The Ultimate Guide to Classic English Country Style
The romantic allure of English country decor has a way of capturing the imagination. This quaint, cottage-inspired style feels both timeless and deeply personal, evoking scenes from beloved series like The Crown and Downton Abbey.
But what truly defines authentic English country decorating? Let’s dive into the key elements that bring this charming aesthetic to life.
English Country Home Decor
At its heart, English country design is steeped in traditional European style. Get ready to explore modern interpretations of this classic look, each one infused with historical countryside charm.
With these ideas, your home can feel like the set of a Jane Austen film adaptation. To begin, let’s get familiar with some foundational English furniture pieces.
1. Ginger Jars
Blue and white ginger jars seem to appear just about everywhere in English country houses. You can display them on mantels, arrange them on tabletops, or tuck them into a small corner to add a touch of classic elegance.
Learning how to decorate with ginger jars is a great way to bring the English country look home.
2. Dark Wood Walls and Furniture
Dark woods such as oak and mahogany are frequently found in English homes. The furniture is often crafted in the traditional styles of the Queen Anne or Victorian eras, adding a sense of history and gravitas.
3. Ottoman as Coffee Table
A common sight in English country living rooms is the use of tufted ottomans in place of coffee tables. Sometimes books are stacked directly on the plush surface, while other times a handsome wooden tray provides a stable spot for a teapot and cups.
Either way, an ottoman is a brilliant addition to an English country home.
4. Wainscoting
Wainscoting is a traditional English wall paneling technique that has been around since the 16th century. It is typically installed on the lower portion of a wall, though it can also extend from floor to ceiling.
A good guideline is to have the wainscoting cover about two-thirds of the wall’s height.
5. White Vintage Tub
A vintage freestanding bathtub, complete with elegant feet, makes a stunning statement in any English country bathroom.
6. Chippendale Dining Chairs
Thomas Chippendale, an 18th-century cabinet maker from Yorkshire, England, is credited with popularizing the iconic wood-back dining chairs seen in countless English and American homes. This traditional chair design is a perfect fit for any space influenced by English country style.
7. Bright Colors
You can instantly brighten your space by layering two or three vibrant colors. The English countryside experiences its fair share of rain, so adding a splash of color is a wonderful way to lift the spirits during dark and dreary days.
This living room by designer Jessica Buckley is a perfect example, creating a very preppy and cheerful look.
8. Floral Tableware and Vintage Tea Sets
The English are passionate about their tea, so be sure to collect some lovely floral tableware and vintage teacup sets for your afternoon break. In some cottage-style dining rooms, it’s even common to see flatware displayed decoratively on the wall or inside a dining hutch.
9. English Roll Arm Sofa
The quintessential English sofa is undoubtedly the rolled arm sofa, a design widely emulated by American designers. This relaxed, slouchy piece perfectly balances comfort and chic style.
Plush and endlessly inviting, the English roll arm sofa is an investment that pays off in both looks and coziness.
10. Apron Front Sink
To truly complete your English country kitchen, a beautiful white farmhouse-style apron front sink is an undeniable must have.
11. Chintz
Chintz is an emblematic fabric of the English country style. It’s a colorful printed cotton with a subtle sheen, frequently used for curtains and upholstery.
You will most often find this gorgeous material adorned with a classic floral motif.
12. Country Mudroom
With the famously rainy English countryside, a proper mudroom is an absolute necessity for stashing away muddy Hunter Wellington rain boots. This stunning English mudroom offers plenty of inspiration.
The walls and cabinetry are finished in a lovely khaki green, and the tiled floor ensures water evaporates quickly. A bench is thoughtfully placed to the side, making it easy to put on and take off shoes.
13. Slipcovered Sofa with Ruffle Skirt
Another beloved sofa style in English homes is the slipcovered sofa, which sometimes features a sweet ruffle skirt along the bottom. This charming corner showcases a slipcovered sofa in Colefax and Fowler’s Bowood print, complete with a ruffle skirt.
It sits elegantly against a paneled wall painted in a rich Farrow and Ball green.
14. Gingham & Plaid
Gingham and plaid are two timeless square prints that feel quintessentially English. You can find these classic patterns on a wide range of decorative items and furniture, from upholstery to cozy throw blankets.
15. Canopy Bed with a Top Fringe
In English country bedrooms, you will often find elegant canopy beds featuring beautiful upholstery or a decorative top fringe.
16. Wood Beams and Stone Walls
If your home is blessed with natural structural features like warm wood ceiling beams or stone walls, let them shine. Decorate around the inherent charm and beauty of your country home’s architecture.
17. Vintage Artwork
Make sure to fill your walls with plenty of old art and cherished family photos. The English have a deep appreciation for celebrating their rich family histories and art from previous centuries.
For your English country bed, an upholstered headboard is always a sophisticated choice.
18. Farmhouse Wood Table as Kitchen Island
Many English country homes feature a long, rustic farmhouse-style wood table right in the center of the kitchen. Surrounded by country dining chairs, this piece serves as a versatile hub where meals can be both prepared and enjoyed with ease.
You can explore more English country kitchen designs for inspiration.
19. Closing
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this exploration of English country decorating. Even if you don’t live in a charming stone home in the English countryside, you can easily borrow some of these fabulous decor ideas to create a cozy and timeless space.
