloth Fabric: Create your own custom affordable DIY slipcovers or curtains using this durable, neutral, and budget-friendly material.
- Square Pillow Inserts: Give your decorative pillows a plush, full look with these essential inserts perfect for new covers.
Bring In Free Greenery and Branches
Nothing says farmhouse for cheap like fresh cut branches in a simple pitcher or jar. I do this all the time in my own space, and it makes even plain rooms feel styled and intentional.
Give these a look:
- Ceramic or Enamel Farmhouse Pitcher: Display your fresh-cut branches beautifully in a rustic pitcher to instantly create that cozy, classic farmhouse centerpiece look.
- Linen or Burlap Table Runner: Layer a textured table runner underneath your centerpiece to add warmth and protect your wooden table surface stylishly.
- Faux Greenery Stems and Branches: Fill in gaps or replace wilted cuttings with realistic faux stems for effortless, long-lasting greenery all year round.
Use Baskets as Decor and Storage
I love woven baskets because they’re farmhouse-perfect and they hide clutter fast, which is basically a decorating win. I’ve found mismatched baskets secondhand and made them look cohesive by sticking to the same warm, natural tones.
May just do the trick:
- Oval Woven Market Basket with Handles: Organize your entryway effortlessly with a sturdy woven basket perfect for hiding clutter or holding daily essentials.
- Set of Seagrass Storage Baskets: Create a unified farmhouse look by grouping these natural seagrass baskets on shelves or under console tables.
- Rustic Wooden Entryway Bench: Provide the perfect spot to display your decorative baskets while adding functional seating to your farmhouse entryway.
Create a Blanket Ladder From Scrap Wood
A DIY blanket ladder is one of my go-to farmhouse projects when the budget is tight and the wall feels empty. I’ve built them from leftover 1x2s and just rubbed on stain for that cozy, rustic finish.
Items that may come in handy:
- Wood Stain: Give your new ladder a warm, rustic finish that perfectly matches rustic farmhouse decor styles.
- Textured Throw Blanket: Complete the cozy look by draping a soft, neutral-colored throw blanket over your new ladder.
- Seagrass Belly Basket: Pair your ladder with a natural seagrass basket to hold extra linens or decorative greenery nearby.
Shop Your House and Swap Rooms
My cheapest farmhouse decorating trick is literally moving things around—shop your house first. I’ve stolen lamps, stools, and baskets from one room to style another and it feels brand new without spending a dime.
Some ideas to consider:
- Rustic Wooden Stool: Add instant farmhouse charm to any entryway or bathroom with a versatile, rugged wooden accent stool.
- Woven Seagrass Basket: Use natural woven baskets for beautiful, textured storage that hides clutter while enhancing your rustic decor.
- Turkish Cotton Towel: Bring softness and texture to doors or hooks with lightweight, striped fabric pieces like turkish towels.
Build a Crate Side Table
A simple wooden crate becomes budget farmhouse gold when you sand it, stain it, and add a little felt on the bottom. I’ve stacked two and used them as a side table that doubles as storage.
A few choices to try:
- Set of Wooden Crates: Start your DIY project with sturdy, unfinished crates that are ready for your personal staining and stacking.
- Wood Stain: Give your new side table that perfect aged farmhouse look by applying a rich, warm wood stain.
- Woven Floor Cushion: Complete your cozy corner by adding a textured woven pouf nearby for extra seating and style.
Frame Chicken Wire for Rustic Display
I’ve made budget farmhouse memo boards by stapling chicken wire inside a thrifted frame. It’s perfect for clipping recipes, postcards, or dried stems, and it always gets compliments.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Galvanized Hexagonal Poultry Netting: Create the signature rustic backing for your frame using this durable, flexible wire mesh that cuts easily to fit.
- Mini Wooden Clothespins: Secure photos, recipes, and notes to the wire grid with these tiny natural wood clips for instant vintage charm.
- Heavy Duty Staple Gun Kit: Attach the wire mesh firmly to the back of your wooden frame with a reliable, manual staple gun.
Make Grain-Sack Style Pillow Covers
When I’m decorating farmhouse on a budget, I mimic that classic look with striped fabric and simple sewing lines. I’ve even used drop-cloth style material, and it looks perfectly rustic once it’s washed and a little wrinkled.
Might be a good match:
- Striped Ticking Fabric by the Yard: Create that authentic farmhouse look by sewing your own custom covers with durable, classic ticking striped fabric.
- Square Pillow Inserts: Fill out your beautiful new pillow covers perfectly with comfortable and supportive square inserts for a plush look.
- Heavy Duty Sewing Thread: Ensure your rustic pillow covers withstand daily use by stitching them securely with strong, durable sewing thread.
