There’s something undeniably magical about the English cottagecore. Just imagine: soft sunlight streaming through lace curtains, a warm cup of tea on a wooden tray, cozy blankets with delicate patterns layered just so. The best news is, you don’t need to live in a countryside home to capture that English cottage charm; even a small bedroom can evoke the same warmth.

With the change of season just around the corner, it's only natural that we're eager to make some changes to the scenery in our spaces, a redecoration that matches the new vibe we want to explore. However, sometimes committing 100% to a new style can be intimidating: what if I stop liking it? Or what if I get bored?

Luckily, the English cottage style is the perfect solution to this problem. Its versatility, as a serene, delicate, and soft style, allows us to try the style subtly without fully redecorating. It's ideal for those who want to experiment with a more cozy, romantic, and whimsical atmosphere, without losing the classic feel. Let the English cottage charm in with these decorating tips.

You don’t need to repaint your walls or buy an entirely new bedroom set to experiment with English cottagecore. You can totally do that if you want though: paint a focal wall or purchase a vintage-looking furniture set. However, for those who want to start small, think of soft, pastel tones, like cream, beige, blush, taupe or muted greens and blues, which evoke calm and charm, and incorporate them in any way you want. 

Even just swapping out a pillowcase or adding a throw in one of these shades can hint at the English cottage style without taking over your room. Our Textured Ruffle Cotton Blanket or our Bow Tied Ribbon Pastel Pillowcase in the shade Mint are great options for that gentle nod! 

The English Cottagecore is all about cozy, inviting textures, the kind that make you feel like laying on bed, reading a good book and never standing up. But to get one thing clear, if all we want is to experiment, this definitely doesn’t mean piling on blankets or accumulating pillows until your bed disappears. Start with small, manageable touches: 

• A single throw at the foot of your bed
• One soft, pastel pillow that contrasts with your current bedding.

When it comes to textures, look for fabrics that feel gentle to the touch and aren't too rough: cotton, linen, or lightweight knits. Even a ruffled pillowcase or a small patchwork blanket of our own (think our French Linen Cotton Embroidered Floral Pillowcase or our Beach Bohemian Light Weight Tassel Blanket to add some texture) can be perfect to hint at the English Cottagecore vibe without dominating your space - the key here is layering subtly,.

There’s something undeniably cozy and rustic about floral and gingham designs, which are at the heart of the English cottagecore. But patterns are also where the countryside vibe can feel “too much,” especially for those who prefer a simpler look. The good news is: they don’t have to. Instead of going full floral wallpaper and checkerboard everything, start by incorporating just one pattern you love in a subtle way.

Think small: 

• A dainty floral pillow, a soft gingham lampshade
• A single patchwork accent piece

To keep things cohesive, stick to the muted tones that align with the English cottage style we mentioned earlier (soft blues, dusty pinks, warm creams) so your new additions blend naturally into your existing décor rather than overwhelming it.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can lightly mix patterns to add playfulness and get that English Cottagecore look. For example, pair a gingham pillowcase with a delicate floral blanket or duvet, or switch it around. The idea is to challenge the notion that patterns are “too much” without tipping into overuse.

When aiming for the subtle charm of an English cottage, treat patterns like background characters: they set the mood brilliantly, but never steal the show. 

So maybe you’ve tried thinking about colors, textures, and patterns that match the English cottage vibe, and it still feels like a lot. That’s where the little details come in. You don’t need to commit to patchwork quilts or floral bedding to start hinting at the English cottagecore mood. Instead, look at the tiniest swaps or additions you can make.

Think of things that almost fade into the background but still shift the atmosphere and transform your space into a lovely English cottage. It can be something as simple as a woven basket tucked into a corner (for blankets, books, or just vibes), a small wooden tray on your nightstand to hold candles or jewelry, or wall-mounted candle holders (bonus points if they’re rustic wood or soft metal). Even a foldable wooden table or a vintage-inspired mirror are pieces that will make your room feel softer and lived-in, just like the countryside cottages.

These details don’t scream “cottage in the English countryside”, they let it out softly. And the best part is, they’re movable, swappable, and don’t lock you into the aesthetic if you’re just experimenting.

Not everyone can (or even wants to) redecorate their whole space just to get a vibe, and that’s totally okay. Sometimes, it’s not about changing the room, but more about changing how you move through it, how you experience your every-day. And clothing has the power to make you feel a certain way even if the space around you doesn't quite match the vibe.

To get the feeling of living in an English cottage, think about slipping into soft, romantic pajamas: 

• A pastel cotton set 
• A dainty floral nightdress
• A lounge dress with a touch of lace or ruffles 

They’re light, cozy, and, believe us, instantly transport you into that “English countryside, winding-down-with-a-book-and-a-cup-of-tea” mood.

The magic here is that you don’t need a floral duvet or wicker basket to feel the cottage vibe; sometimes just what you wear is enough to set the tone. Clothes can transport you, shift your energy, and create the feeling of being inside your own little English cottagecore movie scene, even if your room itself is just your same-old room.

At the end of the day, exploring the English cottagecore doesn’t have to mean a total bedroom makeover with florals on every wall, more wood furniture than your room can take and ruffles everywhere. It can be as simple as the English cottage style itself: a muted color palette, an extra layer of texture, one well-chosen pattern, or even a tiny wicker basket in the corner. And if you want to play it even safer, soft PJs can carry the entire mood for you.

The point isn’t to copy the decor of an English countryside cottage room perfectly, but to borrow little pieces of its warmth, charm, and calm, and let them blend seamlessly into your life. Think of it less as redecorating, and more as tuning your space (and yourself) to a softer way of living. Ever Lasting’s Cottagecore Collection is perfectly aligned with that goal, so make sure to check them out and welcome them into your space.